Also known as the ‘Rubber City’ or ‘City of Invention’, Akron is famous for offering a variety of exciting activities to its tourists. With a population of 703,200, Akron is the fifth largest city in the state of Ohio. Moreover, it is also situated in the Great Lake Region, about 39 miles from the famous Lake Erie. Akron is also one of the fastest growing cities in the country due to a number of industries present over here. Apart from that, Akron is also known for its wide range of tourist attractions including verdant parks, iconic landmarks, shopping areas, art galleries and more.
History of Akron
During the year 1811, Paul Williams, who settled at the corner of present day Broadway and Butchel Avenue, suggested to the inspector of Connecticut Land Company - General Simon Parkins, to establish a town at the pinnacle of Erie Canal and Ohio. Literally meaning the high point, the word Akron was derived from a Greek word - ἄκρον.
It was founded in December 1825, when a few Irish laborers, who were then working on the Ohio Canal, built 100 cabins. In the year 1833, the term ‘South’ was added to the city when Eliakim Crosby founded ‘North Akron’. However, in 1836, the two were merged and Akron became an incorporated village. In the year 1840, the Summit County was founded from Medina, Stark and Portage counties and later in the same year, Akron succeeded in becoming the county seat.
Important Locations in Akron
Located in the state of Ohio, Akron is a beautiful city that is known for its rich cultural and technological history. The city is home to several gorgeous historic homes, classy museums, verdant parks and other exciting tourist attractions. Also known as the ‘Rubber City’, ‘Rubber Capital of the World’ and ‘City of Invention’, Akron has a lot to offer. Here are some popular places for tourists to explore in Akron:
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
Constructed in the year 1912 by Goodyear Rubber Company, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is a popular 65-room mansion in the city. Founded by F.A. and Gertrude Seiberling, it is one of the most important national historic landmarks in the state. Literally meaning a ‘stone quarry’, the Stan Hywet is known for its old world elegance. The house is renowned for its delicate work and is made entirely out of American oak, chestnut and rosewood. Currently, the mansion is open to the public and also hosts a wide number of events throughout the year. To know more about the mansion and its gardens,
click here.
Address: 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303, United States
Phone: 1 330 836 5533
Akron Art Museum
Established in the year 1922, Akron Art Museum is a popular art gallery, located in the heart of Downtown Akron. It was initially situated in the basement of a public library, but was later shifted with its popularization. The museum reopened in 2007 after a $34 million renovation. Akron Art Museum is the perfect combination of history and modernization, which can be clearly seen in its gravity defying glass structure. To know more about the museum and its timings,
click here.
Address: 1 S High St, Akron, OH 44308, United States
Phone: 1 330 376 9185
Akron Zoo
Opened in 1953, Akron Zoo is a friendly non-profit zoo situated just west of Downtown Akron. Spread over 50 acres, the zoo is home to more than 700 animals including some endangered species like snow leopard, jaguar and Humboldt penguins. The aim of the zoo is spread of education and conservation of animals and is among the 211 world conservation zoos throughout the globe. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Summit County and is even considered in the top 10% of the zoos throughout the country. To know more about the zoo and its timings,
click here.
Address: 500 Edgewood Ave, Akron, OH 44307, United States
Phone: 1 330 375 2550
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
Spread over 104 acres, F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm is situated inside the Sand Run Metro Parks and is known for its hiking trails, gardens, ponds, visitors center and a wide range of special events that take place throughout the year. This park is a true haven for both nature and animal lovers. Surrounded by immense greenery, it is not uncommon to see a deer walk by unafraid. It is a great place to visit and spend time with family and friends. For more information about the park,
click here.
Address: 1828 Smith Rd, Akron, OH 44313, United States
Phone: 1 330 865 8065
Hale Farm and Village
Situated next to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Hale Farm and Village is a working museum that is a component of the Western Reserve Historical Society. It was once the residence of Jonathan Hale, now the museum is known for its livestock, red brick farmhouse and 19th century artisans. The Hale Farm and Village offer its visitors a unique insight into the Western Reserve era. It also features period music, weaving workshop, candle makers, spinning, blacksmith and more. To know more about this museum, please click here. (https://www.wrhs.org/plan-your-visit/hale-farm/)
Address: 2686 Oak Hill Rd, Bath, OH 44210, United States
Phone: 1 330 666 3711
People and Culture of Akron
According to US Census 2010, Akron had a population of 703,200. This city is home to several racial compositions including White (62.2%), Hispanic (2.1%), African American (31.5%), Native American (0.2%), Non-Hispanic White (61.2%), Asians (2.1%), Other Races (0.8%) and Two or more Races (3.2%).
Time Zone and Phone Codes of Akron
Akron is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (UTC-5). The Summer Daylight Saving Time (DST) is Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4).
Standard time zone: UTC/EST - 5 hours
Daylight saving time: 1 hour
Current time zone offset: UTC/EDT - 4 hour
Time zone abbreviation: EST and EDT
Phone Codes of Akron
Akron Area Code: 234, 330
International Country Code: 1
Best Time to Visit Akron
The city of Akron has a humid continental climate with cold, dry winters and occasional snowfall and rain. On the other hand, summers are warm and humid and are the best time to visit the city. It is also the tourist season in Akron as majority of the events take place here during this time only.
Annual Festival and Events in Akron
Founders Day Celebrations (June)
All-American Soap Box Derby (July)
National Hamburger Festival (July)
Summit County Italian-American Festival (July)
"Rib, White & Blue" Food Festival (July)
World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational (August)
Akron Art in the Square (September)
Made in Ohio Festival (September)
First Night Akron (December)
Akron Map Guide
