Things to Do in Canton, Ohio: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Canton, Ohio, is the birthplace of the National Football League and home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a pilgrimage site for every football fan. Beyond the gridiron, the city offers the domed McKinley National Memorial, the First Ladies National Historic Site, a colorful downtown arts district and easy access to Ohio's Amish Country, making it a rewarding stop on any Midwest road trip.
This guide covers the best things to do in Canton, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Canton
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Bronze busts of every enshrinee, interactive galleries and the Lombardi Trophy display.
McKinley Presidential Library and Museum
Museum, planetarium and science center beside the McKinley National Memorial.
McKinley National Memorial
Domed tomb of President William McKinley with 108 steps and city views.
First Ladies National Historic Site
Ida Saxton McKinley's home and a library about America's first ladies.
Canton Museum of Art
American watercolors, ceramics and rotating exhibitions.
Downtown Arts District
Murals, galleries and First Friday street events.
Hall of Fame Village
Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium and entertainment area.
Ohio Amish Country
Holmes County farms, cheese and furniture, about an hour away.
Canton in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Football heritage
Spend the morning at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, starting in the Hall of Fame Gallery with the bronze busts and continuing through the Super Bowl Rings room and interactive exhibits. Lunch at a nearby diner. In the afternoon, tour Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium if open and walk the Hall of Fame Village. Evening dinner downtown with a craft beer.
2Day 2 · Presidents and history
Climb the 108 steps of the McKinley National Memorial for views over Canton, then visit the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum with its Street of Shops, planetarium and Discover World science area. Lunch downtown. In the afternoon, take the guided tour of the First Ladies National Historic Site and Saxton House. Dinner in the Arts District.
3Day 3 · Arts District
Morning at the Canton Museum of Art, then walk the downtown streets to spot the large murals and public art. Lunch at a café on Market Avenue. Afternoon at Canton Classic Car Museum with vintage automobiles. If it is the first Friday of the month, stay for First Friday with music, food and open galleries.
Canton in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Amish Country
Drive about an hour to Holmes County, the heart of Ohio Amish Country. Visit Berlin and Walnut Creek, stop at cheese houses, bakeries and furniture shops, and see horse-drawn buggies on country roads. Lunch at an Amish-style restaurant with family-style dishes. Return to Canton for dinner.
5Day 5 · Cuyahoga Valley
Day trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, about 45 minutes north: Brandywine Falls, the Ledges Trail and a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Picnic in the park. Back in Canton for dinner.
Canton in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Akron and Stan Hywet
Visit Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, a Tudor Revival estate with 70 acres of gardens, then the Akron Art Museum. Lunch in Akron. Return to Canton in the evening.
7Day 7 · Last day
Final morning with breakfast at a local diner, a stroll through Centennial Plaza and a last visit to the Hall of Fame gift shop. Farewell dinner with Ohio comfort food and a slice of pie.
What to do in Canton on a weekend
What to do in Canton, Ohio on a weekend? Saturday: Pro Football Hall of Fame and Hall of Fame Village. Sunday: McKinley Memorial, the Presidential Library and the First Ladies site.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival in early August, with the parade and the Hall of Fame Game, is the city's biggest event.
What to do in Canton in the evening
Evenings center on the downtown Arts District, with restaurants, bars and live music.
First Friday street events and concerts at the Canton Palace Theatre are local favorites.
Canton for couples
For couples, a dinner downtown, a show at the historic Canton Palace Theatre, a day in Amish Country and a stroll through Stan Hywet Gardens are great choices.
Canton with kids
With kids, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the McKinley museum's science center and planetarium, the Canton Classic Car Museum and a scenic train ride in Cuyahoga Valley are ideal.
What to eat in Canton
Ohio comfort food
Pot roast, mashed potatoes and homemade pie.
Amish cooking
Fried chicken, noodles and apple butter.
Pizza
Local pizzerias are a Canton tradition.
Swiss cheese
From Holmes County cheese houses.
Craft beer
From Canton breweries.
Where to stay in Canton: best areas
Downtown
Walkable to restaurants and the Arts District.
Near the Hall of Fame
Convenient for football fans.
North Canton
Quieter with chain hotels.
Amish Country
Inns and B&Bs in Holmes County.
What to do in Canton when it rains
What to do in Canton when it rains? The Pro Football Hall of Fame, the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, the Canton Museum of Art and the Canton Classic Car Museum are all indoors.
How much does a trip to Canton cost?
Expect 110 to 200 dollars per night, 12 to 20 dollars for lunch and about 40 dollars for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Practical tips for Canton
Best time to visit
May to October for pleasant weather, early August for the Enshrinement Festival, and autumn for fall colors in Amish Country.
Getting around
A car is the easiest way to explore. Akron-Canton Airport is 20 minutes away and Cleveland is about an hour north.
Our practical tips
- Buy Hall of Fame tickets online.
- Book early for Enshrinement week.
- Combine Canton with Amish Country.
- Check First Friday dates.
- Allow at least three hours at the Hall of Fame.
- Respect Amish privacy when taking photos.
Mistakes to avoid
- Visiting during Enshrinement without a hotel booking.
- Rushing through the Hall of Fame.
- Driving fast on rural roads with buggies.
- Skipping the McKinley Memorial.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Canton, Ohio with kids?
The Hall of Fame, the McKinley science center and the car museum.
How long do you need at the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Three to four hours.
What to do in Canton, Ohio on a weekend?
Hall of Fame, McKinley Memorial and the Arts District.
How far is Amish Country from Canton?
About an hour by car.