Midwestern Road Trip Fun: Family Adventure to Shores & Islands Ohio
We LOVE a good road trip and traveling throughout the Midwest, there’s nothing better than discovering hidden gems, charming small towns, and unexpected adventures with the family. I’m super excited to share with you this fun trip!
Looking for a summer family getaway that’s easy to drive to, packed with adventure, and full of unique Midwest charm? Say hello to Shores & Islands Ohio, your one-stop destination for beaches, island hopping, ferry rides, lighthouses, amusement parks, and yes, even wineries for the grownups!
Located along the shores of Lake Erie in Northern Ohio, this coastal region is perfect for families ready to trade in their cornfield views for lake breezes, and it’s only about a 9-hour drive from Central Iowa. This road trip offers so many fun stops along the way, you’ll want to turn the journey into part of the adventure.
Pack up the snacks and hit the road! From Des Moines, you’ll head east across Iowa, through Illinois and Indiana, and into northern Ohio. Here are some road trip stops along the way:
Indiana Dunes National Park (Porter, Indiana)
Stretch your legs at one of the newest U.S. National Parks! With dunes, hiking trails, and a stunning beach on Lake Michigan, this is a great place for kids to burn off some energy and cross a national park off your bucket list.
Warren Dunes State Park (Sawyer, Michigan)
Located just north of the Indiana border, this Michigan gem offers big sandy dunes, gorgeous views, and a quick walk to the beach. It’s a picture-perfect stop for a picnic lunch or a short hike. There are tons of fun restaurants, ice cream shops, and more in the area. A great place to stay and spend one to two nights along the way.
Once you arrive, you’ll quickly see why families love this underrated gem. Here’s a simple but fun itinerary to guide your visit:
Day 1: Settle In and Beach Vibes
Where to Stay:
The Wave at Marblehead is one of the newest hotels in the area and offers a ton of fun and cozy rooms! There are many options, including a couple of larger suites, if you are traveling with a bigger family. In addition, they have a play yard with a pickleball court, fire pits, and a swimming pool. Their on-site restaurant offers the freshest and delicious food!
Day 2: Kelley’s Island Adventure
Ride the Ferry to Kelley’s Island
Hop aboard the Kelleys Island Ferry and enjoy the scenic ride across Lake Erie. It’s a quick 20-minute boat trip, and kids will love watching the shoreline disappear and find it fun if you decide to take your vehicle across the lake. Take a look at the top 5 things to do on Kelleys Island with kids!
Rent a Golf Cart and Explore
Once you’re on the island, rent a golf cart (or bring bikes!) to explore. Stop at Kelleys Island State Park for swimming, Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve to see ancient rock formations, and grab lunch at the Kelleys Island Wine Co., a family-friendly winery with space for kids to run. If you are looking for some other wine experiences, add Monarch Winery and Crooked Tree Vineyard to your list. All of them are unique in their own way and offer plenty of space to run and play for kids, too! The Island is filled with tons of fun. It will be easy to spend an entire day there, soaking up the coastal vibes.
Day 3: Lighthouse + Local Treasures
Marblehead Lighthouse
This iconic lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in Ohio, and for good reason! Take a walk along the lake, snap some family pics, and climb the lighthouse (open seasonally) for a stunning view. The Marblehead Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes.
African Safari Wildlife Park
African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton is a drive-thru safari adventure that lets your family get up close and personal with incredible animals right from your car! Roll down your windows and hand-feed giraffes, zebras, and alpacas. They also offer in-person experiences where you can walk through and feed many animals, including capybaras. It’s a wildly fun, interactive experience that kids (and parents!) will never forget. We always love a fun animal experience, and this has been added to the top of the list!
Ferguson Gallery and Beach Glass Lounge
This is a one-of-a-kind stop where art, food, and lake vibes come together. Families can watch mesmerizing live glassblowing demonstrations and browse beautiful handcrafted art. Afterward, grab a bite at the Beach Glass Lounge, which serves up delicious food and drinks. A perfect mix of creativity and relaxation!
Day 4: Cedar Point Thrills
Cedar Point Amusement Park (Sandusky)
Known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” Cedar Point is a can’t-miss stop. With everything from kiddie rides to world-famous coasters, there’s something for every age. Don’t miss the beach or the waterpark next door for a full day of fun.
Break up the return trip with a few more Midwest gems:
Toledo Zoo (Toledo, Ohio)
Ranked among the best zoos in the country, this is an ideal stop for animal lovers. With splash pads and interactive exhibits, it’s a great half-day detour.
Quad Cities, Iowa
We love the Quad Cities because it has so much to offer and is a great stop to break up the trip! Visit the zoo, catch a baseball game, visit the Putnam Museum and Science Center, and more!
Ultimate Guide to Family-Friendly Road Trip Stops on I-80
Keep this little guide handy as you travel along I-80. Here are some great places to stretch your legs as you are road tripping!
Why Shores & Islands Ohio Is Worth the Drive
If you’re craving a lake escape that offers something for everyone, beach time, ferry rides, island hopping, amusement park thrills, and hidden gems, Shores & Islands Ohio is the perfect Midwest road trip. It’s family-friendly, packed with charm, and just far enough to feel like a true adventure without needing a plane ticket.