Community Forums

JimnDawn · 12-05-2014, 05:02 AM

We're considering taking a trip to Ohio this summer from our home in western Washington to visit the two youngest grands and their parents & taking our oldest granddaughter along with us. She hasn't seen Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse or Wall Drug (is it still open?) so would like to see those sights along the way. Due to previous commitments, we couldn't leave before mid- to late July.

Is late July/August a good time to travel to & from Ohio? Do we have to worry about tornadoes at that time of the summer? Would 90 be the best route? If you were us, would you visit Yellowstone or take a detour to Teddy Roosevelt NP?

Thank you in advance for your input--we appreciate your accumulated wisdom!

allynne · 12-05-2014, 12:08 PM

Jimndawn,

Weather can be a problem any time of year in the plains and mid west. Take your time and watch the weather forecasts.
I cant' count the number we have crossed on I-90 from WA to the East coast in both directions. It's the best route in my opinion thru Sioux Falls then I-29 to I-70 east. Keeps you out of the Chicago mess and tolls.

Wall drug was open this past Oct. Why not hit both Yellowstone and TR national park?

Have a great trip.

Al Sawyer
'05 Mt. Aire

JimnDawn · 12-06-2014, 05:10 AM

Thank you for your help, Al! I like your idea of seeing both NP's--get the kiddos started on their NP Passbooks!

belanga · 12-06-2014, 06:06 AM

What part of Ohio will you be in? If you have time there is several interesting area's to see while you are there. I agree on missing Chicago, what a mess that is always bad. You could drop down south before you get to Chicago and travel thru Northern Indiana on RTE 20 which takes you thru the MH capital of the world.
Have a safe trip

lakewoodpaul · 12-06-2014, 08:32 AM

while in Ohio take those kids to Cedar Point amusement park. one of the best in the USA.! Not far off I90.

Bobb.25 · 12-06-2014, 08:36 AM

We did your trip in reverse in Sept. 2012, from central Ohio to Seattle. I-90 was fine. It's a little out of the way, but you might consider dropping down to St. Louis, I think the grounds of the Arch is a national Park, and the educational Louis and Clark exhibits are fascinating, not to mention the awesome ride to the top of the Arch.
Bob

t55watson · 12-06-2014, 08:44 AM

Wall Drug will live forever

Your trip plan is good. Yellowstone is a parking lot in those months. It may take 4 or more hours to just drive the main route from West to East with no side trips or stops. Teddy Roosevelt is a very neat park, both units, a lot of people don't know it is there. Trips with the Grands are DA BOMB!!

Melvo · 12-06-2014, 08:59 AM

Route depends on where in Western WA you live and where in OH you want to end up. My wife and I are from Portland area and have now lived near Dayton for over 30 yrs and always had either a MH or TT. We have tried many routes but our preference I 84 to Boise then pick up I80 to Davenport, I74 to Indy and then I 70 to Dayton. If your up north in West Wa go out on I 90 and go south of Chicago to avoid that mess. Summer travel can be very hot with severe thunder storms, even a chance of tornato but we have only seen one of these and we lived in Rapid City for a few years. There are many things to do and see on these routes depends on your interests. If you have not beeen to Yellow Stone, probably must see but very crouded and steep grades to get there. Black Hills, Custer, Rushmore Crazy Horse, Badlands are worth a few days but avoid first part of August when the Sturgis Bike Rally is going on. Think Deadwood has become a tourist trap and if you don't gamble a couple hours are enough, Wall is a tourist Trap but there is a decent campgound within walking distance to Wall Drug and downtown and the Badlands are close. Also tourist trap is further down I-90 is the Corn Palace but its one of a kind. Not a big fan of Roosevelt NP but worth a stop. Many other choices on these routes. You won't be disapointed. Melvo