I-75 is a perfect sample of the U.S. It starts at the Canadian border in Sault Ste. Marie, before winding down to Detroit and into the heart of the Midwest through Michigan and Ohio. From there, it crosses Kentucky and Tennessee, passing cities like Lexington, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. I-75 is a main route to Atlanta. From Atlanta, it continues into Florida.
Whether you're looking for the fastest route from the Midwest to Florida, or you happen to be enjoying the ride between some cool cities, I-75 is loaded with plenty to see and do along the way.
Start off your trip by fueling up at the West Pier Drive-In. This old-school eatery serves up mouthwatering burgers and sides like fries, onion rings, and fried mushrooms. Save room for one of the incredibly rich milkshakes. You can eat a full meal and dessert without breaking the bank.
Hartwick Pines State Park protects mystical stands of old-growth pine forest. It's just off the highway, but it feels like a place from a fairytale. The park's Old Growth Trail features the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum and the Michigan Forest Visitor Center, which give great insight into the White Pine Logging Era in Michigan (1840-1910), the diversity of the habitat today, and the future of these lush forests.
Since you're hugging the banks of the Saginaw River, stop by the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum. The crown jewel of their collection of artifacts is the USS Edson, built in 1958. It's only of only two surviving Forest Sherman-class destroyers. Most of the ship's service occurred during the Vietnam War.
Flint is a town just north of Detroit that boasts a history just as rich as the Motor City's. Stop by Flint's manmade Stepping Stone Falls, a dam on the Flint River that forms Mott Lake. There's a path along the river with several lookout points. Stay until after dark to see the falls lit up with colorful lights.
Comeback City. The Motor City. Motown. Detroit has gone by many names in its long history. A visit to the city must include the Motown Museum—the recording studio earned the nickname "Hitsville U.S.A." for the string of top records produced in the 1960s and beyond. Depending on your interests, consider adding the Belle Isle Aquarium, Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, or Milliken State Park and Harbor to your itinerary. Along the way, check out the architecture, restaurants, nightlife, and more. You can easily spend a day or more in Detroit without running out of things to see and do.
From there, cruise to the town of Toledo. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised by the destination. This city may be small, but it's not lacking in world-class attractions. The zoo and art museum are particularly notable. 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. You can't leave without sampling the Hungarian grub at Tony Packo's Cafe. Try the pierogies, stuffed cabbage, chicken paprikash, or fresh-baked strudels.
As you forge further south into Ohio, you'll encounter more roadside fun, like Snook's Dream Cars. The showroom is stocked with vintage automobiles and memorabilia set against backdrops like a 1940s Texaco gas station, 1930s general store, and 1960s racetrack. You'll find everything from coupés to roadsters from classic manufacturers, including Packard, Pontiac, Alfa Romeo, and Lotus.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Speaking of auto history, you can't drive past the Airstream Factory in Jackson Center without stopping by. Take a tour to 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.
If cars and Airstreams don't do it for you, then maybe the Bicycle Museum of America is more your speed. You'll see hundreds of different kinds of bikes, including a handcrafted solid wood bike inspired by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, unbelievable penny-farthing high-wheels, and classic Schwinns straight out of your childhood. The three floors of exhibits will impress.
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 aviation history at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The Carillon Historical Park and SunWatch Archeological Park are more great places to take in some history.
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—renowned as one of the largest in the world. You can spend hours looking at the tiny details along the over two miles of track.
Welcome to Ohio's Queen City. There are countless reasons to stay and explore Cincy. Chief among them, the brewery scene and Over-the-Rhine, one of the country's largest, most intact urban historic districts. Hip bars, restaurants, and shops are filling the 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. Of course, don't miss the Cincinnati chili, a local delicacy often served over noodles or hot dogs.
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.
