The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving from Bloomington, Indiana to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Are you planning to drive from Bloomington, Indiana to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? Then, get ready for an exhilarating road trip. While driving, you will pass through numerous towns, cities, and scenic places, offering you a chance to witness unique attractions and experiences. So, fasten your seatbelt, roll down the windows, and hit the road as we give you a rundown of the top places to see when driving from Bloomington, Indiana, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1. The Ohio River Scenic Byway

Kick-start your road trip by taking a picturesque drive along the Ohio River Scenic Byway, which follows the Ohio River's winding course. The route is approximately 303 miles long, stretching along the southern edge of Indiana from Switzerland County, IN, to Clark County, where it meets the Kentucky border. Expect to be amazed by the stunning views of the Ohio River, hilly countryside, and historic towns as you wind your way through the scenic byway.

Make a stop in Madison, Indiana, approximately 100 miles from Bloomington, where you can explore the Riverfront district, which is home to sandstone buildings from the 19th century. At the riverfront, you can also embark on a riverboat tour, watch a live theatrical performance, or shop for antiques.

2. Hershey's Chocolate World

Next stop, Hershey's Chocolate World, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, approximately 275 miles from Bloomington. If you are traveling with kids, this is a perfect place to stop and indulge in chocolate heaven. At Hershey's Chocolate World, you will learn about the history of Hershey's chocolate, see how it's made, and even create your custom chocolate bar.

When in Hershey, make sure to visit Hersheypark, an amusement park that features more than 70 rides and attractions, including 14 thrilling roller coasters. You can also explore Hershey's Gardens, covering over 23 acres of botanical beauty, Hershey's Theater, The Hershey Story Museum, and many more exciting places.

3. Gettysburg National Military Park

Are you a history buff? Then, spare some time and visit Gettysburg National Military Park, approximately 460 miles from Bloomington, Indiana. Here, you'll see the site of the bloody Civil War's Battle of Gettysburg, where Union troops battled against the Confederates. Gettysburg National Military Park offers several guided tours to help you learn about the Civil War's significance and the events that took place during the three-day battle.

While here, you can also visit the Soldiers' National Cemetery, where Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address. The cemetery contains the remains of over 7,000 soldiers who lost their lives during the Civil War's deadliest battle.

4. Philadelphia Museum of Art

Welcoming you to Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, is the world-renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum is approximately 560 miles from Bloomington, Indiana. Being one of the biggest museums in the country, the Philadelphia Museum of Art's collection entails over 240,000 artefacts and objects from various cultures and time periods.

One of the museum's biggest attractions is the grand stairway, famously featured in the movie "Rocky," where Sylvester Stallone ran up the steps as part of his training session. Besides the many exhibits, the museum offers various educational programs and tours throughout the year, and admission is free every Wednesday evening.

5. Independence National Historical Park

Conclude your road trip with an iconic visit to Independence National Historical Park, located right in the heart of Philadelphia. The park features various historical buildings such as Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed, as well as various historic museums.

You can also visit the famous Liberty Bell, an iconic American symbol cast over 250 years ago. While here, consider taking a guided tour of the park to learn more about the nation's history.

Conclusion

Driving from Bloomington, Indiana, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers an opportunity to witness some of America's unique attractions and experiences. And while this list is not exhaustive, we hope it provides a rough guide to help you plan your road trip. Whether it's the picturesque Ohio River Scenic Byway, the history and culture at Gettysburg National Military Park or Independence National Historical Park, the kids' delights at Hershey's Chocolate World and Hersheypark, or the art and culture at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the attractions along this route make for one of the most amazing road trips in America.