I-80 and OHIO

• Montpelier
• Archbold
• Perrysburg
• Toledo
• Elmore
• Fremont
• Sandusky
• Lorain
• Cleveland
• Boston Heights
• Youngstown

Montpelier

Montpelier is a tiny town with an attitude. Your first hint is the name by which they like to be known: Holiday City. You can get a first hand introduction to this attitude by stopping by PJ's Family restaurant on your left just before you actually enter town on Hwy-107 (turn right onto the third road on your right south of the Turnpike - about 2 miles). Conversations are virtually automatic - even with a family of strangers.
  Go another block west (toward town) from PJ's to Road 13 and turn left. Drive (south) to the second crossroad, Road 'J' and, across the way, to the right, is George Bible Park. A nice cool, lakeside park with a strolling trail and an ideal spot for an impromptu picnic (thanks to PJ's). To get here from the Turnpike, just follow OH-15 south to Road 'J', turn right and the park is at the first crossroad (Road 'J').

Archbold

Sauder Village - a variant on historical 'villages', this is one of the more popular attractions in northwest Ohio. Replete with working craftsmen in this historic village, complete with costumed guides, you can watch how many of these items are created.
  Their Barn Restaurant is a good place to stop and eat if you would like a change in the routine of traveling. Other attractions are a miniature train (sorry, just for the kids) and a tour through their historic village with a master gardener (with lots of gardening advice if you're interested).
  Needless to say, they have a gift shop selling everything from books to hand-made quilts.
  Open 10a-5p Monday through Saturday and 1-5p Sundays. No admission charge. For more information, phone (toll-free) 1-800-590-9755.
They also have a web site at Sauder Village.
  From the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90), take exit 25 and drive south on OH-66, through Burlington, to OH-2 (about 3.5 miles). Turn left and the Village is on your left. 

Perrysburg

Fort Meigs State Memorial - This is the largest, wooden-walled fort left standing in North America. Built in 1813 as part of the American defense against a possible British invasion (War of 1812). The schedule special events but you should consult their web site at Fort Meigs or phone them at 1-419-874-4121 for specifics, dates and times.
  From the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90), take exit 64 and follow I-75 southbound to exit 193. Exit and follow US-20 west (into Perrysburg), 2 blocks after you cross the tracks, US-20 makes a another left turn - this time onto Front Street. Continue on Front Street (US-20 will split of in a couple blocks) to the Fort (about a half mile after US-20 splits off).

Toledo

S.S. Willis B. Boyer - launched in 1911, the Boyer, in its day, was the largest freighter on the Great Lakes. Taken out of service in 1980 and, eventually, completely restored to its original grandeur, for $6 ($4 for kids 6-16) you can tour the vessel, be awed at the huge engine room, the comfortable captain's quarters and even take your photo at the wheel.
  The Boyer is berthed at the International Park and free parking is available alongside the ship.
  From 1 May through 31 October, the Boyer is open to tourists 10a-5p Monday through Saturday; noon to 5p Sundays. For more information, phone 1-419-936-3070. The International Park has a web site including information about the Boyer. See: Boyer.
    From the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90), take exit 64 and follow I-75 NORTH to downtown Toledo and exit 201-A. Exit and turn right immediately on OH-2 (this is Broadway. here). Follow OH-2 past the Broadway split and Knapp Street (OH-2 takes the left) and continue on OH-2 (now Summit Street) to Cherry Street. Turn right and cross over the Maumee River bridge. You'll see the Boyer at the pier next to the park.
  If you're in Maumee or Perrysburg (i.e., staying in one of the hotels there), take US-20 EAST, through Perrysburg, to I-75. Take the northbound ramp and follow I-75 to downtown Toledo and exit 201-A. Exit and turn right immediately on OH-2 (this is Broadway. here). Follow OH-2 past the Broadway split and Knapp Street (OH-2 takes the left) and continue on OH-2 (now Summit Street) to Cherry Street. Turn right and cross over the Maumee River bridge. You'll see the Boyer at the pier next to the park.

