America's Playing Field

Top Reasons to Explore Canton and Stark County, Ohio.

Most people recognize Canton, Ohio as home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame - but there are many more must-see places to visit when you plan a trip to Stark County.

History & Heritage

Canton is an ideal destination for history buffs looking to check a few national museums off their bucket list. Often identified as the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, don't overlook that two presidential libraries are located in Canton, Ohio - the William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum and the First Ladies' Library & Museum.

First Ladies' is operated in partnership with the National Park Service. Visitors can enjoy public, NPS ranger-led tours of the historic Saxton-McKinley House.

The McKinley National Memorial in West Lawn Cemetery is the final resting place of the President and his family - a picturesque, domed mausoleum set atop 108 granite steps.

Uncover more history, heritage, and nostalgia at the Canton Classic Car Museum in downtown Canton. Then, travel along the Lincoln Highway to the Massillon Museum in downtown Massillon. The nationally accredited museum features exhibits of history, art, and football heritage. On view May 30-October 18, 2026, Driving Forces: The Lincoln Highway Journey explores the nation's first coast-to-coast, dedicated automobile route - its history and its symbolic significance, marking Massillon's 200th anniversary and America 250.

Museums & History

Destination Dining

Canton and Stark County are full of unique, travel-worthy dining destinations. Discover Bender's Tavern. Stark County's oldest restaurant is known for its fresh seafood selection. Among many recent accolades, Bender's was named the 2024 Best Restaurant in Ohio by the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance.

Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa is another award-winning dining destination. The 55-acre estate features multiple restaurants on site as well as a vineyard, winery, distillery, boutique marketplace, spa, and overnight resort accommodations with a prestigious AAA Four-Diamond Rating.

For made-from-scratch, comfort foods and family-style dining, head to Hartville Kitchen. The restaurant and bakery also features 25,000 square feet of shopping - from jewelry, handbags, and apparel to toys in the children’s shop and sweet treats in the candy shop.

Places to Eat

Outdoor Shopping Experiences

Find your next flip at the largest indoor/outdoor flea market in America - Hartville MarketPlace - rated a Top 20 Flea Market in the United States by Flea Market Insiders.

Explore over 50 unique, permanent shops in 3 acres of year-round, fully climate-controlled, indoor shopping. Plus, uncover antiques and treasures from 12 acres of outdoor vendors. Two large covered pavilions accommodate up to 200 vendors, and a smooth blacktop area accommodates up to 800 temporary vendors.

Don't miss the line-up of events planned throughout the year, including some of the biggest weekends of the year.

720MKT offers a line-up of events featuring local "makers and bakers, brewers and growers, non-profits and do-gooders." The open-air market travels around the county with events offered throughout the year at a wide variety of Stark County communities and attractions. 720MKT events are the perfect way to support local, small businesses, while venturing out to explore different neighborhoods and destinations in Stark County.

720MKTs Dates & Locations
SidestreetMKTS at Oakwood Square every Second Saturday
Special Holiday MKTs

PLACES TO SHOP

Family Fun & Recreation

Spend the day at Clay's Park Resort's Adventure Water Park with a resort-style pool, dual 150-foot Wet Willie water chutes, Wibit inflatables, a barrel roll, and more outdoor waterpark thrills! Then, spend the night at Jellystone Park™ Clay's Resort in your choice of accommodations, from family cabins and glamping to primitive campsites. The 500-acre campground is located near Canal Fulton, a historic canal town in the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. Enjoy recreation along the Towpath Trail and waterways, and don't miss the country music festivals at Clay's Park each summer:

McKinley Presidential Library & Museum is also a great destination for kids and families! The museum features a science center, planetarium, and a life-sized, historic replica street of shops, including a fire station complete with a pole to slide down.