- Detroit, Michigan: Henry Ford Museum
- Dayton, Ohio: The United States Air Force Museum is really great — it's not quite the Smithsonian Air & Space, but it's still great.
- Cincinnati, Ohio (I can speak at length, as it is home): Terry's Turf Club for the best hamburgers you've ever had and possibly will ever have (come hungry). Or if you want to experience the local flavor, Blue Ash Chili with Cincinnati-style chili is a mile from the Cincinnati Supercharger. Also, the Roebling Suspension Bridge downtown spanning the Ohio River is a beautiful and historic local landmark.
- Kentucky: the Creation Museum will either be interesting or hilarious, depending on your religious and political inclinations.
- Rock City Georgia: gorgeous views and trails
- Atlanta: Coca-Cola Museum, a giant airport