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Everything awesome to see and do along I-75

From the Canadian border to the edge of Miami

  • 28
  • 24:40
  • 1,510 mi
  • $242
Take This Trip

Created by Beni-Mickey - February 1st 2019

I-75 is a perfect sample of America. It starts right at the Canadian border in Sault Ste. Marie, then winding down to Detroit, and into the heart of the Midwest down through Pure Michigan, and Ohio. From there, it makes its way through Kentucky and Tennessee, stopping near and in cities like Lexington, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, before entering Georgia. I-75 is a main route to Atlanta, and from Atlanta, it continues into Florida. As you cruise the route past Tampa, take some time to enjoy the brief East-West stretch through the Everglades that's known as Alligator Alley before ending just north of Miami. Whether you're looking for the fastest route from the Midwest to Florida, or you happen to be enjoying the ride between some of America's coolest cities, I-75 is loaded with plenty to see and do along the way.

From there, cruise to the town of Toledo. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised by the destination. It's small, but it's not lacking in world-class attractions. Their zoo is particularly great, but the art museum is noteworthy as well. Special to Toledo are spots like the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library, the National Museum of the Great Lakes, and Fort Meigs, which played an important role in the War of 1812. And you can't leave without getting your Hungarian grub on at Tony Packo's. Try the Hungarian hot dog, stuffed cabbage, chicken paprikash and some apple strudel.

1
26mi 00h 29m

13920 County Home Rd, Bowling Green, OH, US

Snook's Dream Cars

1

As you forge further south into Ohio, you'll encounter more roadside fun, like Snook's Dream Cars. Part living museum (complete with a recreated 1940s era Texaco gas station, a 1930s general store and a racetrack from the 1960s) along with the showroom stocked full of vintage automobiles and memorabilia. You'll find everything from coupes to roadsters from makers ranging from Packard and Pontiac to Alfa Romeo and Lotus. You'll literally get lost in the history at this hidden gem of a stop.

2
84mi 01h 17m
Photo of Airstream Factory
4.5

419 W Pike St, Jackson Center, OH, US

Airstream Factory

2

Speaking of auto history, you can't drive past the Airstream Factory in Jackson Center without stopping by. They offer tours so you can get a firsthand look at where these iconic silver bullets get their rivets. You can even snap a photo of a special rarity; the only golden Airstream, made by founder Wally Byam for his wife Stella.

3
17mi 00h 22m

7 W Monroe St, New Bremen, OH, US

The Bicycle Museum of America

3

If cars and Airstreams don't do it for you, then maybe the Bicycle Museum of America is more your (single) speed. You'll see hundreds of different kinds of bikes from across time and space. Whether it's a handcrafted solid wood bike inspired by Gaudi or a crazy-looking penny farthing (how did people stay up on those things??) or a Schwinn straight out of your childhood, their three floors of exhibits will definitely impress.

4
55mi 00h 58m

Oh, while we're on the subject of bikes, your next stop is Dayton, Ohio: the hometown of two bike makers-turned-flight pioneers, the Wright brothers. You can visit the Victorian building that once housed their storefront. Or go further into the aviation history here at the National Museum of the United States Airforce. The Carillon Historical Park and SunWatch Indian Village are great places to take in some history, and there are lots of Metroparks where you can soak up some nature and great scenery.

5
32mi 00h 34m

7379 Squire Ct, West Chester, OH, US

EnterTRAINment Junction

5

On your way from Dayton to Cincinnati, you'll pass by EnterTRAINment Junction, which has a little something for everyone. Kids will love the play area and hands-on exhibits and adults will be blown away by their model train displays, which are loaded with tiny details. They claim to boast the world's largest train display, and while I can't confirm that, the 80,000 square feet and 2+ miles of mini track are impressive.

