Take a Hike®, Cleveland’s premier guided walking tour program, returns for its 2026 season with its most dynamic and expansive lineup to date—introducing five distinct tour seasons, an enhanced Summer Series, and new ways for locals and visitors alike to experience the city’s history, culture, and architecture.
Building on the momentum of a record-setting 2025 season that welcomed more than 6,500 participants across 200+ tours and 35 unique experiences, Take a Hike continues to grow its impact—connecting people to Cleveland’s past while showcasing its ongoing transformation.
“Take a Hike is about more than its tours—it’s about bringing Cleveland’s history to life in ways that are engaging, accessible, and memorable,” said Eileen Cassidy, Executive Director of Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation. “With five distinct seasons and new ways to experience the program, we’re continuing to grow and evolve while staying rooted in our mission to celebrate and preserve the city’s rich heritage.”
The 2026 season is organized into five curated tour seasons, offering year-round opportunities to explore Cleveland through different lenses:
- Spring Series (May) – Celebrating Historic Preservation Month with tours focused on adaptive reuse, neighborhood revitalization, and the power of place
- Summer Series (June–September) – The program’s signature season, featuring the widest variety of tours across Cleveland’s historic districts
- Fall Series – Highlighting neighborhood cultural heritage and new indoor tours
- Holiday Series – Festive tours showcasing Cleveland’s seasonal traditions and historic destinations
- Winter Offerings –Select self-guided and indoor tours developed in response to strong guest demand
Summer Series: The Signature Experience
At the heart of the 2026 season is the Summer Series, offering a robust lineup of free, 60 and 90-minute guided walking tours designed to engage, educate, and entertain. Tours take place throughout the week across Downtown Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods, with multiple routes offered each day.
Guests can explore iconic districts like the Playhouse Square, Ohio City, AsiaTown, and beyond—experiencing Cleveland’s architecture, cultural heritage, and stories of transformation firsthand.
New for 2026: Solo Adventurer & Slow Roll Tours
This year introduces two new monthly tour offerings within the Summer Series:
Solo Adventurer Tours – Designed for independent explorers, these tours create a welcoming environment for guests attending on their own, with optional opportunities to connect before or after the tour
- Slow Roll Tours – Offering a more relaxed pace, these tours are thoughtfully designed for guests seeking added comfort and accessibility, while still delivering the same rich storytelling experience
Passport Program Returns to Reward Exploration
Back by popular demand, the Take a Hike Tour Passport Program continues in 2026—encouraging guests to explore more and engage deeper.
Participants can pick up a passport at any tour and collect a sticker for each experience attended. Completed passports (8 stickers) can be submitted for entry into prize drawings held twice monthly. Prizes include hotel stays, sports tickets, and local dining experiences.
Returning participants can continue adding stickers to existing passports or start a new one, with completed entries remaining eligible for drawings for one year.
Spring Series tours are now open for registration. Summer Series registration opens May 1, with tours running June through September.
For a full schedule and to register, visit TakeAHikeCLE.com.
About Take a Hike®
Take a Hike® is a program of Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation, with support from Historic Warehouse District Development Corporation. Through guided tours and public programs, it brings Cleveland’s historic neighborhoods, architecture, and cultural heritage to life—advancing the organizations’ mission to promote preservation through education, advocacy, and engagement.
