Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chicago, IL to Mason, OH

Chicago, Illinois and Mason, Ohio are two cities with a lot to offer. They are only about 300 miles apart, making for an ideal road trip. The journey between these two destinations will take you through scenic landscapes and bustling towns with plenty of attractions and activities to keep you entertained. The halfway point is Lebanon, IN, a charming town with plenty of history and culture.

Top Five Things to Do

1. Navy Pier, Chicago, IL

Navy Pier is a popular attraction in Chicago. It offers a variety of entertainment, including an IMAX theater, shopping, dining, and boat tours. The pier also has a Ferris wheel, known as the Centennial Wheel, which offers stunning views of the city and Lake Michigan.

Interesting Fact: Navy Pier was originally built in 1916 as part of a shipping and recreational facility and was designed to serve as a multi-purpose venue for shipping, entertainment, and trade.

2. The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the top art museums in the world. It has an extensive collection of art from around the globe, including European paintings, American art, Asian art, and ancient artifacts. Visitors can spend hours admiring works of art from famous artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Grant Wood.

Interesting Fact: The Lions in front of The Art Institute of Chicago have been guarding the entrance since 1894. They were made of bronze by sculptor Edward Kemeys and weigh over two tons each.

3. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, IN

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a historic racing track that has been in operation since 1909. It is famous for hosting the Indianapolis 500, the world's most prestigious auto race. Visitors can take a tour of the track, which includes a visit to the museum and a ride around the track in a bus.

Interesting Fact: The first Indianapolis 500 was held in 1911 and was won by driver Ray Harroun. He completed the race in just over six hours, with an average speed of 74.59 miles per hour.

4. Kings Island, Mason, OH

Kings Island is a popular amusement park in Mason, Ohio. It has over 45 rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can spend a whole day at the park, enjoying the thrill of the rides and cooling off in the water park.

Interesting Fact: Kings Island was opened in 1972 and has attracted over 150 million visitors since its inception.

5. Loveland Castle, Loveland, OH

Loveland Castle is an unusual castle located in Loveland, Ohio. It was built by a man named Harry Andrews, who began construction of the castle in 1929. The castle was built as a tribute to medieval knights and was designed to be a place of relaxation and contemplation.

Interesting Fact: The castle was built using stones from the Little Miami River and stones that were donated by friends and family.

Conclusion

This road trip from Chicago, IL to Mason, OH covers a distance of about 300 miles and takes roughly 5 hours. On the route, visitors can explore the vibrant city of Chicago, visit the historic racing track of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, enjoy the excitement of Kings Island amusement park in Mason, OH, and take a trip back in time at Loveland Castle. The halfway point of the trip is Lebanon, IN, which offers plenty of history, culture, and natural beauty. Overall, this road trip promises to be a memorable journey full of adventure and fun.