Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois and Blue Ash, Ohio

Are you looking for the ultimate road trip experience from Chicago, Illinois to Blue Ash, Ohio? Then look no further! This route offers some of the most scenic and diverse attractions to visit. From major cities to tiny towns, from natural beauty to man-made marvels, this road trip is a one-of-a-kind experience. The halfway point of Lebanon, IN is where you will find a wide range of local eats and fascinating history. Enjoy the ride and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

The Top Five Things to Do:

1. Explore the Magnificent Mile in Chicago

If you find yourself in Chicago, the Magnificent Mile is a must-visit location. The Magnificent Mile is a one-mile stretch of Michigan Avenue, representing the finest shopping, dining, and entertainment in the city. The area is home to an impressive lineup of more than 450 retail stores, 275 restaurants, and 60 hotels, including some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. The Magnificent Mile is also home to Chicago's major landmarks such as the Chicago Water Tower, the Wrigley Building, and the Tribune Tower.

Interesting fact: The Magnificent Mile attracts over 22 million visitors each year and ranks as one of the world's leading retail destinations.

2. Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

If you are an automobile enthusiast, you cannot miss the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. As the world's largest museum dedicated to motor racing, the museum contains over 75 vehicles, including classic Indy 500 winners and championship-winning race cars. Visitors can explore the museum at their own pace or join a guided tour. The museum also features a state-of-the-art theater that showcases racing-themed movies.

Interesting fact: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the world's largest spectator sporting facility, and the Indianapolis 500 is the largest single-day sporting event in the world.

3. Walk the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is home to more than 500 animal species and 3,000 plant varieties, making it one of the most biologically diverse zoos in the world. The zoo is also renowned for its conservation efforts, education programs, and research. Visitors can witness daily animal encounters, feed a giraffe, take a train ride, and participate in interactive experiences with animals.

Interesting fact: The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is notable for being the first zoo in the United States to breed and successfully rear California sea lions.

4. Have a Bite of Graeter's Ice Cream in Cincinnati

If you're looking for a sweet treat, look no further than Graeter's Ice Cream. Known for its signature French Pot process, Graeter's has been serving up premium ice cream since 1870. The ice cream has a velvety texture and is notable for its large, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips. Graeter's also serves other treats like sorbet, gelato, and ice cream cakes.

Interesting fact: Graeter's Ice Cream is still family-owned and has over 60 locations throughout the United States.

5. Explore the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world. The museum contains over 360 aircraft from all eras of aviation history. Visitors can see planes up-close such as the Wright Brothers' 1909 Wright Military Flyer. The museum also features interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and a top-notch 3D theater.

Interesting fact: The National Museum of the United States Air Force served as a maintenance and repair depot during World War II and later as an airborne surveillance and control center.

Conclusion

This road trip route from Chicago, Illinois to Blue Ash, Ohio, is truly the ride of a lifetime. With five unique must-see attractions along the way, the trip is packed with unforgettable experiences. From the shopping paradise in Chicago to the automobile history at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the beautiful animals at the Cincinnati Zoo and to Dayton's Aviation museum to round off, the trip route is filled with must-sees. The trip took approximately 6 hours' traveling time plus stops and should take a couple of days to fully enjoy. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure!