Akron, Ohio
USA
Geographic Coordinates: 41.079800, -81.521900
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 40.0°C (-40°F to 104°F)
Climate: Akron experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The city receives an average of 38 inches of rainfall and 57 inches of snowfall per year.
Population: 546549
Language: English
Akron is a city in the northeastern part of Ohio, United States. It is recognized for its industrial history, With rubber and tire manufacturing being one of its primary industries. The city has a population of approximately 198, 000 people and covers an area of around 62 square miles. One well-known landmark in Akron is the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company headquarters. This company was founded in Akron in 1898 and has been a significant employer for many years.
The Goodyear blimp, Which can frequently be seen flying over sporting events or other large gatherings, Is also headquartered out of Akron. Another noteworthy feature of Akron is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This park encompasses over 33, 000 acres and provides visitors with opportunities to explore nature through hiking trails, Biking paths, And scenic drives. Some popular attractions within the park include Brandywine Falls and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The University of Akron is also situated within the city limits.
This public research university has been operational since 1870 and offers over 300 different degree programs across various disciplines such as engineering, Business administration, Education, Law enforcement training among others.
In addition to these features are several cultural institutions that make Akron an interesting place to visit or live in; The Akron Art Museum displays contemporary art from both local artists as well as those from around the world while Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens provides visitors with insight into what life was like for wealthy families during America’s Gilded Age. but not least important; sports fans will enjoy visiting Canal Park Stadium where they can watch minor league baseball games played by AA affiliate team Cleveland Indians named Akron RubberDucks.
Overall, Akron may not be as famous as some other cities in Ohio such as Columbus or Cincinnati, But it certainly has plenty to offer both residents and visitors alike with its mix of industrial history, Natural beauty, And cultural institutions.’
Important Landmarks
- Akron Art Museum
- Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
- Goodyear Blimp Hangar
- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
- Akron Civic Theatre
- Firestone Country Club
- Lock 3 Park and Amphitheater
- National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum
- Akron Zoo
- The University of Akron’s Polymer Science Building
Primary Industries
- Manufacturing: Akron has a rich history of manufacturing, especially in the rubber and tire industry. Major companies like Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, and Continental AG have established operations in Akron.
- Healthcare: Several major hospitals and healthcare facilities such as Summa Health System, Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital, and Akron Children’s Hospital are located in Akron.
- Education: The University of Akron is one of the largest employers in the city with an extensive range of academic programs.
- Financial services: A number of banks and financial institutions including PNC Bank, Huntington Bank, KeyBank operate within Akron.
- Technology: There are several technology companies based or operating in Akron such as FirstEnergy Corp., Myers Industries Inc., Advanced Elastomer Systems LP (AES), among others.
- Retail trade: Numerous retail establishments throughout the city provide employment opportunities for residents including shopping centers like Summit Mall or Chapel Hill Mall.
- Food processing: The food processing industry significantly contributes to Akrons economy with notable firms like Shearer’s Foods headquartered there.
Noteable History
- The founding of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in 1898 by Frank Seiberling.
- The birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in 1935, founded by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith.
- The Akron Rubber Strike of 1936-37, which was one of the largest labor strikes in American history.
- The birthplace of LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
- The home city for the National Inventors Hall Of Fame Museum and STEM School.
- John S. Knight, who was a journalist and publisher who founded Knight Ridder newspaper chain.
- Sojourner Truth, an abolitionist and women’s rights activist who lived in Akron for a period during her life.
- Harold Hitz Burton, a U.S senator from Ohio who served as an associate justice on the U.S Supreme Court from 1945 to 1958.
- Dr Robert Jarvik inventor of first artificial heart also born here.
- Akron Art Museum opened its doors to public since December 1981.
Museums and Things To See
- Akron Art Museum
- Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
- Akron Civic Theatre
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Akron Zoo
- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Headquarters and Museum
- The National Inventors Hall of Fame
- Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail
- MAPS Air Museum
- Portage Lakes State Park
Sports Teams
- The Akron RubberDucks is a minor league baseball team that was established in 1997 and is affiliated with the Cleveland Indians. They play in the Eastern League.
- The University of Akron has a range of sports teams known as the Zips, including football and basketball teams that have been playing since 1891 and 1915, respectively.
- The Akron Racers were a professional women’s softball team that played in National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) from 1999 to 2017, winning two NPF championships during their existence.
- The Goodyear Wingfoots was a professional basketball team from 1918 to 1950, winning multiple national championships throughout their history.
- Firestone Country Club is situated in Akron and hosts numerous golf tournaments yearly, such as the Bridgestone Invitational which forms part of the PGA Tour Golf Team.
- Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park can be found just outside of Akron and holds various motorsports events throughout the year like drag racing and motocross competitions.
Cultural Events
- Akron Arts Expo: This three-day event showcases the work of local artists.
- National Hamburger Festival: Celebrate the birthplace of the hamburger in Akron, Ohio during this two-day festival.
- Italian-American Festival: Enjoy four days of Italian culture with food, music, and entertainment at this festival.
- African American Cultural Festival: This three-day event celebrates African American heritage through music, dance, food, and art.
- The Highland Square PorchRokr Music & Art Festival: Local musicians and artists come together for a one day event in a neighborhood setting.
- Akron Pride Festival: Join the celebration of LGBTQ+ pride with a parade and festival in downtown Akron.
- First Night Akron: Ring in the New Year with live music performances across multiple venues throughout downtown during this celebration.
- Rib White & Blue Festival: Over Memorial Day weekend, enjoy an annual BBQ competition featuring live music and family activities.
- All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship Race Week: Youth racing is celebrated during this week-long event culminating in the world championship race on derby hill.
- The Ohio Mart at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens: Visit historic Stan Hywet Hall for an annual fall arts festival showcasing local artisans’ work.
Cuisine
- Swensons Drive-In – Known for their famous Galley Boy burger and milkshakes.
- Luigi’s Restaurant – A family-owned Italian restaurant serving homemade pasta and pizza.
- Diamond Deli – A sandwich shop with a wide variety of options including vegetarian and vegan options.
- The Lockview – Specializes in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and craft beer.
- Crave Cantina – Offers Mexican-inspired cuisine with a modern twist, including tacos, burritos, and margaritas.
- Edgar’s Restaurant at the Akronite Plaza Hotel & Conference Center – Fine dining restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus.
- The Rail Burger Bar – Serves burgers made with locally sourced beef and creative toppings like peanut butter or fried egg.
- Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar – Serves traditional Mexican dishes using fresh ingredients along with an extensive tequila selection.
Parks and Recreation
- Lock 3 Park hosts concerts, festivals, and ice skating in the winter.
- Goodyear Heights Metro Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing ponds.
- Firestone Metro Park has hiking trails, picnic areas, and a golf course.
- Cascade Valley Metro Park provides hiking trails and a scenic overlook of the Cuyahoga River.
- Summit Lake Community Center and Park features playgrounds, basketball courts, and community events.
- Akron Zoo is home to over 700 animals from around the world.
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a nearby park with hiking trails and scenic views.
- Sand Run Metro Park offers hiking trails through forested valleys & ravines with streams & waterfalls.
- Portage Lakes State Parks provide boating, fishing, hiking, etcetera activities for visitors to enjoy.
- Springfield Lake allows visitors to enjoy boating, fishing, picnicking, etcetera activities in its surroundings.