The Pro Football Hall of Fame is in Canton, Ohio, roughly an hour from Cleveland, and it is the pilgrimage site for football fans in a region that lives for the sport. The museum's Legends of the Game exhibits and the bronze busts of the enshrined members are the heart of the visit, and interactive exhibits and a statue of Jim Thorpe add variety. The Hall is open daily, and in the autumn and winter schedule it is open from 9am to 5pm, with Thursdays until 8pm. In the summer, hours are longer on Thursday to Saturday. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and has shortened hours on Christmas Eve. The store requires no admission fee, and there are discounts for children, military members, veterans, first responders and seniors on select days.
Hours and tickets
From September to the end of the year, and through May of the following year, the hours are 9am to 5pm daily with Thursdays until 8pm, and in summer Sunday to Wednesday is 9am to 5pm while Thursday to Saturday runs to 7pm. General admission is in the mid-forties in dollars, children aged 6 to 12 pay a reduced rate, and children under 6 are free.
Senior Day for visitors aged 65 and over is on Tuesdays as a walk-up offer, and the Hall also sells a fan package. Tickets are bought on the Hall's site.
Getting there
Canton is about an hour south of Cleveland, and a car is the easiest way, whether you combine the trip with Akron and Stan Hywet or visit on its own. Enshrinement week in summer is the busiest time, with extra events, so book accommodation early if you want to come then. Outside enshrinement season, the Hall is much calmer, and a weekday morning gives you room to read the plaques without crowds.
How it fits a trip
This is a half-day to full-day excursion for football fans, and it is less compelling for visitors with only a casual interest. It pairs with a Browns game, a drive through Akron or a visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park on the way back. Families with older children who follow the sport will get the most out of the interactive exhibits, while younger children may tire of the plaques, so use the free entry for under-sixes wisely.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided museum visit through exhibits on the game's legends, the bronze busts of enshrined members and interactive displays.
Best time
A weekday morning outside enshrinement week.
How long
Three to four hours.
Tips
Check the season hours, note Thursday late openings and book tickets on the Hall's site.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Football fans, especially those who follow the Browns and the NFL's history.
- Families
- Children 6 to 12 pay a reduced rate and those under 6 are free.
- Couples
- A day trip for fans, combined with lunch in Canton or Akron.
- Pair with
- Stan Hywet in Akron or Cuyahoga Valley National Park on the drive.
- Time needed
- Half a day plus travel.
Good questions
Where is the Pro Football Hall of Fame?+
In Canton, Ohio, roughly an hour south of Cleveland.
What are the opening hours?+
In the autumn and winter schedule it is open 9am to 5pm daily with Thursdays until 8pm, and in summer Thursday to Saturday it stays open to 7pm.
When is it closed?+
It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, with shortened hours on Christmas Eve.
Are there discounts?+
There are reduced prices for children 6 to 12, military members, veterans and first responders, free entry for under-sixes and a walk-up Senior Day on Tuesdays.
Do I need a ticket for the store?+
No, the store requires no admission fee.
