Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Charlevoix, Michigan and Cleveland, Ohio
If you find yourself in Michigan wanting to explore the hidden gems of Ohio or vice versa, then a road trip from Charlevoix to Cleveland is the perfect option. Passing through scenic surroundings, the journey will take roughly four hours with plenty of sights along the way. Regardless of your interests, these five unplanned but captivating places are worth the stop, and the drive will be a rewarding experience for the curious traveler.
Halfway Point: Flint, MI
At precisely the halfway point on this journey, Flint, MI is a city full of surprises. Its vibrant downtown hosts a diverse range of museum exhibits, art collections, and historical sites. Nevertheless, the city is renowned for its architecture, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the city's past. Gothic Revival designs, including St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, or the First Presbyterian Church, is worth a visit if contrast modern architecture is your interest. The recently launched Ferris Wheel parks bring new energy to the formerly industrial city blocks with foot traffic, lively additions to the community.
*Recommended food spot:*Lizzy's Cafe, on South Saginaw, has a relaxing atmosphere with freshly prepared breakfast dishes made with local ingredients.
1. Great Lakes Crossing Outlets
Twenty minutes into your journey, and your first stop is waiting. The Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, located off the Baldwin Road exit on the I-75 South, offers a grand indoor shopping experience with more than 100 retailers and restaurants. A vast Lego factory with a life-sized Lego Giraffe or Peppa Pig stand out from the other shops. The indoor aquarium, owned by Bass Pro Shops, displays fish and features a massive floor-to-ceiling tank or "shipwreck" complete with Iguanas.
*Recommended food spot:*Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria at Grand Traverse Commons serves wood-fired pizzas and refreshing beers, offering customers a relaxing space after shopping.
2. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
A few miles from the interstate, nature lovers should make a stop at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The sprawling evergreen forests over the Cuyahoga River offers serene views with intriguing trails for hiking and biking. There are adventure, history, and nature-themed guided tours available within the park.
*Recommended food spot:*The Winking Lizard Tavern in Peninsula feeds hunger with original, locally sourced food choices often accompanied by live music.
3. Mansfield Reformatory
About an hour from the park, the Mansfield Reformatory is an iconic structure boasting a Gothic-inspired design. Many may recognize it from films like The Shawshank Redemption or Tango & Cash. Eventually closed in 1990, the Reformatory opened to the public with guided tours in 1995. The guides tell stories of inmates and life inside the Reformatory. It's recommended to book an adult or haunted history tour for the best experience.
*Recommended food spot:*City News in downtown Mansfield provides coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
4. Amish Door Restaurant & Village
Your next stop through Ohio should be the Amish Door Restaurant & Village located twenty minutes from the Mansfield Reformatory. The restaurant is known for its homestyle cooking, and the quaint village houses two gift stores, a bakery, and hotels.
*Recommended food spot:*The restaurant offers its famous chicken and noodles or daily specials.
5. Cedar Point
About an hour's drive away from Amish Door, Cedar Point is a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers. With over 72 rides, including 18 roller coasters, this amusement park offers an adrenaline rush for all ages. Presently, the newest addition involves a 150-foot-tall steel skyscraper with a fantastic view of Ohio's coastline.
*Recommended food spot:*Cedar Point's famous for their corn dogs and other freshly prepared amusement park-style food.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to stop at every destination along the way or select a few favorites, the journey between Charlevoix and Cleveland is guaranteed to be engaging and captivating. You'll embrace the natural beauty of Ohio's national parks, explore Mansfield's Gothic architecture, and indulge in authentic homestyle cooking on your way. Visit and capture these hidden gems with your camera or journal, and make memories that last a lifetime.