Great Lakes USA: Big-City Energy and Waterfront Fun in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana

From the airport, drive just 25 minutes east to downtown Pittsburgh. Right away, you’ll feel the energy of the place: Colorful bridges, vibrant neighborhoods, gorgeous museums and lush green spaces abound in Pennsylvania’s second-largest city. You’ll want to carve out plenty of time to peruse the galleries of Pittsburgh’s four Carnegie Museums – the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, the Carnegie Science Center and the Andy Warhol Museum. The city is home to over 60 local breweries, so you won’t have any trouble finding a bite and a beer before heading out for some more sightseeing. The Duquesne Incline experience whisks you up to the summit of Mount Washington in a bright red cable car for stunning panoramic views of Pittsburgh and its three rivers. Afterward, go for a scenic bike ride along the 56-kilometer Three Rivers Heritage Trail or learn more about the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers at Point State Park, which sits at their confluence. Evening is the perfect time to explore some of Pittsburgh’s diverse neighborhoods. Head to Lawrenceville, where friendly people, art galleries, craft breweries and trendy restaurants give this local- and visitor-favorite neighborhood a hip vibe.

On the second leg of your trip, you’ll trade Pittsburgh’s big-city energy for the laid-back waterfront charms of Erie, Pennsylvania. Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Erie, the city of Erie is a hot spot for outdoor adventures all year round. Whether you choose to lounge around with a good book along its sandy beaches or hike the vast trail network of Asbury Woods, there are no wrong turns here. Enjoy sweeping views of the bay from the Bicentennial Tower’s observation deck, then head to Presque Isle State Park for hiking, biking, swimming and bird-watching. The park’s Tom Ridge Environmental Center offers insight into the remarkable ecosystems and creatures that live on the peninsula. Kids and kids-at-heart will enjoy Erie’s Waldameer Park & Water World for high-flying roller coasters, waterslide fun and panoramic lake views. Take a trip back to the 19th and early 20th centuries to learn about Erie’s maritime history at the Erie Maritime Museum. When you’re ready to kick your feet up with a cold beer or a glass of wine, set off for a tasting excursion at one of the area’s breweries or wineries. The Lake Erie Ale Trail consists of 17 breweries within 100 kilometers of downtown Erie, while Lake Erie Wine Country’s 21 wineries offer a sublime introduction into the flavors of this American Viticultural Area. Take your time and enjoy the fresh Great Lakes air before heading off to your next city: Cleveland, Ohio.

A short drive down the coast from Erie, the lively lakefront city of Cleveland awaits with its rich culture, thriving art scene, major league professional sports teams and numerous waterfront dining options. Catch a concert or a musical at Playhouse Square, a performing arts center second in size only to New York City’s Lincoln Center. Then, keep the music going at the world’s only Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Visitors from all around the world flock to the legendary institution to view hands-on exhibits and explore artifacts paying homage to rock ‘n’ roll’s most pivotal moments. After exploring the Cleveland Botanical Garden and Cleveland Art Museum in the walkable University Circle neighborhood, wind down with French-inspired cuisine and cocktails at award-winning L’Albatros Brasserie and Bar. Keep your evening going strong with a Cleveland Orchestra concert at the Severance Music Center. On your way out of town, make a pit stop at the breathtaking Cuyahoga Valley National Park for a hike, swim, or scenic train ride along the Cuyahoga River. It’s a scenic spot to stretch your legs en route to your next stop, Columbus, Ohio.

Drive just over two hours southwest to the rapidly growing capital city of Columbus, Ohio. The largest city in the state, Columbus is equal parts friendly small town and electric big city. One of the best places to start your sightseeing journey is along the Scioto Mile, where you can admire the Scioto Riverfront and 70 hectares of lush parkland on a leisurely stroll down the paved trail. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and National Veterans Memorial and Museum offer plenty of hours of cultural and historical fun. Interactive exhibits at the award-winning Center of Science and Industry (COSI) pay homage to Columbus’ innovative spirit. After a day of museum-hopping, make your way to the edgy and eclectic Short North Arts District. From street murals and rotating gallery exhibitions to boutique shops and recurring festivals, each block offers something new and interesting. Don’t count out Columbus’s dining and nightlife scene – in addition to many local coffee shops and breweries, the famous Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams was founded here. Indian fusion eatery Agni and cocktail bar Law Bird (both named among the country’s best bars and restaurants by USA Today) also call Columbus home. Eat, drink and be merry, then get a good night’s sleep. Before long, it’ll be time to venture southwest to the riverside city of Cincinnati.

Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is one of Ohio’s biggest and most vibrant cities. Sports fans can’t miss a chance to see the Cincinnati Reds Major League Baseball team, Cincinnati Bengals National Football League team, and Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati in action. Plan your trip around a game and visit the city’s trendy neighborhoods for dinner and a drink before or after. One notable neighborhood is Over-the-Rhine, an area established by skilled German tradespeople in the 1800s that’s now buzzing with big-city energy. Hip bars, local boutique shops and sidewalk cafes are yours to explore, surrounded by colorful 19th-century Italianate architecture. Discover the important role that Cincinnati played in the history of the Underground Railroad at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The center’s exhibits tell the stories of thousands of enslaved people who crossed the Ohio River in pursuit of freedom in the Northern USA. Nearby, the American Sign Museum offers a slice of Americana filled with colorful neon signs dating back nearly 100 years. The Cincy Region also includes Northern Kentucky, just across the river, where bourbon aficionados will find the gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the local B-Line® – a highly curated, passport-guided tour of nine distilleries, nine bourbon bars and 10 bourbon-centric restaurants.

From Cincinnati, head north over the Indiana border to reach Indianapolis. While it’s perhaps best known as the home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500 automobile race, there’s so much more to Indiana’s capital city. Catch all the action at an Indianapolis Colts NFL football game, or head to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to watch the NBA’s Indiana Pacers play basketball. Little ones will have a blast at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument is a must-see for history buffs. This stunning architectural achievement honoring Indiana’s military veterans is only a few meters shorter than the Statue of Liberty. Climb 331 steps to the observation deck for panoramic views of the Indianapolis skyline. Downtown, the Canal Walk is a five-kilometer loop stretching from White River State Park to 11th Street. It’s the perfect place to explore the city by bike, foot, kayak or pedal boat before grabbing a pint at one of the city’s over 150 breweries.

From Indianapolis, drive north to close out your Great Lakes road trip in style. Michigan City is a charming waterfront town brimming with opportunities to get outside and explore. Despite its small size, this community is big on adventure: Pristine beaches, rolling sand dunes, and the calm turquoise waters of Lake Michigan beckon you to get some fresh air. Step back in time at the Barker Mansion, a 38-room estate built in 1905 that’s since become a museum filled with original furnishings and artwork. For an interactive museum experience, bring the whole family to the Hesston Steam Museum to ride steam-powered trains of all sizes. Before setting off for one last drive along the Lake Michigan coast to catch your flight home from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), you’ll have time for a few more activities. Take a selfie in front of the iconic Michigan City Lighthouse, pull up a lounge chair on Washington Park Beach and catch the sunset from Mount Baldy Beach at Indiana Dunes State Park.