Kent State, Akron, Youngstown State and Cleveland State in 3 Days: A Northeast Ohio Trip
A parent-first plan for seeing Kent State, the University of Akron, Youngstown State and Cleveland State from one hotel in downtown Kent: official tour sign-ups, visitor parking at every campus, meals between tours, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and two free-or-easy art museums for siblings, and Northeast Ohio weather by season.
Last checked Oct 27, 2026. Every fact comes from the pages listed in Sources at the bottom. Some hotel and tour links are affiliate links (disclosure).
Check before you go. Tour times, sign-up rules, parking and seasonal closures change often, sometimes weekly. Every campus section below links to that school's official visit page and shows when we last checked it. Confirm there before you book or drive. College Visit Guides is not affiliated with or endorsed by any college or university. Names are used only to identify them.
The short version
Trip at a glance
Schools
Kent State University (Kent Campus) · The University of Akron · Youngstown State University · Cleveland State University (downtown Cleveland)
Days
3: Kent State and Akron on day 1, Youngstown State on day 2, then Cleveland State on day 3 on the way to the airport. Arrive the day before.
Fly into
Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE), about 58 minutes and 42 miles from the hotel by car with no traffic. Akron-Canton (CAK) is closer, about 34 minutes away.
Best base
Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center in downtown Kent, which Kent State itself points visitors to: about a 17-minute walk or 2-minute drive to campus.
Car or transit
You'll need a car. Akron is about 21 minutes from the hotel, Youngstown about 53 minutes and Cleveland State about 55 minutes with no traffic.
Registration
All four schools have online sign-ups, and Youngstown State requires a reservation in advance. Cleveland State's weekday tours have limited space.
1. Who this guide is for
This plan is for parents with a high schooler, and maybe younger siblings, who want to see four Division I universities in Northeast Ohio in one trip: Kent State and Akron in the Mid-American Conference, and Youngstown State and Cleveland State in the Horizon League.
Instead of changing hotels, you sleep in downtown Kent every night, a short walk from Kent State and a short drive from Akron, with Youngstown and Cleveland each an easy day trip.
Why this order
Day 1: Kent State's visit is a 30-minute admissions presentation and a 90-minute student-led walking tour. Akron is about 22 minutes away, with the same 30-minute session and 90-minute tour format.
Day 2: Youngstown State's visit combines a 30-minute admissions information session, a 60-minute guided walking tour and an optional 30-minute residence hall tour, and the Butler Institute of American Art is next to campus.
Day 3: stop at Cuyahoga Valley National Park on the way north, then tour Cleveland State's 85-acre downtown campus. Cleveland Hopkins is about 21 minutes from campus.
Each campus parks you somewhere different
Kent State: use the visitor lot in front of the Kent Student Center on Summit Street, which tops out at $7.50 per visit and is free after 6 p.m. Fridays and on weekends.
Akron: your visit confirmation email includes directions and parking details, so check it before you drive over.
Youngstown State: the M-30 deck is on Wick Avenue. For a parking reservation, contact Parking Services at 330-941-3546 or parking@ysu.edu.
Cleveland State: Undergraduate Admissions gives visit guests their parking details. Visitor lots include the Student Center lot (Lot 22, 2121 Euclid Ave.).
Tour availability varies by season.
Winters are snowy: January averages about 36°F highs and 20°F lows at Akron-Canton Regional Airport, with about 13 inches of snow, and February adds about 12 more. Leave extra time for the Youngstown and Cleveland drives.
June is the wettest month, with about 4.4 inches of rain, so pack an umbrella for summer tours.
Kent State offers eligible high school seniors a $1,000 scholarship ($250 a year) for completing an official Kent Campus visit, such as a campus tour, by Nov. 30, 2026.
Major roadwork on East Main Street runs through the Kent Campus, with project updates posted through 2028, so watch for detours.
2. The suggested 3-day plan
Drive and walk times are no-traffic estimates from OpenStreetMap routing, using addresses geocoded with OpenStreetMap Nominatim. Cleveland traffic backs up at rush hour, so leave extra time on day 3.
Kent State's visitor page lists airport shuttle information for both Cleveland Hopkins and Akron-Canton if you'd rather not drive from the airport.
Arrival day: fly into Cleveland and check in in downtown Kent
Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) → Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center (215 S. Depeyster St., Kent)
Driving (no traffic)
~58 min, 41.6 mi (no-traffic estimate)
Driving
Drive
Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) → hotel, if you fly in there instead
Driving (no traffic)
~36 min, 24.4 mi (no-traffic estimate)
Driving
Drive
If you arrive early, explore downtown Kent around the hotel: the downtown map lists locally owned cafés, KSU spirit stores and dozens of eateries.
