Canton Travel Guide

Explore the cultural and natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodations, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options and logistics in Canton, Ohio.


Introduction to Canton

Located in the heart of Northeast Ohio, Canton is a beautiful city that offers visitors a mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. With a population of over 70,000 people, Canton is home to a variety of attractions, ranging from museums and historical landmarks to hiking and biking trails, culinary delights, and much more. It boasts a wide array of lodging options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, as well as several nearby airports and bus stations. In this comprehensive travel guide to Canton, we will explore everything that this city has to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Canton

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Canton is steeped in history, and visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage by visiting some of its most iconic museums and historical landmarks, such as:

  • Pro Football Hall of Fame: This museum is a must-visit for sports enthusiasts. The museum features exhibits on the history of American football, interactive displays, and a Hall of Fame gallery that honors the greatest players, coaches, and contributors to the sport.

  • Canton Museum of Art: For art lovers, this museum is a must-see. It boasts an impressive collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs from both local and national artists.

  • National First Ladies’ Library: This museum honors the role of America’s First Ladies and features exhibits and displays that chronicle their lives, contributions, and legacy.

  • McKinley Presidential Library & Museum: This museum offers visitors a glimpse into the life and legacy of William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. It features exhibits on the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and the life and legacy of McKinley.

  • Canton Classic Car Museum: For car enthusiasts, this museum is a must-visit. It features a collection of classic and vintage cars, ranging from the early 1900s to the 1970s.

Natural Attractions of Canton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Canton is nestled in the heart of Ohio’s stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the city’s picturesque natural attractions, such as:

  • Sippo Lake Park: This park spans over 100 acres and features a lake, a nature reserve, and several hiking and biking trails.

  • Canton Garden Center: This center boasts a collection of beautiful gardens, including the Rose Garden, the Shakespeare Garden, and the Herb Garden.

  • Price Park: This park features a picturesque stream, a playground, and several hiking trails.

  • Quail Hollow State Park: This park is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. It boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, several hiking trails, and a historical manor house.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Canton

Canton offers several scenic hiking and biking routes for visitors to explore its natural beauty. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail: This trail spans over 100 miles and runs from Cleveland to New Philadelphia. The section that runs through Canton is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and bird watching.

  • Stark County Park District: This district boasts over 80 miles of hiking and biking trails, spanning scenic landscapes such as woods, meadows, and wetlands.

Best Things to Do in Canton: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of fun and exciting things to do in Canton, catering to a wide variety of interests. Some of the best things to do in the city include:

  • Visit the Canton Farmers’ Market: This market is held every Saturday in downtown Canton and offers a variety of fresh produce, locally-made crafts, and live music.

  • Take the Canton Food Tour: This tour offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s culinary landscape, sampling local dishes and learning about the history of Canton’s food scene.

  • Explore Downtown Canton: The downtown area boasts a variety of shops, museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues that are worth exploring.

  • Take a guided tour of the National First Ladies’ Library: Visitors can take a guided tour of the library, learning about the role and impact of America’s First Ladies.

Week-Long Itinerary for Canton

For visitors who plan to stay in Canton for a week, here’s a sample itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
Day 2 Explore the Canton Museum of Art and take a guided tour of the National First Ladies’ Library
Day 3 Hike or bike the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Day 4 Visit the Canton Classic Car Museum and go shopping at the Canton Farmers’ Market
Day 5 Explore downtown Canton and have lunch at one of its fine dining establishments
Day 6 Take a guided tour of Canton’s culinary landscape
Day 7 Enjoy a day of relaxation at one of Canton’s scenic parks

Food and Drink Scene of Canton

Canton’s food and drink scene is a melting pot of different culinary traditions, making it a must-visit destination for foodies. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ohio-style pizza: A thin crust pizza topped with provolone cheese and cut into squares, is a must-try dish for pizza lovers.

  • Sweet corn: This is a local delicacy that is often served on the cob at local festivals and events.

  • Buckeye candies: These chocolate-covered peanut butter balls are a popular sweet treat in Canton.

