City in Lorain County, Ohio, US
Photo: Daderot, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Oberlin is a city in Ohio's Lorain County. The population was 8,200 in 2019. It is known as the home of Oberlin College and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music as well as many innovations in the fields of natural science, filmmaking and music composition.
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Aside from being an excellent liberal arts school, Oberlin offers a unique cultural experience in the middle of rural Ohio. The school is known for its liberal and progressive leanings, and the campus sees its share of drifters moving through, particularly within the Bohemian co-ops on campus. The school is very beautiful in the Spring and Summer. Oberlin College has always taken great pride in its architectural heritage, and visiting the campus is like seeing a slice of New York architecture in Ohio. Beaux-Arts architect Cass Gilbert designed many buildings on campus. World Trade Center architect Minoru Yamasaki designed the Conservatory. The campus features many Gothic and Victorian specimens as well, all well-preserved. Architecture buffs will be pleasantly surprised with Oberlin.
The Conservatory attracts lots of great musicians to the school, which also has a very active cultural life. On any given night, there are usually several attractions or events taking place anywhere in the vicinity.
The AMAM is a world-renowned art museum. As far as college art museums go, it is in the same league as Harvard's or Yale's, and offers an impressive selection unparalleled for Northeast Ohio. The building was designed by Cass Gilbert and the addition by postmodern architect Robert Venturi. Contains more than 12,000 works of art from virtually every culture.
The first Usonian house in Ohio and one of the few in the nation open to the public.
FAVA
An independent, non-profit art organization dedicated to enhancing public appreciation of and participation in the visual arts through exhibitions and related educational and community activities. FAVA presents changing exhibits of high quality artwork in a variety of styles and media.
This historic art deco theater was one of the first to introduce the world to talking pictures back in 1928. But even today, the Apollo attracts more than the college crowd for their low prices, beautiful interior and frequent screenings of cult films.
In addition to over 500 free concerts every year from its world-renowned conservatory, visiting guests have included Stevie Wonder, Yo-Yo Ma, Punch Brothers, Mos Def, Herbie Hancock, and Esperanza Spalding.
Splash Zone is Lorain County's aquatic complex. With indoor and outdoor facilities, Splash Zone is open year round. Slides, tot pools, a fitness room, and handicap accessibility make Splash Zone a fun time for the whole family.
Americana with an emphasis on organic foods. It also serves dinner.
Chinese and Japanese.
Excellent.
Popular local Mexican restaurant. Delicious food, large portions, reasonable prices.
Offers Asian and American ingredients fused with Asian, French, and Italian techniques.
Italian restaurant.
Traditional American cuisine that had received recognition for dining excellence.
Bar and restaurant. A popular local hang out. Occasionally features live music. Plus, where else can you get a side of tater tots with your meal? Lovely bar to sit at and relax.
Oberlin Inn bar
Bar and restaurant. Occasionally features live music.
Enjoy wines and beautiful Ohio countryside on the 75-year-old Matus Farm.
Easily accessible from Interstate 80 (Ohio Turnpike) and State Route 2.
Fantastic art boutiques, clothing shops, restaurants, and specialty shops can all be found in Oberlin's historic downtown district.
Oberlin is on Route 58 (North/South) between Amherst and Wellington as well as on Route 511 (East/West). Within the city limits, R58 is known as Main Street and R511 is known as Lorain St.
Read in the guideDue to its small size (approximately 3 square mi), it is easiest to walk or bike around Oberlin. Navigation is fairly simple as the streets run mostly in a standard grid system.
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Cleveland · International · CLE
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