Great Lakes Road Trip Itinerary
The Great Lakes Road Trip starts in Massena, United States, and ends in Cleveland, United States. Along the way, you'll be able to explore some of the most beautiful towns in the United States. The route covers a distance of approximately 966km and it is recommended to complete it in 7 days. The best time of the year to drive this route is during the summer and fall, when the landscapes are at their most stunning.
You'll be able to visit the picturesque town of Sacketts Harbor, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the lake, take a boat ride, or visit one of the many historic sites. You'll also be able to visit Niagara Falls, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. Finally, you'll drive along the shores of Lake Erie, admiring the views of the lake and its many islands.
The roads along this route are in excellent condition, making it suitable for every driver. You can enjoy this road trip without breaking the bank, as it can be managed with a moderate budget.
The Great Lakes Road Trip is an amazing experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
7
number of days
966 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Massena
Distance 966 km
Driving time 15.3 h
Pace: fast
289.8 kWh
Airports
MSS
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Massena, located at the northern tip of New York state, is an ideal starting point for the Great Lakes Road Trip. This beautiful small town is situated along the St. Lawrence River and offers a unique combination of outdoor activities, historical sites and great shopping.
The Massena Nature Center is a great spot to get acquainted with the local flora and fauna, offering miles of trails and a variety of activities for the whole family. For those looking for a more historical experience, the Massena Historical Museum provides a glimpse into the area's rich history and culture. The museum also offers a variety of events and activities throughout the year.
Massena also offers plenty of shopping opportunities, from the local farmer's market to the area's many boutiques. There are also several restaurants, art galleries and other attractions to explore.
For travelers arriving by air, the closest international airport is located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (YOW). Car rentals are available at the airport for those looking to continue their Great Lakes Road Trip.
Massena is the perfect starting point for a Great Lakes Road Trip, offering a variety of activities, historical sites and shopping opportunities. With its close proximity to Ottawa, it is the perfect place to begin your journey.
1
Massena
- Sacketts Harbor
Distance 192 km
Driving time 2.9 h
Pace: fast
57.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for the most amazing road trip? Start in Massena, United States and drive 119 miles to Sacketts Harbor. The drive takes less than 3 hours, so you can easily make it in one day!
In Massena, visit the Eisenhower Lock and the Massena International Speedway. Enjoy the view of the St. Lawrence River, the Eisenhower Lock and the impressive Eisenhower Visitor Center.
Along the way, you can stop in Cape Vincent, located at the northern tip of the Thousand Islands, and explore the charming downtown.
Continue your journey to Sacketts Harbor and visit the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site. Explore the history of the War of 1812 and the old fortifications.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, restaurants and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Sacketts Harbor - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Sacketts Harbor
- Rochester
Distance 218 km
Driving time 3.3 h
Pace: fast
65.3 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! Today's stage of your journey takes you from Sacketts Harbor, New York to Rochester, New York. This 135 mile drive will take you less than 4 hours, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy the sights along the way.
In Sacketts Harbor, be sure to visit the historic district, which includes the oldest building in the village, the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, and the Sackets Harbor Visitor Center.
Once you leave Sackets Harbor, continue on to Watertown, where you can visit the Thousand Islands Museum, the Antique Boat Museum, and the historic Boldt Castle on Heart Island.
In Rochester, you can explore the George Eastman Museum, the Rochester Museum & Science Center, and the Strong National Museum of Play.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Rochester - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Rochester
- Niagara Falls
Distance 193 km
Driving time 2.8 h
Pace: fast
57.9 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Start your journey in Rochester, United States and drive to Niagara Falls, located 120mi away and in less than 3 hours you'll get there. Along the way you'll find plenty of amazing places to visit. Visit the Genesee River and enjoy the picturesque views of the Rochester skyline. Stop at the Genesee Valley Park and explore the trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Also, don't forget to visit the George Eastman Museum, which is the world's oldest photography museum. It contains a large collection of cameras, photographic technology, and works by famous photographers. Continue your journey and visit the breathtaking Niagara Falls. Enjoy the views of the Niagara River and the three waterfalls that make up the falls. There are also several attractions in the area, such as the Aquarium of Niagara, the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, and the Niagara Adventure Theater. Don't forget to check out the itinerary of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a great trip!
Niagara Falls - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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4
Niagara Falls
- Buffalo
Distance 38 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: fast
11.4 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Niagara Falls to Buffalo? This 24-mile drive will take you less than an hour and will be filled with incredible sights and attractions.
Start your journey by admiring the majestic Niagara Falls, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. Then, make your way to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, where you can take a stroll and admire the unique flora and fauna.
Continue your journey to the Buffalo Naval and Military Park, where you can explore the history of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. If you're looking for a more interactive experience, you can also visit the Buffalo Zoo and Aquarium, where you can observe animals from all around the world.
Finally, end your journey by visiting the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, where you can learn about the history of the city and its surrounding areas.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip from Niagara Falls to Buffalo!
Buffalo - United States - North America - Road Trip - en.wikipedia.org
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5
Buffalo
- Lake Erie
Distance 151 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: fast
45.2 kWh
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Welcome to the Buffalo-Lake Erie road trip! This stage of your journey is a 94-mile drive that will take you less than 3 hours to complete. During your drive, you'll get to explore some of the best attractions in the area.
In Buffalo, make sure to visit the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, where you can explore the USS Little Rock and the submarine USS Croaker. For some outdoor fun, head to the Buffalo Zoo or take a stroll through Delaware Park.
As you make your way to Lake Erie, you'll pass through some small towns and villages, each with their own unique attractions. In Hamburg, you can explore the quaint shops and eateries, or visit the Hamburg Gaming Casino. In Angola, you can check out the Evans Town Park and the Evans Historical Society Museum.
Finally, you'll arrive at Lake Erie. Here, you can take a boat tour of the lake, or spend some time fishing. You can also visit one of the many beaches and take in the stunning views of the lake.
This is just one stage of your larger tour. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" section of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Lake Erie - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Lake Erie - United States - North America - Road Trip - en.wikipedia.org
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6
Lake Erie
- Cleveland
Distance 175 km
Driving time 3.2 h
Pace: modest
45.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip starting in Lake Erie and ending in Cleveland? This stage of the journey is 109 miles long and will take you less than 4 hours to complete.
At Lake Erie, you can explore the beautiful beaches and take part in a variety of water activities. If you're looking for something more educational, you can visit the Marblehead Lighthouse and learn about the history of the area.
As you make your way to Cleveland, you can stop at the Holden Arboretum and explore the gardens and trails. There's also the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, which is a must-see for music fans.
At the end of your journey, you'll arrive in Cleveland. Here, you can visit the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Now, let your adventure begin!
Cleveland - United States - North America - Road Trip - pxhere.com
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Cleveland
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The final destination of any “Great Lakes Road Trip” should be Cleveland, Ohio. Located on the south shore of Lake Erie, the city has a plethora of attractions that will make any traveler’s stay worthwhile.
For the nature lover, Cleveland is home to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, which houses over 3,000 animals from around the world. Nearby, the Cleveland Botanical Garden is a 10-acre garden featuring various plants, flowers, and sculptures. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is another popular attraction that houses memorabilia from some of the biggest names in music.
For the sports fan, Cleveland offers many options. The Cleveland Indians baseball team calls Progressive Field home, and the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team plays at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The city is also home to the Cleveland Browns football team, who play at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Other attractions include the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the West Side Market, an historic indoor market with over 100 vendors.
For those traveling by car, the city is easily accessible via Interstate 77 and Interstate 90. Those flying into the city can use Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), the largest and busiest airport in Ohio.
No matter what your interests, Cleveland has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a weeklong vacation, the city is sure to provide plenty of memorable experiences.
Great Lakes Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Massena
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End:
Cleveland
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Distance:
966 km
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Stay:
7 days
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Getting there:
Massena International Richards Field (MSS)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a captivating 966-kilometer (600-mile) journey from Massena, New York, to Cleveland, Ohio, exploring the stunning landscapes and rich cultural history along the Great Lakes. Ideally spread over a week, this picturesque adventure takes you through charming lakeside towns, awe-inspiring natural wonders like the majestic Niagara Falls, and the rugged shoreline of Lake Erie.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
Your itinerary will include the tranquil Sackets Harbor, nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, where sailing and historical exploration abound. The journey's crown jewel, Niagara Falls, offers thunderous beauty and thrilling boat tours like the Maid of the Mist. The drive along Lake Erie's coast reveals quaint islands and lighthouses, with opportunities to visit wineries and enjoy watersports.
Best Time to Go:
The prime time for this Road Trip is between June and October. Summer brings warm weather ideal for lakeside activities, while autumn's foliage offers a breathtaking backdrop. Local festivals and events add to the charm of this season.
Potential Risks:
The Roads are in good condition, making for a safe and comfortable drive. Nevertheless, be cautious of changing weather patterns, particularly during fall and spring, and be prepared for the occasional lake-effect snow in the colder months.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
The Great Lakes Road Trip is a delightful mix of natural splendor and historical intrigue. Did you know that the Great Lakes contain about 84% of North America's fresh surface water? Or that Niagara Falls has a vertical drop of more than 50 meters (165 feet), making it one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world? Along the route, you can also explore the War of 1812 battlefield in Sackets Harbor and visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
A good choice for:
Offering an array of experiences from the tranquil to the exhilarating, the Great Lakes Road Trip is a testament to the diverse beauty and cultural heritage of the United States. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, historical discovery, or simply a peaceful escape, this Road Trip promises lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the Great Lakes region.
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