They say the best things in life are free, and that is especially true when it comes to gaining knowledge and experience. Both of these freebies are particularly abundant in Greater Cleveland, especially in the halls of some of our most unique institutions. Get ready for a day of fun, because you’ll want to make a day trip out of these awesomely affordable destinations:
- Nature Center at Shaker Lakes (2600 S Park Blvd., Cleveland)
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes/Facebook Hailed as a National Environmental Study Area, this lovely little nature center is surrounded by lovely trails and gorgeously manicured landscapes. Within its walls are exhibits of local wildlife, connecting visitors with nature in a vibrant space.
- International Women’s Air & Space Museum (1501 N Marginal Rd., Room 165, Cleveland)
International Women’s Air & Space Museum/Facebook Women played a special role in the development of aviation, though much of it was spent outside of the spotlight. These incredible women take center stage at this special museum hidden in Burke Lakefront Airport. Artifacts, photographs, and fun facts work side-by-side to preserve and celebrate the historic role of women in air and space travel and research, located just a stone’s throw from the likes of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the Great Lakes Science Center.
- Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s Learning Center & Money Museum (1455 E 6th St., Cleveland)
management/TripAdvisor Money is a language that everyone speaks, but this awesome museum won’t cost you a dime. The exhibits at the Money Museum explore currency locally and abroad, and you’ll discover fascinating displays like a 23-foot-tall money tree. You can learn more in our previous feature article here.
- Dittrick Museum of Medical History (11000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland)
Dittrick Museum of Medical History, CWRU/Facebook Hidden on the third floor of the Allen Memorial Medical Library, far above the unsuspecting streets of Cleveland, is a collection of artifacts that is historic, groundbreaking, and even somewhat macabre. This free museum features knowledge in the form of antique surgical equipment, rare medical books, historical photographs, and so much more - and much of it will give you the heebie-jeebies. Though not for the faint of heart, this incredible place is well worth a visit.
Editor’s Note: The Dittrick Museum is temporarily closed, but plans to reopen in Fall 2021.
- Medina Town Hall & Engine House Museum (50 Public Square, Medina)
Medina Town Hall & Engine House Museum/Facebook Medina is enchanting in every season, but one building always stands out from the rest. Unashamedly fire engine red, this vibrant beacon commands attention. It actually once served as the town hall and firehouse, dating back to 1878. Today, it celebrates and preserves the identity of Medina and its surrounding communities. It opens to the public during special events on the Square and for private visits by appointment.
- Medina County Historical Society (206 N Elmwood Ave., Medina)
Medina County Historical Society/Facebook Since 1922, this amazing group has been collecting and preserving memorabilia from Medina County. Want to learn more about the Giants of Seville? This museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about them, as well as other notable locals.
- The Cleveland Police Museum (1300 Ontario St., Cleveland)
Cleveland Police Museum/Facebook Recently revamped and better than ever, this interesting museum offers a glimpse back in time at the individuals who maintained safety behind the scenes. You’ll see examples of historic gear, Cleveland’s first electric chair, and authentic death masks of the Torso Murderer’s victims. Some of the items will send shivers up your spine, but they are as fascinating as they are eerie.
- Northern Ohio Railway Museum (5515 Buffham Rd., Seville)
Northern Ohio Railway Museum/Facebook Remember cheery days spent at Chippewa Lake Amusement Park growing up? This incredible museum is located in this area of Northeast Ohio, but it reflects the history of a larger region. This museum is open to the public on Saturdays from mid-May through October, and among their collections, you’ll discover all sorts of locomotives of yore. You can also ride a streetcar on the second Saturday of each month for only $4!
- Cleveland Museum of Art (11150 East Blvd., Cleveland)
Absintheminded/TripAdvisor Though this institution isn’t unknown, it just couldn’t be excluded from our list of the best free museums in Northeast Ohio. This world-class art and history museum is nothing short of enchanting, and its collections are some of the finest in the nation. Surrounded by the lovely and enriching University Circle neighborhood, this museum is a must for Clevelanders and out-of-towners alike.
Northeast Ohio offers much, no matter what your budget is. Locals love to learn, and these fascinating destinations allow them to do just that. Which of these fascinating destinations will you be visiting first?
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes/Facebook
Hailed as a National Environmental Study Area, this lovely little nature center is surrounded by lovely trails and gorgeously manicured landscapes. Within its walls are exhibits of local wildlife, connecting visitors with nature in a vibrant space.
International Women’s Air & Space Museum/Facebook
Women played a special role in the development of aviation, though much of it was spent outside of the spotlight. These incredible women take center stage at this special museum hidden in Burke Lakefront Airport. Artifacts, photographs, and fun facts work side-by-side to preserve and celebrate the historic role of women in air and space travel and research, located just a stone’s throw from the likes of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the Great Lakes Science Center.
management/TripAdvisor
Money is a language that everyone speaks, but this awesome museum won’t cost you a dime. The exhibits at the Money Museum explore currency locally and abroad, and you’ll discover fascinating displays like a 23-foot-tall money tree. You can learn more in our previous feature article here.
Dittrick Museum of Medical History, CWRU/Facebook
Hidden on the third floor of the Allen Memorial Medical Library, far above the unsuspecting streets of Cleveland, is a collection of artifacts that is historic, groundbreaking, and even somewhat macabre. This free museum features knowledge in the form of antique surgical equipment, rare medical books, historical photographs, and so much more - and much of it will give you the heebie-jeebies. Though not for the faint of heart, this incredible place is well worth a visit.
Editor’s Note: The Dittrick Museum is temporarily closed, but plans to reopen in Fall 2021.
Medina Town Hall & Engine House Museum/Facebook
Medina is enchanting in every season, but one building always stands out from the rest. Unashamedly fire engine red, this vibrant beacon commands attention. It actually once served as the town hall and firehouse, dating back to 1878. Today, it celebrates and preserves the identity of Medina and its surrounding communities. It opens to the public during special events on the Square and for private visits by appointment.
Medina County Historical Society/Facebook
Since 1922, this amazing group has been collecting and preserving memorabilia from Medina County. Want to learn more about the Giants of Seville? This museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about them, as well as other notable locals.
Cleveland Police Museum/Facebook
Recently revamped and better than ever, this interesting museum offers a glimpse back in time at the individuals who maintained safety behind the scenes. You’ll see examples of historic gear, Cleveland’s first electric chair, and authentic death masks of the Torso Murderer’s victims. Some of the items will send shivers up your spine, but they are as fascinating as they are eerie.
Northern Ohio Railway Museum/Facebook
Remember cheery days spent at Chippewa Lake Amusement Park growing up? This incredible museum is located in this area of Northeast Ohio, but it reflects the history of a larger region. This museum is open to the public on Saturdays from mid-May through October, and among their collections, you’ll discover all sorts of locomotives of yore. You can also ride a streetcar on the second Saturday of each month for only $4!
Absintheminded/TripAdvisor
Though this institution isn’t unknown, it just couldn’t be excluded from our list of the best free museums in Northeast Ohio. This world-class art and history museum is nothing short of enchanting, and its collections are some of the finest in the nation. Surrounded by the lovely and enriching University Circle neighborhood, this museum is a must for Clevelanders and out-of-towners alike.
Love to learn? You’ll adore a visit to these bizarre Cleveland attractions.
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