Top Five Popular Attractions between Chardon, OH, and Bloomington, IN

Are you planning a road trip from Chardon, Ohio, to Bloomington, Indiana? This journey will take you through beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and unique attractions that are worth stopping for. From a national park to a museum and a chocolate factory, here are the top five places to visit on your way to Bloomington.

South Vienna, OH - The Halfway Point

As you travel down I-70, make sure to stop at South Vienna, Ohio, to take a break and stretch your legs. This small village in Clark County is the halfway point between Chardon and Bloomington and offers several options for sightseeing and outdoor activities. You can visit the South Vienna Historical Society Museum, where you can learn about the village's past, or take a hike at the nearby Cedar Bog Nature Preserve. If you're traveling with kids, they'll love the Mary Rutan Park, with playgrounds and picnic areas, or the 4-H Camp Clifton, which offers summer camps and outdoor skills programs.

1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH

Located about 30 minutes south of Chardon, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a must-see attraction for nature lovers and history buffs alike. The park covers 33,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and a winding river valley, providing plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. You can also explore the historic villages and farms within the park, such as the Boston Store Visitor Center and the Hale Farm and Village, which offer a glimpse into life in the 19th century. The park also hosts various events and concerts throughout the year, so make sure to check the calendar before embarking on your trip.

2. Columbus Museum of Art, OH

Are you a fan of contemporary and modern art? Then don't miss the Columbus Museum of Art, located in the heart of Ohio's capital city, about an hour's drive from Chardon. The museum features over 10,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography, from American and European artists from the late 19th century to the present. You can admire works by Picasso, Monet, and Calder, among others, as well as explore the museum's outdoor sculpture garden and interactive art-making studios. Admission is free on Sundays, and the museum is closed on Mondays.

3. Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, KY

Baseball fans, rejoice! The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, located just across the Ohio River in Kentucky, is a fascinating destination that combines sports history and craftsmanship. You can take a guided tour of the factory and see how the famous Louisville Slugger bats are made, from selecting the lumber to branding the finished product. You can also learn about the bat's role in baseball history, from Babe Ruth to Derek Jeter, and browse the museum's extensive collection of baseball memorabilia, including uniforms, gloves, and balls. Don't forget to pose with the giant baseball bat outside the museum and stop by the gift shop for a personalized bat.

4. Marengo Cave, IN

Are you ready to explore Indiana's underworld? Head to Marengo Cave, located in the Hoosier National Forest, about 30 minutes west of Bloomington. The cave system offers several tours that lead you through stunning underground formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones, and teach you about the geology and ecology of caves. You can choose from a variety of tours, depending on your level of adventure and physical ability, such as the Dripstone Trail, the Crystal Palace Tour, or the Wild Cave Tour. The cave stays a constant 52°F, so make sure to bring warm clothing and good footwear.

5. Oliver Winery, IN

What better way to end your road trip than with a taste of Indiana's wine? The Oliver Winery, located in Bloomington, is a family-owned business that has been producing award-winning wines for over 50 years. You can take a guided tour of the winery and learn about the winemaking process, from crushing the grapes to aging the wine in oak barrels, and sample some of the winery's signature wines, such as the soft and fruity Soft Red or the crisp and refreshing Beanblossom Hard Cider. You can also enjoy a picnic on the winery's grounds and purchase some wine and souvenirs at the gift shop. The winery is open daily, and reservations are recommended.

Conclusion

Now that you know the top five places to visit on your journey from Chardon to Bloomington, how should you plan your route? The most straightforward option is to take I-70 all the way, which will take you about 6 hours without stops. However, if you have some extra time, consider taking a detour to visit other attractions along the way, such as the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, or the Indianapolis Museum of Art in Indiana. You can also break up your trip by spending a night in one of the many charming towns and bed and breakfasts in the area, such as Athens, Ohio, or Nashville, Indiana. Whichever option you choose, make sure to take your time and enjoy the journey. Happy travels!