Rust Belt Revival: Industry, Art & American Soul
Dearborn, MI 48124Ohiopyle, PA 15470
Dearborn, MI 48124Ohiopyle, PA 15470
Journey through America's industrial heartland on a tour of its gritty revival, from Detroit's Motown soul to Cleveland's rock-and-roll legacy and Pittsburgh's steel-town reinvention. This route celebrates American ingenuity with visits to world-class industrial heritage museums, architectural landmarks, and down-to-earth diners serving iconic regional food.
Explore an unparalleled collection celebrating American ingenuity, from the limousine that carried JFK to the Rosa Parks bus. It's a vast and captivating look at the industrial and social innovations that shaped the nation.
Photo by Ann Baity
Visit 'Hitsville U.S.A.,' the legendary studio where the Motown sound was born. Stand in Studio A where The Temptations, The Supremes, and Stevie Wonder recorded their chart-topping hits.
Experience a Detroit institution with a classic Coney dog. This no-frills diner is a beloved local spot, famous for its decades-long rivalry with its next-door neighbor, American Coney Island.
Photo by Christopher Henry Jr
Stay in a historic Romanesque Revival building that has hosted captains of industry, presidents, and luminaries since 1891, offering a blend of Gilded Age elegance and modern luxury.
Photo by Louie Del Rosario
Wander through one of the country's top art collections, centered around Diego Rivera's monumental 'Detroit Industry Murals,' a powerful tribute to the city's manufacturing prowess and workforce.
Step into a breathtaking Art Deco skyscraper, known as Detroit's 'Cathedral of Finance.' Marvel at its vibrant tilework, soaring lobby, and intricate details that make it a National Historic Landmark.
Photo by Guardian Building
Enjoy some of the city's most celebrated barbecue in the vibrant Corktown neighborhood. Slows is a cornerstone of Detroit's culinary revival, known for its tender brisket and creative sandwiches.
Photo by Slows Bar BQ
After driving to Cleveland, dive into the city's culinary heart at its oldest public market. Explore over 100 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to prepared foods in a beautiful 1912 Neoclassical building.
Photo by West Side Market
Visit the actual house from the beloved holiday classic, restored to its movie splendor. Tour Ralphie Parker's home and browse the museum across the street featuring original props and costumes.
Photo by A Christmas Story House Loft Rental
Enjoy dinner and a pint at Ohio's first craft brewery, a pioneer in the industry. Housed in a historic building in the Ohio City neighborhood, it offers award-winning beers and a hearty, locally-sourced menu.
Settle into a stylish hotel set within a landmark Victorian-era building. Its location at the corner of Euclid and 9th puts you in the heart of downtown's revived theater district.
Photo by Kimpton Schofield Hotel
Immerse yourself in the history of rock and roll at this iconic I.M. Pei-designed museum on the shore of Lake Erie. Explore exhibits on music legends from Elvis to the Rolling Stones and beyond.
Photo by David C
Climb aboard a real World War II fleet submarine, a National Historic Landmark. Experience what life was like for the 70-man crew, as the submarine is maintained in its 1945 condition.
Photo by Sonia Bonic
Get an authentic taste of Cleveland's deep Eastern European roots at this beloved, cash-only diner. Enjoy classic, homemade comfort food like pierogi, stuffed cabbage, and kielbasa.
Photo by Cody
After driving to Pittsburgh, explore the world's largest collection of art and archives from the city's most famous Pop artist. The seven floors of exhibits trace Warhol's entire career.
Photo by Leah Cope
Ride a century-old funicular car to the top of Mount Washington for the most breathtaking panoramic view of downtown Pittsburgh and its three rivers. It's a quintessential Steel City experience.
Grab dinner at the original location of Pittsburgh's most famous sandwich shop. Order the iconic 'Almost Famous' sandwich, piled high with grilled meat, provolone, coleslaw, and french fries, all between two thick slices of Italian bread.
Photo by Matt B
Stay in a stunningly converted Beaux-Arts building in the heart of downtown. The hotel features bold, playful decor that contrasts beautifully with the historic architecture.
Tour the colossal and ghostly remnants of the U.S. Steel Homestead Works. These pre-World War II blast furnaces are a rare surviving example of the region's mighty steel industry.
Discover 250 years of Western Pennsylvania history at this Smithsonian affiliate. Exhibits cover everything from the French & Indian War to Heinz Ketchup and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
Stand at the 'Point,' the very spot where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet to form the Ohio River. This park marks the historic location of Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne.
Photo by Leslie Gillespie
Experience one of Pittsburgh's most acclaimed restaurants. This wood-fired grill serves up incredible Argentine-style meats and sides in a lively, often bustling, downtown setting.
Photo by Gaucho Parrilla Argentina
Conclude your trip with a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural masterpiece, beautifully integrated into a natural waterfall. This iconic home is a testament to American design ingenuity and a stunning contrast to the industrial sites visited earlier.
Photo by Gert Kopera
Before heading home, stop for a final scenic view of the powerful Ohiopyle Falls on the Youghiogheny River. It's a beautiful natural landmark in the Laurel Highlands near Fallingwater.
Photo by Doug Riegner
Take this route with you — navigation, live weather, and gas tracking inside Road Trip.
