Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Cambridge, Massachusetts and Norton Shores, Michigan

Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Norton Shores, Michigan, is a long road trip that covers nearly 850 miles and driving for over 14 hours. The route passes through some incredible towns, incredible views and attractions. The trip takes you across New York via Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo to the state border town of Erie, Pennsylvania. Then it veers due west and continues through Ohio, Indiana and finally, Michigan. One of the many highlights of this road trip is a brief stopover at Amherst in Upstate New York, a midpoint between the two destinations.

Top Five Things to do

Niagara Falls, NY

Niagara Falls is a classic American landmark and undoubtedly the best thing to do on this road trip. The scenic views, breathtaking falls, and mesmerizing beauty of the landscape make it the best place to visit by far. The Niagara Falls is a three-part cascading waterfall, and the falls are located right on the international border. However, the USA side provides the better view between the two.

Fun Fact: Niagara Falls was formed around 10,000 years ago by glacier activity, and around 168,000 cubic metres of water goes over the falls every minute.

Hocking Hills State Park, OH

The Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio is a beautiful place to visit. The park features wooded hills, sandstone cliffs, and numerous caves and hiking trails. The park is fantastic, and you can stay overnight in one of many cozy cabins amid the park. The highlight of the park is the 29-metre-high Ash Cave, which is a horseshoe-shaped cliff that boasts a beautiful waterfall.

Fun Fact: The park is one of the most popular hiking spots and draws millions of visitors each year.

Cedar Point Amusement Park, OH

Cedar Point is undoubtedly the most famous amusement park in the country. The park features over 70 rides, including the world-renowned roller coasters. The park's highlight is the Steel Vengeance, which has been voted "Best Roller Coaster" by the Golden Ticket Awards for the two years running. The park is an absolute must-visit for anyone on this road trip.

Fun Fact: The park is home to 71 rides, including some of the rarest wooden roller coasters in the world.

Indiana Dunes State Park, IN

Indiana Dunes State Park is one of the most diverse parks in the country, featuring over 15,000 acres of forests and sand dunes. The park contains miles of scenic beaches, coves, and rolling woodlands. Hiking trails wind through dunes, wooded areas, and along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. The park is also home to plenty of wildlife, including eagles and deer.

Fun Fact: The Indiana dunes are the result of changes in the lake's water levels over the last 4,000 years.

Grand Haven State Park, MI

Grand Haven State Park is one of the best places to visit on this road trip. Located on the Lake Michigan shore near the Grand River mouth, the park offers visitors numerous recreational opportunities, including swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. The park is famous for its breathtaking, golden sand beaches and sparkling waters. There are tons of unique shops, restaurants, and cafes in the surrounding area, making it a perfect stopover for any tourist.

Fun Fact: The park is also home to the Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier, one of the town's historic landmarks.

Conclusion

This road trip is extensive, covering almost 850 miles and crossing numerous states. Along the way, the trip includes sites and stops that showcase some of the country's most iconic landmarks. The five things to do on this road trip are Niagara Falls, Hocking Hills State Park, Cedar Point Amusement Park, Indiana Dunes State Park, and Grand Haven State Park. Each one of these is a unique destination that offers a plethora of activities and sites that are sure to captivate any traveler. It would take a minimum of 14 hours to cover the entire distance, but thanks to the above attractions and stops, it would be a road trip that anyone would remember for a lifetime.