
Weird & Unusual Attractions in Akron, Ohio, United States
1. Akron Fossils and Minerals Museum
Explore a vast collection of fossils, minerals, and gems from around the world, including a 23-foot long Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton.
- Largest Private Collection: Boasts one of the largest private collections of minerals and fossils in the United States.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that allow visitors to touch and explore various specimens.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for schools, scout groups, and other organizations.
2. Firestone Farm
Visit the former estate of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, featuring a historic mansion, gardens, and an art gallery.
- Historic Mansion: Offers guided tours of the beautiful Italian Renaissance-style mansion.
- Art Gallery: Features an art gallery showcasing paintings, sculptures, and pottery by renowned artists.
- Gardens and Grounds: Offers beautiful gardens and grounds to explore, including a rose garden, Japanese garden, and arboretum.
3. Akron Zoo's Primate, Reptile & Pachyderm Building
Witness the unique interactions between various primate species, reptiles, and pachyderms (elephants) in this multi-species exhibit.
- Multi-Species Exhibit: One of the few exhibits in the United States to house multiple species of primates, reptiles, and elephants together.
- Observation Deck: Features an observation deck offering a bird's-eye view of the exhibit for close-up observations of the animals.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and talks about the various species on display.
4. Akron Art Museum
Discover contemporary and modern art from around the world in this award-winning museum designed by architect Libeskind.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Features an iconic architecture design by Daniel Libeskind, combining glass, steel, and limestone.
- Rotating Exhibits: Offers rotating exhibits featuring both local and international artists.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs, workshops, and events for visitors of all ages.
5. Akron Rubber Ducks Stadium
Catch a game at this unique baseball stadium modeled after a rubber ducky bath toy.
- Uniquely Designed Stadium: One of the few baseball stadiums designed to resemble a rubber ducky bath toy.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and various themed nights throughout the season.
- Food and Merchandise: Offers a variety of food options and Rubber Ducks merchandise for sale.
6. Lock 3 Park and Locks
Experience the history of the Ohio and Erie Canal by visiting this park featuring restored locks and a canal museum.
- Historic Canal System: Showcases the historic Ohio and Erie Canal system, which played a crucial role in connecting the East Coast to the Great Lakes.
- Canal Museum: Features a museum dedicated to the history of the canal, complete with interactive exhibits and artifacts.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers outdoor activities such as boat tours, picnicking, and walking trails.
7. The Blossom Music Center
Enjoy an outdoor concert at this large amphitheater, home to the Cleveland Orchestra during their summer season.
- Large Capacity Amphitheater: One of the largest open-air amphitheaters in Ohio, with a capacity of over 23,000 people.
- Variety of Performers: Hosts a variety of performers throughout the summer, including popular bands, orchestras, and solo artists.
- Food and Merchandise: Offers a variety of food options and merchandise for sale during concerts.
8. Akron Inventor's Hall of Fame
Learn about the inventors who have shaped Akron's history and contributed to various fields, including rubber and aviation.
- Inventor-Focused Museum: Dedicated to honoring local inventors and their contributions to society.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that explain the processes and innovations behind each invention.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for schools, scout groups, and other organizations.
9. Akron Civic Theatre
Experience live theater performances at this historic venue, featuring ornate decorations and a grand organ.
- Historic Architecture: A beautifully preserved example of Spanish Baroque architecture from the 1920s.
- Live Performances: Hosts a variety of live performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts.
- Grand Organ: Features an impressive grand organ that is often played before performances.
10. Akron GlowGolf
Play a unique twist on traditional mini-golf at this blacklight course with neon-colored obstacles.
- Blacklight Mini-Golf: A blacklight mini-golf course featuring colorful, glowing obstacles.
- Family-Friendly Activity: A fun and family-friendly activity suitable for all ages.
- Snack Bar and Lounge: Offers a snack bar and lounge area for visitors to relax in after their game.
11. The Nighttripper Drive-In Theatre
Experience the nostalgia of a drive-in movie theater at this retro venue.
- Retro Experience: Offers a classic, retro drive-in movie experience.
- Double Features: Shows double features, allowing visitors to see two movies for the price of one.
- Concessions Stand: Features a concession stand selling snacks and drinks.
12. The International Popcorn Museum
Learn about the history and culture of popcorn at this unique museum featuring exhibits, a gift shop, and free popcorn tastings.
- Popcorn-Focused Museum: Dedicated to the history and culture of popcorn.
- Exhibits: Offers exhibits showcasing the evolution, processing, and cultural significance of popcorn.
- Free Popcorn Tastings: Allows visitors to sample various flavors of popcorn during their visit.
13. The National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Center
Explore the world of invention and innovation at this education center dedicated to encouraging creativity in young people.
- Invention-Focused Education: Dedicated to promoting inventive thinking and STEM education among youth.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that challenge visitors to think creatively and solve problems.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for schools, scout groups, and other organizations.
14. The Devil's Porridge Museum
Learn about the history of munitions manufacturing during World War I at this unique museum located in Scotland, United Kingdom.
- Historic Manufacturing Processes: Showcases the historic manufacturing processes used to produce munitions during World War I.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that explain the roles and conditions of workers during this time period.
- Hands-On Experiences: Allows visitors to try their hand at various munitions manufacturing tasks.
15. The British Lawnmower Museum
Discover the history and evolution of lawnmowers at this unique museum located in Southport, United Kingdom.
- Lawnmower-Focused Museum: Dedicated to the history and evolution of lawnmowers.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that explain the innovations and improvements in lawnmower technology over time.
- Rare Artifacts: Features a collection of rare, vintage, and unusual lawnmowers from around the world.