Road Trip Adventure from Knoxville to Detroit via I-75: Family-Friendly Stops and Activities

Day 1: Knoxville to Cincinnati

Knoxville, TN to Cincinnati, OH on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pete's Coffee Shop

Start your day with a hearty Southern breakfast at Pete's Coffee Shop, known for its delicious biscuits and country ham. Open from 6:30am to 2pm, a perfect spot to fuel up before the drive.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Cincinnati

Embark on your drive north via I-75 from Knoxville to Cincinnati, approximately 3.5 hours, with scenic views along the way.
USD0, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Eagle

Enjoy Southern-style fried chicken and comfort food at The Eagle, located in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Open 11am-10pm on weekdays.
USD30, 1h

2:30pm

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Explore one of the oldest zoos in the US, famous for its gorillas and beautiful botanical gardens. Open from 9am to 5pm, perfect for kids and adults alike.
USD24, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in at hotel and rest

Rest and unwind at your Cincinnati accommodation, preparing for tomorrow’s journey.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sotto

Dine at Sotto, a rustic Italian restaurant known for its house-made pastas and cozy atmosphere. Open until 10pm.
USD50, 1.5h
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Day 2: Cincinnati to Dayton

Cincinnati, OH to Dayton, OH on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Taste of Belgium

Enjoy delicious waffles and coffee at Taste of Belgium, open from 7am. A great start before hitting the road.
USD20, 1h

9:15am

Drive to Dayton

Short 1-hour drive north on I-75 to Dayton, Ohio.
USD0, 1h

10:30am

National Museum of the US Air Force

Explore the world’s largest military aviation museum featuring historic aircraft and exhibits. Open 9am-5pm with free admission, fun and educational for the whole family.
USD0, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Meadowlark Restaurant

Enjoy eclectic American fare with vegan options at Meadowlark, open 11am-3pm on weekdays.
USD30, 1h

3:00pm

Carillon Historical Park

Visit this 65-acre park dedicated to Dayton’s history and achievements, including the Wright Brothers exhibit. Open 10am-5pm.
USD10, 2h

5:30pm

Check-in and rest

Time to rest before dinner at your Dayton hotel.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Pine Club

Savor a classic steakhouse experience at The Pine Club, known for its top-notch steaks and welcoming atmosphere. Open until 9pm.
USD60, 1.5h
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Day 3: Dayton to Toledo

Dayton, OH to Toledo, OH on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fiveth Street Brew Pub

Enjoy classic American breakfast in a cozy pub environment, open daily from 7am.
USD20, 1h

9:15am

Drive to Toledo

Drive approximately 2.5 hours north on I-75 to Toledo, Ohio.
USD0, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tony Packo’s Cafe

Famous hot dogs and Hungarian dishes made famous by the sitcom M*A*S*H. Open 11am-10pm, a great family-friendly stop.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

Enjoy animal exhibits and an exciting aquarium, open 10am-5pm. Fun and interactive for your 13-year-old.
USD18, 3h

5:00pm

Check-in and relax

Rest and prepare for the final leg of your journey to Detroit.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mancy’s Steakhouse

A Toledo institution serving prime steaks since 1949. Open until 10pm.
USD60, 1.5h
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Day 4: Toledo to Detroit

Toledo, OH to Detroit, MI on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Black Kite Coffee

Start your day with specialty coffee and light breakfast options, open 7am-3pm weekdays.
USD15, 1h

9:15am

Drive to Detroit

Drive approximately 1.5 hours north on I-75 from Toledo to Detroit.
USD0, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Detroit Institute of Arts

Explore one of the nation’s premier art museums with impressive collections including Diego Rivera murals. Open 10am-5pm.
USD14, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Selden Standard

Stylish small plates with locally sourced ingredients open 11am-3pm weekdays, great for sharing and trying new flavors.
USD40, 1h

3:00pm

Explore the Henry Ford Museum (Greenfield Village Closed Mondays)

Discover America’s innovation and history in this extensive indoor museum. Open 9:30am-5pm.
USD25 per adult, USD19 per youth, 3h

6:30pm

Check-in Detroit hotel and rest

Relax and settle into your Detroit accommodation after an active day.
Varies, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Buddy’s Pizza

Famous for Detroit-style deep dish pizza, this is a must-try local favorite. Open until 10pm.
USD30, 1h
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Day 5: Explore Detroit

Detroit, MI on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Avalon International Breads

Enjoy fresh-baked pastries and coffee at this beloved Detroit bakery, open from 8am.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Detroit Historical Museum

Learn about Detroit’s rich history from early settlement through the auto industry boom. Open 9:30am-4:30pm.
USD10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Hudson Cafe

Popular spot for inventive breakfast and lunch dishes with generous portions. Open daily 7am-3pm.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Walk and Explore Detroit Riverwalk

Stroll the scenic Riverwalk offering great views, parks, and spots to relax by the water. Open all day, free entry.
USD0, 2h

4:00pm

Motown Museum

Discover the birthplace of Motown sound with guided tours of this small but iconic museum. Open 10am-6pm, tours last ~30 minutes.
USD20, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Rattlesnake Club

Upscale dining along the riverfront featuring seafood and steak with beautiful views. Open until 10pm.
USD70, 2h
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