Some of the best travel discoveries are the places you might not know to look for.
Beyond Summit County’s best-known attractions, you’ll find a psychology museum filled with fascinating artifacts, a gallery of wonderfully strange creations, a horror-themed trip through the VHS era and historic sites that celebrate lesser-known pieces of Akron’s past.
If you’re searching for unique things to do in Summit County, these six stops offer plenty of reasons to take the scenic route, ask questions and see the Greater Akron area from a different perspective. They’re also some of the most unusual attractions in Summit County, perfect for curious travelers seeking an adventure beyond the typical itinerary.
Explore the National Museum of Psychology
At the National Museum of Psychology, visitors can explore exhibits about memory, intelligence and personality alongside artifacts connected to famous psychological studies.
Located at the University of Akron, the museum explores how psychology evolved into both a science and an integral part of everyday life. For lifelong learners, it’s one of the more fascinating museums in Summit County and offers a closer look at how psychology has influenced the way we think and understand the world.
Dine at The Green Dragon Inn
The Green Dragon Inn brings the charm of a classic English pub to Summit County, with cozy interiors, hearty fare, and a welcoming atmosphere. Inspired by the famous inn from J.R.R. Tolkien's stories, it's a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors.
Part traditional pub and part fantasy-inspired destination, it's worth adding this unique stop to your list of offbeat attractions in Summit County. Settle in for a meal, enjoy a drink and soak up the character-filled surroundings.
Discover Pop Culture History at Killer Video
Remember when choosing a movie meant wandering through rows of VHS tapes? Killer Video recreates that experience inside Akron’s historic Selle Generator Works, combining a working video rental store with a museum and gallery devoted to horror and physical media.
Vintage posters, horror memorabilia, tapes and other collectibles make the space a nostalgic time capsule. It’s an especially fun find for film fans, horror enthusiasts or anyone curious about entertainment before the age of streaming.
Browse the Unexpected at Oddmall Outpost
Oddmall Outpost: Assembly of Odd, is a 6,000 square-foot shopping space packed with handmade art, oddities, imaginative creations and work from independent artists and crafters. Browse a rotating collection of unique finds, from quirky collectibles and pop culture-inspired pieces to one-of-a-kind gifts you won't find anywhere else.
Chances are you’ll walk in for a gift and leave with something imaginative. Among the hidden gems in Summit County, this one is a favorite for anyone who embraces the wonderfully weird.
Uncover Stories at Glendale Cemetery
At first glance, Glendale Cemetery might seem like an unexpected addition to a travel itinerary. Look closer and you’ll discover 88 acres of rolling grounds, historic monuments, paths and architecture that capture the story of Akron across generations.
The cemetery dates to 1839 and includes a restored 1876 Gothic Revival Memorial Chapel. Walking tours and events offer another way to experience this living piece of local history, making Glendale one of the more intimate historic attractions in Summit County.
Experience Akron’s Gilded Age at Hower House Museum
Step through the doors of Hower House Museum and into Akron’s Gilded Age. Built in 1871, the 28-room Second Empire Italianate mansion was home to industrialist John Henry Hower and is filled with furnishings and treasures collected by the family during their travels.
The preserved interiors offer a glimpse into how an affluent Akron family lived, while the home’s distinctive architecture is a must-see for history and design enthusiasts. For anyone exploring unusual museums in Ohio, Hower House is a worthwhile stop.
Curiosity is an excellent travel companion in Summit County. Once you’ve checked these discoveries off your itinerary, browse additional museums and historic sites to discover unexpected places worth exploring and even more things to do near Akron.