The front of the mansion with the old carriage house in the background.
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Perkins Stone Mansion

4.7
·72 reviews·Akron, United States

Step back in time at the Perkins Stone Mansion, a Greek Revival gem showcasing Akron's founding family and 19th-century life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
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The front of the mansion with the old carriage house in the background.

Perkins Stone Mansion

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at the Perkins Stone Mansion, a Greek Revival gem showcasing Akron's founding family and 19th-century life.

4.7
(72 reviews)

"Interesting to learn about the original owners and their influence in the city of Akron."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ Beat the Crowds

Visit on weekday mornings for a more intimate experience and better views of exhibits.

🐑 Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the sheep on Mutton Hill and the adjacent John Brown House for a fuller historical picture.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Greek Revival Architecture

Greek Revival Architecture

Exterior and Interior

Admire the stunning Greek Revival design of the mansion, built by the son of Akron's founder.

Wedding Gown Exhibit

Wedding Gown Exhibit

Throughout the Mansion

See a century of bridal fashion, from 1920 to 2020, showcasing popular trends.

Mutton Hill Sheep

Mutton Hill Sheep

Grounds

See sheep grazing on the grounds, a nod to the area's historical agricultural roots.

John Brown House

John Brown House

Adjacent Property

Explore the nearby John Brown House for an expanded historical perspective.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Perkins Stone Mansion

Discover the history of Akron's founding family at the Perkins Stone Mansion. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully appreciate the mansion's architecture and exhibits. Check their schedule for special events like the wedding gown displays.

Explore the Perkins Estate

The Perkins Stone Mansion is part of a larger historical site that includes the John Brown House and Mutton Hill, where sheep are kept. Allow ample time to explore the grounds and learn about the area's rich past.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Crowd
Low
When
During Special Exhibits
Why
Unique displays, engaging events
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer Afternoons
Why
Cool interiors, scenic grounds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The haunted house with a cursed mirror in Ohio #hauntedhouse #haunted #horrortok #scary #scarystories
@horrortales_usa
11.2K likes • 267.7K views

⏳ Beat the Crowds

Visit on weekday mornings for a more intimate experience and better views of exhibits. Reddit

🐑 Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the sheep on Mutton Hill and the adjacent John Brown House for a fuller historical picture. Reddit

Wow people! San marino italian social @San Marino Italian Social in akron ohio is serving up very unique italian dishes, outstanding meatballs, mozzarella balls and the best philly cheese steak ive ever had! #italianfood #phillycheesesteak #akron #foodreview #foodies #FoodTok #foodtiktok #foodtok
@snipingfordom
10.8K likes • 226.5K views
Have you been to Perkins Stone Mansion yet?
akronsummitcvb
45 likes • 1.3K views

👗 Check Exhibit Schedules

Special exhibits like wedding gowns can be popular; check dates and times in advance. Instagram

🏠 Appreciate the Architecture

Take time to admire the mansion's Greek Revival style and its historical significance. Instagram

Akron has some pretty amazing history! Have you visited the Perkins Stone Mansion? 📍550 Copley Road, Akron OH 44320 Built from 1835 to 1837. It served as a family home until 1945. The house overlooked the City of Akron from the front porch. From the roof one could see the viewing point of the Ohio and Erue Canal. It was designed in the Greek Revival Style. The Mansion is built from hand cut y...
ashleybrillhart
13 likes • 215 views

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Beat the Crowds

Visit on weekday mornings for a more intimate experience and better views of exhibits. Reddit

🐑 Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the sheep on Mutton Hill and the adjacent John Brown House for a fuller historical picture. Reddit

👗 Check Exhibit Schedules

Special exhibits like wedding gowns can be popular; check dates and times in advance. Instagram

🏠 Appreciate the Architecture

Take time to admire the mansion's Greek Revival style and its historical significance. Instagram

👻 Paranormal Interest

Some visitors report paranormal activity; consider a special evening tour if available. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(72 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Perkins Stone Mansion for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, and the engaging presence of sheep on the grounds. The volunteer staff are frequently commended for their enthusiasm and helpfulness. While some exhibits can be crowded, the overall experience offers a valuable glimpse into Akron's past.

