Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cardington, Ohio to Terre Haute, Indiana

Are you looking for an exciting road trip adventure? How about a drive from Cardington, Ohio to Terre Haute, Indiana? The drive takes approximately 5 hours, depending on traffic. Along the way, there are many stunning views and interesting places to stop that you might not have considered before. Here are five unexpected places you should check out along the way.

Halfway Point: Richmond, IN

Before we get started, let's take a moment to discuss the halfway point of this trip: Richmond, Indiana. This charming city is located right on the Indiana-Ohio border, making it the perfect spot to stretch your legs and take a break. Richmond is known for its beautiful architecture, quaint downtown area, and many parks. Make sure to visit Earlham College, which has a beautiful campus and a great art collection. Don't forget to stop by the Old Richmond Historic District. This historic district has some of the most beautiful architecture in Indiana!

Now that you know about Richmond, let's check out the other stops along the way.

1. Olentangy Indian Caverns

The Olentangy Indian Caverns are a must-see attraction for anyone traveling the route from Cardington to Terre Haute. Located in Delaware, Ohio, these ancient underground caves hold a wealth of history and natural wonders. Visitors can take guided tours through the caverns, learning about the geology and the Native American tribes who once used the caves for shelter. Top off your experience with a visit to the Olentangy Caverns Gift Shop, which sells everything from fossils to rocks and geodes.

Make sure to try the fried chicken and mac and cheese at Old Bag of Nails Pub while you're in the area.

2. West Central Ohio Aviation and Toy Museum

The West Central Ohio Aviation and Toy Museum is located in Urbana, Ohio, and is perfect for plane and toy enthusiasts of all ages. The museum has a collection of over 20,000 toys and features more than 30 restored airplanes, including a rare World War II-era B-17 bomber. Visitors can also explore the Airborne Military Museum and learn about the military history of the last century.

Employees at the museum recommend trying the burger and fries at the local hot-spot, The Crabill's.

3. McLean Teddy Bear Park

McLean Teddy Bear Park is a cute and quirky stop located in Terre Haute, Indiana. The park features bronze statues of teddy bears doing various activities, including playing baseball and reading books. You can even take a picture with a life-sized teddy bear! Visitors can walk around the park, visit a small museum dedicated to the teddy bear, or enjoy a picnic.

Be sure to stop by the nearby E-Ka-Mo Cajun restaurant to try some authentic gumbo.

4. Rockome Gardens

Rockome Gardens is located in Arcola, Illinois and is a delightful surprise to visitors traveling from Ohio to Indiana. This beautiful park boasts many gardens, a petting zoo, a museum, and even an Amish country store. The history of the gardens dates back to the 1930s when the owners began bringing plants and rare trees from all over the world. Today, visitors can stroll through the gardens, feed the animals, and browse through the Amish store.

The traditional pies at the nearby Dutch Kitchen Restaurant are a must-try.

5. Funk Prairie Home Museum

Finally, visitors to the area should make sure to stop at Funk Prairie Home Museum in Shirley, Illinois. This museum offers a glimpse into the life of Illinois pioneers. The museum consists of a restored 19th-century home, a one-room schoolhouse, a working blacksmith shop, and many artifacts of an earlier time. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history and enjoy plenty of hands-on opportunities.

Finish off your journey with a delicious meal at the nearby Cheevers Cafe. Try the meatloaf, it's their signature meal.

Conclusion

As you can see, the drive from Cardington to Terre Haute is full of surprise attractions and stops worth exploring. From the Olentangy Indian Caverns in Ohio to the Funk Prairie Home Museum in Illinois, each stop offers a unique experience that you won't want to miss. So, pack your bags, grab your map, and hit the open road. There's no better time than now to embark on an adventure through the Midwest.