Hower House Museum — Attraction in Akron

Truly a delightful experience finally visiting the Hower house. As someone who feels at peace in old buildings from a time when we cared about craftsmanship, this has no shortage of minutia and character to discover. The staff was wonderful and knowledgeable and full of insight on other historic places to visit in the name of keeping history alive. Unlike a lot of places that have been over restored this maintains many elements akin to its age. The money for tours and purchases made in the unexpectedly large basement boutique go towards keeping Hower House around for future generations to discover. As a huge proponent of backyard tourism I can’t sing the praises highly enough for the fact of admiring what actual skills used to accomplish by hand all over the house.

But also,if you’re like me and enjoy searching for paranormal experiences this is not the place for you according to the guides. Although I still keep an open mind here,you don’t reach that level of success and wealth without hiding a few proverbial skeletons in your closet,I recommend tampering your expectations about spectral guests...

Wish I could give zero stars. Self-guided is not truly that; the "monitors" literally follow right behind you, because according to one of them, they have to "keep an eye on people." Almost thirty dollars to be treated poorly, followed around like thieves and to be yelled at by a "monitor" when we refused to listen to their guided tour even though we paid for a self guided one. Rich was apologetic and the only reason we stayed; he should interact with the public and not these monitors. We have taken self guided tours at much more ornate homes and have never been followed from room to room. The director excused the monitors behavior by saying some have more experience than others. Kindness and respect for paying customers doesn't require any experience! Wish I could get my time and money back which could help erase the memory of a particularly horrible visit. After many years of visits, we will...

This is a fantastic gem in Akron! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the Hower Family's contributions to Akron history. I found it interesting that the museum is furnished with items that actually belonged to the family. Last but not least the gift shop, Cellar Door Boutique, is full of all kinds of treasures and unique gifts that are extremely affordable! (And an added perk is students, faculty, and staff at the University of Akron get a discount by showing their ZipID!) I'm so excited to visit after they reopen...