6
23mi 00h 27m

Welcome to the Queen City! There are countless reasons to stay and explore Cincy. Chief among them, the brewery scene (book a tour on a Brew Bus) and Over-the-Rhine, one of the country's largest, most intact urban historic districts. Cool bars and restaurants and shops are moving into the stunning historic buildings, making it worth an afternoon of exploration. Beyond that, there are plenty of cool spots like the American Sign Museum and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center to check out. And, of course, get some Cincinnati chili and form an educated opinion on the local delicacy.

7
38mi 00h 38m

1 Ark Encounter Dr, Williamstown, KY, US

Ark Encounter

7

Love it or hate it, you have to admit that you're curious about this buzzy New Earth Creationist attraction. If you're willing to pony up the $40 admission fee (for adults, kids are $28) you could easily spend a few hours learning about the Biblical tale of Noah and how he survived a massive flood on his ark, and why Creationists believe that this, and the rest of the Bible, are fact. There are actually lots of things to do here; there's a zoo and a zip line along with the exhibits inside the ark itself.

8
36mi 00h 38m

4089 Iron Works Pkwy., Lexington, KY, US

Kentucky Horse Park

8

Kentucky is best known for two things: horse-racing and bourbon. I-75 passes near some distilleries, but if you don't have the time to spend fully exploring the Bourbon Trail, you can get some classic Kentucky vibes at the Kentucky Horse Park. A ticket gets you access to two super thorough museums (including the Smithsonian's International Museum of the Horse) and admission to their horse shows throughout the day, some of which feature retired show and racehorses. You can go for a horseback ride, tour the barns, and visit various halls of fame. Or, just stop in to enjoy the atmosphere and check out the statues of Man O' War and other famous horses and jockeys.

9
60mi 00h 59m
Photo of Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame & Museum
4.1

2590 Richmond Rd, Mount Vernon, KY, US

Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame & Museum

9

Delve into Kentucky's unexpectedly rich musical history at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Find artifacts dating back to the 18th century, interactive displays, films, a cute gift shop, and lots and lots of memorabilia. If you're lucky, you might even catch a live performance!

10
36mi 00h 35m
Photo of Harland Sanders Museum and Cafe
4.0

99 Colonel Sanders St, Corbin, KY, US

Harland Sanders Museum and Cafe

10

Welcome to the coolest KFC in the world! The Harland Sanders Museum and Cafe has plopped a modern-day Kentucky Fried Chicken into the original Cafe where Colonel Sanders himself invented his blend of 11 herbs and spices that made his chicken so finger-lickin' good. Enjoy the KFC memorabilia and the views of the old-school cafe (including, weirdly enough, a sample motel room complete with bed to advertise Colonel Sanders next-door motel) as you enjoy your biscuits and chicken.

11
27mi 00h 28m
Photo of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
4.5

7351 Hwy. 90, Corbin, KY, US

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

11

Kentucky is a state of great beauty as well. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is the perfect example. The lodge here is one of the loveliest places to spend the night off I-75, with its authentic rustic atmosphere. If you're just stopping by, then head to Cumberland Falls, known as the Niagara of the South. It's a stunning 125 feet wide, and is famous for the moonbows you can spot dancing off the mist during a full moon. The phenomena is rare, and if you can time your visit here during a full moon, take advantage!

12
74mi 01h 11m

Make your first stop in Tennessee the city of Knoxville. Get the lay of the land by heading to the top of the golden, disco-ball-like Sunsphere, a remnant of the last successful World's Fair in 1982. Explore the Farragut Folklife Museum, poke around Market Square, have a blast on Gay Street and check out the rest of the World's Fair Park during your time here. And if you only eat one meal in Knoxville, make it at Tupelo Honey. Pimento cheese nachos... need I say more?

13
52mi 00h 56m

140 Lost Sea Rd, Sweetwater, TN, US

The Lost Sea Adventure

13

Did you know that Tennessee is home to the world's second-largest non-subglacial underground lake? It's called The Lost Sea, and you can take a boat tour of it! Craighead Caverns, where the Lost Sea is located, has served as a Civil War saltpeter mine, a mushroom farm, a cockfighting arena, a moonshine distillery and a nightclub called The Cavern Tavern throughout history, but the Sea wasn't discovered until 1905. As your boat glides across the 800 square feet of water, ponder the unexplored maze of caverns likely hidden deep below the surface.

