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Cross-Country Sporting Successes
Kentucky - Massachusetts
From the famous Slugger Museum to one of baseball’s best venues, this trip is sure to satisfy fans and budding historians of American major league sports. Beginning in Kentucky, this six-state US road trip winds its way north and east towards the coast, taking in New York State’s most beguiling landscapes away from the big city itself, before ending in beautiful Boston, Massachusetts.
Stops on this Route:
- Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
- Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge
- The Cincinnati Observatory Centre
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area
- Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton
- Cleveland - North Coast Harbor
- Erie – West 6th Street
- Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park
- Niagara Falls
- National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
- Fenway Park
What to drive:
Make the most of your US road trip with something from our American Collection:
Cross-Country Sporting Successes
Stop 1: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory 1/13
Kick off your road trip at the home of the Louisville Slugger - the world’s most celebrated make of baseball bat. Tour the factory to see how the famous bats are made, before practicing your own skills in the batting cages and checking out the other pop culture exhibits. Louisville has some of the best museums on this side of the Mississippi River. (Image credit: pmorgan67)
Cross-Country Sporting Successes
Stop 2: Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge 2/13
A few miles north of Madison, you’ll find a birdwatcher’s paradise spread across 50,000 acres of land. More than 200 species of our feathered friends call Big Oaks home. Book ahead for one of the organised tours, which takes you through the forests to some of the best spots for seeing Henslow's sparrows among other winged wonders of the refuge.
Cross-Country Sporting Successes
Stop 3: The Cincinnati Observatory Centre 3/13
This National Historic Landmark has one of the oldest public telescopes still in use, and is active in encouraging young astronomers from Ohio and its neighbouring states to take up their own stargazing hobby. Along with regular guided tours, the observatory is open late for musical acts and regular guest lectures. Make sure to book early as these special events fill up quickly. (Image credit: Analogue Kid)
Cross-Country Sporting Successes
Stop 4: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 4/13
The first gorilla born in captivity in the world, Colo, is 60 years young - and her extended family is one of the zoo’s biggest attractions. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is split into regions representing each of the world’s continents, promising something new and exciting in each. Learn all about the fascinating animals and their natural habitats courtesy of the interactive exhibits and tours.
Cross-Country Sporting Successes
Stop 5: Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area 5/13
Killdeer Plains was once one of Ohio’s most prominent prairies, and now work is underway to restore the area to its former glory with extensive replanting efforts. Providing you’ve got a permit, you’ll find some of the best fishing in the Midwest. But, if you’re in the mood for a more relaxing trip, rent a boat and coast along one of its many lakes. (Image credit: ODNR Division of Wildlife)
Cross-Country Sporting Successes
Stop 6: Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton 6/13
As one of the founding cities of the original American football leagues, Canton is home to the Hall of Fame, which honours the elite players of the USA’s sporting phenomenon. Take the tour of the grand old building and learn about the history of the pro football leagues, along with bios and stats on their leading lights. (Image credit: Coemgenus)
Cross-Country Sporting Successes
Stop 7: Cleveland - North Coast Harbor 7/13
This leisure development sits on the shores of Lake Erie, and promises stunning views all year round. There are a number of major Cleveland institutions based here, including the FirstEnergy Football Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns, and the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, plus the fascinating Science Center and the USS Cod - a former naval submarine which is now a unique museum.
Cross-Country Sporting Successes
Stop 8: Erie – West 6th Street 8/13
West Sixth Street in the city of Erie contains more than a hundred buildings of historical interest. Primarily built in the mid-to-late 19th century, these include a group of mansions known as ‘Millionaires Row’ – elaborately designed by the region’s notable architects of the time. The Watson-Curtze Mansion is another historical highlight; built in 1892 it’s now a museum showcasing local history.
Cross-Country Sporting Successes
Stop 9: Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park 9/13
Visit the site where some of the country’s most formidable ships and submarines have been restored to their former glory on the Erie Canal Harbor. Tour each of these ships to find out the historic roles they played in defending their country, before taking in the views of the Great Lake from the observation tower and checking out the hiking trails.
Cross-Country Sporting Successes
Stop 10: Niagara Falls 10/13
One of the entire continent’s most impressive natural sights, Niagara Falls is made up of three distinct waterfalls which straddle the Canadian border. Every second, three quarters of a million gallons of water rush over the edge of these beautiful landmarks, and the view from a boat on the water below is simply unmissable – as is the story of Old Fort Niagara.
Cross-Country Sporting Successes
Stop 11: National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum 11/13
Pay your respects to the all-time greats of baseball with this enthralling trip to Cooperstown. With whole rooms dedicated to some of the biggest names including Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron, and the Sacred Ground exhibit dedicated to the unique sights and sounds of the match day experience inside a stadium, Cooperstown is a must-see for any sport fan. (Image credit: Ron Cogswell)
Cross-Country Sporting Successes
Stop 12: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 12/13
Fans from around the world flock to Hoop Heaven in Springfield, Massachusetts to learn about the humble beginnings of the game of basketball, and trace its journey to become the sporting titan of today. The Naismith Memorial has a range of fascinating exhibits exploring the story of the game, and highlights its best known names through galleries of memorabilia.
Cross-Country Sporting Successes
Stop 13: Fenway Park 13/13
End your trip with a drive to one of the best-known baseball stadiums in the world. Fenway Park is the home of the Boston Red Sox, and packs out its stands throughout the baseball season. The club offers guided tours of the magnificent stadium, taking in the grandstand views and learning the history of the park and the team.
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