Return to main article
America's Heartland
"Michiana," the intersection of Michigan and Indiana, along the shores of Lake Michigan, was the birthplace of the RV industry. The first RV assembly lines and many of America's first trailer parks lie in this region, just a few hours south of Detroit. The Airstream Factory is 162 miles east, in Ohio.
Day 1 Elkhart, Indiana Close to 60 percent of all recreational vehicles are produced in Indiana. Start your visit in Elkhart, known as the RV Capital of the World, at the RV/MH Heritage Foundation, Museum & Hall of Fame (801 Benham Ave.; 800/378-8694), the world's only RV-themed museum. Leave time for the Hall of Fame and Library, then take a factory tour at one of more than 100 RV companies nearby.
Day 2 From Elkhart to Fort Wayne, Indiana (64 Miles) Drive through the tiny Amish and Mennonite settlements along Route 33 to Fort Wayne, Indiana. History buffs can also make a pit stop at the Lincoln Museum (200 E. Berry St.; 260/455-3864; www.thelincolnmuseum.org), which showcases signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment. Visit the Kruse Automotive and Carriage Museum (5634 County Rd. 11A, Auburn; 260/927-9144; www.kccmuseum.org), just outside Auburn, Indiana, to see vehicles of all shapes and makes, including the 1932 Auburn Boattail Speedster.
Day 3 From Fort Wayne to Jackson Center, Ohio (98 Miles) Head southeast from Fort Wayne on U.S. 30 to I-75. Along the way, stop in Wapakoneta, Ohio, the birthplace of Neil Armstrong, whose walk on the moon coincided with the height of the RV craze. Continue on I-75 to Jackson Center, Ohio, and the Airstream Factory (419 W. Pike St.; 937/596-6111; www.airstream.com). Retired line workers give the factory tour—a must-see on any RV-history itinerary.
Route 1
3 Days For dramatic views of the California coast, take the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to San Francisco. The Candlestick RV Park—www.sanfranciscorvpark.com—has a shuttle bus into the city. DON'T MISS The Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (www.parks.ca.gov), along the Big Sur coastline, has an 80-foot waterfall.
Natchez Trace Parkway
4-5 Days The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway lies atop a trail that once connected the southern parts of the Mississippi River to the salt licks in Tennessee. The Choctaw and Chickasaw traveled this path, cutting a diagonal line from the southwest region of Mississippi through the northwest corner of Alabama and on to the northeast corner of Tennessee. Over 100 species of wildflowers grow along the roadside, which is surrounded by hiking trails, campgrounds, and historic battlefields. DON'T MISS The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail (www.nps.gov/trte), which tells the tragic story of the 16,000 Cherokee who were forcibly removed from their land by the U.S. government in 1838.
RV Resources
www.airstream.com Take a virtual tour of Airstream's latest models and find a dealer in your state.
www.byways.org The National Scenic Byways site describes 96 of America's most beautiful roads and includes maps, photos, and tips on places to visit.
www.gorving.com Still need convincing? This site details the benefits of RV ownership—from family bonding to spending more time in the Great Outdoors.
www.rvia.org The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association's site contains basic information on RV ownership and rentals.
—ELIZABETH WOODSON
Copyright © 2009, American Express Publishing. All rights reserved.
Visit our other American Express Publishing Web sites:
Food & Wine |
Departures |
T+L GOLF |
T+L Family |
SkyGuide |
Executive Travel
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Manage Your Subscription | International | Billing | Change Your Address or E-mail
Advertise | Custom Solutions |
Contact Us |
Site Map |
RSS Feeds 
AddThis