Location: In Ohio, runs from the West Virginia border through Columbus to the Indiana border. The Historic National Road runs from the Illinois bank of the Mississippi River to eastern Maryland, crossing through Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia Length: 824.15 miles (1326.9 km) Time To Allow: 1 to 9 days Description/Highlights/Points of Interest The Historic National Road was the nation's first federally funded interstate highway. It opened the nation to the west and became a corridor for the movement of goods and people, creating the great cultural diversity we treasure. Visitors experience a physical timeline, including classic inns, tollhouses, diners and motels that trace 200 years of American history. Spanning mountains, rolling farmland and picturesque villages, the Historic National Road exhibits the nation's beauty and heritage and helps define the unique American experience. Suggested Itinerary Beginning with the National Road-Zane Grey Museum, go back in time as you view a 136-foot diorama depicting the history of the road and developing vehicle technology as well as an original Conestoga wagon and harnesses. Another part of the museum showcases western author and Zanesville native Zane Grey by displaying his belongings and copies of manuscripts. Don't forget to marvel over the museum's collection of antique art pottery for which the area is famous. Next head to Ohio Pottery at Norwich for a shopping excursion unlike no other. You'll find pottery manufactured by several local companies, outdoor lawn decorations, flower pots, a Christmas loft and many other great gift items. After a hearty lunch at one of our many restaurants, a must-see attraction is the famous Y Bridge in downtown Zanesville. Built in 1814 as part of the National Road, the Y-Bridge spans the confluence of the Licking and Muskingum Rivers. The current bridge is the fifth structure at this site. You'll find it fascinating as Ripley's Believe It Or Not proclaimed it to be "The only bridge in the world you can cross and still be on the same side of the river." Is antiquing your thing? You've come to the right place! Muskingum County is home to over 20 antique shops and malls, many of which are on the National Road. Whether you are in search of antique pottery, a special piece of furniture, interesting glassware or more, chances are, our antique stores have what you are looking for. As you travel, don't forget to look for historic National Road mile markers along the way. Veer off the road for a relaxing dinner cruise aboard the Lorena Sternwheeler. You'll enjoy a delicious meal and entertainment by talented performers as you cruise along the Muskingum River. Travel the National Road to New Concord, hometown of astronaut and United States Senator John Glenn for a tour of the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site. The site is actually John Glenn's boyhood home. Once located on Friendship Drive, the house was moved to Main Street and restored similar to the way it was when Glenn lived there. You'll learn about 20th century American history through the lives of John and Annie Glenn. The museum also honors and explores the values to which the Glenns have devoted their lives: citizenship, public service, aviation and space exploration, and lifelong learning. Continue your tour in New Concord by stopping at the S Bridge which was once part of the National Road. S Bridges were unique features of the National Road and were built in the "S" shape to account for the approaches to creeks — the center section was straight — the easiest way to bridge a creek. This bridge was restored in 1997 and won the Historic Bridge Preservation Prize that year. Finish your shopping at White Pillars Village where you'll find something for everyone. Find everything to decorate your home for Christmas at White Pillars Christmas House. Explore Zanesville Pottery and China for a distinct selection of pottery. Discover Heritage Lace and other unique items at Colonial Cottage. Don't leave hungry; tempt your taste buds at the National Road Snack Shop with soup, sandwiches, salad, desserts and more. Hop On the Highway to History: Ohio's Historic National Road U.S. Tours Visit the rolling hills of scenic eastern Ohio, full of history, beauty, original mile markers and multiple S Bridges. Enjoy shopping and local hospitality as you explore glass factories and museums, a pioneer stone house at Ohio's largest State Park, and the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site and Exploration Center in nearby New Concord. Don't forget the Zane Grey National Road Museum which features exhibits on the creation of the Old National Road, the historic significance of the road, as well as the evolution of different forms of transportation. Adventures in Antiquing along National Road U.S. Tours Visit Springfield, Ohio for the Midwest's largest & best quality antique shows, The Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market, an incredible event that is held monthly and The Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market Extravaganza, held three times a year. While in the area, experience the history and heritage of America's Heartland with a tour of the Heritage Center of Clark County, housed in a renovated 1890 city building and the Pennsylvania House Museum, a fine old Federal structure that was once an inn on the National Road and now offers gifts, antiques and period furniture as well as collections and varied displays. Go to the Middle of the Bridge & Turn Left? U.S. Tours ThatÍs right, Zanesville, OH is home of the Y-Bridge. You actually go to the middle of the bridge and turn left! Located on the National Road, this one-of-a-kind experience is one you won't soon forget. Explore the area's great attractions like The Wilds, North America's largest wildlife conservation facility and the local pottery industry as you get creative and paint your own piece of pottery, tour a pottery factory and take a scenic boat ride down the Muskingum River. Visit White Pillars Christmas House and the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site and Exploration Center!