Discover the Heart of the Midwest on an Exciting I-70 Road Trip
If you’ve got the itch to hop in the car and hit the open road on your next road trip adventure, I-70 offers the perfect opportunity to see the very best of the country — from the Steel City of Pittsburgh through the heart of the Midwest on to the Rocky Mountains, and beyond.
Featuring big cities, small towns, unique roadside attractions, museums, historic sites, and more, a journey on I-70 is a trip like no other. All told, I-70 runs through 10 states and includes the oldest section of US interstate in the nation.
DID YOU KNOW: I-70 is one of the nation’s interstates, extending from Baltimore, Maryland to Cove Fort, Utah for more than 2,151 miles.
Our guide takes you from Pennsylvania to Utah — a span of over 2,100 miles and nine states — in seven days. It’s packed with hidden gems, roadside attractions, and other goodies to help make the most of your journey.
NOTE: This guide covers a lot of ground — 2,100 miles over seven days, but we encourage travelers to go at their own pace to leave no stone unturned on their I-70 roadtrip.
No matter your reason for traveling — perhaps you like visiting new states or you’ve got a bucket list of attractions you want to check off — I-70 is a gateway to adventure through the heart of the Midwest.
Day 1: Pennsylvania to Ohio
Start your journey in Pittsburgh — the second-biggest city in Pennsylvania. Apart from its enormous legacy as the nation’s Steel City, Pittsburgh has a unique charm that can be seen and felt throughout its 90 distinctly named neighborhoods.
Soak up the incredible waterfront views in the city where the Alleghany, Ohio, and Monongahela rivers converge. Learn something new and exciting while marveling at the Carnegie Museums and Libraries collections. Treat yourself to a stuffed Primanti Bros sandwich, or see if you can pick up a word or two of Pittsburghese.
RELATED: The Center for PostNatural History is one of the nation’s most fascinating museums for travelers who enjoy unique attractions.
Duquesne Incline
If you’ve only got time to do one thing before leaving Pittsburgh, take time to ride the Duquesne Incline for an incredible view of the city skyline. Visitors of all ages can take a step back in time on one of the nation’s few remaining incline railways to ride in a wooden cable car to enjoy excellent views of the city.
NOTE: Make sure to have exact cash on hand for your ride.
Wheeling, West Virginia
After departing the Steel City, head an hour southwest on I-70 to Wheeling, West Virginia. Your destination in West Virginia’s fifth-biggest city is Oglebay Park, which offers fun for all ages across 2,000 acres.
Oglebay is everything to everyone who visits: An escape into nature; an incredible wedding venue; a top-notch family destination, and much more.
- The Oglebay Good Zoo is home to dozens of animals, making it a perfect family destination on your I-70 travels.
- Bissonette Gardens is a beautiful garden display featuring fountains, hanging baskets, and nearly three dozen colorful flower beds.
- The Crispin Center Outdoor Pool is a perfect place to cool off and features a large pool with a climbing wall, inflatables, and a Fountains of Fun Splash & Spray area for the youngest visitors.
- The Mansion Museum is a history buff’s dream, offering a look at the extravagant former estate of industrialist Earl W. Oglebay.
RELATED: Fans of space history can visit the John & Annie Glenn Museum in New Concord, Ohio to gain insight into his life before he began astronaut training.
Columbus, Ohio
Hop back in your car and continue west for about two hours to Colombus, Ohio; your final Day 1 destination. Ohio’s capital city is a popular day trip destination as the home of Ohio State University and a slew of exciting festivals.
If you’re looking for the perfect family activity, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Visitors can wander through lush gardens and butterfly exhibits in this horticultural wonderland that’s home to historic glasshouses, over 400 species of plants from around the world, and beautifully maintained gardens.
RELATED: Bookworms can escape into the fascinating world of reading at the Book Loft of German Village. Visitors can explore one of the nation’s largest independent book stores with 32 room chockful of great reads!
Day 2: Ohio to Indiana
Before hitting the road on Day 2 of your I-70 journey, hang around Columbus for a little longer. Visit the famous North Market downtown where you can find a plethora of delicious local foods, unique gifts, and more. It’s a great spot to soak up the sights and sounds of the city, enjoy a tasty breakfast, and grab a snack for the road.
Springfield, Ohio
Head out of Columbus about 45 minutes west to Springfield, Ohio. One of Springfield’s can’t-miss stops is the Wescott House.
Designed by famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the house is the only one of Wright’s Prairie-style homes in Ohio. Architecture enthusiasts and curious visitors can marvel at the intricate details of the main house and explore elements of the property including a pergola, and stables.
RELATED: On the way to Indianapolis, car enthsuiasts can take a detour to Richmond, Indiana to visit the Model T Museum, which has vintage cars and lots of memorabilia.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis seems to have something that appeals to everyone from foodies to art enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious everyday travelers. It’s a place where visitors can easily get lost in the city’s vibrant cultural scene and iconic landmarks.
No trip to Indianapolis is complete without a trip to the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Auto racing enthusiasts can discover the history of the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and get a behind-the-scenes look at the track on guided tours.
