Travel Guides > Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Travel

Cleveland, Ohio is yet another Midwestern city that has recognized the rewards of a bit of sprucing up, especially at its Lake Erie-lined waterfront district. With a decades-long reputation as an important industrial city, Cleveland has recently used its resources to attract more than factories to its shores. Today, millions of visitors come to explore the city's museums, quirky neighborhoods, sports, and fine arts.

In the last decade, the attraction which probably provided Cleveland with the biggest shot in the arm and the best reason for city-wide renovation projects is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Designed by world-renowned architect I. M. Pei, this porcelain and glass pyramid-shaped tribute to the rock world is as interesting outside as it is inside.

The exhibits here are fun to view, especially for those who were around during the early years of the genre. The museum's permanent collect features thousands of fascinating priceless artifacts.

Just like every great city, Cleveland also boasts a number of more traditional museums as well. Within an area known as University Circle, visitors will find three excellent attractions. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History focuses on prehistoric Ohio and is a great place to view fossils, gems, and other natural formations. There's also a terrific state-of-the-art planetarium here.

The Cleveland Museum of Art, located near the natural history building, has recently been renovated and boasts a 36,000 piece permanent collection, all of which can be viewed absolutely free of charge (with the exception of some special traveling exhibits).

Also nearby, the Cleveland Botanical Garden's spectacular towering 18,000- square-foot Glasshouse thrills visitors with a look at two different eco-systems: the cloud forest of Costa Rica and the spiny desert of Madagascar. The outdoor gardens are also lush and magnificent.

For a little sporting fun, take in a game of one of Cleveland's major league sports teams, like the Browns (NFL), Indians (MLB), or Cavaliers (NBA).

If you prefer to play rather than watch, Lake Erie provides a myriad of opportunities for the watersports enthusiast. Fish for walleye, bass, or perch in the waters of the lake or enjoy some active fun, like boating, jet skiing, or canoeing.

The greater Cleveland area is also home to nearly 300 golf courses, making it the ideal destination for the avid golfer, no matter what your skill level.

If you prefer fine arts to sports, Cleveland is full of opportunities to enjoy music and culture as well. Here you'll find Broadway-style theatrical productions, classical music, opera and more.

Cleveland's also a wonderful place to enjoy non-stop nightlife. About 300 clubs line the streets of the city, offering music and dancing until the wee hours of the morning. Check out the new House of Blues, a recently-opened excellent new venue that attracts top names from around the world.