Exploring the Unusual Side of Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio, is best known for its rock and roll legacy, world-class museums, and passionate sports culture.
But beyond the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the shores of Lake Erie, the city hides a collection of odd, fascinating, and unexpected experiences.
From eerie statues that seem to weep to a fully frozen lighthouse in winter, Cleveland offers more than the typical tourist stops.
It has a museum dedicated to witchcraft, a Victorian mansion rumored to be haunted, and a home from a beloved holiday film preserved in its full 1980s glory.
There are also lesser-known places—like a historic bank transformed into a grocery store under a stained-glass rotunda or a private garden packed with fiberglass animals in a seemingly ordinary parking lot.
These unusual things to do in Cleveland, Ohio, appeal to travelers looking for something different.
Whether you’re into history or the paranormal or enjoy seeing a city’s bizarre side, Cleveland offers a surprising mix of attractions.
Some are tucked away in historic districts, while others demand a short trek off the beaten path. Either way, each one tells a story—sometimes eerie, sometimes quirky, but always unforgettable.
1. Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick
Why It’s Unusual?
Cleveland is home to one of the strangest museums in the country—the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick.
Unlike typical history museums, this one is dedicated entirely to the occult, showcasing artifacts tied to Wicca, ceremonial magic, and supernatural practices.
Raymond Buckland, a British writer and occultist, founded the museum in 1966 after introducing Wicca to the U.S. His collection traveled for years before finally settling in Cleveland in 2017.
Why It’s Unique?
The museum houses an array of rare objects, including ritual tools, ancient spell books, and a supposed crystal ball once owned by a Salem witch.
Among its most striking pieces is an altar used in Wiccan ceremonies, positioned alongside voodoo dolls and divination instruments.
Few places in the country offer such an extensive look at magical traditions.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
Visitors can take guided tours that delve into the history of witchcraft, exploring both its misunderstood past and modern practices.
Occasional special events feature tarot readings, occult lectures, and interactive demonstrations of ritual magic.
The atmosphere is eerie yet inviting, making it a must-visit for anyone intrigued by the mystical.
2. Haserot Angel at Lake View Cemetery
Why It’s Unusual?
At first glance, the Haserot Angel looks like a typical bronze cemetery statue. But a closer look reveals something unsettling—it appears to be crying.
Over time, oxidation has caused streaks of black to drip from its hollow eyes, giving the illusion of weeping.
This eerie effect has made it one of Cleveland’s most photographed and talked-about monuments.
Why It’s Unique?
The Haserot Angel, officially named “The Angel of Death Victorious,” marks the grave of Francis Haserot, a local businessman who passed away in the early 20th century.
It stands in Lake View Cemetery, a sprawling burial ground filled with ornate mausoleums and historic graves, including President James A. Garfield’s.
Unlike other statues in the cemetery, this one seems alive—watching, mourning, and silently guarding the dead.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
Many visitors report feeling eerie when standing near the statue as if it’s staring back. Some say its tears appear darker on certain days, adding to its ghostly reputation.
Lake View Cemetery offers guided tours that include the angel, giving insight into its history and the urban legends surrounding it.
3. A Christmas Story House and Museum
Why It’s Unusual?
Few movie sets become real-life attractions, but in Cleveland, fans of A Christmas Story can step inside the very house used in the 1983 holiday classic.
Located in the Tremont neighborhood, the house has been fully restored to match the film’s look, complete with 1940s-era furniture, a kitchen stocked with vintage appliances, and, of course—the famous leg lamp glowing in the front window.
Why It’s Unique?
Unlike most movie memorabilia displays, this one is interactive. Guests can walk through the house, pick up props, and even reenact scenes.
Across the street, a museum showcases original costumes, scripts, and behind-the-scenes photos from the film.
The house’s owner, Brian Jones, purchased and restored it in 2004, turning it into a fan destination.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
For die-hard fans, the house offers overnight stays, allowing guests to sleep in Ralphie’s room or spend the night in the cozy 1940s-style living room.
The museum’s gift shop sells everything from Red Ryder BB guns to full-size leg lamps, ensuring visitors leave with a quirky souvenir.
4. Franklin Castle
Why It’s Unusual?
Franklin Castle has been called one of the most haunted buildings in Ohio.
Built in the 1880s by wealthy German immigrant Hannes Tiedemann, the Victorian mansion features hidden rooms, secret passageways, and an unsettling history of mysterious deaths.
Over the years, locals have reported ghost sightings, unexplained noises, and even whispers coming from empty rooms.
Why It’s Unique?
The architecture alone is impressive—stone turrets, arched windows, and intricate woodwork make it a standout among Cleveland’s historic homes.
But what sets it apart is its reputation for paranormal activity. Stories of crying babies, shadowy figures, and cold spots in hallways have turned it into a hotspot for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
While the castle remains privately owned, occasional public tours offer a rare chance to explore its haunted halls.
Some visitors claim to have recorded strange voices on their phones, while others report seeing objects move on their own.
Whether haunted or not, Franklin Castle’s eerie charm makes it one of Cleveland’s most mysterious landmarks.
5. Dittrick Medical History Center
Why It’s Unusual?
Medical museums tend to be filled with dry facts and old textbooks, but the Dittrick Medical History Center takes a different approach.
Located at Case Western Reserve University, this museum features a collection of antique medical instruments, bizarre surgical tools, and one of the largest exhibits on the history of contraception in the U.S.
Why It’s Unique?
