America’s Byway and Lincoln Highway, Stark County, Ohio
A pleasurable day’s worth of opportunities abound to explore culture and history where the America’s Byway meets the Lincoln Highway. History buffs and art aficionados will have an especially enjoyable time — as a memorable drive along two of Stark County’s historic routes brings you to great venues within the Canalway.
Begin your adventure along America’s Byway on Route 21 heading towards Massillon, where it intersects the route of the Lincoln Highway at Lincoln Way (Rte. 172). The Lillian Gish Boulevard SW exit connects you to Lincoln Way and the heart of the downtown Massillon business district. Turn right onto Lincoln Way, but don’t go too far just yet…
The Massillon Museum
Look for the Massillon Museum on your right at 121 Lincoln Way E. Find parking on the nearby streets and prepare to peruse rotating exhibits from the museum’s collection of more than 100,000 artifacts. After visiting the Museum, grab a coffee at the Chit Chat Coffee Shop or cross over 1st Street for a tasty treat at Lieberman’s Bakery. Once you’ve filled up and are ready to go, explore the surrounding neighborhood. Nearby attractions include the Lions Lincoln Theater, the Massillon Public Library, the Ohio Military Museum and a myriad of murals and eclectic shops hidden amongst the downtown buildings.
On the road again — to Spring Hill
Once you’ve taken in the sights downtown, take to the road again and travel east along Lincoln Way until you reach Wales Avenue (Rte. 241). Turn left on Wales and follow the route north until you reach the
Spring Hill Historic Home, located at 1401 Spring Hill Ln. N.E. in Massillon. Enjoy the beauty of the site on the self-guided grounds tour, but don’t plan on visiting the house unless you’ve checked in advance regarding tours.
(June–Aug.: Catch a Guided tour Sun. 1–3 p.m.; $5 Adults/$4 Seniors/Children 5 years and older).
The mostly volunteer staff at Spring Hill would be happy to provide you with tour and special event dates, just call 330.833.6749 or click
here for more information.
Heading to the Exploration Gateway
Upon leaving the Spring Hill Historic Home, return the way you came along Wales to the first traffic light at Hankins Street. Turn left on Hankins and follow the America’s Byway signage east to the Stark County Park District’s Sippo Lake Park, located at 5712 12th St. N.W. Located on the northern shores of Sippo Lake sits the Exploration Gateway and the Congressman Ralph Regula Canalway Center. Inside the Canalway Center explore the history of the Ohio & Erie Canal in Stark County through interactive exhibits focusing on early Ohio, Stark County’s industrial growth and development and the relationship of Stark Parks to the Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway.
Family Tip: This can be an especially fun stop for families as kids can explore the Canalway Center. Canalway Center hours and additional information can be found here.
Wrap up your day overlooking the beautiful 97-acre Sippo Lake with a relaxing stroll on the park’s family-friendly trails, or continue along 12th Street into Canton where nearby attractions include the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, Professional Football Hall of Fame, Canton Museum of Art, First Ladies National Historic Site, Canton Classic Car Museum, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s Lincoln Station and many more local attractions.