  • Swiss steak: A dish made with tenderized round steak that is slow-cooked in a gravy made from tomatoes, onions, and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Hoppin’ Frog Brewery: This brewery offers a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and ales.

  • Milk from Walnut Drive: Visitors can enjoy a fresh and delicious glass of milk from a local dairy farm.

Where to Stay in Canton: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Canton offers a variety of lodging options, catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in the city:

  • Hyatt Place Canton: This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Canton and offers clean, modern rooms and great amenities.

  • Staybridge Suites Canton: This hotel offers spacious suites with a kitchenette and several amenities, including a fitness center, a pool, and complimentary breakfast.

  • McKinley Grand Hotel: This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Canton and combines modern amenities with a historical ambiance.

  • The Canton Hostel: This hostel is a budget-friendly option for backpackers and travelers on a tight budget.

What to Buy in Canton: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Canton can bring home a variety of souvenirs and local products, including:

  • Pro Football Hall of Fame souvenirs: Visitors can purchase a variety of souvenirs and gifts from the Pro Football Hall of Fame gift shop, including T-shirts, caps, and collectibles.

  • Local crafts and artwork: Visitors can purchase locally-made crafts and artwork from the Canton Museum of Art and other local markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Canton

Canton has a strong cultural heritage and visitors to the city can experience its unique customs and traditions. Some of the key aspects of Canton’s culture include:

  • Football culture: The city is known for its love of football, and it is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

  • Amish culture: The city is located close to several Amish communities, and visitors can learn about their way of life by visiting local markets and farms.

Best Time to Visit Canton

The best time to visit Canton is during the spring and fall seasons, when the weather is mild and comfortable, and the natural beauty of the city is at its peak. The summers can get hot and humid, while the winters can get cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Canton

When visiting Canton, visitors should keep in mind the following do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  • Do visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum.
  • Do explore Canton’s culinary scene.
  • Do take a guided tour of the National First Ladies’ Library.
  • Do indulge in some shopping at the Canton Farmers’ Market.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to try Sweet Corn and Swiss Steak, two of Canton’s local delicacies.
  • Don’t forget to visit Downtown Canton and explore its shops, museums, and restaurants.
  • Don’t forget to check out Canton’s natural beauty by hiking or biking the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

Safety and Health

Safety in Canton

Canton is a relatively safe city, but visitors should take usual precautions to avoid any incidents. It’s advisable to avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas and beware of pickpockets in crowded places.

Health in Canton

Healthcare facilities are readily available in Canton; hence, visitors need not worry about health concerns. Visitors can seek emergency medical care at the nearby hospitals, such as Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center.

Getting to Canton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Canton is easily accessible via air, bus, or car. Here are some of the transportation options and logistics to keep in mind:

Airports Near Canton

  • Akron-Canton Regional Airport: This airport is located just nine miles from downtown Canton and offers direct flights to several cities across the United States.

  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport: This airport is located approximately 50 miles north of Canton and offers direct and connecting flights to several cities across the United States.

Bus Stations Near Canton

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: This bus station is located in downtown Canton and offers intercity bus service to several cities across the United States.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Visitors can rent a car from several rental agencies such as Hertz and Avis.

  • Amtrak train service: The nearest Amtrak station is located in Alliance, approximately 16 miles from Canton.

How to Get Around in Canton

The best way to get around in Canton is by car or taxi. There are several car rental agencies, such as Hertz and Avis, in the city, and taxis are readily available. Visitors can also explore the city by foot or bike, especially in and around its downtown area.

Where to Go Next from Canton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations and excursions that visitors to Canton can explore, including:

  • Cleveland: This city is located just an hour’s drive from Canton and boasts several museums, attractions, and entertainment venues.

  • Columbus: This city is located two hours’ drive from Canton and is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, shopping, and nightlife.

  • Niagara Falls: This natural wonder is located approximately five hours’ drive from Canton and is one of North America’s most iconic attractions.

Conclusion

Canton is a beautiful city that offers visitors a mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. From its museums and landmarks to its hiking and biking trails, culinary delights to accommodations, and local culture and customs to safety and health, there’s something for everyone in Canton. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has given you all the information you need to plan your itinerary and make the most of your visit to this charming city.

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