Northeast Ohio is full of fascinating destinations. From our very familiar Free Stamp in Downtown Cleveland to the rolling hills of Amish Country, this region has much to offer to its residents and visitors alike. Even the most well-traveled of residents may uncover something incredible with each new day, and much of it is rooted in the area’s rich history. Prepare yourself for a trip through time, because we’re about to travel back to the early days of a petite community just outside of Cleveland.
Welcome to Kirtland, a picture-perfect community that’s charming in each and every season.
Ricky C/TripAdvisor
While the community has a milieu that feels like much of Northeast Ohio, it has a history that’s truly unlike any other local city or town.
Ligaya2/TripAdvisor
You see, this Lake County city was the site of the first ever Mormon temple.
CWLee/TripAdvisor During its dedication, many in attendance reported seeing heavenly beings.
In fact, this pretty place served as the headquarters of the Latter Day Saints movement in the 1830s.
Bob836/TripAdvisor Between the years of 1831 and 1838, the founder of Mormonism moved the church headquarters to Kirtland, Ohio. This move was just after the church’s initial founding in 1830.
While members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints built their livelihoods here, they also laid down a foundation of strength and dedication that continued into their future.
BLTurpin/TripAdvisor The entire tour will take you through an ashery, a sawmill, Newel K. Whitney’s store, Newel and Ann Whitney’s home, and the Johnson Inn.
You can tour the site all year round, and there is something to discover in Historic Kirtland in every season.
CWLee/TripAdvisor This city was not settled as early on as surrounding areas due to its clay soil making the land unfavorable to farmers. Despite its late start, an entire complex community sprouted out of its pretty landscape.
Typical tours span from 1.5 to 3 hours…
Angie L/TripAdvisor A few sites are best not accessed in inclement weather, but each tour is endlessly fulfilling and fascinating.
…And you should definitely remember to bring a camera, because some sites are frozen in time.
Ligaya2/TripAdvisor The preservation of this site is incredible, though ownership of the temple area once came into question when the movement initially relocated out west. There’s much to see and do today, and a tour here is truly unforgettable.
You’ll adore visiting the historic temple, which is in a constant state of preservation.
rocknrollnobody/TripAdvisor This site is owned, operated, and maintained by the dedicated Community of Christ. Proceeds from the tour benefit its preservation, and the bulk of your visit could easily be spent within its walls.
There’s a lot of history in this little community, and each tour is fascinating and enlightening.
CWLee/TripAdvisor There are so many destinations throughout Kirtland and the surrounding area that it may take more than one visit to take in the full history. For a full list of destinations to tour, click here.
Are you prepared to visit a community frozen in time?
Bob836/TripAdvisor
This quaint and historic community is close to home, but its hidden history is out of this world.
Angie L/TripAdvisor
Each new day brings a plethora of discoveries to Northeast Ohio’s residents and visitors, and a long and rich past ensures that discovery is an endless commodity. Are you ready to explore local history? This epic destination is an incredible place to start.
Ricky C/TripAdvisor
Ligaya2/TripAdvisor
CWLee/TripAdvisor
During its dedication, many in attendance reported seeing heavenly beings.
Bob836/TripAdvisor
Between the years of 1831 and 1838, the founder of Mormonism moved the church headquarters to Kirtland, Ohio. This move was just after the church’s initial founding in 1830.
BLTurpin/TripAdvisor
The entire tour will take you through an ashery, a sawmill, Newel K. Whitney’s store, Newel and Ann Whitney’s home, and the Johnson Inn.
This city was not settled as early on as surrounding areas due to its clay soil making the land unfavorable to farmers. Despite its late start, an entire complex community sprouted out of its pretty landscape.
Angie L/TripAdvisor
A few sites are best not accessed in inclement weather, but each tour is endlessly fulfilling and fascinating.
The preservation of this site is incredible, though ownership of the temple area once came into question when the movement initially relocated out west. There’s much to see and do today, and a tour here is truly unforgettable.
rocknrollnobody/TripAdvisor
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by the dedicated Community of Christ. Proceeds from the tour benefit its preservation, and the bulk of your visit could easily be spent within its walls.
There are so many destinations throughout Kirtland and the surrounding area that it may take more than one visit to take in the full history. For a full list of destinations to tour, click here.
If you enjoy this destination, you’ll love these charming historic places in Cleveland.
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