14
77mi 01h 20m
Photo of Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
4.1

3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA, US

Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park

14

The Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park protects the land that saw some of the bloodiest, hardest-fought battles that turned the tide of the Civil War. In 1863, the Union and the Confederacy were fighting for control of Chattanooga, a railroad center that was known as the Gateway to the South. The Union Army suffered devastating losses at Chickamauga in Georgia, but ultimately defeated the Confederates and seized control of Chattanooga shortly after. This is the location of the Chickamauga battlefield (all of the battlefields in the area are operated as various units in one park by the NPS). The visitor center is at the north end of the battlefield and contains the bookstore, museum exhibits, films, and visitor info that will guide you during your visit.

15
92mi 01h 33m
Photo of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
4.5

900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr., Kennesaw, GA, US

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

15

You're also right near the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Here, in 1864, William T. Sherman assaulted the Confederate Army of Tennessee. While Sherman lost the battle, the Confederates were unable to stop his deadly march to Atlanta. It's a beautiful location at the southern edge of the Appalachians. You can tour Cheatham Hill, where most of the fighting occurred, drive to the top of the mountain to enjoy the views, or hike one of the many trails. The visitor center at the north end is a great place to start, and you can also check out the 24-gun battery, Kolb's Farm, and more.

16
23mi 00h 27m

Take a few days and have a peach of a time in Atlanta. You deserve it after navigating the notorious traffic outside the city, as I-75 balloons into a 7-lane behemoth. But, there are loads of little neighborhoods and parts of town to explore once you reach the city! The World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium are iconic, but you can also visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, the Centennial Olympic Park, the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum (she's the lady who wrote Gone With The Wind), countless Southern food joints and bars, and tons more to see.

17
50mi 00h 49m
Photo of High Falls State Park
4.0

76 High Falls Park Dr., Jackson, GA, US

High Falls State Park

17

Get back out into nature after exploring the sprawling metro area of Atlanta at High Falls State Park. It's home to the tallest cascading waterfall south of Atlanta, some of the best fishing in the state, a lake, and a campground complete with yurts. Rent a boat for an afternoon, or fish off one of the docks, or hike the Falls Trail, the Historic Trail, or the 2-mile Tranquil Trail.

18
93mi 01h 23m

602 S Greer St, Cordele, GA, US

Smoakie's Bar-b-que

18

This is a reminder to try some BBQ while you're in the South. Smoakie's does it all: great smoked pork sandwiches, chicken wings, ribs and brisket; killer sides like pork rinds, fried okra, and baked beans; a selection of mouthwatering sauces, with mustard and tomato varieties; and, if you saved room, insane desserts like homemade peach tarts and banana pudding. Add in a picture-perfect atmosphere (it's really just a shack with some kitsch around), and you've got a down-home BBQ joint that won't disappoint.

19
40mi 00h 38m

1392 Whiddon Mill Rd, Tifton, GA, US

Georgia Museum Of Agriculture And Historic Village

19

Georgia wasn't always the bustling state we see today. Catch a glimpse of what life in the Peach State was like back in the day at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture & Historic Village. Farms, complete with animals are run by interpreters who also work the village sawmill, turpentine still, schoolhouse, blacksmith’s shop, steam train, church, drug store, and grist mill. All in all, there are 35 historic buildings that have been moved to this site, which is also home to the Victorian mansion that once belonged to Captain H. H. Tift, founder of Tifton, GA.

I-75 is a major highway, so there's no bad time to drive it. Of course, things can get snowy during the winter, but that's more of a concern in places south of Ohio, where towns have less experience and fewer resources to deal with wintery conditions. Otherwise, enjoy the drive from Miami to Canada, whichever direction you choose!