Portage OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Portage, Ohio.
1. Portage Lakes State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Portage Lakes State Park offers visitors 411 acres of diverse outdoor recreational experiences including boating, sailing, and jet skiing. The park's eight surrounding lakes provide popular swimming and fishing opportunities for visitors of all ages. Its wetlands attract abundant waterfowl and shorebirds, making it ideal for both hunting and wildlife observation.
2. May 4 Visitors Center
HISTORIC MEMORIAL SITE
The May 4 Visitors Center commemorates the historic events of May 4, 1970, when the Ohio National Guard shot and killed four students and wounded nine others during protests. The center encompasses 17 acres representing the location where protesting students, observers, and soldiers gathered on that fateful day. Visitors can learn about this significant moment in American history through thoughtful exhibits and educational programming.
3. Portage County Historical Society
PIONEER HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Portage County Historical Society features the Lowrie-Beatty museum alongside a twelve-acre historical site. The property includes the Carter House, an early pioneer homestead, the 1860's brick Strickland House, and the John Campbell Land Grant Office. These preserved buildings offer visitors a glimpse into the region's rich pioneer history and early development.
4. Singletary House Museum
HISTORIC 1828 HOMESTEAD
The Singletary House Museum in Streetsboro was built in 1828 and stands as a testament to early Ohio architecture. The house is managed by the Heritage Foundation which hosts open houses every Sunday from 1 to 3 PM for visitors. The historic homestead celebrated its bicentennial in 2022, marking 200 years of local history.
5. Portage Lakes Cruises
SCENIC WATER TOURS
Portage Lakes Cruises offers visitors a unique way to experience the beauty of the Portage Lakes from the water. Guests can enjoy guided tours highlighting the natural features, wildlife, and history of this important watershed region. The cruises provide excellent photo opportunities and a relaxing way to appreciate the landscape that has been significant since Native American times.
6. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
HISTORIC ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is one of the finest examples of Tudor Revival architecture in America and was once home to F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The estate features a 65-room manor house, beautifully landscaped gardens, and historic outbuildings that transport visitors to the American Country Estate era. Seasonal events, tours, and exhibits make this a year-round destination for history and garden enthusiasts.
7. Akron Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
The Akron Zoo houses over 700 animals representing species from around the world in naturalistic, immersive habitats. Visitors can experience close encounters with endangered and exotic animals while learning about conservation efforts and environmental stewardship. The zoo offers special events throughout the year including seasonal celebrations, educational programs, and interactive experiences for all ages.
8. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
URBAN NATURE SANCTUARY
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm provides a peaceful urban escape with miles of hiking trails through forests, meadows, and gardens. The nature center features interactive exhibits, wildlife observation areas, and educational programs about local ecosystems and conservation. This serene natural area allows visitors to disconnect from city life and reconnect with nature through various seasonal outdoor activities.
9. Kent State University Museum
FASHION AND DECORATIVE ARTS
The Kent State University Museum houses world-class collections of fashion, decorative arts, and fine arts spanning many cultures and time periods. The museum's galleries feature rotating exhibits that highlight both historical and contemporary design, textiles, and cultural artifacts. Its internationally recognized fashion collection includes garments and accessories from the 18th century to present day, making it a destination for design enthusiasts and scholars.
10. Blossom Music Center
PREMIER OUTDOOR CONCERT VENUE
Blossom Music Center, located just 15 miles from Kent, is a spectacular outdoor amphitheater set within the rolling hills of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The venue serves as the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra while also hosting major touring acts ranging from pop and rock to country and classical performances. Its picturesque setting combines natural beauty with outstanding acoustics, creating a memorable concert experience for thousands of music lovers each season.
11. Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market
ECLECTIC SHOPPING DESTINATION
Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market, situated about 15 miles from Kent, is one of Ohio's largest indoor/outdoor shopping destinations featuring hundreds of vendors. Visitors can browse through an incredible variety of merchandise including antiques, collectibles, handcrafted items, fresh produce, and unique gifts. The marketplace has been a regional shopping tradition for decades, drawing shoppers from across Northeast Ohio seeking one-of-a-kind finds and local specialties.
12. Pro Football Hall of Fame
GRIDIRON GLORY CELEBRATION
The Pro Football Hall of Fame, approximately 30 miles from Kent, celebrates the heroes of the game, preserves its history, and promotes its values. The museum features interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and bronze busts of all Hall of Fame inductees chronicling the sport's evolution and cultural impact. Visitors can experience immersive galleries that bring to life the stories and achievements of football's greatest legends while exploring the birthplace of the National Football League.
13. Hower House Museum
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Hower House Museum is a Second Empire Italianate mansion built in 1871 by prominent Akron industrialist John Henry Hower and his wife Susan Youngker Hower. The 28-room mansion features authentic furnishings and decorative arts collected by the Hower family during their travels around the world. This architectural treasure offers visitors an intimate glimpse into Victorian-era life through its ornate interiors, period furnishings, and fascinating family artifacts.
14. Wood County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Wood County Museum preserves and interprets the rich history of Wood County through engaging exhibits and educational programs housed in the former county infirmary. Visitors can explore both permanent and rotating exhibitions that highlight local industries, cultural heritage, and significant historical events that shaped the region. The museum's beautiful grounds include nature trails, historic outbuildings, and heritage gardens that complement the indoor historical collections.
15. Snook's Dream Cars
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE COLLECTION
Snook's Dream Cars showcases an impressive collection of restored classic automobiles from the 1930s to 1960s displayed in a recreated 1940s era Texaco gas station setting. Each meticulously restored vehicle tells a story of American automotive history and design evolution throughout the mid-20th century. The museum offers visitors not just cars but a nostalgic journey through time with period memorabilia, vintage advertising, and automotive artifacts that capture the golden age of American car culture.