Taking a road trip from Ohio to Maine can be an exciting experience when you have a detailed itinerary to guide you on which places to visit. Many interesting places are waiting for you to discover them on your trip.
Niagara Falls, Presque Isle state park, Strong National Museum of Play, Fenway park, Marginal Way, Portland Headlight, and Acadia National Park are all unique sights to see and visit as you pass by New York, Pennsylvania, and Boston until you finally arrive in Maine.
This article will elaborate on the best times to visit, distances, things to see, and fun facts about the best stops. We have also displayed the best mapped-out routes to take for the optimum road trip experience.
Ohio to Maine road trip itinerary #1: The Famous Niagara Falls in New York
Source: Wanderlog
Best time of the year to attend: You can visit any day of the year but the peak season is during the summer (June to August) because temperatures are below 80.
Suitable for: Open for all, locals and foreigners.
Duration: Approximately 5-6hr from Ohio depending on the route you take. The staying duration would be 2-3 nights for maximum enjoyment.
Things to see:
- Waterfalls from the observation tower
- Journey behind the falls
- Whirlpools boat tours
- Niagara Gorge Trail
- Aquarium observation
- Old Fort Niagara
Distance:
- 326.9 mi via I-90 E
- 352.6 mi via I-71 N
- 410.5 mi via ON-401 E
Niagara Falls consists of three waterfalls, Horseshoe Falls also identified as the Canadian Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Canadian Falls has the largest coverage among the three.
The waterfalls are located on the border between Ontario and New York.
Here are quick 5 interesting facts about Niagara Falls that will compel you to visit:
- The Falls are nearly 12,000 years old.
- The Niagara river flows at approximately 35 miles/hour.
- The combination of its height and water flow is what makes it so breathtaking.
- The falls were formed by melted glaciers that formed great lakes such as Lake Erie and Lake Ontario
- Other man-made attractions around the Falls include Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Maid of the mist, Table Rock Scenic Tunnels, Spanish Aero car, Marineland, Casino Niagra, Imax Theatre, and a newly built butterfly garden.
Ohio to Maine road trip itinerary #2: The Stunning Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania
Source: The Lakehouse Inn
Best time of the year to attend: It’s popular in the summer but it’s just as fun or even more in the winter season with plenty of ice and snow activities.
Suitable for: All people visiting during the day.
Duration: 3hrs from Ohio, Staying time: 1-2 days
Things to see:
- Sandy beaches
- Swimming in Lake Erie
- Boat tours
- Lighthouse
- Kayaking
- Bird watching
- Hiking trails
- Ice fishing and Ice skating
Distance:
- 209 mi via I-71 N and I-90 E
- 234.7 mi via I-71 and I-76
- 216.7 mi via OH-58, I-71 N, and I-90 E
Presque Isle State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s lesser known sandy parks. It is a peninsula that connects to Lake Erie. The National Natural Landmark is a favorite spot for migrating birds and a home to multiple endangered and rare species.
There are tons of fun beach activities to enjoy such as fishing, swimming, boat tours, Kayaking, and amazing sunsets.
The Presque Isle Lighthouse is also another main attraction that dates back to the 1870s and is still in operation helping ships in navigation.
Bird watching and hiking are other favorite activities for the park visitors.
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Ohio to Maine road trip itinerary #3: The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York
Source: Uncovering New York
Best time of the year to attend: All year round
Suitable for: People of all ages, it is especially loved by children.
Duration: 6hrs from Ohio, touring time: 3hrs
Things to see:
- Video game exhibits
- Interactive toys, dolls, and board games.
- Obstacle courses
- Butterfly garden
- Sesame Street and many more nostalgic cartoon exhibits.
Distance:
- 370 mi via I-90 E
The museum is heavily themed toward video games, comics and storybooks, television shows, train rides, and overall children’s lifestyles.
Margret Woodbury, the founder of one of the biggest history museums in the United States, established The Strong National Museum of Play with fascinating collections in mind.
With time, the museum has been widely acknowledged exactly the way she imagined it for its exhibitions that are not only interactive but also educational for children.
Some of the exhibits, such as Sesame Street, the Berenstain Bears, Reading Adventureland, and the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, will take you on a trip down memory lane.
