The Best Road Trip: Bloomington, IL to Middletown, OH
Road trips are an excellent way to explore different cities and towns across the country. Taking a road trip from Bloomington, IL, to Middletown, OH is an adventure you don't want to miss. You'll see breathtaking views, visit historical and cultural landmarks, and enjoy delicious local cuisines. This road trip is approximately 335 miles long, and it can take about 5 hours of driving time. However, you can make several stops and explore various attractions along the way to break up the journey. Here are the top places to visit on this exciting road trip.
1. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Located in Collinsville, Illinois, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a prehistoric Native American city and the largest ancient civilization north of Mexico. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features 80 mounds that once had religious and ceremonial functions. Visitors can visit Monks Mound, the largest mound in the site, which is over 100 feet tall. The site also has an impressive museum that displays artifacts from the Mississippian culture. The museum has exhibits on the everyday life of the ancient Americans, their farming techniques, and their development of the first city in North America.
2. Gateway Arch National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and was once known as the "Gateway to the West." This iconic monument is 630 feet tall, making it the tallest man-made monument in the US. You'll enjoy breathtaking views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River from the viewing platform atop the arch. The museum in the park tells the story of how the West was discovered and how St. Louis played a key role in this history.
3. Bonnybrook Farms
Bonnybrook Farms is located in Clarksville, Ohio, and is a fantastic place to visit with your family. This working farm features various activities such as petting animals, fishing, or taking a wagon ride to see the crops and animals. The farm also has a restaurant that serves farm-to-table meals and hosts fantastic events such as fall festivals, holiday events, and summer concerts, making it an ideal stop during your road trip.
4. National Museum of the US Air Force
Located in Dayton, Ohio, the National Museum of the US Air Force is the largest and oldest military aviation museum in the world. The museum displays an extensive collection of aircraft, missiles, and aviation-related artifacts that tell the story of the US air force from its beginnings in 1907 to the present day. The museum also has exhibits on the space program and has some of the world's famous planes such as Air Force One and the Enola Gay.
5. Kings Island
Kings Island is a popular amusement park located in Mason, Ohio, that offers fun and thrills for visitors of all ages. The park features various rides and roller coasters, including the longest steel inverted roller coaster in the world, the Banshee. You can also cool off at the water park or enjoy live shows and entertainment throughout the day.
Conclusion
Driving from Bloomington, IL, to Middletown, OH, gives you a chance to explore different attractions along the way. From historic sites like Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site to iconic monuments like Gateway Arch National Park, you'll enjoy making stops and taking a break from the long drive. Places like Bonnybrook Farms, the National Museum of the US Air Force, and Kings Island offer entertainment and fun for visitors of all ages. Your road trip will be exciting and memorable if you visit these top places on the way. Make sure to bring your camera, sunscreen, and an appetite for adventure!