Dr Bob's Home Akron
Historic home of AA co-founder Dr. Bob Smith, a pilgrimage site for recovery and a testament to the fellowship's enduring legacy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Dr Bob's Home Akron
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic home of AA co-founder Dr. Bob Smith, a pilgrimage site for recovery and a testament to the fellowship's enduring legacy.
"If you're 'one of us,' you owe it to yourself to come to Akron."
🙏 Be Open to the Experience
This is a place of deep personal meaning for many. Embrace the history and shared stories.
🚶♀️ Walk the 12 Steps
Take time to reflect on the symbolic steps leading to the house. A powerful moment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Home
855 Ardmore Ave, Akron, OH 44302
Step into the actual house where Dr. Bob Smith lived and AA found its footing. A truly moving experience for many.
Volunteer-Led Tours
Inside Dr. Bob's Home
Gain deep insights into AA history and personal recovery stories from passionate volunteers.
The 12 Steps Leading to the Porch
Exterior path to the house
Symbolic steps representing the core principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, offering a moment of reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Significance
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🙏 Be Open to the Experience
This is a place of deep personal meaning for many. Embrace the history and shared stories.
🚶♀️ Walk the 12 Steps
Take time to reflect on the symbolic steps leading to the house. A powerful moment.
Dr. Bob’s House. Akron, OH.
Home of the First AA Meeting. Akron, OH
🛍️ Visit the Gift Shop
Find unique souvenirs and literature related to AA history. Highly recommended!
🗣️ Engage with Volunteers
The volunteers' experience, strength, and hope make the visit truly memorable.
Tips
from all over the internet
🙏 Be Open to the Experience
This is a place of deep personal meaning for many. Embrace the history and shared stories.
🚶♀️ Walk the 12 Steps
Take time to reflect on the symbolic steps leading to the house. A powerful moment.
🛍️ Visit the Gift Shop
Find unique souvenirs and literature related to AA history. Highly recommended!
🗣️ Engage with Volunteers
The volunteers' experience, strength, and hope make the visit truly memorable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dr. Bob's Home as a deeply meaningful and moving experience, particularly for those connected to Alcoholics Anonymous. The knowledgeable and welcoming volunteers are a highlight, sharing personal stories and historical insights that enrich the visit. While primarily a site of historical and spiritual significance, the gift shop also receives positive mentions.
"I've visited Dr.Bob's Home three times with friends from the Program. Each time was wonderfully memorable.
The volunteers are always fantastic and share their experience, strength and hope.
If you're a Muslim you go to Mecca. If you're "one of us" you owe it to yourself to come to Akron."
Stephen Jones
"What an experience the history that is shared with you when you go in there. I left with such a deeper appreciation for AA and of recovery. Even to the 12 steps that lead to the porch of the house have a meaning insignificance"
Karen Watson
"Is a nice place to visit and learn about A.A. history. You get the tour experience by a volunteer and they will make the difference in your life."
Eddie Lopez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dr. Bob's Home is located at 855 Ardmore Ave, Akron, OH 44302. It's accessible by car, and parking is usually available nearby. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach this historic site.
Yes, the address 855 Ardmore Ave, Akron, OH 44302 is straightforward to navigate to. Many visitors find it a significant landmark in Akron.
From downtown Akron, head west on Market Street, then turn right onto Ardmore Avenue. Dr. Bob's Home will be on your left. It's a well-known location for those familiar with AA history.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a strict ticket purchase system, donations are highly encouraged to support the upkeep of Dr. Bob's Home. Tours are often free, but contributing is appreciated.
Visiting hours can vary, and it's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on tour availability and operating times.
Typically, there is no set admission fee, but donations are gratefully accepted to help maintain this historic site and its mission.
Tours are the primary way to experience Dr. Bob's Home, as they are led by knowledgeable volunteers who share the history and significance of the location.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a deeply personal and informative tour led by volunteers who share their experience, strength, and hope, along with the history of AA's founding. It's a moving experience for many.
The entire home serves as an exhibit, showcasing the living space of Dr. Bob Smith and artifacts related to the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Accessibility information can vary. It's advisable to contact Dr. Bob's Home directly to inquire about specific accessibility features for visitors with mobility challenges.
Photography policies may vary. It's best to ask your tour guide or check for posted signs regarding photography inside the home to respect the sanctity of the space.
The 12 steps leading to the porch are a symbolic representation of the core principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, offering a moment of reflection and connection to the program's foundation.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the house, especially with the 12 steps leading to the porch, offers iconic photo opportunities. Ask your guide about any interior photography permissions.
It's generally best to ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially volunteers who are sharing personal stories. Respect their privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the age and maturity of your children. If you do bring them, focus on the historical aspect of the house as a preserved home from a different era. The gift shop is a good place for them to find a small souvenir. It's recommended to gauge their interest beforehand and perhaps keep the visit brief if they are not engaged.
🙏 Members of Alcoholics Anonymous
Many visitors describe feeling a profound sense of gratitude and connection to the founders and the early days of AA. Walking through the home, seeing the artifacts, and reflecting on the 12 steps can be an incredibly moving and reaffirming experience. It's a place to honor the legacy of Dr. Bob Smith and the fellowship that continues to help millions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Dr. Bob's Home and AA
The home itself has been preserved to reflect its appearance during the time Dr. Bob and his wife Anne lived there. Tours are led by dedicated volunteers, many of whom are members of AA themselves, who share personal anecdotes and historical facts with passion and sincerity. This personal touch makes the history come alive, offering a unique perspective on the struggles and triumphs that led to the establishment of AA.
Beyond the walls of the house, the exterior also holds significance. The symbolic 12 steps leading to the porch are a powerful reminder of the program's foundational principles. For many, visiting Dr. Bob's Home is a pilgrimage, a way to connect with the roots of their recovery and to feel a part of a larger, supportive community. The gift shop offers a chance to take a piece of this history home, with books, memorabilia, and other items that support the preservation of the site.
The Volunteer Experience
Visitors frequently mention how the volunteers' willingness to share their own journeys adds a deeply personal and emotional layer to the visit. This human element is what transforms a historical tour into a profoundly moving experience, especially for those who have benefited from AA. The volunteers are described as knowledgeable, welcoming, and inspiring, making everyone feel comfortable and engaged.
Their insights into the early days of AA, the challenges faced by Dr. Bob and Bill W., and the evolution of the program provide a rich understanding of the organization's origins. The volunteers are a vital part of what makes Dr. Bob's Home a special place, offering not just information but also a sense of shared purpose and community.
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