Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens | A Midwest Treasure

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is a hidden gem tucked away in the Midwest. Located in Ohio, the estate is the 6th largest historic home in the nation open to the public. A trip to the manor is an extraordinary experience in extravagance, architectural achievement, and a journey into America’s past. It is one of many pleasant surprises on our trip to Akron we felt compelled to share with our readers and here’s why.

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A Testament to the Land of Opportunity

The Industrial boom in America brought about a new era of prosperity, affluence and hope. Optimism swirled around the idea that humble beginnings could be transformed into a bigger and better life with hard work and sacrifice.

The American Dream: “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” ~ James Truslow Adams

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F.A. Seiberling capitalized on the opportunity of the great American dream by starting a new business. He partnered with his brother in 1898 to open The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Akron. It began as a bicycle and carriage tire manufacturer which eventually shifted to automobile tires. By 1916, the brothers would be founders of the largest tire company in the world. Unfortunately, only a few years later, Seiberling had to step down to save the company. He took a short break before opening Seiberling Rubber Company. Again, he landed on his feet as the company eventually became the 7th largest tire manufacturer in the world.

DID YOU KNOW THERE’S A NATIONAL PARK NEAR AKRON, OHIO?

Akron, Ohio

The Construction of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

At the peak of his success, Seiberling joined in the opulent trend of building an American Country Estate for his large family. The Manor House is 64,500 square feet and has 65 rooms with state of the art features such as a central vacuum system, an intercommunication telephone system and an indoor pool. These features were unheard of in 1915, the year the house was completed. It has 18 bedrooms, 25 bathrooms, 23 fireplaces and 12 chimneys!

Akron, Ohio

The name Stan Hywet is Old English for stone quarry which is the most noticeable natural feature on the property. The grounds are absolutely stunning with an enormous front lawn, formal terraces and various gardens throughout the property.

Tip: Don’t forget to stop by the Gate Lodge at the entrance of the estate. It is considered the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous and is opened to the public.

Akron, Ohio

Akron, Ohio

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Tour

It is unusual for historic homes to still exist in America especially as well-preserved as Stan Hywet. Most estates of this stature were torn down or left abandoned like the Dungeness Mansion on Cumberland Island we found in Georgia. Luckily, when Seiberling passed away, the residents of Akron stepped in to take it over as a non-profit museum. Thanks to them, the public can enjoy a little piece of history on the Stan Hywet Mansion and gardens tour.

Akron, Ohio

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Not For Us Alone

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens has been voted #1 Best Historic Home Tour by USA Today. It is open to visitors daily with the option of a guided or self guided tour of the first and second floors of the home.

Tip: Stop by during the winter holidays for Deck the Hall. The estate not only has Christmas decorations and Santa visits, but is lit up with 800,000 lights!

We chose to walk around on our own and started with the Manor House. We were happy to find staff placed in different spots to answer any questions we had. They helped make the house come alive with family stories, architectural details that we may have missed and specifics on how the home eventually became the museum it is today.

10 REASONS TO ADD CLEVELAND TO YOUR ITINERARY

Akron, Ohio
Grand parties were given in the Music Room
Why not have a little fountain inside the house?
Why not have a little fountain inside the house?
Akron, Ohio
Bringing the outside indoors in the West Porch
Library, one of my favorite rooms
Library, one of my favorite rooms
Dinner party galore!
Dinner party galore!
Akron, Ohio
21,455 panes of glass in the home
Akron, Ohio
Seiberling’s Office, where the magic happened
Akron, Ohio
I wish my closet could fit two chairs!
Akron, Ohio
Is that a towel warmer?
Akron, Ohio
The oh so Grand Hall

Wait until you see the gardens on the property! We spent hours wandering around the grounds. Some of the highlights include the enclosed English Garden, tranquil Japanese Garden, and the tea houses overlooking the lagoon area.

We couldn’t have asked for a better day. The sun was kissing the tips of the wildflowers and the leaves were starting to fall as we walked through Birch Tree Allee.

Scroll to the bottom for more tips and details for your visit!

