Points of Interest between Chicago, Illinois to Painesville, Ohio

picture of Chicago, Illinois

Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicago, IL to Painesville, OH

Chicago, IL, and Painesville, OH may be small cities, but the journey between them offers an array of hidden gems for road trippers. A quick stopover in Montpelier, OH, adds to the excitement of this journey marking the halfway point.

Top Five Things to Do

1. Visit Cedar Point Amusement Park

Cedar Point Amusement Park is a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers. Known as the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World," the park features over 70 rides and various activities for all ages. The Gemini Coaster, one of the most famous, is a perfect example of the park's legacy of cutting-edge coasters.

2. A Tour at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

Featuring the induction of major performers and artists, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a distinguished epicenter of music. It first opened in September 1995 and is one of the most significant institutions globally, featuring a vast array of historical artifacts, exhibitions, and other useful programs regularly.

3. Toledo Museum of Art

Toledo Museum of Art holds works of art from various time periods, ranging from ancient artifacts from Egypt to modern crafts from famous artists like Pablo Picasso. To further explore many collections, they offer free guided tours covering everything from architecture to painting.

4. National Aviary

National Aviary in Pittsburgh is home to more than 550 birds representing at least 150 species. It is the largest aviary in America and has served as the birthplace to many rare birds. Visitors are encouraged to interact with birds in a range of hands-on encounters and get up close to the birds in a natural habitat setting.

5. Ashtabula Harbor Light House

The Ashtabula Harbor Lighthouse was first illuminated in 1905 and played a significant role in the harbor life of Ashtabula for over 70 years until it was decommissioned in 1973. The Lighthouse recently opened for tours and special events. The agency has taken the lighthouse to its original 1916 arrangement and has restored a building next door to house a new museum that tells the story of the Lighthouse and the role it played in Ashtabula maritime history.

Interesting Facts

  • Cedar Point Amusement Park is home to the world's longest roller coaster, ' Steel Vengeance.' It boasts almost 6,500 feet of track and is the most massive hybrid coaster globally, standing 205 feet tall at its highest point.

  • The first thing visible when entering Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a 65-foot-tall, lightning bolt-shaped tower weighing more than 160,000 pounds.

  • Toledo Museum of Art is the first museum in the world to purchase a painting by Edouard Manet, a nineteenth-century French artist.

  • The National Aviary houses the most extensive collection of endangered bird species in North America and gives visitors the chance to watch live bird shows.

  • The Ashtabula Harbor Lighthouse has been featured in films like 'The Boxing Helena' and 'My Fellow Americans.'

Conclusion

This road trip across the Midwest covering destinations like Cedar Point Amusement Park, National Aviary, Ashtabula Harbor Light House, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Toledo Museum of Art is both exciting and insightful. With a distance of 404 miles from Chicago to Painesville and at least two days of driving, you'll have enough time to explore and discover several off-road treasures, including the beautiful town of Montpelier, OH.