Best Things to Do on a Road Trip Between Cape Girardeau, MO and Columbus, OH

If you're looking for a fun road trip between Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Columbus, Ohio, then you're in for a treat. This 520-mile journey is filled with excitement, adventure, and beautiful scenery. Along the way, you'll pass through the rolling hills of southern Indiana, cross over the mighty Ohio River, and make a pitstop in the historic town of Leavenworth, Indiana. Here are the top five things to do on this road trip.

1. Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum

Located in Louisville, Kentucky, the Kentucky Derby Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves horse racing. You'll learn about the history of the Kentucky Derby, the famous jockeys and horses who have won the race, and get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to train a racehorse. The museum also offers guided tours of Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby.

Interesting Fact: The Kentucky Derby has been held every year since 1875, making it the oldest continuously held sporting event in America.

2. Explore the Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills State Park is located in southeastern Ohio and is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park features miles of hiking trails that take you through lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and towering sandstone cliffs. The park is also home to Old Man's Cave, a rock shelter that was once used as a home by Native Americans.

Interesting Fact: Hocking Hills State Park is one of the few places in Ohio where you can find hemlock trees, an evergreen tree that is more commonly found in the northeastern United States.

3. Take a Riverboat Cruise on the Ohio River

The Ohio River is one of the longest and most important rivers in the United States, and a riverboat cruise is a great way to experience its beauty up close. The Belle of Louisville is a historic riverboat that offers daily sightseeing cruises of the Ohio River. Along the way, you'll see picturesque river towns, towering bridges, and a wide variety of wildlife.

Interesting Fact: The Ohio River is the largest tributary of the Mississippi River and was once used as a major transportation route for goods and people.

4. Visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force

Located in Dayton, Ohio, the National Museum of the United States Air Force is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world. The museum features over 360 aircraft and missiles from all branches of the U.S. military, as well as exhibits on the history of aviation and space exploration. The museum also offers guided tours of some of its most famous aircraft, including the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.

Interesting Fact: The National Museum of the United States Air Force is home to the only surviving XB-70 Valkyrie, a supersonic bomber that was designed to outrun Soviet missiles during the Cold War.

5. Experience the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a must-visit destination for music lovers. The museum features exhibits on the history of rock and roll, as well as artifacts and memorabilia from some of the genre's most famous performers. The museum also hosts live concerts and events throughout the year.

Interesting Fact: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony is held every year and honors the most influential musicians, producers, and industry executives in the history of rock and roll.

Conclusion

This road trip from Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Columbus, Ohio offers a little bit of everything, from museums and nature parks to historic river towns and rock and roll. The trip takes approximately 9 hours to complete, depending on traffic and stops along the way. With so many great things to see and do, it's a road trip that's sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.