Sandpiper Cruises - This is a neat diversion that can add quite a high spot to your trip. While they have many options, the two we feel most appropriate for folks driving through with just an overnight stop - or a two or three hour pause in driving - are:
  Sundays, 8-10p - Sunset Cruise. This is (or certainly could be) a romantic cruise at sunset to the background of carefully selected love songs. (Not recommended with children). Weekly on Sundays; fare is $15 per person. Dinner isn't served but they do include 'snacks'.
  Thursdays, noon-2p - Picnic Cruise. This is a break in the middle of the day. Figure about 3 to 4 hours interruption in your driving for this unless it is in conjunction with other activities and an overnight stay. The cruise takes in the waterfronts - including some rather stately homes - and includes a 'picnic lunch'. Weekly on Thursdays; fare is $16 per person (including kids - they eat, too).
  From the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90), take exit 64 and follow I-75 NORTH to downtown Toledo and exit 201-A. Exit and turn right immediately on OH-2 (this is Broadway. here). Follow OH-2 past the Broadway split and Knapp Street (OH-2 takes the left) and continue on OH-2 (now Summit Street) to Jefferson. Turn right and go to the end. The dock is here at Promenade Park.
  If you're in Maumee or Perrysburg (i.e., staying in one of the hotels there), take US-20 EAST, through Perrysburg, to I-75. Take the northbound ramp and follow I-75 to downtown Toledo and exit 201-A. Exit and turn right immediately on OH-2 (this is Broadway. here). Follow OH-2 past the Broadway split and Knapp Street (OH-2 takes the left) and continue on OH-2 (now Summit Street) to Jefferson. Turn right and go to the end. The dock is here at Promenade Park.
  Their office phone is 1-419-537-1212. They have a web site at Sandpiper.

Toledo Botanical Garden - Actually this is a well managed collection of specialized gardens (All-American Selections Vegetable & Flower Garden, the Grand Allee, Herb Garden, Perennial Garden, Pioneer Garden, Shade Garden, Village Garden) plus a tourable greenhouse. They also have a small garden cafe and, of course, a gift shop. No admission charge - yes, its FREE - except during special events (concerts, special shows, etc.).
  The gardens are open from 8:30a-5:30p year-round - except during special events (concerts, special shows, etc.).
  From the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90) take exit 59, turn left, and follow US-20 (Reynolds Drive) northbound  to Elmer Drive (about 5 miles). Turn left on Elmer to the Gardens and parking area.

Toledo Firefighters Museum - If you are accompanied by some future firefighters, this museum, housed in a ca 1920 firehouse, features the lovingly restored, hand-pulled 1837 'Neptune' - Toledo's first fire pumper. Also on display are a couple pre-WW-II trucks and even a 'Fire Jeep'. The display is completed by a wide variety of other fire apparati (including hundreds of fire toys).
  Open every Saturday from noon-4p; admission is FREE!

Elmore

Schedel Arboretum and Gardens - a virtual kaleidoscope of color presented by over 15,000 annuals plus an assortment of perennials, shrubs and flowering trees. Visit their Japanese garden, or their rose garden or their water garden, or ...  A flower lover's paradise!
  Open daily from 10a-4p; noon-4p Sundays. Admission to the gardens is $6. For more information, phone 1-419-862-3182 or visit their web site: Schedel Arboretum.
  From the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90) take exit 81 and head north (toward Elmore) on OH-53 to CR-174 (about 0.6 miles). Bear left and follow 174 to CR-119 (about 0.5 miles). Turn left and drive to the end of 119 at the intersection of OH-19 (about 2 miles). Turn right and follow OH-19 north to W Portage River South Road (about 6 miles; it is the next road on the right after Cullman Road). Turn left and follow W Portage River South Road to the Gardens parking lot (almost 3.5 miles). Official address is 19255 W. Portage River South Road.

Fremont

Hayes Presidential Center - Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th president of the United States is buried here, with his wife, Lucy. This is also the site of the Hays Presidential Library - the first and largest of the presidential libraries. Also, here, is his 33 room Victorian mansion.
  The Bush-Gore election dispute was very reminiscent of the Hayes-Tilden dispute.
  Open 9a-5p Monday through Saturday; noon-5p Sundays and holidays (except the library which is closed Sundays and holidays). Admission is $6 ($2 for kids 6-12).
  From the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90), take exit 91, turn right, and follow OH-53 south into Fremont to State Street (US-20; about 3.7 miles). Turn left onto State St and go 2 blocks to Wood Street. Turn right on Wood St, follow it around its little bend at Napoleon St to Hayes Avenue (8 blocks from State St). Turn right on Hayes. The Park is about 3 long blocks from Wood St. You sure can't miss it! 
  Located at 1337 Hayes Avenue (at Buckland which crosses Hays at about a 45 degree angle).

The Haunted Hydro Plant - If you are traveling in the area between September 27th and October 31st, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night - plus Halloween night (Oct. 31)
you can visit and have a special Halloween, treat: the scare of your life.
  In an old, abandoned power plant, this weird crew has created a series of 'high intensity' scare scenes. There are a couple houses part of the scare scenario plus occasional live shows. Located at 1313 Tiffin Street; phone 1-419-334-7774.
  From the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90), take exit 91, turn right, and follow OH-53 south into Fremont to State Street (US-20; about 3.7 miles). Turn left onto State St and go 4 blocks to Park Avenue. Turn right and follow Park Ave to its end at Tiffin (10 blocks). Bear right on Tiffin and follow it to Buckeye St (a little over 1 mile - down by the Sandusky River).  The old power plant is very visible just ahead. Address: 1313 Tiffin Street; phone: 1-419-334-7774.

(continued in column 2)

(continued from column 1)

Sandusky

Cedar Point Amusement Park - Consistently voted the "number one amusement park in the United States", this place boasts sixteen roller coasters plus a number of other 'thrill' rides, three water rides, a number of 'challenge' amusements and... well, there's a lot there. But there is also an area specially designed for the very young. We suggest you view their web site at Cedar Point. You will be better able to decide if you want to make this a stop.
  Even if you don't want to try any of the rides, you may well enjoy the drive out to Cedar {Point - a long, narrow peninsula extending way out into Sandusky Bay where it meets Lake Erie. From OH-4, US=250 or US-6 (on the east side of downtown), take Monroe Street to the bend where it becomes 1st Street, Continue on 1st Street to the Cedar Point Causeway. Turn left and you're on your way to Cedar Point.
  If you are coming in to town from the east on US-6, it intersects directly with Cedar Point Causeway. Turn right and you're on your way.
  To get back to the Ohio Turnpike, take OH-4 westbound if you're heading west, and US-250 eastbound if heading east. If you are going to Cleveland, OH-2 is a controlled access freeway (no tolls). You have to cross it to get out of town; on-ramps are at all the major highways.

Museum of Carousel Art and History - Ride a fully restored Herschell carousel complete with working band organ.
  Here, you can also watch as talented artisans restore various carousel pieces, view the array of tools and animals that were part of the 1860s Dentzel Carving Shop.
  Open 11a-5p Monday through Saturday; noon to 5p Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The rest of the year they are open weekends, only.
  From the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90), take exit 110, turn left and follow OH-4 into downtown Sandusky to Decatur Street. It is a 45º angle intersection on your left. Bear left and follow Decatur 7 blocks to Washington Street (US-6). Turn right, go 1 block to Jackson Street. The Museum is on the corner. Address: 301 Jackson Street; phone: 1-419-626-6111 (if no answer, phone the Visitors' Center at 1-800-255-3743).

Lorain

Lorain County Visitors Bureau - If you're new to this part of the country, the Lorain County Visitors Bureau has composed several excellent tours of their area. The best - in out opinion - is their 'Lake Erie Circle Tour'. This can take from 2 to 5 days depending upon the routing you choose and how long you stay at the different stops. It ranges from 200 miles to 700 miles. There is a special web site for the tour at: Lake Erie Circle Tour.
  The offices of the Lorain County Visitors Bureau are at 611 Broadway Ave. Telephone (toll free) 1-800-334-1673. Their e-mail is: visitors@lcvb.org and web site is: LC Visitors Bureau.
  To get there from the Ohio Turnpike (I-80) or OH-2/I-90, take exit 145 (same exit number for both highways) and follow OH-57 north to Lorain and their office at 611 Broadway (in downtown Lorain, OH-57 is Broadway Ave,) Watch the numbered streets and you will know when you approach 611 (between E. 6th and E. 7th Streets).

Cleveland

Cleveland, once flat broke, has made a resurgence with a vengeance. This is exemplified in their Convention and Visitors Bureau: marketing Cleveland is their name and they do it well. Their offices are downtown in the Terminal Tower on Public Square.
  If you are eastbound on the Ohio Turnpike (I-80), take exit 151 and follow to I-71 at exit 11. Merge with I-71 northbound and continue through the I-90 interchange (you don't 'exit' here). Keep going (that was the end of I-71 - you are now on I90 eastbound) to exit 171-B. Exit and merge with OH-14. This is Broadway at the Interstate but a few blocks later it becomes Ontario. It is still OH-14 if you can find the signs. When you cross Superior Avenue (US-6), you're getting close. The next street is Frankfort Avenue and 'Public Square' is one block to your left. There are parking garages all over but some of them seem to be reserved for monthly clients. If there is not sign indicating you're not welcome, drive on in. Parking in Cleveland isn't as bad as New York but they appear to be working hard at catching up. We took a stroll around the area and found it very well worth while. If you like to eat good food (vs. what is available in a hurry) there are 8 or 10 very good restaurants in this area. Some are very reasonable (check the prices before you take a table).

Downtown Hotels in Cleveland - We did choke when we found that parking in downtown Cleveland could cost over $20/day (the Hyatt Regency charges $19 for guests! The Radisson Gateway on Huron Rd - the others aren't far behind.
  When we made reservations at the Comfort Inn Downtown on Euclid Ave (right near exit 172 of I-90 theirs was about the best room rate we could find). We hadn't thought to ask about parking. It wasn't free but it was only $6.50 per night with "in and out privileges". The Holiday Inn Express - same room rates and just a few blocks away on Euclid - charges $12. The Hampton Inn - almost next door to the Hyatt Regency and charging about the same room rates - charges $15 if you park yourself; $18 (only a dollar less than the Hyatt) for valet service.
  So there you have it. We stayed at the Comfort Inn, near the Interstate, found everything was within walking distance plus there are four good restaurants within a block.

Cleveland Botanical Gardens - Like most big city botanical gardens, this one seems to have about everything. But one special attraction is certainly worth taking the effort and time to visit: the giant Glasshouse.
  The newest attraction in the Botanical Gardens, the Glasshouse contains two distinct ecosystems - under glass. One, an emulation of a desert oasis similar to  what you might see on the island of Madagascar. The other, an emulation of a Costa Rican rain forest complete with a river gorge.
  The Botanical Gardens is at 11030 East Boulevard. For more information, phone 216.721.1600 or visit their web site at cbgarden.
  From I-90, take exit 173A and follow US-322 (Chester Ave) eastbound to E. 63rd Street. Turn left, go one block and turn right on Hough Avenue. Follow Hough eastbound past the VA Center to the Botanical Gardens. Hough Ave changes its name to East Boulevard at Liberty Street, just before the VA Center.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - where else can you view over 50 rock and roll exhibits, dynamic cinema presentations plus the largest single collection of rock and roll artifacts? Here is is at  One Key Plaza (East 9th Street at Lake Erie). Phone 1-216-781-ROCK.
  Open 10a-5:30p every day except Wednesday when they stay open until 9p. Admission: $18 (kids 9-12, $11; under 8, free).
  If you are already in town, your best route is to follow 9th Street north to Lake Erie.
  If you are on I-90, take exit 174-B and follow OH-2 to the 9th Street exit. The Hall of Fame is on the lake side of the freeway.
  If you are on I-80, take exit 151 - or, if you've passed that exit, take exit 161 - or, if you've passed that or are westbound, take exit 173. Follow I-480, or I-71, or I-77 (respectively) northbound to I-90 and continue on I-90 to exit 174-B. Exit and follow OH-2 to the 9th Street exit. The Hall of Fame is on the lake side of the freeway.

