Are you looking for the best things to do in Canton Ohio? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will be sharing with you some of the best attractions in Canton.
There are so many fun things to do in Ohio and visiting Canton is one of them!
Canton is a beautiful city in Ohio that might not be as popular as Columbus or Cincinnati but still offers a lot of attractions for visitors to explore.
Whether you are a football fan, an art lover, or a history buff, the city of Canton offers something for all kinds of travelers.
This small town in Midwest offers visitors a chance to interact with the locals. Plus, offers a bunch of attractions and activities to indulge in.
Most importantly, this is the ultimate city for football fans to visit as it features the famous Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Check out our article on the 15 best things to do in Canton Ohio that you shouldn’t miss on your vacation.
15 Best Things To Do in Canton OH You Shouldn’t Miss
Visit The Pro Football Hall Of Fame
One of the best places to visit in Ohio, the Pro Hall of Fame is a top attraction in Canton that you cannot miss out on.
Established in 1963, this tourist attraction in Ohio honors the top players, coaches, and personnel in the field of American football.
Over the years, the facility has expanded and now features halls decked with artifacts from the football history that includes the time when the NFL was founded.
You can find special exhibits here featuring the recent events from football history.
The museum is also home to several interactive and fun exhibits where the visitors can experience a few of the top dynamic moments from football history.
So, one of the top things to do in Ohio is to enjoy a guided tour of this place. In this tour, you will learn facts, figures, and anecdotes about the players.
Watch A Performance At Canton Palace Theatre
Located in downtown Canton, Canton Palace Theatre is one of the top places to visit in Canton Ohio for both architecture lovers and theatre enthusiasts.
This theatre is a great way to witness the vintage past and celebrate its legacy that has been preserved since its construction in the 18th century.
Earlier, they would show silent films here but presently, you can find a wide range of performances here including concerts, comedy shows, special film screenings, and more.
The best thing about this theatre is that it still retains its original architecture which was a mix of art deco and renaissance styles.
Watching a show in this rustic and charming theatre is one of the most fun things to do in Canton Ohio.
It sure is one of the interesting places to visit in Ohio.
Visiting The William McKinley National Memorial Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Canton Ohio
Another great Canton attraction that you cannot miss out on visiting is the William Mckinley National Memorial.
This popular attraction in Canton was put up in honor of the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley. After his assassination in 1901, this was his final resting place in the country.
One of the main reasons why Canton was chosen as his resting place was because he spent a long time in this city, practicing as an attorney.
The memorial is beautiful and located in a peaceful and serene location. It is a perfect place to visit for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.
MAPS Air Museum
One of the top things to do in Ohio is to visit the MAPS Air Museum which is located near Akron-Canton Regional Airport.
Operated by the Military Aviation Preservation Society, this museum in Ohio is home to 50 on-display aircraft including the ones that have been loaned from the US Navy or Air Force.
You will also find an exhibition called Gallery of Heroes that lists the war models over the years including the ones used during Pearl Harbour.
Visitors can check out the public library here to read manuscripts, diaries, oral histories, and more about the aviation industry.
This is one of the best places to visit in Ohio and a few displays/aircraft that you should check out here are the Martin Glider, the Funk Model B, and more.
If you are an aviation fan, then one of the best things to do in Canton OH is to visit the MAPS Air Museum.
Hoover Historical Center
Hoover Historical Center is a great place to visit in Ohio to celebrate and learn the history of the Hoover Company.
It makes for a very interesting Ohio day trip.
This museum is located in the childhood home of Boss Hoover and tells the story of the company through multiple displays and exhibits.
Hoover Company is known for revolutionalizing cleaning due to their Hoover vacuums which are loved by homeowners all over the country.
At this small museum in Canton, visitors can learn how Hoover Company had an impact on the community, and how their innovations changed the lives of many families.
That’s not all, due to their war production efforts, they also changed the flow of World War II about which visitors can learn at this museum too.
So, if you are interested in learning the history of Hoover Company, then one of the best things to see in Ohio is Hoover Historical Center.
First Ladies National Historic Site
A popular tourist attraction in Ohio, First Ladies National Historic Site aims to educate everyone on the lives and accomplishments of the first ladies of the United States.
This initiative was started in 1996 by First Lady Mary Regula, Congressman Ralph Regula’s wife, who raised funds to assemble a biography on the First Ladies of America.
One of the top places to visit in Ohio, this historic site comprises a historic home and an Education and Research Center.
The building features two floors that are home to a theatre, a meeting space, a large exhibit, and the main National First Ladies Library.
The historic home was the home of William McKinley and his wife, Isa McKinley. The house is in a gorgeous Victorian-styled theme and has been standing since 1841.
Visitors can take a guided tour of this historic home and learn more about the life of the US President and his wife.
For history lovers, one of the best things to do in Canton Ohio is to visit the First Ladies National Historic Site.
Take a Tour of Gervasi Vineyard
Are you looking for a romantic place to visit with your partner? If yes, then one of the best Canton attractions to check out is the Gervasi Vineyard.
It is located at a 15-minute drive from the center and offers a beautiful, idyllic setting that visitors will enjoy.
If you are looking for romantic Ohio activities, then don’t miss out on walking around this countryside vineyard.
One of the best things to do in Canton OH in summer is to head to the Gervasi Vineyard for a late supper and to spend a day here exploring the winery, listening to live music, and drinking delicious sangria with your loved one.
