Traveling westbound on the Ohio Turnpike from Toledo to the Indiana state line is a classic Midwest road trip experience, covering roughly 59 miles of smooth, efficient highway. The journey begins on the western edge of Toledo at the interchange with U.S. Highway 20. Almost immediately, we get a sense of how the Ohio Turnpike serves as a crucial east-west artery, not just for cross-country truckers, but for everyday drivers heading out on vacation, business, or simply making their way to destinations along the corridor.
As we leave Toledo behind, the last significant city stop in northern Ohio, we quickly approach the interchange with Ohio State Route 2. This junction is a gateway to the Lake Erie shoreline and the Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching that’s just minutes from the Turnpike. From here, the landscape transitions from suburban to a mix of farmland and patches of woodlands, with the highway stretching out in true Midwestern fashion—straight and fast, made for covering miles.
One of the most convenient aspects of this route is the network of service plazas spaced out along the Turnpike. We make a pit stop at the Indian Meadow Service Plaza, about halfway through our trip. These service plazas are more than just fuel stops—they’re mini travel hubs offering everything from fast food to picnic areas, clean restrooms, and EV charging stations. It’s an easy place to stretch your legs or grab a bite before continuing west.
Back on the road, we continue cruising past a series of state route interchanges—each one a potential detour to small Ohio towns, Amish country, or rural backroads if you’re in the mood to explore beyond the main highway. The countryside here is classic Ohio: gently rolling fields, small stands of trees, and the occasional farmstead visible from the road. It’s not dramatic terrain, but there’s a certain charm to the open, uncomplicated landscape that’s a welcome contrast to city traffic.
As we approach the final miles in Ohio, we pass through the Westgate Toll Plaza—the last Ohio toll plaza before crossing into Indiana. The last major interchange in Ohio is at State Route 49, just a few miles from the state border. Route 49 itself heads south toward Edon and the northwest corner of Ohio, offering a route to quieter communities away from the interstate traffic.
The ride concludes as we officially leave Ohio and enter Indiana, where the Ohio Turnpike becomes the Indiana Toll Road. If you’re continuing your journey, you’ll notice the landscape and road character stay much the same, but you’re now rolling into new territory—ready for more miles and whatever discoveries the road brings next.
🗺️ Route Map
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