"Interesting to learn about the original owners and their influence in the city of Akron. The buildings are kept cool in the summer. Volunteer staff are very nice, helpful and enthusiastic! I appreciate that they keep sheep on the grounds of "Mutton Hill" as a nod to it's origins. The adjacent John Brown house increases the educational value."

Laure Farnbauch

"I visited at a time when there was an exhibit of wedding gowns thru the decades. So many gowns displayed in each room that it was nearly impossible to see the fine accoutrements of the house, which was my primary purpose for the visit."

Linda Rogers

"A very interesting night. The mansion looked beautiful, just light from the Christmas trees and a few lamps. The mansion has so many instances of Paranormal activities. I would go again."

Harriett Calcagno

What People Like

Rich local history
Enthusiastic volunteers
Well-preserved architecture

What People Dislike

Crowded exhibits
Limited viewing space

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Perkins Stone Mansion is located at 550 Copley Road, Akron, OH 44320. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the Copley Road area. Instagram

Yes, there is typically parking available at the Perkins Stone Mansion for visitors. It's recommended to arrive a little early, especially during peak times or special events, to secure a spot. Reddit

Depending on your starting point in Akron, walking might be an option, but it's a significant distance from the city center. It's more commonly accessed by car or public transport. Instagram

Driving is generally the most convenient way to reach the Perkins Stone Mansion from downtown Akron. Alternatively, you can check local bus routes that head towards the Copley Road area. Instagram

Yes, the adjacent John Brown House and the grounds of Mutton Hill are part of the historical site and are easily accessible from the mansion. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees can vary, and it's best to check the official Perkins Stone Mansion website or contact them directly for the most current pricing information. Special exhibits may have different admission rates. Reddit

Operating hours can change seasonally and for special events. It's highly recommended to visit the official Perkins Stone Mansion website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit. Instagram

While walk-in visits are often possible, booking tickets in advance is advisable, especially for popular exhibits or during peak visiting times, to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are typically offered, providing in-depth insights into the history of the Perkins family and the mansion. Check the schedule for tour times. Reddit

Accessibility information can vary. It's best to contact the Perkins Stone Mansion directly to inquire about specific accessibility features for visitors with disabilities. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the historic rooms of the mansion, learn about Akron's founding family, view special exhibits like wedding gowns, and wander the grounds with the Mutton Hill sheep. The adjacent John Brown House is also a key part of the experience. InstagramReddit

A typical visit can last 1-2 hours to explore the mansion and grounds. If you plan to visit the John Brown House as well, allow an additional hour. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography without flash is often permitted, but it's best to confirm with staff upon arrival or check their website for specific guidelines. Instagram

The sheep on Mutton Hill are a nod to the historical agricultural use of the land and the origins of the Perkins family's involvement in the area. Reddit

Some visitors have reported experiencing paranormal activity, and the mansion is sometimes associated with ghost stories. Special evening tours may cater to this interest. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior architecture, the scenic grounds with the sheep, and the beautifully decorated rooms (when exhibits allow) offer great photo opportunities. The porch also provides a nice view. Instagram+1

Policies for professional photography sessions (e.g., engagement shoots, family portraits) may differ from personal photography. It's essential to contact the mansion directly to inquire about their specific rules and potential fees. Instagram

Flash photography is generally discouraged inside historic buildings like the Perkins Stone Mansion to protect delicate artifacts and furnishings. Always check for signage or ask staff. Instagram

A versatile camera with a good lens for both interior shots (potentially low light) and exterior landscapes would be ideal. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the grandeur of the rooms. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in residential areas and around historical sites due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by the venue. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Perkins Stone Mansion offers a unique blend of history and engaging elements for families. The sheep on Mutton Hill are a definite highlight for children, providing a fun and interactive connection to the past. The adjacent John Brown House can also be explored, offering a broader historical context. Reddit

