Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cincinnati, Ohio to Detroit, Michigan

Planning a road trip can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to exploring the Midwest. Often overlooked, this region has some hidden gems that are well worth discovering. If you are planning a drive from Cincinnati, Ohio to Detroit, Michigan, we have compiled a list of five unexpected places to stop along the way.

The journey from Cincinnati to Detroit will take you through Northern Ohio, providing you with stunning views and an opportunity to explore places that are off the beaten path. The total distance is around 242 miles, which takes around four hours and thirty minutes to drive. Without further ado, let's get started on the top five unexpected places to stop.

Halfway Point: Lima, OH

Before diving into the five unexpected places to stop, there's a halfway point that you wouldn't want to miss - Lima, OH. Lima has many attractions, including the Allen County Museum, the only museum in the region that offers a comprehensive history of the county. The museum has six exhibit galleries, a local history library, and a genealogy research area.

In Lima, you can also visit Johnny Appleseed Metro Park, which spans over 100 acres. The park is named after John Chapman, who was commonly known as Johnny Appleseed. The park features hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and a pond where you can go fishing.

1. Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky, OH

Just a thirty-minute drive from Lima, Cedar Point Amusement Park is a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers. The park features sixty-eight rides, including seventeen roller coasters, which are ranked among the best in the world. If you're not a fan of roller coasters, you can still enjoy many other attractions, including kid-friendly rides, live shows, and water park.

While at Cedar Point, make sure to try the park's signature dish - a corn dog on a stick. The corn dogs from the park's famous Hot Dog on a Stick stand have been a crowd favorite since the 1970s.

2. Tony Packo's Café, Toledo, OH

As you make your way north towards Detroit, make a stop in Toledo, OH, and head to Tony Packo's Café. Founded in 1932, Tony Packo's is a legendary restaurant that has been serving its famous hot dogs and Hungarian cuisine for over 80 years. The restaurant became famous when Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Klinger on MAS*H, mentioned Tony Packo's hot dogs on the show.

Apart from hot dogs, Tony Packo's Café has a variety of Hungarian dishes on the menu, including chicken paprikash and stuffed cabbage rolls. Be sure to try their signature dish, Hungarian hot dogs with chili sauce, onions, and mustard.

3. The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, MI

The Henry Ford Museum is an attraction that should be on everyone's bucket list when visiting the Midwest. The museum showcases the history of American innovation, technology, and industrial design. There are over 26 million artifacts on display that will take you on a journey through America's past.

Apart from exhibits, there are many interactive experiences, including a ride on a Model T assembly line and a chance to sit in Rosa Parks' bus. If you have time, also visit Greenfield Village, which is a historical village showcasing industrial innovations from the late 18th to early 19th centuries.

4. Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, MI

Detroit is often overlooked when it comes to art. However, the Detroit Institute of Arts is a world-class museum that houses over 65,000 works of art. The museum has an impressive collection of American art and one of the largest collections of Islamic art in the world.

One of the museum's highlights is the Diego Rivera murals. The murals were commissioned by Edsel Ford in 1932 and depict the automobile industry in Detroit.

5. Frankenmuth, MI

As you head towards the end of your road trip, stop at Frankenmuth, which is often referred to as Michigan's "Little Bavaria." Frankenmuth has a unique charm and offers many activities for visitors, including shopping, dining, and outdoor activities.

If you're a fan of beer, take a brewery tour at the Frankenmuth Brewery, which has been brewing beer since 1862. The brewery has a beer garden and a restaurant, serving classic American pub fare.

On your visit to Frankenmuth, make sure to try their famous chicken dishes at Zehnder's or Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Both restaurants offer all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners that have been a tradition for many years.

Conclusion

Exploring the Midwest on a road trip can be rewarding, and there are many unexpected places that you can discover along the way. From world-class museums to amusement parks and dining experiences, there's something for everyone on this road trip between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan. So, pack your bags, hit the open road and embark on an adventure that you'll never forget.