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Visiting Oberlin

Oberlin is a great place to visit! Sometimes known as the "most cosmopolitan small town in America," Oberlin offers small-town feel combined with a variety of events that one would expect to find only in a much larger city. With a permanent population of about 5,000, Oberlin has two nationally-accredited museums, the Oberlin Heritage Center and the Allen Memorial Art Museum. Oberlin has a rich history, including an important role in the Underground Railroad, educational integration, women's education, the temperance and missionary movements, and scientific invention.

In addition to the Oberlin Heritage Center's history tours, Oberlin also has a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. During any given weekend, there may be indoor or outdoor concerts, dance recitals, theatrical productions, operas, scholarly presentations, and special visual art exhibits--many of which have free admission, to boot! Maybe you'll also want to catch a movie at the Apollo, the local one-screen movie theatre that's been operating in Oberlin since the 1910s, and which introduced the "talkies" to Oberlin in 1928. (Showings cost a whopping $3 every day except Tuesday and Thursday, when admission is $2. That's hard to beat!)

Oberlin also has a vibrant, if small, downtown filled with unique shops and locally-owned restaurants. If you're in the market for a special gift, art supplies (including specialty beads, yarn, brushes, looms, etc.) or finished art, new or used books, handmade pet treats, jewelry, Oberlin (town or college)-themed gifts, and more, check out some of our downtown shops.

After a full day sightseeing in Oberlin, you'll be hungry and tired, of course, and fortunately, we've got you covered there, as well. Stop in one of our restaurants for a cup of coffee, a fresh locally-made pastry, a sandwich, or a full course meal--formal or otherwise! Whatever your taste, we have something to please. Then stay the night in one of our local bed & breakfasts or the local hotel and wake up refreshed and ready for another day of sightseeing or your return trip home.

We hope you'll decide to visit Oberlin soon! If you have further questions, feel free to contact us--we want your visit to Oberlin to be memorable and enjoyable!