Akron, Ohio has an interesting history connected with activities that have become synonymous with the town. The All-American Soap Box Derby that takes place there is one of the annual Akron events in this central American town.

Ever since the first settlers, the idea of creating a navigable route between Lake Erie and other nearby water systems. Both the Adirondack and Appalachian Mountains formed great obstacles to travel on ground. The water was seen as an easier route. The Erie Canal finally connected the northeast end of the lake with the Hudson river which brought in more business and settlers. Many who had helped constructing the canal stayed after its completion to make Akron their home.

Currently the city is rediscovering its history and redefining itself. Akron celebrates inventiveness, sports, and music through the renaissance taking place in the downtown area. The Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor has been recognized as a preserveable historic waterway and is only one of the Akron attractions.

This very livable area provides a fantastic variety of enjoyable things to do in Akron. The Akron Art Museum contains walls filled with works that range from folk art and photography to paintings and sculpture. The Zoological Park encompasses 24.5 acres housing more than 500 fascinating animals from all around the world. The Canton Classic Car Museum houses a unique amount of memorabilia reflecting the country in transition. Cars, clothing, photographs, and other collectibles fill the building which is itself a historical site.

Nearby Cleveland is home to a wide variety of cultural events as are other nearby areas. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers unique adventure trips of fun and excitement, viewing historic sites and natural beauty. You’ll ride in climate-controlled vintage railroad coaches originally built between 1939-1940.

Historic Roscoe Village allows you to experience a 19th century Living History Community. Interpreters in historic dress escort you along brick paths and into historical buildings. You may visit the village blacksmith and witness 1800’s iron forging, take part in printing on an authentic era printing press, attend class in the one room schoolhouse, and other Akron activities from two centuries past.

These are some of the activities to take your interest in and around Akron. Along with the arboretum, museums, amusement parks, universities, air museum, parks, Mohican Reservation Campgrounds and Canoeing, there are the Football and Rock and Roll Hall of Fames. Akron really makes a great place to visit for the entire family.

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