A significant east-west artery, Interstate 70 stretches for 2,150 miles from Utah to Maryland, going through the Midwest states of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. It connects many significant Midwest cities, consisting of Topeka, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; St. Louis; Indianapolis; and Columbus, Ohio. Each of those might be a multi-day stop, but if you’re searching for something a little various, here are 7 places to pull off the interstate and enjoy an hour or an afternoon.
Kansas
Wilson State Park, Sylvan Grove– Exit 206
Hikers find heaven among red sandstone developments with 40-foot drop-offs. Wilson State Park is fantastic for outdoor camping and wildlife watching too.
Related: 12 Great State Parks in Kansas.
John Brown’s Underground, Lawrence– Exit 204
Drink topflight mixed drinks in a basement setting at this spot understood for artistically developed menus and skilled mixologists. Order a seasonal beverage or stick with among their classics, like Let Me Be Clear, a clarified Jungle Bird made with Haitian-distilled rum. (If craft mixed drinks aren’t your thing, extend your legs at Clinton Lake or invest a long time at the KU Natural History Museum– simply a couple of our preferred things to do in Lawrence.).
Missouri.
Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop, Columbia– Exit 126.
Called for a pet, the shop breeds quirky flavors internal. And Honey Berry Brie Charcuterie blends sweet with salty (crushed crackers and cheese, no meat).
Main Street Exploring, St. Charles– Exit 229B.
The brick streets and photogenic buildings in this charming town date to the 1800s– when St. Charles was the location where Missouri entered statehood, and Lewis and Clark released their journey. (Cool sites celebrate both.) After taking in the history, browse shops and grab lunch at the Bike Stop Cafe. And if you happen to be driving through the town in December, you’re in for a real holiday reward.
Illinois.
World’s Largest Attractions, Casey– Exit 129.
Huge things can be found in small packages– and towns. Tiny Casey boasts several Guinness World Records-certified world’s biggest items, including a 32-foot-tall mailbox, 56-foot-tall rocking chair and 30-foot-tall golf tee. You can thank resident and benefactor Jim Bolin for filling Casey with many supersized photo ops.
Indiana.
Indianapolis City Market, Indianapolis– Exit 111.
The general public market has remained in its current place considering that 1866, with more than 20 merchants beckoning you to go shopping, dine, have a beer or simply hang out. The Original Farmers’ Market is held here on Wednesdays (May– October). Book a directed trip of the website’s catacombs.
Ohio.
Carillon Historical Park, Dayton– I-75 Exit 50B.
Though Deeds Carillon rings at this al fresco museum, you also hear echoes of history in the original Wright Flyer III developed by Dayton’s aviating brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright. More music to your ears: 1850s-style Carillon Brewing Company, the first production brewery inside a U.S. museum.
