Travel Destinations Ohio Cleveland, Ohio Fall Color Getaway in Cleveland Have both big-city and back-to-nature fall color experiences with a getaway to Cleveland and nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park. By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 3, 2023 To understand Cuyahoga Valley National Park's appeal, pull out an area map. First, look for a squiggly green ring around Cleveland. That's the Emerald Necklace, a chain of regional parks. Now find a green curl hanging off the necklace like a huge pendant. That's Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a 33,000-acre preserve located just 20 minutes from downtown. Here in Cleveland, you can have your nature-and your city, too. Brandywine Falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Randall L. Schieber About 4 million people live within a half-hour of Cuyahoga, but the park absorbs crowds well. Where mules once pulled barges, walkers and bicyclists now stream along the 20-mile Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. More ambitious hikers choose from an additional 100 miles of trails. Families tour a 19th-century living-history museum, and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad chugs past heron and bald eagle nests. Cleveland, meanwhile, is the bustling yin to Cuyahoga's pastoral yang, the two worlds linked by the winding Cuyahoga River (and Interstate-77). Spend a day immersed in fall color, then zip back for big-city pleasures: an overnight at the historic J. Palen House, an orchestra performance in Severance Hall. Funky neighborhoods like Ohio City and Tremont feel a universe away from Cuyahoga's rocky gorges—but the dirt on your shoes proves they're not. Top Things to Do in Cleveland, Ohio What to Do in Cleveland in Fall Cuyahoga Valley National Park In the autumn, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway offers ghost train rides. Free; admission charged for the train. Everett Road Covered Bridge. Randall L. Schieber Cleveland Metroparks The Emerald Necklace is Cleveland's regional park system. Hike at Tinker's Creek Gorge or paddle the Rocky River. Parks are free; admission for some activities. Top Things to Do on a Budget in Cleveland Lake View Cemetery The landscaping alone warrants a visit to Lake View Cemetery, but history buffs shouldn't miss President Garfield's impressive tomb and monument. The cemetery is near University Circle, home to many of the city's museums. West Side Market. Randall L. Schieber Where to Eat and Drink in Cleveland Great Lakes Brewing Company For nightlife, sample seasonal craft brews in the beer garden at Great Lakes Brewing Company. Melt Bar and Grilled The grilled cheese-centric menu (perfect for fall!) at Melt Bar and Grilled lists more than 20 options. We're partial to the Monte Cristo, with honey ham, turkey, two cheeses and berry preserves. Bonus: Kids love this spot, too. Presti's Bakery and Cafe Baseball-size cream puffs, cannoli and tiramisu are just a few of the sweet treats at the family-owned spot in Little Italy, opened in 1903. West Side Market Cleveland's ethnic heritage comes to vivid life at West Side Market in hip Ohio City, with more than 100 vendors. Schofield Hotel. Kevin J. Miyazaki Where to Stay in Cleveland J. Palen House This 150-plus-year-old Ohio City bed-and-breakfast blends Victorian style with modern amenities: flat-screen TVs, updated bathrooms and a gourmet breakfast. The Schofield Hotel Playful nods to the city's musical and manufacturing history—acoustic guitar loaners, sock-monkey-and-argyle-sweater carpet design—elevate the experience at this 122-room Kimpton lodging. 30 Great Midwest Fall Color Getaways Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit