daf40 Loc: Mesa, AZ

We are considering an extended driving trip this summer, from Arizona to the east coast, and are totally unfamiliar with anything east of the Rockies. Indianapolis is a definite stop (family), and Washington, DC is a definite stop, for obvious reasons. What are the highlights between the two cities (direct or indirect route)?

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Sppedway, Indiania Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: One of the world's greatest collections of racing automobiles. Big collection: Big place.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Highlights / possible stops are too many to list for a driving trip of this duration. In Indianapolis, you can tour the state capitol (at least walk around the outside of the building) and go to the top of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (Indiana's contribution to the Civil War), both a few blocks from each other in the city center.

If travel route takes you through St Louis, try the Gateway Arch where the park redesign of the base of the arch is now completed and you can again take a trip to the top. Be sure to watch the award winning documentary of the arch construction as part of the tour.

For the family members who have never been to DC and have the physical stamina, the walk from the US Capitol along the Mall to at least the Washington Monument is a must for every visitor.

A lot of the route will cover the old Route 66, particularly in New Mexico and as far as St Louis. You could spend weeks just getting that far if you stopped at every idea .... It you take a different, southern route rather than going through Indy both ways, you could visit Nashville on the alternative route.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Go to www.roadtrippers.com and build your Triptych. Very easy to find points of interest along your route.

hassighedgehog Loc: Corona, CA

I agree, too much along the way. If it is still in existence, going over the Mississippi is best on the Chain of Rocks bridge. It gives you a true idea of how wide the river is in St. Louis. After my family moved from Indianapolis to California we would travel back every year in the fall to visit family. This was from 1954 to about 1972. We would take 66 until I40 opened. My Dad was guaranteed to get lost for a while in St. Louis. You would see a road sign for our route with arrows in all 4 directions. One set was for the main route, one for the bypass. After I40 was finished it was easier.

daf40 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Thanks for your comments. What I am particularly interested in are possible photo ops BETWEEN Indianapolis and Washington DC. I have already planned the trip to Indianapolis, and plan to stop in a number of places, particularly in Utah and Colorado. Also, I already know what I want to do in Washington DC. Should I blaze through eastern Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania in one day, or will I need several days to fully experience the trip? Is one route more scenic than another? What side trips, if any, are recommended in those states?

Haydon

You might want to source this url for additional interests.

https://www.shothotspot.com/

It's based upon potential photography locations with a search engine. Depending on your interest, they have categories within an area that might cater more to your specific pursuits.

https://www.shothotspot.com/

JD750 Loc: SoCal

I'm not sure maybe 2? ;)

My son and I took a drive to MA a couple years ago. I took hundreds of photos from Ca to Denver, then .. about 5 from Denver to Pennsylvania.

But my son was in a hurry. Taking your time and stopping to "smell the roses" I am sure you will find many unpublished treasure troves.

Naptown Gaijin

The US Air Force Museum in Fairborn Ohio, just off I-70. AWESOME collection of aircraft and missiles. Takes a full day to see it all.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

tripadvisor.com.
You find a town you like, like Indy, then go to tripadvisor.com, enter Indy, up will come many places to see, they even list them in order of popularity. Repeat this procedure for other towns on your list.
It is easy, it is fun, it is easy to use.
They even list items of interest you may not have considered.
Don't travel alone, travel with tripadvisor.
You can also use a thing called google, yes you can, get google, enter Indy, and witness the magic of the internet as it compiles hundreds of things about the towns on your travel trip.
By doing a little homework on your own will pay dividends down the road (pardon the pun).

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

There’s not much in Indiana between Indianapolis and the Ohio state line unless you like barn photos. I’ll defer to the Ohioans for the rest of your trip.
There’s lots to see in Indy, as has been mentioned, and don’t miss the Speedway Museum.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I've lived in Indianapolis, Dayton, Columbus, Harrisburg (PA), and Washington, DC, although not in that sequential order. I've made the Ohio to DC trip multiple times. There isn't that much along / near I-70 ... The Air Force Museum in Dayton is an insightful idea, not too off I-70. There's no national parks, monuments along I-70 through IN, OH, PA. Remember, these are the parts of the world where the forests and farm lands are paved over for parking lots ... A, O, way to go Ohio ...

jerroldh

Can't say anything about Indy but DC is my home town. Besides the mall from the Capital/Washington Monument/Lincoln Memorial you also have some of the finest museums in the world (Smithsonians) which are free to the public and summer time provides longer viewing hours. There are also many things to see off the mall (Air and Space Museum next to Dulles Airport for example). Be prepared to do a LOT of walking. Also, summer can be not only hot here in DC but also VERY humid, so pack and dress accordingly. Check out the Holocost Museum if you have the time it is a very moving. experience. Just a few thoughts.

DonB Loc: Port Royal , Tn

Maybe if the OP would indicate his likes, his interests, a lot more places would be submitted. National parks? USAF Museum, Wright Brothers Bicycle Shop, Skyline Drive, Gatlinburg Tn. Mount Vernon Va, Nashville Tn, Spring Mill State Park Ind. Hard to list without knowing a little more about his time constraints and his interests.

jerroldh

Almost forgot to mention all the Civil War History around the Maryland and Virginia areas (Antietum, Gettysburg, Bull Run) to name a few. Also Great Falls National Park (Maryland side) is pretty nice for viewing and some photo ops. You can get fairly close to the wilder portion of the Potomac River there. Sometimes you can even see some of the best kayakers in the world working the rapids. The Natioanl Zoo is good for animal photos ( even Panda Bears). Souch too see. I would suggest buying a touring book from AAA.