Akure, the capital of Ondo state, southwestern Nigeria, the tranquil city lies in the southern part of the forested Yoruba Hills. Akure is an agricultural trade center for the yams, cassava, maize, bananas, rice, palm oil and kernels, okra, and pumpkins grown by the Ondo tribe of the Yoruba people. Although cocoa is by far the most important local commercial crop, cotton, teak, and palm produce are also cultivated for export. The town’s industries include electronics manufacturing, soft drink bottling, weaving, and pottery making.

While Akure City is a major trading point and city center in the southwest, it is also a destination point for people looking to experience the attractions around Akure City such as the Idanre Hills, Owo Museum of Antiques, Ebomi Lake Tourist Center and Igbo Olodumare while enjoying these in a serene environment. It is a city that is blessed with some exciting tourist sites. Going to Akure for tourist reasons is also easy on the pocket, you almost don’t have to worry about your exceeding your budget.

Here is a List of Free Things To Do in Akure:

A moment at the Igbokoda Waterfront

Visitors could begin their tour around the city at Igbokoda Waterfront. This is one of the longest body of water in the country. The vast expanse of water makes for an exciting fishing expedition and it goes without saying the scenery is beautiful. You can shoot movies here, have a picnic and generally do other fun things here. You will very likely be meeting a lot of persons out here who are also visiting for the first time, those moments are usually the most fun part of the trip.

Check out the Owo Museum of Antiques

Owo Museum is a museum in Owo, Akure, Nigeria. This national museum somehow over the years has found itself a niche in wood and ivory carvings, brass and bronze exhibits. The museum was founded in 1968 to accommodate the antiquities which were formerly in the Olowo Palace. The Owo Museum of Antiquities portrays a humble and classical facade, yet holding an array of rich historical and archaeological artifacts which depict the early life of generations gone by. Although there is not much awareness about its significance, it remains a place for inquisitive tourists and ethnographic researchers. A fascinating display of pictures chronicling the Igogo Festival of the Owo people stands as one of the attractions of the museum. The museum is the historical link between the people, their past and their ancestors. The museum has been preserved to serve as a place for visitors to have a taste of historical values of the people of Owo and the neighboring towns and villages.

Go climbing at the Old Idanre Hills

The historic Idanre Hills represent one of the wonders of nature and a marvelous tourist attraction. Located in the ancient town of Idanre, South-West, Nigeria, is 15km southwest of Akure, the state capital. The Idanre hills, which are steep-sided, smooth and dome-shaped in nature, present an awe-inspiring sight. The different hills were named after some historical figures in the socio-cultural evolution of Idanre land some of these are the Olofin and Orosun hills named after Olofin, the pioneer Oba of Oke-Idanre and his queen respectively. To get to the top of the hill, tourists will have to climb 667 steps with five resting posts along the steps where tourists can take a rest. The steps and resting places had been reconstructed while the notable historical monuments such as the old primary school, native court, the mausoleum, the Owa’s secretary’s office, the Oloris’ quarters and the ancient palace had all been restored. In order to complement the tourism potentials of Idanre Hills, the Government is making arrangements with the National Commission on Museums and Monuments, Abuja to enlist Idanre Hills on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list.

Relax at the Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre

The Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre is located in Ipesi, in Akoko South-East. It is not far from Akure. The lake, located at Ipesi-Akoko, is also known as “the bottomless lake” because of its depth which is difficult to estimate. According to the inhabitants of Ipesi Akoko, the lake is said to have used supernatural powers to protect the villagers during the times of war. The lake is believed to have unseen shoulders that fight battles for the Ipesi people. Once you arrive at this spot you get the sense of the spirituality that is grounded in this area. In another dimension, the lake deities give the villagers different gifts such as children, fishes, fowls etc. You can come here and glean a thing or two from the culture of the people. Quite a lot of people come here for relaxation and to explore nature  from time to time,

Make a stop at the Idanre Forest Reserve

Idanre Forest Reserve is in Idanre local government area of the Nigerian state of Ondo, in the southwest part of the country. This International Union for Conservation of Nature designated nature reserve covers 561 square kilometers. It is indeed large in space and great for any hangouts with families, friends or even with self.

Enjoy the Egungun Festival

The Egungun Festival is one of the most popular events in the area. A masquerade festival that became the most prominent and consistent festival in the Western part of Nigeria, it is said that the spirits of the dead come out as these masquerades to entertain the natives. This festival takes place in other parts of the Yoruba land of which Akure is a part of. If you are lucky to see this festival, you will be able to get the best of a rich African culture. Akure invites all to this festival.

Drop over at the Igbo Olodumare

For an ideal place for camping, film shooting, picnic, and birds watching; stop by at the Igbo Olodumare. Situated in Oke Igbo near Ile-Oluji, it is a thick evergreen forest preserved for its beautiful and fascinating nature. This forest is significant for its spiritual value as it was believed in the past that demons and spirits existed in the forest. Overall if you don’t mind the spirituality attached to these places they are all great place to hang out and relax.

Source: https://hotels.ng/guides/city-guide/free-things-to-do-in-akure-city/