Top 5 Things to Do in Canton, Ohio: What To See and Do On Your Next Trip

Best Places To Visit


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October 27th, 2022


Canton is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a cornucopia of historic sites, and a thriving downtown area. This small Ohio town offers all that and more. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or are in the area for business, you’ll find plenty to do in Canton. As the hub of Stark County, it’s easy to see why Canton is such an appealing place to live, work, and play. Whether you plan on staying for a while or just passing through on your way somewhere else, we’ve rounded up the top things to do in Canton, so you won’t want to miss them!

Plan your trip to Canton, Ohio

Canton is a great travel destination. Not only is it a great place for visitors, but it’s also a great place to call home. Situated in the Midwestern region of the United States, Canton is an easy drive from major cities such as St. Louis, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland. If you’re interested in seeing the area’s natural beauty, head out to the Black Swamp National Wildlife Refuge or the Mark Twain Lake Refuge. Take advantage of nearby state parks like Ottawa Lake and Garretson State Parks.

Visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Next up on our list of top things to do in Canton is a visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This is the place where the legends of the NFL are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Here, you’ll find over 70 bronze plaques on walls in the main hall that recount the histories of the NFL and its most famous players and coaches. More than 30 interactive exhibits will also keep the whole family entertained. And when you’re done, stop by the Hall of Fame Store for your football souvenirs.

Stop by Historic Downtown Canton

After visiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame, next up on your list of things to do in Canton is a visit to its historic downtown area. This area of Canton, Ohio, has been a hub of commerce and culture since the early 1800s. Visit the recently opened and impressive Discovery Center, visit the impressively restored Historic Federal Building, and tour the historic buildings along Market and Main streets. Look for the many historic sculptures, murals, and buildings that are parts of this historic area’s rich history, such as the Historic Federal Building, Canton Carnegie Public Library, and the Old Federal Courthouse.

Be at the Center of It All: See Where It Happens: Stark County Farmers’ Market and Civic Center Park

Following your visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, next up on your list of things to do in Canton is a trip to the Stark County Farmers’ Market and Civic Center Park. This is where you’ll see the action at the Stark County Farmers’ Market, which takes place every Saturday morning from May to September. This is also where you’ll see the Canton Farmers’ Market from May to October. In the park, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of this Ohio town. There are many benches where you can sit and take in the sight of downtown Canton while enjoying the fresh air. In addition to the market, the Stark County Farmers’ Market and Civic Center Park offer many activities, such as summer concerts, farmers’ market crafts, children’s activities, and more.

Shop Till You Drop: Canton Marketplace and Stroud’s Grand Central Market

After visiting the farmers’ markets in Canton, you’ll want to head over to the nearby Canton Marketplace and Stroud’s Grand Central Market to shop. This is the perfect place to pick up groceries, grab some fresh produce, and peruse a selection of local and artisanal crafts and products. There are also plenty of restaurants and a variety of entertainment options at the Canton Marketplace that will keep you busy as you put together your shopping list. In addition to shopping and eating, there are plenty of fun things to do at the Canton Marketplace, including live music, farmers’ market crafts, a kids’ zone, and more.

Dine on Fresh Food: A Taste of Italy: Pietro’s Pizzeria and Trattoria Il Mulino

After your visit to the Canton Marketplace, it’s time to eat! Make your way to Pietro’s Pizzeria, where you can enjoy hearty Italian dishes such as pizza with homemade Italian sausage and beef toppings, calzones stuffed with Italian sausage and peppers, and many more authentic Italian dishes. Next, make your way over to Trattoria Il Mulino, where you can enjoy fresh Italian cuisine and a view overlooking downtown Canton. These are just two of the many great restaurants in the Canton Marketplace that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you full on your visit to the area.

Take in a Show: Canton Rep Theatre and Summer Theatre Festivals

After you’ve gotten your fill of authentic Italian cuisine, it’s time for a show! Make your way to the Canton Rep Theatre and see a show there. There are a variety of shows of all types on the Canton Rep’s schedule, from classic drama to modern dance and music. You can find tickets for most shows on the Canton Rep’s website. In addition to the many shows on the Canton Rep’s schedule, you can also catch a variety of shows at the nearby Summer Theatre Festivals. These shows take place at the Canton Civic Center and include classic plays, musicals, and more.

Don't Forget the Arts: Heritage Museum and Mark Twain House & Museum

While in Canton, make sure you don’t miss out on the other great things the area has to offer, including the Heritage Museum and Mark Twain House & Museum. The Heritage Museum explores the history of Canton, Stark County, and the Midwest through exhibits, historic houses, and gardens. In addition to visiting the museum, you can also take a tour of the nearby Mark Twain House, where you can learn about the author’s life and times.

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