Hershey to Lafayette Road Trip: Best Stops, Scenery & Tips

The drive from Hershey, Pennsylvania to Lafayette, Indiana covers roughly 585 miles across Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana. A little-known fact: the route roughly follows the historic path of the National Road (US 40) for significant stretches, a road that was America's first federally funded highway in the early 19th century.

When asking is it worth driving Hershey, PA to Lafayette, IN, the answer is a resounding yes — the journey offers a rich tapestry of Appalachian foothills, Ohio farmland, and Midwest river towns. The drive takes about 9 to 10 hours without stops, but you'll want to allow extra time for the many attractions along the way.

The primary route uses I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) west from Hershey to Breezewood, then I-70 west across Ohio, and finally I-65 north from Indianapolis to Lafayette. Alternatively, US 22 and US 40 offer a more scenic but slower option. Tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike cost about $15 for a standard car with E-ZPass; exact change lanes are available.

• Best fuel stops: Breezewood (PA), Wheeling (WV), Columbus (OH), Indianapolis (IN)
• Average gas price: $3.50-$4.00/gallon (2023 prices)
• Electric vehicle charging: Tesla Superchargers in Hagerstown, Columbus, and Lafayette
• Rest areas: Clean facilities every 30-40 miles on interstates; Ohio rest areas have picnic tables and pet areas

For tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out this guide.

The Appalachian Mountains dominate the first two hours, with the Allegheny Front offering panoramic views near Breezewood. As you descend into the Ohio River Valley, the landscape opens into rolling hills and farmland. Ohio's agricultural heartland features vast corn and soybean fields, while Indiana towards Lafayette is flatter with rich prairie soil.

Natural attractions include:

• Pine Grove Furnace State Park (PA) — Appalachian Trail museum and swimming
• Ohiopyle State Park (PA) — waterfalls and whitewater rafting
• Hocking Hills State Park (OH) — stunning sandstone cliffs and hiking trails

Local commerce: Amish markets in Lancaster County, antique shops in St. Clairsville (OH), and Purdue University's innovations hub in Lafayette. Farmers' markets along the route offer fresh produce and crafts.

Road quality is excellent on interstates; watch for construction in Ohio (I-70 near Columbus). Speed limits are 70 mph in most states, 65 in West Virginia. Winter driving from December to March may bring snow and ice, especially in the mountains.

Family-friendly stops include:

• The Henry Ford Museum (Dearborn, MI) — slightly off-route but worth it for families
• Indianapolis Children's Museum
• COSI Columbus (science center)

Pet-friendly framework: Most rest areas have pet relief areas; many hotels along I-70 accept pets. Recommended pet stops: Bark Park at Hagerstown (MD), Tails & Trails in Columbus (OH).

Fatigue management: Use the 20-20-20 rule (look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes). Rest stops every 2 hours; recommended stops: New Stanton (PA), Cambridge (OH), Richmond (IN).