Consider visiting during a time when special exhibits, like the wedding gown display, are on. These can capture the imagination of younger visitors. While the mansion itself is a historical house, the grounds provide space for children to move around. It's a great opportunity to introduce kids to local history in a tangible way. Instagram

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the Perkins Stone Mansion is a treasure trove. You can delve deep into the legacy of Akron's founding family, the Perkins, and their significant impact on the region's development. The Greek Revival architecture itself is a major draw, offering insights into 19th-century design and construction. Instagram+1

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the John Brown House for a deeper understanding of the era's social and political climate. The Mutton Hill sheep add a layer of agricultural history to the estate. Look out for special exhibits that often provide focused historical narratives, such as the wedding gown collection. InstagramReddit

👻 Paranormal Investigators & Curious Minds

The Perkins Stone Mansion has garnered a reputation for being a site of paranormal activity. Visitors have reported unusual experiences, making it an intriguing destination for those interested in the supernatural. TikTokReddit

If you're drawn to ghost stories, inquire about any special evening tours that might focus on the mansion's haunted history. Even without a specific paranormal tour, the atmospheric setting of the historic mansion can spark the imagination. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Perkins Family Legacy

The Perkins Stone Mansion stands as a testament to the influence of Akron's founding family. General Simon Perkins was a key figure in the early development of the region, acquiring vast tracts of land and playing a pivotal role in establishing Akron. His son, Colonel Simon Perkins, oversaw the construction of this impressive Greek Revival mansion between 1835 and 1837. The mansion served as the family home for generations, witnessing significant historical changes in Akron and Ohio. Instagram+1

Visiting the mansion offers a tangible connection to this history. You can learn about the Perkins family's business ventures, their social standing, and their impact on the city's growth. The preservation of the mansion allows visitors to step back in time and imagine life in 19th-century Ohio. The adjacent John Brown House further enriches this historical narrative, providing context to the era's social and political landscape. Reddit

Beyond the family's direct influence, the estate's grounds, known as Mutton Hill, also hold historical significance. The presence of sheep today is a deliberate nod to the area's agricultural past, reminding visitors of the land's original use before Akron became an industrial hub. This blend of domestic history, abolitionist connections, and agricultural heritage makes the Perkins Stone Mansion a multifaceted historical site. Reddit

Architectural Significance and Exhibits

The Perkins Stone Mansion is a prime example of Greek Revival architecture in Ohio. Completed in the mid-1830s, its design reflects the neoclassical style popular during that period, characterized by its symmetrical facade, prominent columns, and classical detailing. The mansion's construction from stone also contributed to its enduring presence and name. Instagram

Inside, the mansion has been meticulously preserved and restored, offering visitors a glimpse into the domestic life of a prominent 19th-century family. The rooms are often furnished with period-appropriate pieces, allowing for an immersive historical experience. Beyond its permanent collection, the mansion frequently hosts temporary exhibits that add further layers of interest. Instagram

One notable exhibit highlighted by visitors is the "A Century of Style: Wedding Gowns 1920-2020". This display showcases evolving bridal fashion trends over a hundred years, offering a unique perspective on social history through the lens of attire. Such exhibits transform the mansion from a static historical house into a dynamic cultural space, attracting diverse audiences interested in history, fashion, and local heritage. InstagramReddit

Exploring the Estate and its Surroundings

The Perkins Stone Mansion is more than just a single building; it's part of a larger historical complex. The grounds themselves are an integral part of the visitor experience. The presence of sheep on Mutton Hill is a charming and historically relevant feature, connecting the site to its agricultural roots. These sheep are often managed by border collies, adding an engaging element for visitors, especially families. Reddit

Adjacent to the mansion is the John Brown House, another significant historical structure. Visiting this house provides a broader understanding of the historical context of the era, particularly concerning the abolitionist movement. The combined visit to both the mansion and the John Brown House offers a more comprehensive historical narrative of the region. Reddit

For those interested in the broader landscape, the mansion's elevated position once offered views of the Ohio and Erie Canal, a vital transportation artery in early Ohio. While the canal is no longer visible in its original form, understanding its historical importance adds another dimension to appreciating the strategic location of the Perkins estate. Instagram

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