Akron, Ohio

Akron, Ohio

Akron, Ohio

Akron, Ohio

Know Before You Go

  • 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, Ohio
  • Estate Hours: April – November, Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm
  • With Special Hours in December
  • Various Guided and Self-Guided Tours to Choose from
  • Children 5 and Under are Free 
  • Stan Hywet Children’s Garden – The Playgarden offers hours of fun for the little ones. 
  • Discounts: Military 50% off daily, Senior 50% off Tuesdays only, College Students Youth Pricing daily, AAA $1 off daily
  • Molly’s Shop & Café offers food options, open 10 am – 5 pm or picnic tables are available to bring your own lunch in.
  • Check out the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Events Page to plan accordingly. The Deck the Hall Christmas Display is one of their most popular events with over a million dazzling lights and themed rooms throughout the mansion.

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Have you visited any National Historic homes? If so, which ones? Tell us in the comments below!

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Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

Follow Angela:

Angela E. is a travel writer from the Chicagoland area who has visited all 50 states in the US and has traveled extensively around the world. She is passionate about exploring the great outdoors and hiking in particular. Her love for nature has taken her to some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. She has written extensively about her travels on her own website, Dang Travelers, and has been published in collaboration with other travel websites and multiple visitor bureaus around the country.

22 Responses

  1. Chris Travels

    I have been to the Hearst Mansion in California, one of the Vanderbilt mansions located in New York on the Hudson river, the Pabst Mansion in Milwaukee, and a host of less famous smaller ones over the years. I now would love to see the spectacular one in Akron which I had not heard of! The grounds and interior rooms look totally amazing…what would I do without Dang Travelers inspiring me to further travels? 🙂

    • Dang Travelers

      Aw, love this! So happy we’ve inspired you in some way in your travels! If we hadn’t visited a friend in the area, we wouldn’t have known about it either. We were surprised we had never heard about it since it’s only 5 1/2 hours from us in Chicago.

  2. Corinne

    I haven’t done much traveling around Ohio, but I haven’t ever heard of this place. It looks like a great place to wander around.

  3. Brianna

    This looks like a really fun place to explore and photograph! And it’s not too far away from me. I think I smell a roadtrip coming on….

  4. Lisa

    It really is a nice place to visit. Lot of history and beautiful gardens. They have fun activities all year especially their annual car show. Your pictures are great..glad you enjoyed it too!

    • Dang Travelers

      Hadn’t heard of the car show, but we are contemplating making a trip for their Christmas, Deck the Hall celebration. Good to know, thanks!

  5. Nicola Hilditch-Short

    Wow, this does not look like it is in the US at all, I would expect this back home in good ol’e England!! But what interesting history, I love American history and learning all about those who came over.

  6. Carol Colborn

    Have been to Hearst and Biltmore. Looks like this belongs to such great estates/mansions of the US.

  7. Nancy

    You know what I think of when I see a post like this? Is that there are so many historical interesting places in the U.S. that we miss because we feel Europe is so much more interesting. Not so after reading this! We are planning a complete U.S. tour the end of next year and I think we will add Akron, Ohio onto our itinerary.

    • Dang Travelers

      That is so true! We seem to lean more towards Europe as far as excitement goes because it is so different, but the US has so much to offer!

  8. Sarah Stierch

    Wow, spectacular! I’m from Indiana and always loved an excuse to visit a historic home, and I am disappointed I haven’t been to this one. The pool is amazing. Thanks for sharing and putting this on my radar.

  9. Vyjay

    It is really fascinating to read about the man who gave birth to not one but 2 top tyre companies. The manor is really astounding and a tribute to the great times when it came into existence. It still retains its old world charm and elegance.

    • Dang Travelers

      Indeed Vvjay! Most of their belongings, furniture and art were donated to the museum so it definitely still has that old world charm feeling.

  10. Helena

    I love old historic homes like this but there aren’t many like this in Australia. Great details and shots!

  11. Castaway with Crystal

    I REALLY love gardens and this one especially looks beautiful! Looks like a lovely day 🙂 🙂

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