This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
On our way to Cleveland, we were bombarded with questions as to why we would want to visit Cleveland for a vacation. We had a whole list of things to do and were very excited for our trip, but began to worry we made the wrong choice. We quickly found out that Cleveland was the best midwest vacation spot, and now I’m telling everyone about this best-kept secret destination!
Visit the City or See Nature
Cleveland is in a very unique spot in that it has all the perks of a major city and all the serenity of being in nature. You’ll find Cleveland between Lake Erie and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Which means if you’re in the mood for a hike or kayaking, it won’t be far away. But if you’re in the mood for dinner and drinks, Cleveland has you covered there, too.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Any city with a National Park is a win in my book. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a great “beginner park.” It’s easy to navigate and doesn’t have too many strenuous hikes. There is a bike trail that surrounds the park with easy terrain that is perfect for a leisurely ride or an all-day excursion. When we visited, we rode our rented bikes as far as we could, and then took the train to get back to our car. Yes, this park even has public transportation!
I’ve got a whole post about Cuyahoga Valley National Park coming very soon.
Less Crowds
Crowded destinations and waiting in long lines are the worst. After living in Los Angeles, we had gotten used to thinking up a great place to visit, only to find out that (literally) thousands of other people had the same idea. We got very sick of crowds very quickly. Crowds are a big reason we left Los Angeles. In Cleveland, you won’t have to deal with that. And that’s why it’s one of the best Midwest vacation spots.
There are still places that will be innately crowded, like the small parking lots at Cuyahoga Valley National park, or a new restaurant at 6pm. Although, this is true of any city and is something you’ll have to be prepared for. But less visitors means less crowds, and Midwest destinations are typically less crowded. It’s one of the reasons we love them!
The Christmas Story House
24-hours of A Christmas Story is something I look forward to every Christmas. Even though we visited Cleveland in July, I was over the moon with our visit to the Christmas Story house. This house is fully interactive. A tour guide leads you through the house and the museum, telling stories from the set along the way. We loved this stop!
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame could be a destination in and of itself. We mostly went to Cleveland to hike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, but had a rainy day to fill. On a rainy weekend day in the middle of summer, this place was full of visitors. That being said, we still got to see everything inside, and still had a good chunk of our day left by the end of it.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has something for everyone. Artifacts and stories from everyone’s favorite performer. There were also lots of interactive exhibits. We absolutely loved checking this spot out.
Great Food
If you’re a foodie looking to try something unique, Cleveland has you covered there, too. If you want to cover the most ground, check out the Westside Market. Bakeries, butchers, crepes, and nitrogen ice cream, and so much more. Get a real taste for Cleveland in the same place the locals shop.
One place that we particularly loved (not found at the Westside Market) was Melt. Try the most amazing jalapeno popper grilled cheese, or a cheeseburger with a macaroni and cheese bun. No matter what your guilty pleasure might be, you’ll definitely find it here.
The Best Midwest Vacation Spot
If you are looking the best Midwest Vacation spot for your summer road trip, look no further. Cleveland offers tons of things to do and see. No matter if you’re looking to hike for miles or to eat your way through vacation, Cleveland has something for you.
Looking for more great vacation spots? Check out these posts:
If You Can’t Afford to Travel, Travel to Las Vegas
The Ultimate Guide to Boston’s Freedom Trail
Who knew Cleveland had so many options. Also, I plan to travel to Boston next week so I am thankful for the Boston Freedom Trail blog post!
Thanks!
Glad I could help! You should also check out the Boston Freedom Trail App for an audio tour of the entire trail! We found it really helpful while walking around Boston. You can use the map feature of the app for free, but the audio tour is a paid feature. I think it was well worth the cost, it was less than $5 and it was so helpful for us!
I love this! We were thinking about going to Cleveland in the near future. Thanks for the inspiration!
Definitely get there! It’s such a fun city! Let me know if you have any questions while planning your visit!
I never knew much about Cleveland before this post – other than the R&R Hall of Fame was there. I would love to see the Brandywine Falls – and that sandwich with the mac and cheese bun?? That has my name written all over it! Might have to plan an adventure to Cleveland this summer! Thanks for the info and the awesome pics!
The more cheese, the better! I bet Brandywine Falls is prettier than ever with all this rain we’ve been getting! It’s a really unique city and definitely worth a summer adventure!
I have friends in Cleveland and I always tease them about how boring Ohio is! Now I know they’re not lying when they say there’s stuff to do 😂 I hope to visit them soon and may have to check out these things, as well!
You should absolutely go visit them! I think Cleveland will really surprise you! It’s a very fun city!
I’m always looking for new places to explore! Cleveland is now on my list. Thanks for all the great things to do in this city!
You’re going to love Cleveland, Tammy! Please let me know whenever you make it out there!