Top Rated Attractions in Canton

Dr. Robert Smith House is a two-storied bungalow which dates back to 1914. The house belonged to Dr. Bob Smith; the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. The house plays an important role in hosting many meetings during its formative years. The house was registered under the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and as a National Historic Landmark in 2012. The building has been converted into a historic house museum and also has on display several artifacts that narrate the history of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Constructed in 1837, the Perkins Stone Mansion belonged to Colonel Simon Perkins, who was the son of Akron's founder General Simon Perkins. This historic house museum is now maintained by the Summit County Historical Society of Akron and is also their headquarters. One of the most striking Greek Revival style houses in the area, the repository is decked with period furnishing telling the story of its past residents, city and county.

Originally the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens comprised of 3,000 acres (1214.06 hectares) in 1916 and was built amid 1912-1915 for F. A. Seiberling. It featured a Tudor Revival 65-room Manor House and the largest landscape gardens. Today the grand estate has seized down to 70 acres (28.33 hectares) yet is one of the most elegant mansions and ornate gardens of the country. The mansion is one of the best examples of Tudor Revival architecture and has well kept period decor that gives a glimpse of a bygone era. The themed gardens such as the Breakfast Room Garden, English Garden, Birch Allee Vista, Japanese Garden, Lagoon and The Dell are a delight to all visitors. The Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens also houses the Corbin Conservatory, a beautiful Gothic style greenhouse and the Gate Lodge where Alcoholics Anonymous took form. Home to the Ohio Shakespeare Festival and The Annual Classic, Antique & Collector Car Show, a visit to this magnificent place is a must when in the city.

This entertainment home that is spread over less than one acre of land, is the Akron Civic Theatre, which was previously referred to as Loew's Theater. Built using the Italian Renaissance style, the theater is said to be an excellent example of the great movie palaces of the early days i.e. the 1920s. Serving the visitors as the first theater of the County, the theater appeals to the public through its Broadway shows, dance performances and other shows.

Lock 3 is an outdoor amphitheater that plays host to a variety of events in the summer months. Friday nights feature WONE's Free Admission Rock the Lock Concerts with the country's best tribute artists and Saturdays are Lock 3 Live! Concerts with touring artists. The Annual Rib, White and Blue Festival is held at Lock 3 in July, as well as Akron's Italian Festival and The National Hamburger Festival. In the fall and winter, Lock 3 hosts Ohio's largest ice-skating rink as well as the Akron Chriskindl Market.

Located in Akron, the Akron Zoo boasts of 700 animals spanning over 90 species! With almost 1 million visitors coming here every year, it is touted to be the most popular tourist attraction in the entire Summit County. The zoo is divided in to six sections that are symbolic of different parts of the globe. Also, there are various exhibits at the zoo like, The Legends of the Wild, The Komodo Kingdom, Jellies Rhythm, Journey to the Reef, Penguin Point and Tiger Valley.