Discover Cleveland
Cleveland is located in the state of Ohio along the southern shore of Lake Erie. With a population of over 360,000 in the city proper and more than two million in the greater metropolitan area, it is one of the historic, cultural, and economic centers of the Great Lakes region.
Cleveland is internationally known for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a museum boasting the world’s largest collection of Beatles artifacts, among other treasures. The city is also home to the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra, one of the “Big Five” American orchestras, and major professional sports teams including the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), the Cleveland Guardians (MLB), and the Cleveland Browns (NFL).
The city’s cultural life is especially vibrant in the University Circle district, home to the Cleveland Museum of Art, which offers free general admission and houses an impressive collection spanning thousands of years of world history. Nearby, visitors can enjoy green spaces such as Cleveland Metroparks, often called the “Emerald Necklace,” a network of parks that encircle the city and provide hiking trails, waterfront views, and natural beauty.
Downtown Cleveland combines historic architecture with modern development. Restored 19th-century arcades stand alongside contemporary buildings, and the revitalized waterfront offers scenic views of Lake Erie. Neighborhoods such as Ohio City and Tremont are known for their local restaurants, breweries, and artistic communities.
Local Dining & Shopping
Cleveland is a renowned “foodie” city, and CSU’s campus puts you within walking distance of several distinct culinary districts. Along Euclid Avenue, you’ll find student favorites like Rascal House Pizza, Viking Public House, and Bombay Chaat for fast, flavorful meals.
- Playhouse Square: Just west of campus, enjoy upscale dining at Cibrèo Italian Kitchen or contemporary American fare at District.
- East 4th Street: A pedestrian-only street downtown featuring celebrity chef restaurants, including Mabel’s BBQ (by Michael Symon) and the elegant Marble Room Steaks.
Shopping & Essentials
- Heinen’s Downtown: Located in a stunning, historic rotunda bank building at East 9th and Euclid, this is the premier spot for groceries, prepared gourmet meals, and a unique wine and beer mezzanine.
- The Arcade & 5th Street Arcades: Beautifully restored 19th-century shopping architectural gems housing local boutiques, coffee shops, and specialty retailers.
- Tower City Center: A major downtown hub featuring diverse retail shops and a cinema, directly connected to the RTA main rail station.
- Steelyard Commons: For “big box” needs (Target, Walmart, Home Depot), this shopping center is a short 10-minute drive south of the university.
Climate
Summers in Cleveland are warm and humid, with average daytime temperatures around 80–85°F. Because of its location on Lake Erie, the city can experience sudden summer thunderstorms.
Time Zone
Cleveland follows Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4:00) in June and July.
Transportation
The closest airport is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). Public transportation is operated by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which runs buses and rail lines, including a direct rail connection from the airport to downtown. Tourists can easily access these services with credit card tap-to-pay. Those wishing to save money by purchasing multiple-ride passes can do so through the Transit with EZfare app. Ride-sharing services and taxis are also available.
The Healthline (BRT) is the most important transit link for CSU visitors. It is a 24/7 Bus Rapid Transit line that runs straight down Euclid Avenue, connecting Downtown to CSU and University Circle.
Health
Safety
Cleveland State University provides a safe and well-monitored environment for students, visitors, and conference participants. The university maintains its own police department composed of fully certified and armed police officers, supported by additional security personnel who help extend coverage across campus. The department also collaborates closely with external law enforcement agencies, including the Cleveland Police Department. Officers conduct regular patrols on foot and by cruiser, motorcycle, and bicycle to ensure a visible and active security presence throughout the campus.
In addition to on-site personnel, the university employs a wide range of modern safety technologies. These include a proprietary mechanical key system, electronic card-access controls, state-of-the-art optical turnstiles, alarm systems, emergency blue-light phones, two campuswide emergency notification systems, advanced fire alarm systems, and nearly 1,000 video surveillance cameras. Together, these measures help maintain a secure and welcoming environment for everyone attending events at CSU.
For your safety while attending the congress at Cleveland State University, please familiarize yourself with the following emergency resources:
- In an Emergency: Dial 9-1-1 from any campus phone. Please identify yourself as a CSU participant immediately; this ensures the operator patches you directly to the CSU Police Department (CSUPD) for the fastest possible on-campus response. For non-emergencies, call 216-687-2020
- Blue-Light Stations: You will find emergency “blue-light” phone stations located throughout the campus. Simply press the button to be connected instantly to CSUPD dispatch.
Featured image: “Cleveland Night Skyline” by Erik Drost. Cropped by SashaFromSolon. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 (CC BY 2.0).