The museum’s collection includes 19th-century amputation kits, early X-ray machines, and even Civil War-era prosthetic limbs. Its most talked-about exhibit, however, is the evolution of birth control.
From ancient contraceptive methods to early versions of the IUD, it’s a fascinating (and sometimes shocking) look at the history of reproductive health.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
Visitors can get a close-up look at outdated medical procedures that once seemed cutting-edge.
Guided tours offer deeper insights into the tools and techniques used in different eras while rotating exhibits highlight unusual and sometimes unsettling aspects of medical history.
The museum is a hidden gem for those who enjoy history with a touch of the bizarre.
6. SuperElectric Pinball Parlor
Why It’s Unusual?
In an era dominated by high-tech gaming consoles, a pinball arcade might seem like a relic from the past.
But at Superelectric Pinball Parlor, located in Cleveland’s Gordon Square Arts District, vintage pinball machines get a second life.
The place is packed with flashing lights, retro sounds, and mechanical games that have been carefully restored to their former glory.
Why It’s Unique?
Unlike modern arcades filled with digital screens, Super Electric keeps things old-school.
It features machines from the 1960s through the 1990s, showcasing everything from classic carnival-style pinball to themed machines based on pop culture icons.
The owners, a group of pinball enthusiasts, take pride in maintaining and repairing each machine by hand.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
Visitors can play rare and vintage pinball machines that are no longer in production. Tournaments are held regularly, drawing both casual players and competitive pinball wizards.
The arcade also doubles as an art space, featuring pinball-inspired artwork and occasional live music events.
7. Cleveland Trust Rotunda Building
Why It’s Unusual?
Most grocery stores don’t belong in historic bank buildings, but Heinen’s Downtown Cleveland supermarket is an exception.
Located inside the old Cleveland Trust Company building, this upscale grocery store sits beneath a massive stained-glass rotunda, surrounded by marble columns and century-old murals.
Why It’s Unique?
Built in 1905, the Cleveland Trust Rotunda was once the centerpiece of the city’s financial district. After decades of use, the bank closed in 1996, and the building sat vacant for years.
Heinen’s, a family-owned grocery chain founded in 1929, took on the challenge of preserving the landmark while repurposing it into a functioning supermarket.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
Shoppers can browse fresh produce and gourmet foods while admiring the grandeur of a historic financial institution.
The second-floor balcony, which once housed offices for bank executives, now serves as a wine and beer-tasting area.
It’s one of the few places where you can sip a glass of wine while gazing up at an elaborate stained-glass dome.
8. Stebbins Gulch at Holden Arboretum
Why It’s Unusual?
Stebbins Gulch isn’t an ordinary hiking trail. Located within the Holden Arboretum, this secluded ravine features waterfalls, towering cliffs, and layers of exposed rock dating back millions of years.
Because of its delicate ecosystem, access is restricted—visitors must join a guided hike to explore the area.
Why It’s Unique?
Unlike other trails in the arboretum, Stebbins Gulch has been left mostly untouched.
The landscape resembles something out of prehistoric times, with moss-covered rocks, trickling streams, and deep gorges.
Some of the rock formations reveal ancient fossils, offering a glimpse into Ohio’s distant past.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
Hikers can trek through the ravine with a naturalist guide who explains the area’s geological and ecological history.
Depending on the season, visitors might see frozen waterfalls in winter or vibrant wildflowers in spring. The terrain can be rugged, but the sense of isolation makes it feel like stepping into another world.
9. Judy’s Jungle
Why It’s Unusual?
From the outside, Judy’s Jungle looks like an ordinary roadside business in Mentor, Ohio.
But step into the parking lot, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a strange collection of fiberglass animals, cartoonish statues, and oversized lawn decorations.
The quirky display has been growing for years, with new additions appearing seemingly at random.
Why It’s Unique?
Unlike traditional roadside attractions, Judy’s Jungle isn’t a theme park or museum—it’s simply the passion project of a local business owner.
Some statues are repurposed from old amusement parks, while others are handmade or salvaged from closing businesses.
There’s no formal admission, no signs explaining the displays—just a whimsical outdoor gallery that continues to evolve.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
Visitors can walk among the towering fiberglass animals and take photos with bizarre statues ranging from dinosaurs to giant hot dogs.
The collection’s unpredictability makes each visit different, as new pieces appear over time. It’s a fun, offbeat stop for those who appreciate roadside oddities.
10. Frozen Cleveland Lighthouse
Why It’s Unusual?
During the harshest winter months, the West Pierhead Lighthouse on Lake Erie transforms into an unrecognizable, ice-covered sculpture.
Powerful winds and freezing lake spray coat the entire structure in thick layers of ice, turning it into a frozen tower that looks straight out of an Arctic expedition.
Why It’s Unique?
The lighthouse, built in 1911, still functions as a navigation aid, but during extreme cold spells, it becomes completely encased in ice.
Photographs of its frozen state have gone viral over the years, drawing attention to the brutal yet beautiful effects of Cleveland’s winters.
The combination of high winds, subzero temperatures, and lake-effect snow creates surreal ice formations that vary each year.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Obtained?
While visitors can’t walk up to the lighthouse in winter due to unsafe conditions, it’s visible from various points along the Cleveland waterfront.
Photographers and sightseers gather to capture its ghostly, ice-covered form against the gray skies of Lake Erie.
The best views are often from Wendy Park or the East 9th Street Pier, where the icy structure can be admired from a safe distance.
