Cleveland has a flair that’s uniquely its own. Forest City, otherwise known as the Best Location in the Nation, is full of friendly people, delicious dining destinations, fascinating hiking spots, and so much more. However, the small towns surrounding the city have their own flair that is worth checking out. Today, we’re at one quaint Summit County city that is delightfully Midwestern in its ambiance. Ready for a day trip? Let’s check the most Midwestern town near Cleveland:

Today we’re going to take a look at Cuyahoga Falls, a city with a population of over 51,000 that hasn’t lost its small town atmosphere.

Steve Shook/Flickr This circa 1945 postcard is just a small piece of history from this charming Ohio town. Cuyahoga Falls was founded in 1812, and it was originally called Manchester. Its name was changed due to the existence of the other Manchester, Ohios (there was a Manchester in Summit County and in Adams County). Today, historic structures add to the ambiance of the area.

Cuyahoga Falls boasts a lovely Victorian downtown district, which is one of the most charming features of many Midwestern towns.

Jon Dawson/Flickr Plenty of these charming storefronts host incredible Cuyahoga Falls businesses. The downtown area also frequently hosts festivals, fairs, and other interesting events.

While downtown Cuyahoga Falls is the perfect place to pick up local art, the locale also features art all its own.

Jon Dawson/Flickr From interesting architectural elements to the Quirk Cultural Center, there’s something in town for everyone to appreciate.

There’s plenty to eat in the area, too, including one of the most scenic restaurants in the state: Beau’s on the River.

Alasdair MacKinnon/Google Images The floor-to-ceiling windows in this dining space overlook local wildlife and the roaring waters of the Cuyhoga River. With outdoor dining as well, visitors can enjoy indulgent comfort food while they listen to lyrical birdsong and rumbling waters.

If you’re a nature lover, High Bridge Glens belongs on your area bucket list.

Jon Campbell/Google Images This lovely and historic local park is part of Gorge Metro Park, and it is a true treat. Complete with a scenic overlook and butterfly garden, there’s something to see in each and every season.

Ohio’s only national park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, is also right around the corner.

Steve @ the alligator farm/Flickr Cuyahoga Valley National Park spans over 32,500 acres and is home to waterfalls, a railroad, and more. Select areas are open at night, which means you can even go night hiking here to look for nocturnal wildlife. If you do take a night hike, remember to take a buddy for safety purposes.

Locals love to keep active, and there are nearby places that visitors can rent a bike and hit the trails.

daveynin/Flickr Peninsula and Akron both have bike shops where you can rent a bike and explore area trails.

Whether you visit to explore local businesses or to take in the surrounds, you will fall in love with this community.

Jon Dawson/Flickr Ready to plan a trip to Cuyahoga Falls? This fun day trip destination is just a 40-minute drive from Cleveland.

Midwestern charm abounds in this pleasant town near Greater Cleveland!

Jon Dawson/Flickr

Locals love exploring this the most Midwestern town near Cleveland. There’s just so much to love about Cuyahoga Falls… and we’d love to hear from you in the Facebook comments about your previous adventures in town. Or, if you’d like to recommend another must-see small town near Cleveland, complete our nomination form.

Steve Shook/Flickr

This circa 1945 postcard is just a small piece of history from this charming Ohio town. Cuyahoga Falls was founded in 1812, and it was originally called Manchester. Its name was changed due to the existence of the other Manchester, Ohios (there was a Manchester in Summit County and in Adams County). Today, historic structures add to the ambiance of the area.

Jon Dawson/Flickr

Plenty of these charming storefronts host incredible Cuyahoga Falls businesses. The downtown area also frequently hosts festivals, fairs, and other interesting events.

From interesting architectural elements to the Quirk Cultural Center, there’s something in town for everyone to appreciate.

Alasdair MacKinnon/Google Images

The floor-to-ceiling windows in this dining space overlook local wildlife and the roaring waters of the Cuyhoga River. With outdoor dining as well, visitors can enjoy indulgent comfort food while they listen to lyrical birdsong and rumbling waters.

Jon Campbell/Google Images

This lovely and historic local park is part of Gorge Metro Park, and it is a true treat. Complete with a scenic overlook and butterfly garden, there’s something to see in each and every season.

Steve @ the alligator farm/Flickr

Cuyahoga Valley National Park spans over 32,500 acres and is home to waterfalls, a railroad, and more. Select areas are open at night, which means you can even go night hiking here to look for nocturnal wildlife. If you do take a night hike, remember to take a buddy for safety purposes.

daveynin/Flickr

Peninsula and Akron both have bike shops where you can rent a bike and explore area trails.

Ready to plan a trip to Cuyahoga Falls? This fun day trip destination is just a 40-minute drive from Cleveland.

Love taking day trips near home? Is so, be sure to check out our list of day trip destinations in Northeast Ohio. You’ll find something new to experience during each and every season.

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Address: Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA