If you've ever traveled east-west across the middle of the country, then you're probably familiar with Interstate 70. Stretching from Cove Fort, UT to Baltimore, MD, it traverses the Midwest and West of America. Not only does the route take you through tons of beautiful states, from wild and wonderful West Virginia to the rolling plains of Kansas to the rocky mountains of Colorado, but you also get the chance to pass through cities like Denver, Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Columbus, and (of course) Baltimore. Whether you're just taking I-70 for a brief period on your way somewhere else, or you'll be taking it for longer stretches, this guide to the coolest attractions along the way will definitely be useful.
The eastern end of the interstate is at a park and ride outside of Baltimore. Take at least a few hours to explore B'more. It's got harbor views, more monuments per capita than any other state, and tons of offbeat attractions, like Fort McHenry, the American Visionary Art Museum and the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum. Hotels in Baltimore, such as the Admiral Fell Inn, the Pier 5 Hotel and Rachaels Dowry Bed and Breakfast can accommodate overnight stays. Oh, and make sure to enjoy some crab, fresh from the Chesapeake!
Stop by this historic rail-station-turned-restaurant for a quick snack and a drink, or a full meal. Baldwin's Station is a main attraction in the cute little town of Sykesville, so stroll down their Main Street before or after stopping at the restaurant. The menu offers casual lunch fare (sandwiches and burgers), and classy dinners, along with a full bar. They also do murder mystery party nights and host live music as well!
In Frederick, you can visit one of the country's most intriguing little museums. The National Museum of Civil War Medicine isn't for the faint of heart, but it's a fascinating look at a major historical event through a lens that we often don't think much about: medicine. The Civil War was known for being bloody, and not just because of the battles. Medicine was, in many ways, advancing rapidly during the war, and in other ways, it was still gruesome and primitive. You'll leave with a new perspective and appreciation for the doctors of the Civil War!
A visit to Fort Frederick State Park takes you even further back in history, to the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Explore the 18th century fort, much of which has been reconstructed, take a guided tour, examine exhibits on the region's history, or even fish on the park's Big Pool Lake, and enjoy the hiking and nature trails!
Hop out of the car and try out a different mode of transportation! The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers relaxing, 2 1/2 hour round trip tours through the Allegheny Mountains. It's especially beautiful during the fall, when the leaves are changing colors, and they occasionally offer themed tours as well!
The I-70 route passes near Fallingwater, one of America's most iconic houses, so stop off to tour the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed gem. The views from inside the house are only matched by the views of the house itself, and the guided tours and historic exhibit provide lots of insight into why Fallingwater has become so famous. Bonus: if you're more into hidden gems, another Frank Lloyd Wright home, Kentuck Knob, is also nearby and open to the public.
via Water St
This coffee pot-shaped building is roadside kitsch at its finest! Opened in 1927 as a lunch and snack stand, it no longer serves food, but luckily, it's still standing as a cute and quirky little photo op.
America's Taj Mahal is in... West Virginia? The Palace of Gold, located at New Vrindaban, a Hare Krishna community, is an opulently-decorated memorial to former leader A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Pradhupada. You can tour the building, bedecked with semi-precious stones and gold leaf, as well as the grounds, which feature gardens, fountains, and even wild peacocks. Enjoy lunch at the onsite Indian restaurant, and even stay the night in a cabin!
This cute little home is the former residence of astronaut John Glenn, the first man to orbit the Earth. The John & Annie Glenn Historic Site, in the small town of New Concord, OH, provides a look into the life of John Glenn before he began training to be launched into orbit. Plus, it pays just as much tribute to his awesome wife, Annie, who held down the home during the Great Depression and WWII, as it does to him!
I-70 then rolls into Ohio's capital city, Columbus, which has plenty to see and do! Visit the statehouse or the Columbus Zoo, or poke around the shops and restaurants in the quaint German Village or the trendy Short North. Plus, Columbus is home to one of the country's largest colleges, THE Ohio State University, so there's always something interesting happening. The Blackwell, Hawthorne Park Bed and Breakfast and Le Meridien are some great hotels in Columbus if you need a place to spend the night!
The historic village of Clifton Mill is the perfect place to stretch your legs. Hop out, explore the inner workings of the 19th century grist mill, stroll across the covered bridge, take in views of the waterfall, and stock up on snacks at the 1940's gas station. There's also an onsite restaurant that serves up an exceptionally tasty home-style breakfast!
You're on a road trip, so why not stop by the Model T Museum in Richmond, Indiana to learn more about the history of the automobile? Here, you'll find loads of vintage cars and car-related memorabilia, and enthusiastic and knowledgeable docents who can shed more light on the interesting exhibits.
Whether the Indianapolis Motor Speedway gets your engine going, or you're more interested in the epic Children's Museum, Indianapolis is a pretty cool city. The NCAA Champions Hall of Fame and White River State Park are also lesser-known spots worth hitting up while exploring Indy. Plus, the city's foodie scene is on the up-and-up, so dig around for some really great eats as well! There are some nice hotels in Indianapolis as well, like The Conrad, the JW Marriott and The Alexander.
A quaint covered bridge atop a babbling waterfall? Sounds like the perfect spot fora picnic or a quick walk! Cataract Falls State Recreation Area is all lovely scenery and peaceful nature, perfect for a quick breather while traveling along I-70.
Most people probably don't think too much about their baking powder when cooking, but the most popular and iconic brand, Clabber Girl, actually has an interesting past. Stop by the Clabber Girl Museum and Restaurant to look at vintage memorabilia, learn about the brand's history as well as the history of the city of Terre Haute, and enjoy some delicious treats (get a biscuit or a cinnamon roll!) It's a cute, quick little stop.
Go beyond the Model T Museum at Effingham, IL's Heartland Classics, which features a rad collection of corvettes and muscle cars. Plus, most are for sale, if you're looking to upgrade your ride mid-road trip. Otherwise, you can just drool over their selection.
The Kaskaskia Dragon is a classic roadside attraction. Originally made for a parade float, the dragon has been placed alongside the road to entertain and amuse passersby. While it makes for a great photo op, make sure to go into the liquor store across the street to buy a "Dragon Coin", which you can drop into a box next to the beast and make it breathe fire!
The next major city you'll hit along I-70 is Saint Louis. Located on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, this city is famed for its iconic Gateway Arch, delicious BBQ, brewing history, and Midwestern friendliness. Get lost in the "phantasmagorical wonderland" that is the City Museum, sample local beers from Schlafly, devour ribs from Pappy's Smokehouse, and catch a baseball game at Busch Stadium! The Doubletree St. Louis Union Station, the Moonrise Hotel and the Cheshire are some rad hotels in St. Louis worth checking out!
As you explore I-70, pay tribute to another famous American explorer at the Historic Daniel Boone Home & Heritage Center. Tour the home where legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone lived and died, and explore the little historic village around the property. Take the guided tour to see inside all of the buildings and learn about life in 19th century Missouri!
I-70's unique route takes you right past some of the coolest hidden gems and iconic attractions in America. Whether you're on the highway out of necessity, or you're just seeing where the road takes you, you don't have to go too far off the route to find awesome things to see and do!