Day 1: Kent State, then the University of Akron
Hotel → Kent State campus (Schwartz Center, 800 E. Summit St.)
Driving (no traffic)
~2 min, 0.8 mi
Driving
~17 min walk, 0.8 mi
Kent State → University of Akron (Simmons Hall, E. Buchtel Ave.)
Driving (no traffic)
~22 min, 13.6 mi (no-traffic estimate)
Driving
Drive
Akron → hotel
Driving (no traffic)
~22 min, 13.5 mi (no-traffic estimate)
Driving
Drive
Book Kent State's campus tour on its sign-up page: a 30-minute admissions presentation, then a 90-minute student-led walking tour of academic buildings, model residence hall rooms and the Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Book Akron's daily visit separately: a 30-minute information session with an admissions counselor, then a 90-minute student tour of the Student Union, Student Recreation and Wellness Center, a residence hall, classroom buildings and the Library.
Kent State has 21 on-campus dining locations, including a food truck, if you want lunch on campus between the two visits.
Day 2: Youngstown State and the Butler Institute
Hotel → Youngstown State University (Sweeney Hall, Undergraduate Admissions)
Driving (no traffic)
~53 min, 42.0 mi (no-traffic estimate)
Driving
Drive
Youngstown State → Butler Institute of American Art (524 Wick Ave.)
Driving (no traffic)
Walk
Driving
~3 min walk, 0.1 mi
Youngstown → hotel
Driving (no traffic)
~53 min, 41.6 mi (no-traffic estimate)
Driving
Drive
Youngstown State requires a reservation in advance. The visit is a 30-minute admissions information session and a 60-minute guided walking tour, with an optional 30-minute residence hall tour.
If your student wants to meet faculty or other campus representatives, tell Youngstown State in advance and they'll try to arrange it.
The Butler Institute of American Art, founded in 1919, is next to campus and is closed Mondays, so plan this day for Tuesday through Saturday.
Day 3: Cuyahoga Valley, Cleveland State, then fly home
Hotel → Boston Mill Visitor Center, Cuyahoga Valley National Park (6947 Riverview Rd., Peninsula)
Driving (no traffic)
~31 min, 15.6 mi (no-traffic estimate)
Driving
Drive
Boston Mill → Cleveland State University (2398 Euclid Ave.)
Driving (no traffic)
~34 min, 21.7 mi (no-traffic estimate)
Driving
Drive
Cleveland State → Cleveland Museum of Art (11150 East Blvd.), optional
Driving (no traffic)
~11 min, 4.1 mi (no-traffic estimate)
Driving
Drive
Cleveland Museum of Art → Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE)
Driving (no traffic)
~29 min, 18.0 mi (no-traffic estimate)
Driving
Drive
Cuyahoga Valley charges no entrance fee. The Boston Mill Visitor Center, a rehabilitated 1905 general store, has exhibits, maps and passport stamps.
Cleveland State's visit begins in the Welcome Center with a short admissions presentation and a walking tour with a current student. Tours run Monday through Friday; register ahead because space is limited.
Skipping the museum? Cleveland State is about 21 minutes from Cleveland Hopkins with no traffic.
The campus tour is a 30-minute admissions presentation followed by a 90-minute student-led walking tour featuring academic buildings, model residence hall rooms and the Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Kent State also runs Preview KSU and open houses. Eligible high school seniors who complete an official Kent Campus visit by Nov. 30, 2026, can earn a $1,000 visit scholarship ($250 a year).
Visitor parking
Visitor parking is in the Kent Student Center visitor lot on Summit Street, at a maximum of $7.50 per visit. It's free after 6 p.m. Fridays and on weekends, and the lot is closed 3 to 5 a.m. on weekdays.
Meters and one-day permits from Parking Services are other options. Parking Services: 330-672-4432.
Getting there
About a 17-minute walk or 2-minute drive from the hotel. Expect East Main Street roadwork through campus.
What to know
Ask your guide to point out the Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center, then grab lunch at one of 21 campus dining spots, including the food truck.
Contact
Kent State Admissions, 400 Janik Drive, Suite 260, Kent, OH 44242; 1-800-988-KENT; admissions@kent.edu.
Last checked Oct 27, 2026. Tour and admissions details change often, so confirm them on the school's official visit page before you go.
