Points of Interest between Akron, Ohio to Las Vegas, Nevada

picture of Akron, Ohio

Road Trip from Akron, Ohio to Las Vegas, Nevada - A Dream Drive to Remember

Are you ready for the ultimate American road trip? Whether you're looking for a family adventure, a solo escape, or a romantic getaway, driving from Akron, Ohio, to Las Vegas, Nevada, will take you through breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and iconic landmarks. Buckle up, hit the open road, and get ready for a journey of a lifetime. Here are the top places to see and things to do on your Akron to Vegas road trip.

Starting off from Akron, Ohio

  1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park: This scenic national park is the perfect place to kickstart your adventure. Located just outside of Akron, Cuyahoga Valley offers over 33,000 acres of forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. Take a hike on the park's trails, rent a bike and follow the Ohio and Erie Canal towpath, or hop on the scenic railroad and enjoy the views.
  2. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland: Drive less than an hour north from Akron, and you'll arrive in Cleveland, home to one of the world's most iconic music institutions. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame showcases artifacts, memorabilia, and exhibits from the genre's biggest names, including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Madonna.

Cross Country Adventure

  1. St. Louis Gateway Arch, Missouri: After crossing Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, you'll arrive in St. Louis, the Gateway to the West. Here, you can't miss the city's most recognizable landmark - the Gateway Arch. Take a tram ride to the top of the 630-foot structure and enjoy panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline.
  2. The Wild West, Dodge City, Kansas: Head west on interstate 70, and you'll feel like you've traveled back in time to the Wild West. The town of Dodge City, Kansas, was once a bustling cattle town, and today, it's a living museum of the Old West. Walk the historic streets, visit the Boot Hill Museum, and attend a rodeo show.
  3. Rocky Mountains, Denver, Colorado: As you cross the Kansas-Colorado state line, you'll enter the Rockies, one of the world's most imposing mountain ranges. Denver, Colorado's capital, is the perfect place to explore the Rockies from. Take a hike in the nearby Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, visit the U.S. Mint, or catch a game at the iconic Coors Field.

The End Goal - Las Vegas

  1. The Strip, Las Vegas: After driving over 2,000 miles, you'll finally arrive in Las Vegas, the City of Lights and Sin City. It's impossible to pick one landmark or attraction in the city, but the Strip is undoubtedly the heart of Vegas. Stroll down the neon-lit boulevard and admire the hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues. Be sure to visit the Bellagio Fountains, the Eiffel Tower replica at Paris Las Vegas, and the High Roller Ferris Wheel.
  2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: Located just a few hours' drive from Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon is one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The park boasts over 1,900 square miles of canyons, cliffs, and creeks, and offers hiking, camping, and scenic drives. Be sure to watch the sunrise or sunset over the canyon's rim, it's an unforgettable experience.
  3. Hoover Dam, Nevada/Arizona: Drive 30 miles southeast from Las Vegas, and you'll find another iconic landmark - the Hoover Dam. This massive concrete structure was built in the 1930s to control the Colorado River and provide water and power to nearby cities. Today, you can take a guided tour of the dam and learn about its history and engineering.
  4. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada: If you're looking for a break from the city's lights and crowds, head to Red Rock Canyon, located just a 30-minute drive west of Vegas. This conservation area preserves over 195,000 acres of natural desert beauty, and offers hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. Don't miss the scenic loop drive, which takes you through stunning rock formations and desert landscapes.
  5. Lake Mead, Nevada/Arizona: Just a few miles southeast of Hoover Dam, you'll find another natural wonder - Lake Mead. This massive man-made lake is the largest reservoir in the United States, and it offers plenty of opportunities for water sports, fishing, and relaxation. Visit the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and explore the beaches, coves, and canyons.

In Conclusion - A Trip to Treasure

Driving from Akron, Ohio to Las Vegas, Nevada, is not just a road trip, it's a bucket list experience. You'll cross several states, explore diverse landscapes, and immerse yourself in different cultures. From the great outdoors to vibrant cities, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this road trip has it all. So grab your map, pack your bags, and hit the road, your next adventure awaits.