It seems like an unlikely tourist attraction, and it's almost a half-hour drive away from my home. But the geodesic dome at Materials Park is an excellent place for a picnic or just for contemplation.
Perhaps because it's so remote - near the border of Geauga County and Cuyahoga County - there aren't ever very many people when we visit the ASM International Headquarters, which has a separate driveway for visitors to its dome and attached park. This suits me just fine, because it's always a tranquil place.
The geodesic dome must be seen to be believed. There aren't many of these in existence. This one towers over the valley it was built in; there's plenty of room underneath (along with benches, a fountain, and many flowers) to relax or to look up in awe. There are also great open fields near the valley that, in the summer, are green and grassy and beautiful. I haven't yet had an opportunity to see the dome covered in snow, but I can imagine it now.
They welcome visitors on the weekends and even late at night on weekdays. But don't come here during business hours; people work in the attached building (itself a minor architectural marvel).
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