From Alexandria, Virginia to Detroit, Michigan: Road Trip Destination Guide

Are you looking for a fun adventure this summer? Why not take a road trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Detroit, Michigan? The trip is packed with interesting attractions, from National Parks, local landmarks, international cuisine, museum discoveries, and even scenic bridges! All along the journey, there are plenty of surprises to be found. Buckle up and hit the open road, and explore the top destinations you can’t miss on this journey!

Discover the Best of Virginia

Before leaving Alexandria, make sure to hit some of the best landmarks in the area.

Mount Vernon – Just a few miles south of Alexandria, you can find the home of George Washington – the first US President. Explore the gardens, the tombs, and the historical exhibits to learn more about the first president and the history of the nation. The home and gardens are open daily for visitors to marvel at their beauty, and the museum is packed with exciting artifacts from the past.
Luray Caverns – Aptly named the “Stalactite Organ,” the Luray Caverns’ largest rooms are home to the Great Stalacpipe Organ, a computer-controlled musical instrument. Every bell tone and chord that is played is accomplished by striking stalactites from across the room with small rubber hammers. The spectacular attraction also features stunning mineral formations, such as "Dream Lake" and the "Fried Eggs" formation.
Shenandoah National Park – A hop and a skip southeast of Luray Caverns Journey awaits you with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia! This 105-mile drive runs through the heart of Shenandoah National Park, one of the most beautiful destinations on the East Coast. Plan to stop at one of the many overlooks and hike one of the parks’ excellent trails to see some breathtaking scenery.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's Gems

Pennsylvania is the gateway to the Midwest and has many great stops to make along the way!

Kennywood Park – For a fun, retro amusement park, Kennywood is the place to go. This cozy park has plenty of rides and attractions that are perfect for families, and it offers some of the best food you’ll find at any amusement park in the country.
Andy Warhol Museum – Pittsburgh is the hometown of Andy Warhol, and this museum is worth visiting if you’re an art-lover. You can see his unique art style and learn about his life and artistic vision. The Warhol Museum features over 17,000 works of art by Warhol and others from his era. You’ll also get to see iconic Pop Art pieces like the large-scale Beer Sign made by Warhol himself.
Point State Park – This 36-acre park is the perfect place to relax, have a picnic, and admire some of the city’s best sights. Spend the day exploring the many fountains, memorials, and historical markers that make this park a must-see! Be sure to check out the impressive Fort Pitt Museum, located on the site of an old British fortification, to learn about the history of the area.

Scenic Beauty of Ohio

Ohio has so much natural beauty to offer and the following locations are no exception. You're going to want to put them on your road trip itinerary!

Cuyahoga Valley National Park – The national park covers 33,000 acres, with numerous recreational opportunities and lots of stunning scenery. The park is perfect for outdoor lovers featuring over 100 hiking and biking trails, birdwatching, a scenic railroad, and even a winter sports park.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Get ready to rock out to some of the best in American music from around the country. It’s worth visiting the museum to learn how rock and roll shaped America and the world, the inducted musicians, and memorabilia on display.
Hocking Hills State Park – Hocking Hills State Park has an immense selection of hiking trails and is one of Ohio’s natural gems. The park's natural wonders include waterfalls, towering cliffs, caves, and sandstone formations. It is one of the best places to visit and spend time with nature to forget the day-to-day hustle and bustle of life.

Indiana's Hidden Gems

Indiana has much to offer, from world-class museums, fascinating monuments, and some good foodie destinations worth checking out.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Race fans will love visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the famous Indy 500 races. You'll also love the museum, where you can learn all about the sport's history and the legendary drivers.
Fair Oaks Farms – If you need a break from museums and history lessons, Oakes Farms is a unique destination that offers visitors an inside look at a sustainable dairy farm. You can take a guided tour of the farm, learn how milk is produced, try some flavored milkshakes, and enjoy some delicious ice cream – all made right on-site.
Indiana Dunes National Park – Indiana Dunes is the newest national park in America and a must-visit place on your road trip to Detroit. The park is famous for its beautiful sand dunes that attract visitors for swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Detroit: Motor City's Highlights

Detroit has so many things to see and do, and it's the perfect ending to your road trip.

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation – Known as America’s Greatest History Attraction, this museum displays the timeline of the primary industries that make up the Detroit area, showcasing the cars and ideas that changed the world.
Eastern Market – Catch Detroit's vibrant food culture at the city’s most prominent public market. Open every weekend, there are over 225 vendors selling flowers, fresh produce, homemade jams and jellies, and tasty delicacies.
Renaissance Center – The Renaissance Center is a group of seven interconnected skyscrapers located on the Detroit Riverwalk. Aside from offices, stores, and dining options, visitors can also explore the GM World exhibit to learn about the history and production of General Motors cars.

Conclusion

Driving from Alexandria, Virginia to Detroit, Michigan may seem like a daunting task at first, but with the perfect roadmap on your side, it can be the adventure of a lifetime! Every stop along the way offers countless opportunities for exploration, learning, and experiencing new things. So, pack your bags, grab the car keys and get ready for an epic road trip – with memories that will last a lifetime.