Boston Heights

Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Whether you want to hike, bike, bird-watch, picnic, golf, fish, ski, ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, explore the history of the Ohio & Erie Canal, or attend some National Park ranger- guided programs, concerts, and art exhibits, Cuyahoga Valley National Park may be a very desirable stop. To quote the NPS brochure: "Though such a short distance from urban environments, the park is worlds away. The winding Cuyahoga—the "crooked river," as named by American Indians — gives way to rolling floodplain, steep valley walls and ravines, and lush upland forests. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a refuge for flora and fauna, and provides both recreation and solitude for Northeastern Ohio's residents and visitors.
  Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad - One attraction in the Park that has been very popular with visitors is the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad. This is not a toy train but a full-sized, restored, vintage assemblage including climate-controlled coaches obtained from the Seaboard Railroad in the East and the Santa Fe in the Southwest. Your trip will include the Peninsula Depot (see below for directions), the Hale Farm and Village, Inventors' Hall of Fame and the Canal Visitors' Center. This is a round trip ride and gives you an excellent opportunity to see a good portion of the park in air-conditioned comfort - First Class all the way!
  From the Ohio Turnpike (I-80) eastbound, take exit 173, turn left and follow UH-21, crossing I-77. to OH-303. Turn left and follow 303, eastbound, crossing the I-77 and I-271 Interstates, to the Peninsula Visitors Center.
  From the Ohio Turnpike (I-80) westbound, take exit 180 and follow the ramp to OH-8 southbound (this is a freeway). Follow OH-8 southbound to the OH-303 exit. Exit and follow 303 westbound to the Park and the Peninsula Visitors Center.
  At the Peninsula Visitors Center you can determine what you would like to see and get directions (this is a big park). The train depot is also here in case you would like to take a ride. (Note: due to flood damage, the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad will be closed until 1 August 2003. 
  Lodging around the Park - Lodging is available in the area around the Park. Boston Heights, Macedonia and Richfield are near the Peninsula Visitors' Center boarding site. If you'd rather be up in the I-480 area, Independence
 is near the Independence boarding site. If you'd rather be down at the southern end of the route near the Akron boarding site, here is a list of the hotels in Akron offering discounts.

Youngstown

At exit 218 of the Ohio Turnpike and I-80 you leave the turnpike and I-80 becomes freeway. The Turnpike now continues as I-76 (which, west of here, has been freeway). I-80 swings around the northern perimeter of Youngstown but I-680 at exit 224 heads south, cuts through Youngstown and connects with I-76 at North Lima.

Youngstown Visitors' Center is downtown. Take I-680 to exit 6A, turn left and follow Market St (US-62) into town to E. Boardman St. Turn right, go 1 block, then left. There is a parking garage on your right mid-block and the Visitors' Center is down the block around the corner at 100 Federal Plaza East, Suite 101. Their toll-free phone is 1-800-447-8201. The also have a web site at YoungstownCVB.

Historical Center of Industry & Labor - This unusual museum, "provides a dramatic overview of the impact of the iron and steel industry on Youngstown and other Mahoning Valley communities." Once, part of the nucleus of industrial America and absolutely critical to the winning of WW-II, steel productions - and much of the other heavy industry which helped the U.S.A. grow and thrive has moved off-shore. In the Center you have an excellent opportunity to experience the lives and times of the people who built the steel and iron industry in the Mahoning Valley.
  Open 9a-5p Tuesday through Saturday; Sunday noon-5p. Located at 151 W. Wood Street. Phone (toll-free) 1-800-262-6137.
  From the Visitors' Center, go (1 block) to Commerce St, turn left, 1 block to Wick Ave., turn right and 1 block (crossing the tracks) to Wood Street. Turn left on Wood and go a little more than 2 blocks to the Center (on your left).

^{contributed by Bob Masters}