Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
4.8(4.0K)google
4.6(134)yelp
HistoryNature
Overview
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (70 acres) is a historic house museum in Akron, Ohio. The estate includes gardens, a greenhouse, carriage house, and the main mansion, one of the largest houses in the United States. A National Historic Landmark, it is nationally significant as the home of F. A. Seiberling, co-founder of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.
Practical Info
MonClosed
Tue10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration2.5-4 hours
Best TimeLate spring (May to June) for peak floral blooms or mid-October for magnificent autumn foliage colors are highly advised. Plan a morning visit at 10:00 AM right when the estate opens; early natural light filters beautifully through the historic Tudor Revival stone arches and illuminates the iconic 'Birch Alley' canopy, providing pristine crowd-free conditions for fine art photography.
Getting ThereLocated in Akron at 714 N Portage Path. Driving is the most convenient option: from Cleveland, take I-77 S to exit 132 for White Pond Dr/Mull Ave, travel east onto Mull Ave, turn left north onto N Portage Path, and proceed straight to the estate. The historic property features an enormous, well-organized complimentary private grass surface parking plaza directly facing the ticketing wing.
Travel Tips
- The estate is strictly closed on Mondays and the last seasonal admission cuts off daily at 16:00. Schedule your arrival between 10:00 and 16:00 to guarantee entry.
- Select dates from late November through December 30 host night events where standard day passes expire at 16:00, requiring separate timed-entry night tickets.
Photo Tips
Best LightTo avoid harsh backlighting and capture pristine reflections across the English Garden, shoot from western vantage points between 10:00 and 11:30.
Reviews
Positive
- This magnificent estate is incredibly well-preserved, taking you right back to the Gilded Age, and the gardens are absolutely breathtaking.
- The tour guides are highly knowledgeable and passionate, sharing detailed stories of the Seiberling family that made the visit deeply engaging.
- The grounds feature well-designed accessible pathways and clear signage, making it easy to navigate most of the gardens with strollers or wheelchairs.
- The overall atmosphere is incredibly peaceful and away from the city bustle, making it a perfect spot for weekend relaxation and garden aesthetics.
Heads up
- There is no air conditioning inside the main mansion, making it feel like a sauna during hot summer days, which significantly degraded the experience.
- The combined cost of admission and separate guided tours for different areas adds up quickly, making it a bit pricey for average visitors.
- It is quite difficult to reach via public transportation, which is inconvenient for non-driving international tourists, and parking gets tight during peak season.
- Dining options inside the estate are very limited; the cafe serves mediocre light bites at high prices, so it is best to bring your own water and snacks.