Feel like doing a little exploring? There’s plenty to do in Cleveland, but some things stray a little further from the beaten path than your usual attractions. From nature escapes to iconic movie locations, these nine spectacular spots will be worth the trek.

  1. USS Cod (1201 N Marginal Road)

Flickr/Elfboy This World War II-era submarine is open to visitors in the summer season. Exploring its cramped interior is an experience unlike any other.

  1. Franklin Castle (4308 Franklin Boulevard)

Flickr/Christopher Busta-Peck Officially called the Hannes Tiedemann House, most people know this infamous old estate as Franklin Castle. It’s rumored to be the most haunted house in Ohio, so don’t go alone.

  1. Cleveland Botanical Gardens (11030 East Boulevard)

Flickr/Eddie~S This sprawling indoor garden will look different every time you go. The lush plant life and beautiful flowers make for a lovely trip and, if you’re lucky, you might see one of the garden’s many butterflies.

  1. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (3900 Wildlife Way)

Flickr/Ken Srall For a taste of a different kind of nature, taking a tour of Cleveland’s very own zoo makes for an amazing time. From primates to giant snakes, the zoo has the lion’s share of unforgettable sights, no pun intended.

  1. Willard Park (601 Lakeside Avenue E)

Flickr/Thom Sheridan This park in downtown Cleveland is home to tons of fascinating sculptures and other art. Most notable, however, is this unforgettable sight: the world’s largest rubber stamp.

  1. Rocket Fizz (530 Euclid Avenue)

Flickr/Aranami If you’re looking for adventure of a different kind, this one-of-a-kind candy store in downtown Cleveland boasts exotic imported candies and some truly bizarre beverages. Ranch dressing-flavored pop, anyone?

  1. Ohio And Erie Canal Towpath Trail

Flickr/Tom Bower This idyllic footpath takes you through some of the best natural beauty the Emerald Necklace has to offer.

  1. Grays Armory (1234 Bolivar Road)

Flickr/Tim Evanson One of the only museums like it in the country, Grays Armory archives the country’s military lineage with artifacts from every era of American history, all presented within the elaborate ironworks of the building.

  1. The House From ‘A Christmas Story’ (3159 W 11th Street)

Flickr/Amy ‘A Christmas Story’ is one of the most beloved holiday films of all time, and it was filmed right here in Cleveland. The iconic house from the movie is not only still standing, but now hosts an expansive museum dedicated to the film that is a must-visit for any adventurous movie buff.

It’s places like these that make Cleveland so interesting and irreplaceable. Tell us about some of your most memorable Cleveland adventures in the comments!

Flickr/Elfboy

This World War II-era submarine is open to visitors in the summer season. Exploring its cramped interior is an experience unlike any other.

Flickr/Christopher Busta-Peck

Officially called the Hannes Tiedemann House, most people know this infamous old estate as Franklin Castle. It’s rumored to be the most haunted house in Ohio, so don’t go alone.

Flickr/Eddie~S

This sprawling indoor garden will look different every time you go. The lush plant life and beautiful flowers make for a lovely trip and, if you’re lucky, you might see one of the garden’s many butterflies.

Flickr/Ken Srall

For a taste of a different kind of nature, taking a tour of Cleveland’s very own zoo makes for an amazing time. From primates to giant snakes, the zoo has the lion’s share of unforgettable sights, no pun intended.

Flickr/Thom Sheridan

This park in downtown Cleveland is home to tons of fascinating sculptures and other art. Most notable, however, is this unforgettable sight: the world’s largest rubber stamp.

Flickr/Aranami

If you’re looking for adventure of a different kind, this one-of-a-kind candy store in downtown Cleveland boasts exotic imported candies and some truly bizarre beverages. Ranch dressing-flavored pop, anyone?

Flickr/Tom Bower

This idyllic footpath takes you through some of the best natural beauty the Emerald Necklace has to offer.

Flickr/Tim Evanson

One of the only museums like it in the country, Grays Armory archives the country’s military lineage with artifacts from every era of American history, all presented within the elaborate ironworks of the building.

Flickr/Amy

‘A Christmas Story’ is one of the most beloved holiday films of all time, and it was filmed right here in Cleveland. The iconic house from the movie is not only still standing, but now hosts an expansive museum dedicated to the film that is a must-visit for any adventurous movie buff.

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