Dear Cleveland, I’m sorry you get such a bad rap. I visited your borough last summer and was blown away by its natural beauty overlooking Lake Erie and its revitalized infrastructure bringing liveliness to every neighborhood, not to mention all the free things to do in Cleveland.
I know what you’re thinking. Cleveland, really? Is there anything worth visiting for? My answer is an ABSOLUTE YES… well, maybe not in the winter time, but summers are spectacular with perfect weather for boating, hiking, or boozing at a beer garden.
The best part about Cleveland is that you can get a real taste for the community without spending a lot of money. Here are 13 free things to do in Cleveland that you should definitely add to your list.
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West Side Market – Free Things to Do in Cleveland #1
With over 100 vendors, this historic landmark is the longest running market in Cleveland, opening in 1912. While it has expanded over the years, visitors have the unique opportunity to still see what much of its original structure and layout looked like.
This is the perfect place to grab some snacks for the road, a bargain price souvenir, or some meat to barbecue at one of Cleveland’s gorgeous parks.
West Side Market was designated as one of “10 Great Public Places in America” by the American Planning Association and continues to offer an authentic shopping experience with locally grown and produced items.
5th Street Arcades
The century-old shopping arcades, known as 5th Street Arcades, are situated in the heart of downtown Cleveland and are extremely breathtaking architectural landmarks. The Colonial Arcade, built in 1898, and the Euclid Arcade, constructed in 1911, were connected in 2000 – when the historic Colonial Hotel, which sits atop the Colonial Arcade, was renovated and reopened as the Marriott Residence Inn.
Years ago, these historic shopping arcades served as vibrant indoor streetscapes filled with shops and activity, a welcomed escape from the brisk chill that accompanies a Cleveland winter. Over the years, business declined and the arcades lost their energy, struggling in recent years to maintain occupancy levels above 50%.
In 2012, Cumberland Development assumed management of these beautiful arcades, and has worked diligently to revitalize the spaces, taking the property from half empty to nearly full occupancy in just nine months. This creative drive to not only champion but support local Cleveland retail has helped not only to bring life back to the vacant spaces in these historic shopping arcades, but also to the downtown Cleveland retail scene.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park lies along the Cuyahoga River and is Ohio’s only national park. The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a restored section of the canal’s original towpath running right through the national park, connecting the cities of Cleveland to Akron. If you’re up for it, you can hike or bike the whole paved/gravel trail, a total of 87 miles one direction, or just join in for a small segment. Then, you can hop on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad to take you back to your starting point.
Brandywine Falls is one of several waterfalls in the national park, along with numerous hiking trails, wetlands, and water activities.
Make sure to stop at Szalay’s Farm for lunch or a snack.
Looking for other hiking and biking adventures? Check out Point Reyes National Seashore, just North of San Fransisco or the 32-mile Sacramento-Folsom Bike Path.
Walk across Detroit-Superior Bridge
The Detroit-Superior Bridge in downtown Cleveland is one of the city’s most iconic and oldest bridges. Completed in 1917, this bridge was the first to allow continuous road and river traffic across the Cuyahoga River.
The bridge actually had two levels upon completion. The lower deck was used for streetcars to transport people from the east to the west sides of the Cuyahoga River. This transit was terminated in 1950, and the lower decks have been mostly abandoned ever since. This level is no longer open to the public, except for special self-guided walking tours hosted by Cuyahoga County Engineer’s office.
The top deck is used for vehicular traffic, with sidewalks and bike lanes on either side.
Edgewater Beach
With the beautiful Great Lake as a backdrop, there’s unfortunately only so many places to access the beaches and water. Thankfully, one of those hotspots is just adjacent to downtown Cleveland in Edgewater Park.
Good luck finding any peace and quiet in this area during summer – the action continues from sun up to sundown. Clevelanders come out in the masses to barbecue, play volleyball, and enjoy some brews and views with friends. There is also a free concert series that takes place in the park during summer.
Art of Tremont
Historic Tremont is a unique, walkable neighborhood beaming with art, architecture, food, festivals, boutique retails, churches and parks.
On the second Friday of every month, Walkabout Tremont showcases the best of Tremont’s creative side from 5-10 p.m., with extended hours at galleries and shops, restaurant and bar specials, street performers, pop-up art, neighborhood walking tours, and much more.
Little Italy
If you’re craving some carbs, make your way over to the Little Italy area of Cleveland. Within the few shorts blocks, you’ll be overwhelmed by all the pasta and cannoli choices to choose from.
My recommendations are: Nora for dinner, Presti’s Bakery for baked goods, and Algebra Tea House for a caffeine fix.
The Flats
The Flats is the name given to a part of Cleveland, along the Cuyahoga River, that was once an industrial area but is now best known for its lively nightlife. The East Bank area is now home to a boardwalk with plenty of great restaurants, bars and even an outdoor concert pavilion. The West Bank is equally as exciting but a little bit more rough and ready. It is home to a skatepark, brewery and old school dive bars.
Cleveland Museum of Art
Opened in 1913, the Cleveland Museum of Art set out to share history and culture through artwork “for the benefit of all the people forever”. They’ve continued to live up to their mission by showcasing the workings of Salvador Dali, Monet, Picasso, and many other iconic masters. The museum’s main collection is always free to the public; however, special exhibits may come with a minimal charge.
Experience a Simpler Way of Life
Just 30 miles east of Cleveland is the town of Geauga, better known as the 4th largest Amish community in the world.
From rural Amish countrysides and historic villages, you’ll find great shopping, unique attractions, local products of all types and friendly people looking to help make your stay pleasant.
Cleveland Cultural Gardens
With 29 different countries and heritages represented, the Cleveland Cultural Gardens is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The gardens embody the history of twentieth-century America, a time of immigration to, and migration within, the United States. They show how we have built communities and constructed our identities as individuals and collectives.
Channel your inner Jackson Pollack at MOCA
If you love contemporary art as much as I do, you must check out the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cleveland. Just like the Museum of Art, MOCA is always free and open to all. The museum also hosts a ton of talks and exhibitions throughout the year.
78th Street Studios – Free Things to Do in Cleveland #13
78th Street Studios is the largest art and design complex in Northeast Ohio, featuring 170,000 square feet of art galleries, artist studios, performance spaces, and music recording studios.
Every Third Friday of the month from 5 – 9 pm, over 50 venues open up to present compelling visual exhbits, ambient music, delicious cuisine, and pop-up vendors. Every Friday from 11 am – 4 pm, visitors are invited to explore 4-8 various open galleries as well.
FUN FACT: Papa Roach, Warrant, and The Pussycat Dolls have all recorded music here.
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Never dreamed that Cleveland could be so hip and fun. I’m going on a road trip and just might plan a stop in this vibrant newly revived city.