Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Cincinnati, Ohio and West Carrollton, Ohio

Cincinnati, Ohio and West Carrollton, Ohio are two perfect starting points for a fun-filled road trip through the Midwest. This trip offers a great combination of history, outdoor activities, and fun experiences. The journey takes around three hours and covers 181.1 miles, and the halfway point is Liberty Township, Ohio. Not sure where to start your adventure? Here are the five most amazing things to do on this road trip.

1. Visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located in Dayton, Ohio, just a 15-minute drive from West Carrollton. As the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world, this place will leave you in awe with over 360 aircraft and missiles on display. The museum offers a variety of exhibits, simulators, and hands-on activities that will keep visitors of all ages entertained. Don't miss the Presidential and Research and Development Galleries showcasing airplane models flown by every president and some of the weirdest aircraft technology the Air Force has tested.

Interesting fact: The museum is home to the only surviving XB-70 Valkyrie, a prototype supersonic bomber designed during the Cold War.

2. Take a Trip Back in Time to the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal

The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, around 15 minutes away from the city center. The center is a historical art deco train station built in 1933, and it was a key military transportation hub during World War II, where over 34 million soldiers passed through. Today, the museum showcases Cincinnati's history through rotating exhibits and permanent displays. Visitors can also enjoy touring the restored art deco theater that shows documentaries and classic films.

Interesting fact: The art deco mural in the rotunda of the museum is one of the largest murals in the US, measuring 180 feet in length and 106 feet in height.

3. Enjoy a Hike at Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills State Park is a hidden gem located around two hours from Cincinnati, Ohio. This park consists of over 2,000 acres of natural beauty, with miles of hiking trails leading up to scenic overlooks and waterfalls. Visitors can also camp, have a picnic, bike, fish and ride horses. The most popular trail is the Old Man's Cave Trail, which leads hikers through a stunning gorge with a waterfall at its end.

Interesting fact: Hocking Hills has its own microclimate that gives it a unique ecosystem. The park is one of the rare places in Ohio where hemlock trees thrive.

4. Take a Scenic Drive on the Serpent Mound Trail

The Serpent Mound is located in Peebles, Ohio, around two hours drive from West Carrollton. This prehistoric earthwork is shaped like a serpent, and archaeologists estimate it was built between 800 and 1400 CE by the Adena culture. The Serpent Mound trail is a 1.5-mile winding road leading up to the serpent head. Visitors can walk the trail and explore the prehistoric burials, villages, and rock art found in the area.

Interesting fact: The Serpent Mound is the largest surviving prehistoric effigy mound in the world, measuring around 1330 feet long and 3 feet high.

5. Relax at Soak City Water Park

Soak City Water Park is located in Mason, Ohio, only a 30-minute drive from Cincinnati. This water park has over 50 rides, including 10 water slides and attractions for all ages. Visitors can enjoy catching some rays on a lazy river or float on a giant inner tube. The park also has indoor pools and hot tubs for those wanting to relax after a long day.

Interesting fact: The park's biggest slide, the Tidal Wave Bay is over 20 feet tall and has 600,000 gallons of water shooting down it every minute.

Conclusion

This Midwest road trip has something for everyone, from history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. The trip takes around three hours to complete, and the halfway point is Liberty Township, Ohio, another quaint Midwest town worth a stop. So, pack your bags and embark on this adventure of a lifetime.