Akron, Ohio has a plethora of interesting and educational historic places to explore. These are the best historic places around the city that are sure to impress.

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

Stan Hywet Hall is a beautiful mansion that was built between 1912 and 1915, the peak of the industrial age in Ohio. The home was built by the founders of Goodyear Tires, the Seiberlings, and is now one of the best examples of American country estates built during the industrial age.

The building is a Tudor style thanks to the influence of the English estates being built during this time period. The inside of the manor has been set up to demonstrate exactly how the Seiberlings would have set up their home during the early 20th century. You can also explore the vast gardens, the conservatory, the carriage house where the horses used to be kept, and the gate lodge.

The Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. You can take a guided tour to learn even more about the history of the manor. Tours are available every hour on the hour between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Hower House

Hower House was built in 1871 by John Henry Hower, an Akron industrialist who was active in the milling, reaping, and cereal industries. The house is unique to this time period and was built in the Akron Plan style of construction. This was a popular style for building churches around the country between 1870 and 1917.

You can now tour the inside of the house which has been converted into a museum. The museum houses hundreds of artifacts and furnishings that the Hower family collected while they lived here. Many of the pieces have come from around the world and are wonderful peek into this period of time.

You can take a guided tour of the Hower House between noon and 3 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday. Hower House is located on the University of Akron campus and has free parking available.

Perkins Stone Mansion

Perkins Stone Mansion is a beautiful example of Greek revival architecture. The mansion was completed in 1837 and was originally owned by Colonel Simon Perkins, the son of Akron’s founder General Simon Perkins. The mansion is not only nice to look at, but packed with history and beauty inside, too.

The home has been restored to the way that the Perkins family had it when they lived there, so you can get a great feel for what life must have been like during the mid 19th century in Akron. With a guided tour, you can learn more about the family that founded Akron and how that shaped the city that we know now.

The museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Tours are available from one of the staff anytime you arrive. They can currently take you through 9 of the 15 rooms.

There is so much interesting industrial-age history in Akron. Next time you’re looking for an educational weekend activity, check out one of these historical sites.

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