Cross-Country Sporting Successes

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)

800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202

http://www.sluggermuseum.com/

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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.

1661 West Jpg Niblo Road, Madison, IN 47250

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/big_oaks/

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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)

3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati, OH 45208

http://www.cincinnatiobservatory.org/

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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.

4850 West Powell Road, Powell, OH 43065

https://www.columbuszoo.org/

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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)

19100 County Highway 115, Harpster, OH 43323

http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/killdeerplains

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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)

2121 George Halas Drive Northwest, Canton, OH 44708

http://www.profootballhof.com/

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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.

North Coast Harbor Walkway, Cleveland, OH 44114

http://www.northcoastharbor.org/

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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.

Poplar Street, North East, PA 16428

http://www.erie.pa.us/

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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.

Buffalo, NY 14202

http://buffalonavalpark.org/

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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.

Niagara Falls State Park, 332 Prospect Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/

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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)

25 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326, United States

http://www.thisiscooperstown.com/

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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.

1000 Hall of Fame Avenue, Springfield, MA 01105

http://www.hoophall.com/

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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.

4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA 02215

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/

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