Must See Stops When Traveling Across Mid America

If you are thinking about traveling from Ohio to Utah for whatever reason, you should not be surprised when I tell you that you should make stops at certain areas to explore and make the most of your travel experience. Many destinations are worth taking a look at when making such travel, however, which destinations are worth it? As a traveling homeschool family, we are always looking for fun and educational stops along the way.

For this article, we will list some major destinations you should take the time to visit per state and recognize some honorable mentions as well. The only states that we will focus on and will be listed in alphabetical order are Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Utah. Without further ado, what do these states provide for us?

1. Arizona

Being just south of Utah, Arizona has one of the most notable travel destinations that anyone should take the time to visit when already on the road. That is the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon National Park is located in the northern part of Arizona and extends to about 278 miles, or 447 km surrounding the Colorado River. Many opportunities to take tours and sightsee around this grand spectacle are immeasurable. You may also want to stay a night or two via camping or reserving a lodge or hotel.

Since this is one of the most recognizable places in the world, without a doubt, the summers and the weekends will attract many. If you plan to travel to this place, plan well to avoid any congestion for optimal sightseeing and hiking.

2. Colorado

For the state of Colorado, I would suggest taking a trip to Colorado Springs. The scenery and sense of freedom is an experience that can only be found in Colorado Springs’ various rock formations, the fresh and clean air, and its varying colors of white, orange, and red. Its view on the highest point of any hill and mountain is grand and beautiful.

Another destination in Colorado is the Crested Butte. Much like Colorado Springs, it is meant for outdoor people who enjoy experiencing nature at this level. Unlike Colorado Springs, the Crested Butte is a famous mountain summit along with the rest of the Elk Mountains.

Here are other destinations you should consider too: Ouray, Telluride, Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Pikes Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Black Canyon.

3. Illinois

In Illinois, Casey is a town that is termed, “Big Things in a Small Town“. Meaning, that areas within this city feature larger-than-life-sized objects such as a chair. This town is unique in that regard and worth looking at if you want to see something out-of-the-ordinary. Kids love this place!

Another place is the Morton Arboretum. This is a public garden with other attractions such as an outdoor museum and the Center for Tree Science, which is a tree research program. If you are a fan of trees, this is the place for you.

4. Indiana

The primary attraction that should be visited in Indiana is the Indianapolis Children’s Museum. This is the largest children’s museum in the world. Everything about this museum is a dream for any child of any age.

This museum has five floors that the entire family can interact with and enjoy. Themes can range from dinosaurs to the far future. Children of any interest can find enjoyment when visiting this affordable attraction.

5. Kansas

For Kansas, the Tall Grass National Preserve. What can I say more about this one other than that it is a national preserve facility where you can find very tall rows and columns of grass. The primary purpose of this area was to preserve the vast tallgrass prairie.

Next is the Cosmosphere. This is a great place to visit if you are ever interested in space exploration. Anything space or futuristic can all be found in this Cosmosphere located in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Here are some other areas you may consider: Strataca and the Orphan Train Museum.

6. Missouri

If I was coming to Missouri, I would immediately take a visit to the Lego Experience Center. I love Legos and I’m sure many kids do as well. For anyone who loves Legos, visit this two-story Lego center and participate in all sorts of Lego interactions and activities.

Next is another favorite of mine which is the St. Louis Zoo. As the name implies, this is in St. Louis, and it is a zoo. Animals of all kinds can be seen and admired here. This is the primary source for an overall balance of all types of animals.

Here are more options for your visit to Missouri: History Museum, Art Museum, City Museum, The Science Center, The Aquarium, Grants Farm, The Magic House, and The Arch.

7. Nebraska

The only major destination you should consider visiting in Nebraska is Tree Adventure. Tree Adventure is a nature-themed attraction. Many interactive exhibits will keep any family busy and so will the outdoor classrooms for fun education purposes. It is an exciting experience for all to have fun and learn about nature.

8. Ohio

For all my rockstars, the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame is one to visit. It is located in Cleveland, Ohio, and features the history of rock music and its artists. This is a special place to learn about the rock genre in music and how each artist documented made their name in the music industry. It is a special place for diehard rock music fans.

Lastly, the Columbus Zoo is another zoo-based destination for animal lovers. Enjoying a balance of all types of animals is an experience best with family and friends.

One other attraction one should visit is Cedar Point. This is an attraction that features roller coasters and other machine-operated rides.

9. Utah

Finally, Utah is the last destination of your travels. An attraction in Utah that should be visited is, without a doubt, the Arches. I have not had a friend who did not visit these Arches who visited Utah. They are basically stone pillars in an arch formation that are easily recognizable. They are also featured as a background design for many of Utah’s license plates.

Capitol Reef is another destination for the outdoor people. Its number of rocks and canyons is innumerable and features a red, orange-like tint. It is like the Arches in that it is wide and large. Many rocks, cliffs, and canyons can be explored for maximum enjoyment.

And for the final honorable mentions of destinations, here are these for Utah: Escalante, Canyonland, Zion, and Goblin Valley.

Don’t Forget to Document Your Travel Adventures

Conclusion

So if you live on the pathway to any of these places, or are planning a road trip across mid-America, like us, consider making some of these stops to see all the must-see places! What are some of your favorite places that we may not have mentioned? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!

Happy and safe travels!