Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Cincinnati, Ohio to Cleveland, Ohio
Ohio is an amazing state full of hidden treasures, and a road trip that crosses its landscapes could be the perfect opportunity to discover them. The journey from Cincinnati to Cleveland can be done in approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, taking the I-71 N route. A halfway point is found in Sunbury, Ohio, a small town with a quarter-mile-long main street that is worth a pit stop. However, there are other excellent locations to add to the route that would make it even more interesting.
Top 5 attractions to visit
1. Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of the United States Air Force
The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located in Dayton, Ohio, approximately 54 miles south-east from Sunbury. It is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world. It features galleries that showcase a complete history of the aircraft and aeronautical advancements used since the Wright Brothers' first flight to today's most advanced flight technology. Visitors can also see presidential aircraft, spacecraft such as Apollo 15, and an enormous collection of memorabilia that will give an insight into the history of the USAF.
Fact: Some of the aircraft exposed at the museum are one-of-a-kind models, or survivors from top-secret missions, including the first YF-117A stealth fighter or the B-36 Peacemaker.
2. Cedar Point Amusement Park
Cedar Point is located on Lake Erie's shores and situated approximately 40 miles West-northwest from your Sunbury stop. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, and it is widely known for its adrenaline-pumping roller coasters such as the Top Thrill Dragster. It also has a kiddie park and water park to cater to all audiences.
Fact: The park has been named the "Best Amusement Park in the World" by Amusement Today for 21 consecutive years.
3. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is situated in Cleveland, Ohio, approximately 5 miles East from Cedar Point. It is a museum that honors the history and cultural impact of rock and roll and its most significant contributors and performers. The Hall of Fame features seven floors of exhibits and a collection of costumes, instruments, and personal belongings of legendary figures such as Prince, Elvis Presley, or Jimi Hendrix.
Fact: The museum was designed by Chinese architect I.M. Pei, who also designed the Louvre pyramid.
4. The Ohio Caverns
The Ohio Caverns are located in West Liberty, Ohio, approximately 12 miles South from the Road that passes by Cedar Point. It is a cave system that offers guided tours to more than two miles of passageways, where visitors can see an array of stalactites, stalagmites, and other interesting cave topography formations.
Fact: The caverns are mostly composed of crystal white onyx and have one of the world's most extensive and most colorful dripstone deposits.
5. Lake Erie Islands
The Lake Erie Islands are situated approximately 20 miles North from Cedar Point and can be accessed by a ferry from Port Clinton. They are a group of 24 beautiful islands located in the western part of Lake Erie. The famous islands are Put-in-Bay, Kelley's Island, and Middle Bass Island. Visitors can enjoy sandy beaches, scenic landscapes, excellent bird-watching opportunities, and other tourist activities such as fishing or kayaking.
Fact: The islands' original inhabitants were Native American tribes such as the Ottawa and Erie tribes.
Conclusion
This exciting and adventurous road trip across Ohio has five fantastic locations that are worth visiting. The air museum in Dayton which showcases the USAF history is an excellent spot for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts. Cedar Point is an ideal option to have a fun and adrenaline-packed day with family and friends. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland honors rock and roll history and is a must-see for any music lovers. The impressive underground tour at Ohio Caverns and the stunning landscape of Lake Erie Islands are also fascinating places to visit. In total, this 4-hour and 30-minute trip offer a little bit of everything from technology, history, music, and nature.