Oak Park to Summersville: A Scenic Road Trip Guide

Leaving Oak Park, Illinois, you'll quickly join I-290 eastbound, heading toward the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90). The drive to Summersville, West Virginia, spans roughly 550 miles, and with normal traffic, plan for about 9 hours and 15 minutes behind the wheel. The route cuts through the industrial Midwest and into the Appalachian foothills, transitioning from prairie flatlands to rolling, forested mountains.

One striking feature: as you cross into West Virginia, you'll notice the road surface changes to a darker asphalt, a result of the state's abundant bituminous coal deposits, historically used in road construction. This geological signature hints at the region's mining heritage.

Road quality is generally good, but West Virginia's mountainous sections have sharp curves and steep grades; use lower gears on descents. The route has no extreme weather patterns, but summer thunderstorms can reduce visibility.

For families, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, located just off I-70, is a top stop. Also, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a short detour and well worth it.

Pet-friendly options are plentiful; most rest areas along I-70 have designated pet walk areas. For longer breaks, the rest areas at mile marker 33 in Ohio and mile marker 45 in West Virginia have fenced dog parks.

To manage fatigue, plan stops every 2 hours. The town of Zanesville, Ohio, has a nice riverside park ideal for a stretch. Hidden gems include the World's Largest Basket in Newark, Ohio, and the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, WV, for those interested in quirky history.

This drive showcases the transition from the Corn Belt to the Appalachian coalfields. Around mile marker 40 on I-77 in West Virginia, the terrain suddenly rises, and you'll pass through the Fayette County coalfield, where stripped mountain tops reveal geological layers from the Pennsylvanian period.

In terms of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the route doesn't pass any directly, but the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe, Ohio, is a short 40-mile detour off I-70 and is associated with the prehistoric Hopewell civilization.

For local commerce, consider stopping in the town of Cambridge, Ohio, known for its antiques shops and the National Museum of Cambridge Glass. In West Virginia, roadside vendors sell fresh apples and honey in fall. For a broader perspective, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Interstate 70 east from Indianapolis takes you through Dayton and Columbus, Ohio, before cutting southeast on I-77. The highways are well-maintained, with the exception of occasional construction zones in Ohio. Fuel economy is decent; expect an average of 28 mpg on this relatively flat stretch.

• Total tolls: approximately $12 on the Indiana Toll Road and $2.50 on the Ohio Turnpike (paid electronically).
• Speed limits: 70 mph in Illinois, 65 mph in Indiana and Ohio, and 55 mph in West Virginia's mountainous sections.
• Cheapest gas found in Indiana, often $0.20 less than Illinois prices.

The route itself is not designated as a scenic byway, but the final segment from Charleston to Summersville follows U.S. Route 19, which is known for its sweeping mountain vistas. If you have extra time, a short detour to New River Gorge National Park, the newest national park in the U.S., adds only 30 miles and offers dramatic canyon views.