Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicopee, MA and Columbus, IN
Chicopee, Massachusetts, and Columbus, Indiana are two fantastic destinations located more than 800 miles apart. If you're looking for a great road trip option that will take you through some of the most scenic and interesting parts of the eastern and midwestern United States, this can be an amazing option.
The trip between Chicopee and Columbus is long, so you'll want to take some breaks along the way. One such break could be Erie, PA, which is the halfway point of this journey. This city is known for its sparkling waterfront, and visitors can explore the Erie Maritime Museum, Bayfront Convention Center, Presque Isle State Park, and more.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Visit the Niagara Falls
The Niagara Falls is one of the top attractions along the way from Chicopee to Columbus. The location boasts not one, but three incredible waterfalls - American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Take a Maid of the Mist boat ride or visit one of the observation decks to witness the waterfalls' beauty.
Interesting Fact: The combined falls have a vertical drop of more than 165 feet.
2. Explore The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn
The Henry Ford Museum is located in Dearborn, Michigan, and is a great spot to learn about American history, inventions, and innovations. Visitors can take a walk through time, move from the Wright Brothers' airplane, to the Rosa Parks bus, and then end with a modern simulation of a production line.
Interesting Fact: This museum spans over 12 acres and has thousands of artifacts on display.
3. Discover Mammoth Cave National Park
Drive to the south, and you'll find Mammoth Cave National Park, in Kentucky. This is a perfect spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities as the park offers campgrounds, hiking, horseback riding, and caving.
Interesting Fact: With over 400 miles of explored cave systems, it's the world's largest known cave system.
4. Visit Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is a world-renowned horse racing track. It's famously known as the host of the Kentucky Derby, but other races take place there throughout the year. Visitors can take a tour of the track and explore the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Interesting Fact: Churchill Downs is home to the world's largest Big Board, the video screens that display race replays and other updates.
5. Check out The Ohio Statehouse
On your way to Columbus, you will come across the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. The impressive building has late 18th-century architecture, a touch of Greek Revival, and Renaissance Revival styles. The interior is open to the public, and visitors can take a guided tour and learn about Ohio's political history.
Interesting Fact: The Ohio Statehouse cost $1.3 million to construct in the 1860s.
Conclusion
This Chicopee, MA, to Columbus, IN road trip is a great way to experience much of the eastern and midwestern parts of the United States. Along the way, you can tick off some of the most popular and scenic attractions that include: visiting the three waterfalls at Niagara Falls, exploring the Henry Ford Museum, discovering Mammoth Cave National Park, visiting Churchill Downs, and checking out the Ohio Statehouse. This incredible road trip spans almost 900 miles and can take around 13 hours of driving time.