Road Trip from Chillicothe, OH to Erie, PA
If you're looking for a scenic road trip that covers historical landmarks, museums and leisure parks, this one's for you. Starting from Chillicothe in Ohio and ending in Erie, Pennsylvania, this route is an adventure lover's dream come true.
Did you know that Chillicothe was once the capital of Ohio? In fact, it was the first capital of the state before it was moved to Columbus in 1816.
The halfway point of the trip is West Salem, OH, a small village with a population of around 1,500 people.
The journey from Chillicothe to Erie spans over 300 miles and will take you approximately 5.5 hours via I-71 and I-90W.
Here are the top five places to visit on this road trip:
- National Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton, OH The museum houses one of the world's largest collections of military aircraft and has exhibits that showcase the history of aviation. Visitors can also watch aircraft being restored in the Restoration Hangar. This is a must-visit for airplane enthusiasts.
Point of interest: Make sure to catch a glimpse of the presidential aircraft, including the plane that carried President John F. Kennedy's body back to Washington, D.C after his assassination.
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Peninsula, OH A national park that's perfect for hiking and trail biking, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park covers over 33,000 acres and boasts scenic vistas, rolling hills and lush forests. Don't miss the opportunity to take the scenic train ride through the park.
Point of interest: Look out for the bald eagle nests that can be spotted throughout the park.
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, OH A museum that showcases the history of rock & roll, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a must-visit attraction for music lovers. The museum has a collection of over 500 iconic artifacts from musicians who have left an imprint on the genre.
Point of interest: Check out the interactive exhibits that allow visitors to play instruments, learn dance moves and experience a rock & roll concert.
- Presque Isle State Park, Erie, PA Located along the shore of Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park is a natural wonderland that's perfect for beach lovers. The park boasts 13 beaches, nature trails, and a lighthouse that's over a century old.
Point of interest: Keep an eye out for the endangered piping plovers that nest at the park during the spring.
- Erie Maritime Museum, Erie, PA The museum is dedicated to Erie's naval history and covers everything from the War of 1812 to World War II. Visitors can climb aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara, a reconstruction of an 1813 ship that played a pivotal role in the Battle of Lake Erie.
Point of interest: From the deck of the Brig, visitors can get a stunning view of the Presque Isle State Park.
In conclusion, the road trip from Chillicothe, OH to Erie, PA is a journey that is packed with history, adventure and scenic beauty. It's a great way to explore the heart of Ohio and Pennsylvania and can be accomplished in a day with enough preparation and determination.