Points of Interest between Cecil, Ohio to Hillsdale, Michigan

picture of Cecil, Ohio

Road Trip of Museums, Parks, and Landmarks: Cecil, Ohio to Hillsdale, Michigan

Have you ever wanted to take a road trip full of history, nature, and attractions? Look no further than the route from Cecil, Ohio to Hillsdale, Michigan. Along the way, you'll find museums, parks, and landmarks that are sure to interest everyone in your travel party.

An Interesting Fact

Did you know that both Ohio and Michigan were once part of the Northwest Territory? Ohio became a state in 1803, and Michigan became a state in 1837.

Halfway Point: Montpelier, OH

Montpelier, OH is the halfway point between Cecil and Hillsdale. This small town is home to the Williams County Historical Society, which features exhibits on the area's rich history and a museum housed in a former 1867 hotel.

Length of the Trip

The drive from Cecil to Hillsdale is approximately 66 miles and takes about an hour and fifteen minutes by car. This makes it the perfect day trip or weekend excursion.

Top Five Places to Visit

  1. Fulton County Historical Society & Museum

Stop by the Fulton County Historical Society & Museum in Wauseon, OH to learn about the area's rich history. Exhibits include Native American artifacts, pioneer tools and utensils, and military memorabilia. Don't miss the restored 1868 one-room schoolhouse on the museum grounds.

Point of Interest: The museum is housed in a former jail built in 1884, and visitors can see the original jail cells in the basement.

  1. Independence Dam State Park

Take a break from driving and stretch your legs at Independence Dam State Park in Defiance, OH. This park offers hiking trails, fishing in the Maumee River, and a picnic area with tables and grills.

Point of Interest: The park is named after the nearby Independence Dam, which was built in 1918 to harness the Maumee River for hydroelectric power.

  1. Lake Hudson Recreation Area

Enjoy a day on the water at Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Clayton, MI. This park features a beach area for swimming, a boat launch, and fishing in Lake Hudson. Visitors can also explore the park's hiking trails and play on the volleyball or basketball courts.

Point of Interest: Lake Hudson is a man-made reservoir created by the Hudson Dam in 1963.

  1. Hillsdale College Arboretum

Take a scenic stroll through the Hillsdale College Arboretum in Hillsdale, MI. This beautiful green space features over 150 species of trees, along with walking trails and a Japanese garden.

Point of Interest: The arboretum was established in 1962 and is maintained by Hillsdale College students and faculty.

  1. Slayton Arboretum

Venture over to Adrian, MI to see the Slayton Arboretum. This hidden gem is tucked away on the campus of Adrian College and features a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers. The arboretum is open year-round and is free to the public.

Point of Interest: The arboretum was named after Dr. Richard Slayton, who was a professor of biology at Adrian College for over 30 years.

Point of Interest Recommendations

  • Make a pit stop at Kalmbach Feeds in Montgomery, OH to see the world's largest rocking chair.
  • Grab a bite to eat at the Spangler Candy Store in Bryan, OH, where they make Dum Dum lollipops.
  • Check out the Munchy's Specialty Food & Pizza Museum in Hillsdale, MI, which features vintage advertising and memorabilia from the food and pizza industries.

Conclusion

In just over an hour, you can travel from Cecil, Ohio to Hillsdale, Michigan and experience a variety of museums, parks, and landmarks. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or just want to enjoy the scenery, this road trip has something for everyone.