The daily visit starts with a 30-minute information session with an admissions counselor on applying, campus life, scholarships and financial aid, then a 90-minute tour with a current student.
Zips Visit Days are open houses with an admissions session, campus tour, a majors and campus life fair, a residence hall open house and lunch on campus.
Visitor parking
After you register, Akron emails a confirmation with your visit details, including directions and parking.
Getting there
About 21 minutes from the hotel and 22 minutes from Kent State with no traffic.
What to know
The student tour stops at the Student Union, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, a residence hall, classroom buildings and the Library.
Contact
University of Akron Admissions, Simmons Hall, E. Buchtel Ave., Akron, OH 44325; 330-972-7100 or 1-800-655-4884; admissions@uakron.edu.
Last checked Oct 27, 2026. Tour and admissions details change often, so confirm them on the school's official visit page before you go.
You must reserve in advance. The visit includes a 30-minute admissions information session, a 60-minute guided walking tour and an optional 30-minute residence hall tour.
Want to meet faculty or other campus representatives? Let Admissions know in advance and they'll do their best to arrange it.
Visitor parking
For a parking reservation, contact Parking Services at 330-941-3546 or parking@ysu.edu. The M-30 deck is on Wick Avenue.
Getting there
About 53 minutes from the hotel with no traffic. Campus is at 1 Tressel Way, about an hour from both Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
What to know
The Butler Institute of American Art, with more than 22,000 works of American art, is about a 3-minute walk from Admissions.
Contact
Youngstown State Admissions, Sweeney Hall; tours: 330-941-2000.
Last checked Oct 27, 2026. Tour and admissions details change often, so confirm them on the school's official visit page before you go.
Your visit begins in the Welcome Center with a short admissions presentation and a walking tour with a current student. Weekday tours have limited space, so register ahead.
Tours start at the Welcome Center, 2398 Euclid Ave., Euclid Commons 103. Cleveland State also offers arts tours and counselor appointments.
Visitor parking
Undergraduate Admissions gives visit guests their parking details. Visitor lots include the Student Center lot (Lot 22, 2121 Euclid Ave.). Parking Services: 216-687-2023.
Getting there
About 55 minutes from the hotel and 21 minutes from Cleveland Hopkins with no traffic.
What to know
The Cleveland Museum of Art is about 10 minutes away by car, and general admission is always free.
Contact
Cleveland State Undergraduate Admissions, 2398 Euclid Ave., Euclid Commons 100; 216-523-7416 or 888-CSUOHIO; admissions@csuohio.edu.
Last checked Oct 27, 2026. Tour and admissions details change often, so confirm them on the school's official visit page before you go.
4. Where to stay: one base in downtown Kent, next to Kent State
Expedia hotel links are affiliate links: if you book through one, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Price tiers (Budget, Mid-range, Upscale) follow each hotel's star class on Expedia. Rates vary by date, so check your dates on Expedia.
Hotel · Our pickMid-range
Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center
215 S. Depeyster St., Kent, OH
Why here
Kent State's own visitor pages point families here. It's in downtown Kent, about a 17-minute walk from campus, 21 minutes from Akron and 53 minutes from Youngstown State with no traffic.
The Nineteen10 Restaurant is on site, and downtown Kent's cafés and eateries are steps away.
Good to know
Expedia lists this hotel as a 3.5-star property, so we place it in the Mid-range tier. Rates vary by date, so check your dates on Expedia.
The hotel is undergoing a property-wide renovation from October 2026 through spring 2027 and says it remains fully open throughout.
Amenities, parking fees and room types change, so confirm them on the Expedia listing before you book.
Expedia lists this hotel as a 4.5-star property, so we place it in the Upscale tier. Rates vary by date, so check your dates on Expedia.
It's in downtown Cleveland, about a 17-minute walk from Cleveland State's Welcome Center and about 20 minutes from Cleveland Hopkins, but about 56 minutes from Kent, so it suits a last night before flying out.
Good to know
Amenities, parking fees and room types change, so confirm them on the Expedia listing before you book.
One hotel in Kent for every night means no repacking: Kent State is walkable, Akron is a short drive, and Youngstown and Cleveland are each under an hour. Save Cleveland State for last since it's closest to the airport.
5. Meals between tours
Hours change, so check before you go.
Kent State
Eat
Kent State campus dining
Kent Campus, Kent, OH
Kent State has 21 on-campus dining locations, including a food truck, and accommodates a variety of dietary needs.
