Cleveland is located on the shores of Lake Erie and is the second largest city in Ohio. Home to approximately 400,000 people, the city has has seen its ups and downs, but remains a destination worth visiting as you make your way through the Midwest. The following are among the top destinations to take in when visiting Cleveland.

1. Cleveland Museum of Art

Located in the city’s Wade Park district, the Cleveland Museum of Art boasts more than 30,000 pieces of art spanning over 5,000 years. This east side destination includes works from ancient Egypt to modern America as well as masterpieces from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

No admission is charged; the museum is open daily except it is closed on Mondays. It is also closed on New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and on Christmas. See the museum’s permanent collection of Van Gogh, Picasso and Monet works. Numerous temporary and traveling exhibitions can be taken in as well.

2. Lake View Cemetery

Few people think that a cemetery is a worthwhile destination apart from visiting or remembering the dearly departed. In the case of Cleveland’s Lake View Cemetery at 12316 Euclid Avenue, an exception can and should be made.

Founded in 1869, Lake View Cemetery inters immigrants, common folk and famous people alike. Besides serving as the final resting place for 22 Cleveland mayors, the cemetery also features the plot of one US president: James A. Garfield. Garfield, as you may know, was assassinated on Sept 19, 1881. Elliott Ness, Carl B. Stokes, and John D. Rockefeller were also buried at Lake View.

Beyond the famous people, the cemetery features excellent examples of stone art. The Jeptha H. Wade Memorial Chapel is considered the greatest architectural treasure of the cemetery. It features four-ton bronze doors, stained glass windows and glass mosaics.

3. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Located at 3900 Wildlife Way, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will delight young and old alike. The zoo has the largest collection of primates in the United States and is also prized for its rainforest exhibit.

The zoo features an African elephant crossing, aquatics exhibit, Australian and African exhibits and cat exhibits. There are a lot of hands-on activities for children and special adult-only events too. The zoo is open daily and offers free parking.

4. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

Cleveland is home to the national Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. This 150,000 square-foot museum features seven floors, four theaters for films, numerous special events and free public programs along with always changing exhibits. Located on Cleveland’s north coast, the museum traces rock’n roll history from its earliest days.

The museum has annual inductions beginning with its 1986 opening. Find out when your favorite rock and roller was admitted and who is slated to be welcomed this year. Numerous exhibits are highlighted including one honoring The Beatles, and others for Cleveland Rocks, the Music of the Midwest and more.

5. Progressive Field

Home to the major league baseball Cleveland Indians, Progressive Field seats more than 43,000 fans and offers three levels of suites and a large-tiered stadium club. The Indians first took to the field in 1869 and is, therefore, one of the longest playing professional baseball teams in the United States.

Progressive Field is located in downtown Cleveland. Adjacent to the field is Quicken Loans Arena, home to the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association. Both places compose the Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex, providing a year ‘round fan experience combined.

Hot in Cleveland

There are numerous other places to visit while in Cleveland. The Cleveland Play House, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the USS Cod Submarine Memorial and the North Chagrin Reservation are just a few that come to mind. The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall, Westside Market and PlayHouse Square are other destinations worth your consideration.

See Also — What to Do When Visiting Detroit