RELATED: Indianapolis has many hidden gems worth exploring, but the Fountain Square District is a fun spot too, featuring great dining options, art galleries, and unique shops.
If you’re a waterfall enthusiast, you’re in luck because Cataract Falls State Recreation Area is perfect for a quick breather about an hour west of Indianapolis.
Day 3: Indiana to Illinois
Day 3 of your incredible journey across I-70 will take you from Central Indiana all the way to the Gateway to the West, St. Louis, Missouri.
Start your day by visiting the Indianapolis Art Center and the whimsical creation that is the Twisted House. This fascinating work by John McNaughton is a house made of cedar wood and bent in a way that makes it appear to rest on both its roof and foundation. Visitors can even step inside the house to see its unique features — including a distorted door — for themselves.
Terre Haute, Indiana
Terre Haute sits about 75 minutes west of Indy, offering spacious parks, exciting festivals, and unique museums.
One of the city’s most fascinating museums can be found at the CANDLES Holocaust Museum & Education Center. The museum is the only Holocaust museum in the Hoosier State and tells the story of the Holocaust from the perspective of survivor Eva Mozes Kor, who was subjected to human experimentation.
RELATED: On the way to St. Louis, pull off for one of the Midwest’s classic roadside attractions, the Kaskaskia Dragon, a marvelous creation in Vandalia, Illinois that actually breathes fire — with the help of special Dragon Coins you can buy across the street.
St. Louis, Missouri
Continue about 2.5 hours west and briefly travel through southern Illinois on your way to St. Louis. With many claims to fame and decades of history, residents and visitors can easily spend a few days discovering museums, barbeque, pizza, beer, and so much more.
But if you’ve only got time for one thing in The ‘Lou, the Gateway Arch is one of the nation’s most iconic landmarks for a reason.
Standing 630 feet tall, it’s the tallest arch in the world and stands as a testament to westward expansion in the United States. Eager visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch and soak in the incredible panoramic views of the city.
RELATED: If you’re searching for future road trip ideas, Route 66 runs through St. Louis and gives travelers the option to continue north toward Chicago or west toward California.
If you’re searching for hidden gems, the City Museum is a fascinating space in downtown St. Louis that brings a smile to the face of all visitors with its eclectic mix of caves, tunnels, slides, rides, and more — it’s a playground, fun house, and architectural marvel all rolled into one.
RELATED: St. Charles, Missouri just outside St. Louis is the perfect combo of historic town and contemporary city, offering a little something for every kind of traveler.
Day 4: Missouri
The (roughly) midway point of your I-70 adventure keeps you in Missouri for the entire day. The fun part is you’ll be going from the hustle and bustle of St. Louis across the Show Me State to the hustle and bustle of Kansas City.
You’ve already seen some unique museums on your journey, so add another to the list before you leave St. Louis. The Jackson Barracks Telephone Museum pays tribute to the history of the telephone, allowing visitors to marvel at a massive collection of rotary phones, novelty phones, and more.
RELATED: Fans of Elvis Presley won’t want to miss the Love Me Tender statue in Wright City. This 16-foot statue of The King stands at the site of a former Elvis museum and makes for a cool photo.
Hermann, Missouri
Nestled along the Missouri River about 90 minutes west of St. Louis, Hermann is known for its rich German heritage and scenic beauty in the heart of Missouri wine country.
After taking a stroll through Hermann’s historic, German-inspired downtown, wine enthusiasts and weary travelers can meander along the Hermann Wine Trail. This group of six family-owned wineries produces many award-winning wines and visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and scenic views of the surrounding rolling hills.
RELATED: Explore more of Missouri’s best small towns.
On the way toward Kansas City, pull off the highway to visit the Warm Springs Ranch near Boonville. It’s the largest breeding facility for Budweiser Clydesdales and offers tours between April and October.
Kansas City, Missouri
K.C. is known for many things: It’s a city of fall-off-the-bone barbeque, a city of sports champions, a city of fountains, and a city with some of the country’s most unique museums. That means there’s plenty to see while you’re here, so be sure to make the most of it.
The Liberty Memorial, which honors the sacrifices of Kansas City veterans, is one of the city’s many hidden gems. Visitors can ride to the top of a 217-foot tower for amazing views. The tower emits steam at night, which is illuminated by orange and red light to create a flame-like effect.
The adjoining National WWI Museum and Memorial. This shrine to the Great War showcases the mementos, tools, weapons, and stories of those who served.
RELATED: If you’re feeling thirsty after your sight seeing, Boulevard Brewing Company is a great spot to get a taste of the city. Visitors can take fun tours of the brewery and sample some of the brewery’s best beers.
Day 5: Kansas
Day 5 of your trek across the country takes you firmly into the heart of the Midwest Plains in Kansas. But before heading out of K.C., visit a fountain or two or explore the wonders of the American Jazz Museum.
Opened in 1997, the museum pays tribute to the country’s rich jazz history, honoring legends like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and many others. Visitors can take a trip back in time as they trace the roots of jazz to the present day with fun and informative exhibits.
