Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of University Circle Sights & Stories
Active
1h - 1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Our smartphone-guided tour brings the facts and stories behind University Circle to life because we've taken the same stops and sights we share with our friends and families when they come to town and created an interactive web-based tour for you!
Read the stories behind the city, answer questions to reveal fun facts, and experience what makes this one of our favorite neighborhoods! Purchase your tour and then navigate to our website to enter your access code and launch the tour. You can either start immediately or create an account and come back when you are ready to explore.
Please note that you and your group read the tour aloud to one another - there is no audio functionality at this time.
Available options
Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of University Circle Sights & Stories
What's included
Easy-to-use web interface
Family-friendly stops and questions
24/7 support by phone or email
Detailed itinerary
1
Wade Lagoon is the heart of University Circle, a site of rich history, many special moments, and a unique heritage the dedicated this land "for the benefit of all the people forever."
2
The home of the 'the finest orchestra in America' according to the New York Times is not without its share of crazy stories - from a conductor who dictated mopping patterns to musical ghosts, Severance Hall has been a home to generations of Clevelanders.
3
Explore some of the lesser known sculptures in our world renowned museum's collection that sit outside its four walls - would you believe us if we told you the stories involved the Vietnam War, pipe bombs, controversial artists, and the mafia? Or take a quick gander inside this free gem in Cleveland.
4
From your vantage point see everything University Circle has to offer - topical museums, peeling carillons, medical miracles, and world renowned scholars. If you're luck there just might be a marching band in the cards for you too..
5
A modern-day Stonehenge and two famous architects collide in one location with stories of Nazi-sympathizers, a lack of right angles, and the invention of the modern day MBA.
6
100,000 records? Hidden in a basement? Well, just because you cannot touch and feel them you can still listen to them on this student-run public radio station here in Cleveland.
7
Have you ever seen a road made out of wood? Hessler is perhaps the most unique street here - but most people don't come for the road they come for the June Festival that launches the summer season in Cleveland with famous lemonade - and yes it is tasty.
8
A building shaped like a hexagon? Check. No permanent art? Check. A wild and topsy turvy artistic experience? Check.
9
We love this little corner of University Circle, and if you're lucky there might be some ice cream in your future here too.
10
The site of family intrigue, a stop on the Underground Railroad, and now the heart of heart care in Cleveland, this place in University Circle is special to many for different reasons.
11
Our tour ends in one of the best parts of Cleveland where the pastry shops, art galleries, and thrift stores line the road with bright red, white, and green pennants reminding everyone that the Italians rule here.
Available languages
Written guide
EN
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Your tour begins on the plaza above Wade Lagoon at the corner of Euclid Avenue and Martin Luther King Drive. It is easily accessible from nearby street parking, garages, or public transportation.
Important notes
Thank you for your purchase! Your access code is DE2ME5. Please follow the steps below to validate and start your tour.
1. Navigate to https://wanderingtours.com/go
2. Enter the above code (DE2ME5) in the 'Access Code' box
3. Click 'Go'
Note, you may enter the code to validate your tour at any time prior to starting. You will be prompted to create an account, which can be used to retrieve your tour at another time or on another device.
About Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and a thriving food and arts community. Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, it offers a mix of urban attractions and natural beauty, making it a unique destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
A must-visit for music lovers, this museum showcases the history and evolution of rock and roll.
Museum
2-3 hours
Moderate ($27 for adults)
Cleveland Museum of Art
One of the top art museums in the U.S., featuring a vast collection of artworks from various periods and regions.
Museum
2-4 hours
Free (special exhibitions may have a fee)
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
A leading zoo with a wide variety of animals and conservation programs.
Nature
3-4 hours
Moderate ($19.99 for adults)
West Side Market
A historic market offering a variety of fresh produce, meats, and specialty foods.
Market
1-2 hours
Free to enter, prices vary
Cleveland Botanical Garden
A beautiful garden showcasing a variety of plant species and seasonal displays.
Nature
1-2 hours
Moderate ($12 for adults)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Polish Boy
A sausage sandwich topped with fries, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce, a local favorite.
Snack
Contains pork and gluten
Pierogi
Stuffed dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, or meat, a staple of Cleveland's Polish community.
Dinner
Vegetarian options available, contains gluten
BBQ Ribs
Slow-cooked ribs with a tangy barbecue sauce, a must-try for meat lovers.
Dinner
Contains pork and gluten
Popular Activities
Hiking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Biking in Cleveland Metroparks
Visiting Cleveland Botanical Garden
Spa day at a local wellness center
Exploring the Cleveland Museum of Art
Attending a performance at Playhouse Square
Kayaking on the Cuyahoga River
Beach day at Lake Erie
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and festivals. The city is lively with events and concerts.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Polish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Cleveland is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in less touristy areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Stay in well-lit and populated areas at night
- • Use reputable taxi services or ridesharing apps
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
Getting there
By air
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown
By train
Cleveland Lakefront Station
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
RTA buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around Cleveland. The system includes local and rapid routes.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown
Ohio City
University Circle
Tremont
Day trips
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
15 miles (24 km) from downtown • Full day
A beautiful national park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
15 miles (24 km) from downtown • Half day
A leading zoo with a wide variety of animals and conservation programs.
Lake Erie Shores & Islands
50 miles (80 km) from downtown • Full day or overnight
A scenic region with beautiful beaches, wineries, and historic sites.
Festivals
Cleveland International Film Festival • March
Cleveland Pride Festival • June
Feast of the Assumption • August
Pro tips
- Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame early to avoid crowds
- Try the Polish Boy at a local BBQ joint for an authentic Cleveland experience
- Explore the West Side Market on a weekend for the full market experience
- Use the RTA Trip Planner app for efficient public transport navigation
- Check for free admission days at the Cleveland Museum of Art
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
