Cleveland’s best known-attraction may be the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but look a little closer and you will find that Ohio’s largest city boasts a varied cultural scene as well as a lively sports culture and some serious natural beauty. People are starting to notice, as well, with the Cleveland’s surrounding Cuyahoga County drawing some 15 million tourists per year. Start your own visit by getting oriented at the Cleveland Plus Visitors Center, where you will find brochures, information about events, and historical background on the city.
Cleveland is home to a number of fine museums with themes as diverse as the city itself. Head to the University Circle area to see the Cleveland Museum of Art, which houses a large collection of French Impressionist works, or to visit the interactive Children’s Museum. The Great Lakes Science Center, meanwhile, offers a fascinating insight into the relationship between science, technology, and the environment.
On the shore of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland you will find the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This non-for-profit museum, one of the most visited in the city, is dedicated to educating guests about the importance of rock and roll. Check out the temporary exhibitions and explore the permanent collection of iconic objects from the history of rock and roll. Johnny Cash’s acoustic guitar and Joey Ramone’s leather jacket are among the highlights.
When the weather is fine, make sure to take advantage of the city’s network of outdoor parks. The so-called ‘Emerald Necklace’ also contains the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, known for its large primate collection.
Cleveland is a passionate sports city, although its teams’ performance has never quite done justice to the ardour of its supporters. Take your pick of the Cleveland Browns football team, the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball side, or the Cleveland Indians baseball club – but be warned that in America’s ‘most tortured sports city’, good results can be hard to come by at times.
Visitors are welcome to Cleveland all year round, and there is plenty in the city to keep indoor types occupied for days. The city’s bus and rail system is relatively cheap and easy to use.