RELATED: For travelers who like side trips, Kansas City, Kansas is just 10 minutes from Kansas City, Missouri across the Kansas River. The city is home to a NASCAR track and the Legends Outlets, which are a shopper’s paradise.
Topeka, Kansas
A trip to Kansas’ capital city offers plenty of options for adventure. Families can visit the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center to see a menagerie of animals, and the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Park offers an in-depth look at one of the most famous events in Topeka history.
But the Kansas State Capitol is an absolute must on your way through town. It’s the tallest building in town and the second tallest among 38 traditional dome capitals in the United States. Visitors can take 296 steps to the top of the dome for a once-in-a-lifetime view and enjoy the sight of famous murals and more than a dozen types of marble as they take a tour.
RELATED: Fans of the Wizard of Oz can detour (or rather, follow the Yellow Brick Road) to Wamego Kansas and the Oz Museum plus Oz-related businesses.
History buffs can detour to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas provides insight into Dwight Eisenhower’s presidency from 1953-1961.
Hays, Kansas
Known for its vibrant culture and rich history, Hays offers a diverse array of attractions and experiences. This former Wild West town is now a bustling hub with a thriving arts scene, with galleries, theaters, and performance venues.
Hays’ history as a major part of the Wild West is preserved at the Fort Hays State Historic Site, which preserves the remains of Fort Hays, a frontier military post that played a significant role in the settlement of the region.
RELATED: The Plains region of the Midwest has several famous archelogical sites and the Sternberg Museum of Natural History is a hidden gem that showcases some of that hard work with an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils.
Day 6: Kansas to Colorado
You’re getting closer to the end of your journey! Day 6 of this amazing I-70 road trip takes you through Kansas to Colorado’s capital city of Denver.
Colby, Kansas
Begin your day with a quick jaunt across Kansas from Hays to Colby. While you’re here, visit the Prairie Museum of Art and History to discover the history of the High Plains. Travelers can discover unique artifacts, including clothing and paintings, and an outdoor campus with historic buildings showcasing Kansas history.
Denver, Colorado
The Gateway to the Rocky Mountains is brimming with activity out West and treats visitors to some scenic views of the famous Rocky Mountains. Once you’ve soaked up the incredible mountain views, immerse yourself in the richness of Denver’s culture.
For travelers who love outdoor concerts, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado is one of the nation’s most iconic venues. Some of music’s biggest names have graced the stage here and the setting makes every concert feel extra special. Spend the night under the stars with a music experience you’ll remember forever.
Before you say goodbye to Denver, make sure to stop by the Denver Botanic Gardens. This beautiful urban oasis features themed gardens and a conservatory where visitors of all ages can see impressive collections of plants and art along with a dazzling mix of rotating exhibitions.
RELATED: On the way to Utah, you’ll pass through the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70 and reach the Contintental Divide, where East officially meets West. There’s also a historical marker atop a mountain just before the tunnel.
Day 7: Colorado to Utah
Take a deep breath and prepare for your last day of I-70 travel. Buckle up because it’s a long trip — more than 7 hours and 500 miles. But you’ve already come this far, so keep heading toward the finish line.
Glenwood Springs, Utah
About two and a half hours west of Denver, the town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado is home to the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool — one of the largest hot springs pools in the world.
Since 1888, the pool has been one of the most famous attractions in Colorado and visitors can purchase day passes to relax at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.
Moab, Utah
Continue west to Moab, Utah, and the undescribable beauty of Arches National Park. The park has more than 2,000 natural arches but is also home to giant balanced rocks and towering pinnacles in a landscape of beautiful contrasting textures and colors.
This red-rock wonderland invites visitors to explore its wonders along scenic trails and enjoy some of the best sunsets anywhere in the nation.
Situated about 30 minutes from Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park is a scenic hidden gem that offers travelers breathtaking views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park.
The park is an immaculate landscape that looks like a watercolor painting come to life. Travelers can marvel at a beautiful landscape of trails, canyons, and desert woodland.
You’ve still got a little ways to go, but the sunrises and sunsets here are something to see with canyons bathed in sunlight and clear skies filled with thousands of stars.
Cove Fort, Utah
The last leg of your exciting exploration of I-70 is a drive from Moab to Cove Fort — a distance of a little more than three hours.
After you’ve celebrated coming this far, take some time to explore the historic Cove Fort. Built in 1887, it remains one of the few Western forts from the mid-19th Century. Visitors can take tours of the fort to learn about the lives of the families who called the fort home.
Pack Up and Hit the Road For an I-70 Adventure
A cross-country road trip offers untold opportunities for adventure and I-70 is no exception. Whether you take seven days or two weeks, discovering all the surprises I-70 has to offer will make your journey all the more memorable. Whether you can’t wait to see famous landmarks, uncover hidden gems for yourself, or simply enjoy the simple joys that come with taking a road trip, a journey on I-70 will be one you won’t soon forget! Happy roadtripping!