Ohio to Maine road trip itinerary #4: The Beloved Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts
Source: Digital Ocean Spaces
Best time of the year to attend:
Suitable for: All people, loved especially by baseball fans.
Duration: 11hr from Ohio, 1-day touring.
Things to see:
- Oldest major-league stadium, arena
- Baseball memorabilia
- The rich history of baseball
Distance:
- 748.2 mi via I-90 E
Boston’s own Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox baseball team, is one of America’s most beloved historic landmarks. It has been the longest active major league park since 1912.
If you are a huge fan of the sport, you will be excited to see the park’s renowned Green Monster which is the common name for the left field wall that is over 37 feet high.
More on what you can discover from your tour would be baseball’s greatest moments of all time, pictures of the best players and biggest names in baseball history, along with memorabilia put on display with historic information.
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Ohio to Maine road trip itinerary #5: The Charming Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine
Source: Wanderlog
Best time of the year to attend: all year round
Suitable for: Everyone
Duration: 12hrs from Ohio, 1-2 days touring.
Things to see:
- Historical walking areas along the coastal line
- Sights and landmarks
- Quaint village
- Nearby beach
Distance:
- 814.1 mi via I-90 E
Marginal Way in Ogunquit is more than just a small village town. With its preserved walking trail in between most of the hotels in town and the scenic shoreline, it makes for a lovely resting stop.
Cliff walking by the coastline is one of the best things said about the area. The scenery as well is spectacular for photo sessions. You can also get some shopping done in the downtown area of Ogunquit.
By checking in to one of the hotels in the Marginal Way area, you will also experience exquisite sunsets and relaxing beach waves for a soothing night’s rest.
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Ohio to Maine road trip itinerary #6: The Historic Portland Headlight in Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Source: Wanderlog
Best time of the year to attend: All year round
Suitable for: Adults and Children, especially interesting for historians.
Duration: 13hrs from Ohio, 1-day sightseeing.
Things to see:
- Lighthouse
- Navigation museum
- Children’s garden
- Historical sites and landmarks
Distance:
- 852 mi via I-90 E
The Portland Headlight consists of a currently active lighthouse and navigation museum. Both are situated in Fort Williams Park by the rocky scenic coastline.
Just bout 20 minutes from Kennebunkport you would arrive at the Fort Williams State Park. The Portland HeadLight is guarding the entrance to Portland Harbor.
President George Washington commissioned the headlight in 1791 and staffed it until 1989, later machines took over. The keeper’s house is now a museum, which traces the maritime and military history of the region.
If you are a historian or history enthusiast, you can stop and tour the museum extensively to know more about these historic artifacts.
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Ohio to Maine road trip itinerary #7: The Famous Acadia National Park in Maine
Source: MapQuest
Best time of the year to attend: Mostly popular in the summer.
Tip: travel in the early morning to avoid traffic congestion.
Suitable for: Best for hikers and nature adventurers.
Duration: 15 hr from Ohio, 1-2 days of exploration.
Things to see:
- Camping sites
- Hiking trails
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Wildlife
- Nature trails
Distance:
- 1,017.5 mi via I-90 E
The Acadia National Park is an epic national treasure on the coastline of Maine. According to Visit Bar Harbour, Acadia makes it to the top ten list of most visited parks in America, with over 3 million visitors annually.
Its lovely shoreline presents a stupendous sunrise that you can watch in the wee morning hours while either driving, biking, or walking. When driving through the park’s loop road you can enjoy a 27-mile cruise along oceanside cliffs through the forests and observe the wildlife.
Some attractions you will encounter along the way would be the mighty thunder hole and sand beaches. For the hiking fanatics, you cannot miss Acadia’s most incredible feature which is its hiking trails.
Camping and stargazing are also tourist park favorites.
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Conclusion
You can get the most out of your trip from Ohio to Maine by visiting these greatly appreciated and highly reviewed sights.
Beautiful waterfalls, parks, museums, beaches, a monumental lighthouse, and historical towns make great itineraries for an epic road trip.
Getting sound sleep while on the road is important. Check out this article the next time you are considering which vehicle is suitable to get some shut-eye.