Boston Mill Visitor Center, Cuyahoga Valley National Park
6947 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH
No entrance fee or passes required. The visitor center, a rehabilitated 1905 Cleveland-Akron Bag Company general store, has exhibits, maps, passport stamps and a park store.
At Kent State, park in the Student Center visitor lot on Summit Street (maximum $7.50 per visit, free after 6 p.m. Fridays and on weekends).
At Akron, follow the directions and parking details in your visit confirmation email.
At Youngstown State, contact Parking Services (330-941-3546) for a parking reservation.
At Cleveland State, use the parking details Admissions gives you, or a visitor lot such as the Student Center lot.
Flying in and out
Cleveland Hopkins (CLE) is about 58 minutes from the hotel and about 21 minutes from Cleveland State with no traffic.
Akron-Canton (CAK) is about 34 minutes from the hotel if you'd rather fly in and out there.
Youngstown State to Cleveland Hopkins is about 1 hour 32 minutes with no traffic.
Weather by season (1991–2020 NOAA normals: Akron-Canton Regional Airport)
Spring: April averages about 62°F highs and 40°F lows, with about 3.9 inches of rain.
Summer: July averages about 84°F highs and 63°F lows; June is the wettest month, with about 4.4 inches of rain.
Fall: October averages about 63°F highs and 44°F lows; November highs drop to about 51°F.
Winter: January averages about 36°F highs and 20°F lows, with about 13 inches of snow; February averages about 12 inches.
Parent checklist
Register for all four visits online: Kent State, Akron, Youngstown State (reservation required) and Cleveland State (limited space).
Book the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center for every night and rent a car at the airport.
Save your Akron and Cleveland State confirmation emails for directions and parking details.
Seniors: ask about Kent State's $1,000 visit scholarship for visits completed by Nov. 30, 2026.
After each visit, take five minutes to jot down what stood out to your student.
8. Student-athlete recruiting visits
For families whose student hopes to play a college sport. Rules below are the NCAA's; each school's links were checked Oct 26, 2026.
Coaches arrange the recruiting part of a visit, not the admissions office. The tour sign-ups in this guide are for the regular family visit. An official (school-paid) visit is offered by the school, and contact with coaches follows NCAA rules that vary by division, sport and grade level.
Start with your sport's questionnaire, then email the coaches. The NCAA suggests emailing coaches with your achievements, highlight videos and interest in their program, including your name, position, NCAA ID and graduation year.
Unofficial visit: any campus visit you or your family pay for. You can take as many as you like; in Divisions I and II each one has to come after the first permissible date for your sport.
Official visit: a visit paid for by the school. Each school can offer your student only one. Before a Division I official visit, your student must be registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center, be on the school's institutional request list, and the school must have their high school transcripts.
Division I (Kent State University, The University of Akron, Youngstown State University and Cleveland State University): on an official visit the school can pay for travel for the student and up to two family members, lodging, up to three meals a day for the student and up to four family members, and up to $60 a person in entertainment, including five home-game tickets. On an unofficial visit there are no free meals, but the school can give up to three home-game tickets. Division I uses recruiting calendars with contact, evaluation, quiet and dead periods; in a dead period, no in-person contact and no visits.
Rules change. Confirm with the coach, or check the NCAA's recruiting page and recruiting calendars, before you plan dates.
Planning around the season
Check each school's athletics schedule (linked above) before you pick dates, so a coach meeting doesn't land on a road trip or game day for your sport.
Our recommendation, not a school rule: ask the coach whether they can line up an admissions session or tour around your meeting. If not, book the regular family tour yourself through the official sign-up links in this guide, and leave time between the two.
Add your dates and how you're getting there, and we'll pull this guide into one plan: tour sign-up links, the hotel base, parking or airport notes, the route and meals.
Coming soon
Planning more college trips?
Visit-season reminders and new trip guides from College Visit Guides. Newsletter coming soon.
Sources
All checked Oct 27, 2026. Tour schedules change constantly, so always confirm on each school's official sign-up page. Photo credits are under each photo and on our About page.
Expedia listing: Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center (star class, checked 2026-10-27) (not linked: https://www.expedia.com/Akron-Hotels-Kent-State-University-Hotel-And-Conference-Center.h6369156.Hotel-Information)
Expedia listing: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kent - University Area (star class, checked 2026-10-27) (not linked: https://www.expedia.com/Akron-Hotels-Holiday-Inn-Express-Hotel-Suites-Kent-State-University.h1273395.Hotel-Information)
