Kent, Ohio

Kent, formerly known as Franklin Mills, is a city in Portage County, Northeast Ohio, USA, located on the banks of the Cuyahoga River. The city lies 11 miles northeast of Akron and 38 miles southeast of Cleveland, forming part of the Akron metropolitan area.

Nicknamed “The Tree City,” Kent was founded by John Haymaker in the early 19th century, named after businessman Marvin Kent, and incorporated in 1867. The city is bordered by Brimfield to the south, Brady Lake to the east, Stow to the west, and Franklin Township to the north.

Kent is home to Kent State University, the city’s largest employer. Several sites in Kent are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the John Davey House. The area is served by State Routes 43, 59, and 261.

Top Attractions in Kent, Ohio
- The Franklin Hotel, also known as Acorn Corner, is a historic building located at 176 E. Main Street (latitude 41.153333, longitude -81.359444). Built between 1919 and 1920 and designed by architect H.L. Stevens in the Neoclassical style, the building was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on January 18, 2013.

- Dix Stadium, formerly known as Memorial Stadium (1969–1973), is situated on the Kent State University campus (latitude 41.139167, longitude -81.313333). Opened on September 13, 1969, the stadium serves as the home ground of the Kent State Golden Flashes (NCAA).

- The Ohio State Normal College at Kent is a U.S. Historic District consisting of five historic buildings on the Kent State University campus. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 30, 1975.

- The Kent Industrial District, located in downtown Kent, is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Covering 4.3 acres (0.017 km²), it includes five contributing structures, such as the Atlantic and Great Western Rail Depot (built in 1875) and the Main Street Bridge (built in 1877).

- The Kent Stage is a historic theater with a 642-seat capacity, located at 175 East Main Street (latitude 41.153922, longitude -81.356619). Originally opened in 1927 as the Flannigan and Steele Theater, it was renamed in 2002. Over the years, it has hosted notable performers including Joan Baez, The Kingston Trio, Justin Hayward, and John Gorka.

- The Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center is an arena on the Kent State University campus, located at 1025 Risman Drive (latitude 41.148056, longitude -81.343889). Formerly known as the Men’s Physical Education Building and Memorial Gym, the arena opened on December 2, 1950, with a seating capacity of 6,327. It serves as the home of the Kent State Golden Flashes (NCAA).

- The Cooperrider–Kent Bog State Nature Preserve is a popular natural attraction covering 45 acres (18 ha) in Kent, Ohio. Located at latitude 41.129444 and longitude -81.353611, the preserve offers scenic hiking trails and can be easily accessed via the Ken Meloy & Kent Bog WB bus station.

- The Kent Free Library is a large public library located at 312 West Main Street. Established in 1892, the library features an original Carnegie section, which opened in 1903.