Great Escape: Get to Know Downtown Cleveland on a Walking Tour

How well do you really know your own hometown?  Even if you commute downtown to a job every day, you may not be aware of some of its “best-kept secrets.” 

The Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation, a non-profit organization seeking to promote the redevelopment and maintenance of the unique, historic districts in downtown Cleveland, offers free, guided walking tours of four very special neighborhoods in the city each week through September 18.             

Actors and actresses who portray significant historic Cleveland personalities lead the “Take A Hike” Tours.  For example, you might “meet” Alan Freed, the controversial radio DJ who “discovered” rock 'n' roll, on the Playhouse Square Neighborhood Tour or the mogul, John D. Rockefeller, on the Historic Gateway Neighborhood Tour. 

Two additional tours offered include the Historic Warehouse Tour with its beautiful, vintage architecture and the Canal Basin Tour, where you can experience the awe-inspiring views of the bridges, skyline and river from the Flats as you walk along the final leg of the Towpath Trail.  

Each tour starts out at a different location so be sure to check online at www.historicgateway.org or call 216-771-1994 for the exact meeting spots and a detailed overview of the tours. 

The “Take A Hike” Tours are full of fun surprises and interesting facts that offer you a glimpse of Cleveland’s past, present and future.