A great Canton activity that you cannot miss out on is tasting the wine at this vineyard in Ohio. If you are looking for a romantic overnight stay in Canton, then do consider this vineyard.
Enjoying A Walk In Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve Is One Of The Fun Things To Do In Canton
For outdoor lovers, Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve is the perfect Canton attraction to explore.
We all know that one of the top Ohio activities to indulge in is hiking and picnicking in state and national parks.
What better place to enjoy this than the Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve in Canton?
This 58-acre park is home to wetlands, valleys, and a stream and is perfect for outdoor activities such as some of the best hikes in Ohio along with, jogging, biking, and more.
The boardwalks are beautifully built here and occasionally float when it rains a lot.
You will find many amazing animals and beautiful wildflowers in this nature preserve.
If you are visiting with kids, don’t worry, they also have a kids’ playground with a picnic area and a sand volleyball pit.
If you are looking for fun Canton activities to indulge in, then don’t forget to include a stroll through the beautiful Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve.
Sippo Lake Park
Located on the outskirts of Canton City, Sippo Lake Park is a beautiful place that is home to a 99-acre lake. It is one of the best lakes in Ohio to explore!
This Canton attraction is perfect for outdoor adventurers as it features many hiking trails, biking trails, boating spots, and more.
Whether it is boating, kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding, you will find all equipment available for rent here so that you can make the most of your time at the lake.
Visitors can also swim at this attraction in Canton and can easily plan a full-day visit with family or friends.
If water is not your thing, there are many hiking trails also available here that will take you through the wetlands and give you a chance to observe rare plants, animals, and birds.
For those who love outdoor attractions, Sippo Lake Park near Canton is a great place to visit.
Play a Game at Escape Room Downtown
Are you looking for fun things to do in Canton OH? Well, then you have to play a game at the Escape Room Downtown with your friends and family members.
This is one of the best places in Canton where you can solve puzzles and complete challenges while having fun with your loved ones.
Moreover, the venue offers three escape rooms with unique themes.
Choose to complete a Prohibition-themed Bootlegger’s Lair challenge, diffuse the bomb before the mob sets it off, or accomplish an art gallery heist.
This is one Canton activity that you should definitely try with your friends and family when you are visiting this small town.
Taste the Harry London Candies
For those with a sweet tooth, one of the best Canton activities is taking a tour of the Harry London Candies and trying the different varieties available here.
Harry London Candies is a famous confectionery store and factory that offers delicious candies and chocolates that both visitors and locals enjoy.
Visitors can take a free tour of this attraction in Canton and learn about the history of Harry London.
Understand how the facility works and watch the preparation of delicious pieces of chocolate for distribution.
Also, don’t forget to try their handmade gelato, it is quite magical.
After the tour, they also offer you free samples of chocolates and caramels which makes the visit completely worth it.
So, if you love eating sweets, then one of the top things to do in Canton OH is to visit Harry London Candies.
Go on a Canton Food Tour
Are you in search of delicious activities in Canton? If yes, then do join a walking or van-based tour with Canton Food Tours.
They offer a fun and entertaining way to explore the food options in Canton City in groups of six or more. You can opt for a public tour, a private tour, or even a customized tour.
A few of the popular tours that you can join are the Afternoon Hall of Fame City Tour, Canton Underworld Experience Your, and more.
From some of the best breweries in Ohio to local cuisine, you will discover it all on these tours and enjoy some samplings at each stop.
Trust me, this is one of the best ways to meet other foodies in the city and make some new friends.
So, if you love trying new food, then one of the best things to do in Canton Ohio is to go on a tour with Canton Food Tours.
Spend a Day at Funtimes Fun Park
Are you looking for fun things to do near Canton Ohio? If so, then one of the best places to visit near Canton is Funtimes Fun Park which is a 22-minute drive away.
This outdoor amusement park in Midwest is perfect for families and friends. It offers a large variety of rides and games that are suited for all ages.
For families, the bumper car zone and the miniature golf course are particularly quite fun. Plus, kids can even win lots of prizes and toys at many of the game booths available here.
Honestly, if you are looking for fun things to do in Northeast Ohio with family, then do plan a day trip to Funtimes Fun Park.
Hike at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
If you don’t mind a 40-minute drive, then one of the best things to do near Canton Ohio is to visit the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
This national park in Ohio is home to both natural and historic sites and features both wetlands and forests. As a result, you can find lots of hiking and biking trails here to explore on your own.
Visitors can admire the beautiful covered bridge, explore the numerous waterfalls, ride a train through the park, and do so much more here.
This is why Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the top things to see in Ohio.
If you want a fun thing to do in Northeast Ohio, then do check out the trails at this national park.
Walborn Reservoir
Located a few miles from Canton, Walborn Reservoir is a popular hiking area in Ohio that comprises approximately 2,448 acres of land.
Visitors can explore the trails passing through the forests and brushlands and beside the shore. You can observe eagles, ospreys, migratory birds, etc. while hiking in this area.
Apart from hiking, this place is also perfect for other outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and more.
If you are looking for the best things to do in Canton Ohio, then do plan a visit to the Walborn Reservoir.
Packing List When Visiting Canton Ohio
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Ohio, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when attending attractions in Canton OH.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos during events in Canton.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the replacement carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc… No matter the time of day or evening.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.
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Here you will find 15 great places to visit in Canton.
We hope you enjoy your visit to northeast Ohio.