Laughingfrog wrote: Thanks, mdcamping...I'll keep that in mind - it loks like a fun place and I asked some Ohio transplants that live here in Atlanta about it they said it was a good park. We're still playing with the idea of heading that way, but a lot will depend on how long we linger at our other destinations. It's amazing how much each of these cities has to offer once you scratch the surface of the tour books and chamber recreation guides....and the folks here on the forum. When it comes to campground recommendations - that's when I really like to hear what folks here have to say - because often someone who just lives down the road or is a frequent visitor of a park will give us the pros and cons of a particular campground.
Definitely know we want to visit Knoxville - although we're close enough that we could probably pull that off on a long weekend some other time and instead concentrate more of this particular trip we're planning heading as far north as possible and exploring our way back...
Thanks for the ideas - and would love to hear more suggestions in Ohio and Indiana. Thanks.
Check into the Hocking Hills area in Ohio, specifically Old Mans Cave and the state park there. Beautiful area, campground is wonderful and the nature trails are just beautiful!!!! Lots of things to see and do within a short drive, check out what's left of "Big Muskie" the largest draglink crane, and also where America's own "Zeplin" crashed into the Ohio countryside. Oh and if you like "Rockie" boots, make sure you hit there outlet store!!!
Just got my latest issue of Trailer Life and they have an article on Ohio's Amish Country...haven't had a chance to check it out, but may give me some ideas on something else to possibly add to the itinerary.
Not sure where the Hocking Hills are of Ohio is that the last poster referred to, but will check it out. Thanks for the suggestions!!
WOW...thanks to the poster about the Hocking Hills area - that looks beautiful...I'm starting to think that rather than Cinncinnati, Indianapolis and Chicago, we might do a little more exploring in Ohio...I never thought much about the state, but it really seems to offer a diversity of activities and history. Maybe the trip will be an Ohio/Indiana trip.
A lot to consider - and a big THANK YOU to all who have shared their thoughts on good places to take the family! Really looking forward to planning this trip.
One hour south of Cleveland right on I77 is the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. A must see for any sports fan. Just wanted to give props to my part of the world!
BTW, Hocking Hills is pretty nice. My family camps there at least once a year.
Laughingfrog wrote: WOW...thanks to the poster about the Hocking Hills area - that looks beautiful...I'm starting to think that rather than Cinncinnati, Indianapolis and Chicago, we might do a little more exploring in Ohio...I never thought much about the state, but it really seems to offer a diversity of activities and history. Maybe the trip will be an Ohio/Indiana trip.
A lot to consider - and a big THANK YOU to all who have shared their thoughts on good places to take the family! Really looking forward to planning this trip.
You are very welcome, we spent a week around the area for spring break a few years back, 2 adults, 3 kids and 2 dogs in a 21' travel trailer....needless to say, after that trip, I invested in a 32'Sportsman quad bunk the dogs are gone, but this works much better w/ the kids!!!
Also, over near Cincinnati; but in Kentucky is Big Bone Lick State Park, a very neat place. Take a ride when you leave the park and head toward the river a little spot called Rabbit Hash, a very cool old style general store and great folks!! I wouldn't advise taking the camper that way, it get twisty and tight, we were pushing it w/ our 32'!!!
I'm still thinking on what else we have saw in that area!!
Here are a couple of ideas for the Cincinnati area:
#1 – The Creation Museum located near the Cincinnati airport (which is actually located in Kentucky). We spent 6 hours there this summer and did not get to see everything. It is really 1st rate and was a fun experience for both adults and kids.
“The Creation Museum presents a “walk through history.” Designed by a former Universal Studios exhibit director, this state-of-the-art 60,000 square foot museum brings the pages of the Bible to life.
A fully engaging, sensory experience for guests. Murals and realistic scenery, computer-generated visual effects, over fifty exotic animals, life-sized people and dinosaur animatronics, and a special-effects theater complete with misty sea breezes and rumbling seats. These are just some of the impressive exhibits that everyone in your family will enjoy.”
www.creationmuseum.org
#2 – Loveland Castle located in Loveland, OH. This castle was built by one may over a period of 60 years. Once again a treat for both adults and kids.
www.lovelandcastle.com
Big Bone Lick State Park in Kentucky is near the Creation Museum. We stayed at East Fork State Park in Bethel, OH. This is closer to Loveland Castle. East Fork was a nice park. You can reserve campsites ahead through www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks.
Have fun!
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Laughingfrog wrote: WOW...thanks to the poster about the Hocking Hills area - that looks beautiful...I'm starting to think that rather than Cinncinnati, Indianapolis and Chicago, we might do a little more exploring in Ohio...I never thought much about the state, but it really seems to offer a diversity of activities and history. Maybe the trip will be an Ohio/Indiana trip.
A lot to consider - and a big THANK YOU to all who have shared their thoughts on good places to take the family! Really looking forward to planning this trip.
As an Indiana native, I need to tout my state
In the Indy area is the Children's Museum, one of the best in the country. There's the track, which has its own museum, and an art museum. They also have a minor league baseball team and a zoo. As far as camping, we haven't done any of the KOA's, but the state parks are really nice. Turkey Run is about 45-60 min away. The Dunes state park is great if you head to Chicago.
In Kentucky the Kentucky Horse Park is great-the campground is really nice too. We've stayed there a few times. Not sure of your route, but Mammoth caves may also be a Kentucky option too.
Have fun! We're doing Disney this year. Ours are 8 and 5.
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2 Kids-8 and 5
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DH and I
Hello I have to agree on Indy and the Children's Museum we spent the entire day there and Had alot of fun!!! We also went to The Indy Speedway (Home of the 500) and there is a museum on site and you can actually take a ride on the track!! ( it's a bus tour but I think it's neat to hear and see the history of the track. As for camping in the area of Indy I went to Pigeon Forge area last 2 years ago and while searching for a campground we found this park. http://www.woodsnwaters.com/ It is about 45 minutes south of Indy and A mile off of I-65. It was very clean and conveinent on our travls. Here's a copule of more sites that maybe of some help http://www.rv-clubs.us/rv_campgrounds.html This site has alot a state by state campgrounds listed by each state and what I have done is look at a map while looking for campgrounds on my routes also try rvparkreveiws.com and it maybe of some help also. I haven't had a chance to camp in Turkey Run yet but I have been to the park and it's a very pretty park. Sorry I wish I could help with the Chicago area but what I know has already been mentioned except that the Sears Tower is open with a observation Deck (110 stories up) and has a great veiw of Chicago, there's also Navy Pier with alot to due there. You can also "google" the area of interest and see what comes up. As I have found alot this way. Good Luck & Happy Trails
http://www.enjoyillinois.com/
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