U.S. Route 36 cuts straight through the heart of Ohio. In fact, if you travel far enough east on the road, you’ll end up in the Village of Centerburg, which is the geographical center of Ohio and proudly known as “The Heart of Ohio.”

   Downtown Centerburg has four beautiful murals that depict life in the town between 1890 and 1930, plus a great antique shop called the Village Mercantile and a hometown diner known as the Intown Restaurant, which is popular for its all-day breakfast menu. Across the street, a white gazebo sits right next to Main Street, as do several historical markers and buildings.
 

   It is small towns just like Centerburg, and the unique attractions found within and in between them, that makes driving the entire length of U.S. 36 in Ohio a very colorful experience. It’s a chance to see a large slice of life and scenery in the Buckeye State, as well as some of the best roadside attractions Ohio has to offer, most of which are completely free to visit.
 

   Starting in Palestine, near the Indiana border in Darke County, this trip follows U.S. 36 east for 204 miles, ending at the eastern terminus of the road in Uhrichsville. Along the way, travelers can explore secluded covered bridges and waterfalls, historic villages, mills and canal sites, Amish communities and wineries, peaceful hiking trails, state parks, unusual and spectacular monuments, diverse architecture, and, of course, plenty of antique shops, variety stores, boutiques and one-of-a-kind restaurants, pubs and ma and pa diners.
 

   It’s a trip that can be taken over several days or longer, and there are plenty of bed and breakfasts, log cabins, hotels and campgrounds to stay at along the way. There are also a number of great festivals that take place in the towns along the route. Timing up a road trip with any of these festivals can add to the experience.
 

   Although U.S. 36 passes through several major towns in Ohio (and more than 30 overall!), including Delaware, Mount Vernon and Urbana, it is largely a rural route. In fact, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation, in Ohio, U.S. 36 is designated 83% rural, with only 6 miles being coded as “freeway.” It really is a peaceful drive with very little traffic and plenty of country scenery, including many historic farms, red barns, barn quilts and little white churches.
 

   Phone reception also remains strong throughout the drive. This comes in handy when wanting to learn more about any of the attractions found along the way.

   While most of the attractions are found on, or within a few blocks of U.S. 36, others require a short detour. So, along with a phone or GPS, a good-old-fashioned map comes in handy for this trip. I suggest an Ohio Atlas & Gazetteer.
 

   Additionally, once you’ve reached the end of the road in Uhrichsville, you may want to continue your adventure by looping back home on Ohio Route 39 west (see HERE), which can be accessed in nearby New Philadelphia. This will take you through the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, as well as by Mohican State Park and through Mansfield (home of the Ohio State Reformatory and The Shawshank Trail), among other stops. Route 39 eventually meets up with Interstate 71, which leads back to Interstate 70 (or even U.S. 40) and then home.

   Overall, you’ll be amazed at just how much there is to see and do on this trip, as well as at how diverse Ohio really is. Any time of year, this trip delivers.