Looking for info on Central OH-IL-IN

[Mass Tim]

I've begun planning our big trip for 2006, and I am considering several options. Right now I'm looking for any tips on the Central OH-IN-IL area. It's an area I've neglected in the past, but if anybody out there has some interesting tips, I'm all ears. Natural and/or historic sites are big hits with us, as are, of course, scenic drives.

TIA!

[Robert Schaller]

Start with the Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson (Dayton)! If for nothing else, you'll be thrilled at the immensity of a B-36 as you stand underneath it -- and the collection of the different aircraft that have been used as Air Force One is phenomenal. As you are looking at them, pay particular attention to the little Aero Commander that Eisenhower used for a time -- I used to know a man who had served as Crew Chief for the Presidential aircraft under several presidents -- and he claimed that Eisenhower, who loved to fly himself, actually crash-landed this aircraft on his farm in Pennsylvania -- in the mud after a rain -- while President and it was not reported by the news at the time (at the request of the White House, supposedly). Times have certainly changed, eh?

In Indiana, the Indy Motor Speedway is a great afternoon, and Brown County around Nashville, IN is a rustic hillbilly paradise. My maternal ancestors hailed from there near a little place called Spurgeon's Corner or "Buffalo." There are quite a few Amish communities in eastern and east-central Indiana as well -- that countryside is a treat to drive through.

In Illinois, you can't miss the Lincoln Tomb, Home and Law Office in Springfield. The home is the only one Lincoln ever owned, and the Tomb is one of the most somber and moving places I've ever encountered.

There's a start -- oh -- if you're that close, be sure to see St Louis too! The Arch, of course! Bob

[AZBuck]

Just a couple of suggestions. Given that you say you like history, don't forget that this area was once our western frontier, the site of many battles with Native Americans, and the making of more than one President. You might want to check out Fort Recovery in Ohio and the Tippecanoe Battlefield in Indiana. I also stumbled upon a ghost town in Illinois some years back. The town is Janesville - if you find the cemetery, just head east from there. It's just southwest of Charleston, IL near another Lincoln site.

AZBuck

[Mass Tim]

Thank you both for your insights! At the moment I'm torn between three different agendas, but this will definitely help me rank these.

If I choose this option, I may be able to fit the Arch in there. I've seen it in passing on the way to the Southwest.

Keep 'em coming!

[PSU 98]

In addition to the sites already mentioned, you may be interested in exploring the old Lincoln Highway through Ohio and Indiana, and Illinois has some of the nicest sections of Route 66. I am probably going to be making another short trip that way next year, to some races at the Mid-Ohio sports car course in Lexington. Also looking into visiting the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield (backdrop for "The Shawshank Redmeption").

[Mass Tim]

In addition to the sites already mentioned, you may be interested in exploring the old Lincoln Highway through Ohio and Indiana, and Illinois has some of the nicest sections of Route 66.

That's a definite possibility. I was looking at the atlas last night and noticing the Lincoln Highway and the National Road in the vicinity. These are two of my challenge roads (trying to travel the entire length, though not all at once), along with US-20 and Route 66. re: Route 66 - I keep forgetting that IL and IN aren't wide states as Ohio is (thus this isn't utterly out of the question.) Thanks for reminding me!

[lhuff]

If you search under my user name there is a post from this summer about lots of cool things to do in and around Indianapolis, IN. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to do as much exploring as I would have liked to this summer, but the near riot at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway more than made up for that.

[PSU 98]

TimboTA, there are many resources with maps of the original route of the Lincoln Highway through those states, as newer US-30 actually bypasses some interesting portions of it. US-40 is also a nice drive, I traveled on it from Illinois into Indianapolis about two years ago.

[AZBuck]

OK - but if you're going to make a point of checking out the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway, then you should also make the pilgrimage to Bellefontaine, OH to see and drive on the first concrete street in the country.

AZBuck

[Mass Tim]

Speaking of firsts, I have often wondered what it is that attracts me to travel. I was reading a book from my collection, and I found out that my home town had the first turnpike in Massachusetts! First built in 1796(!), it cost $8640 for nine miles. (source: "The Turnpikes of New England" by Frederic J. Wood)

There is no historical marker commemorating this section of road. </end trivia>

You guys are starting to tilt me towards a trip out there!