Take a Backroad Travel

Take a Backroad Travel

Take a Backroad Travel is your audio guide to the hidden side of the USA. Hosted by filmmaker and explorer James, this podcast takes you beyond the big cities and into the heart of America’s backroads—where small towns, quirky roadside attractions, scenic byways, and vibrant local festivals await. Episodes feature real travel stories, hand-picked itineraries, unique road trip ideas, and insider tips to help you plan unforgettable trips off the beaten path. Whether you’re dreaming of your next weekend getaway or are already on the road, tune in and discover the charm and character that make America’s hidden places worth the detour. Visit our website at takeabackroadtravel.com

Episodes

August 3, 2025 36 mins

Welcome to the final part of our special three-part series, Midwest Coaster Quest, where we hit the road in search of the region’s wildest rides and best theme park vibes. In this week’s episode, Midwest Mega Thrills, we’re diving into five of the Midwest’s top theme parks:

  • Michigan's Adventure (MI)

  • Indiana Beach (IN)

  • Holiday World (IN)

  • Kings Island (OH)

  • Cedar Point (OH)

We’re talking coaster stats, crowd favor...

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There's More Than Corn in Indiana – Visit Indiana's Wabash Valley 🚗 In this episode of Take a Backroad Travel, we’re hitting the hidden heart of Indiana’s Wabash Valley—where small towns, quirky attractions, and unforgettable adventures await. We’ll explore must-visit gems in Benton, Warren, Tippecanoe, White, Carroll, Cass, and Clinton counties, uncovering some of the state’s best-kept secrets along the way.

Discover the thrills ...

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Welcome to part two of our special three-part series, Midwest Coaster Quest, where we hit the road in search of the region’s wildest rides and best theme park vibes. In this week’s episode, Northwoods Knockouts, we’re diving into five of the Midwest’s top theme parks:

  • Arnold's Park Amusement Park (IA)

  • Nickelodeon Universe (MN)

  • Valleyfair (MO)

  • Mt. Olympus (WI)

  • Six Flags Great America (IL)

We’re talking coaster s...

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Take a Backroad Travel isn't your average travel podcast — it's your passport to the roads less traveled. With two fresh episodes every week, this show swaps the tourist traps for tucked-away treasures and turns forgotten byways into your next must-see destination.

Road Map Mondays kick off the week with wild and whimsical themed journeys — think haunted highways, presidential pit stops, train-track nostalgia, stadium-hopping odyss...

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Explore the best things to do in Northwest Indiana in this adventure-packed episode featuring LaPorte, Lake, Newton, Jasper, and Porter counties! From the stunning shores of Indiana Dunes National Park—Indiana’s only national park—to historic lighthouses, bison sightings at Kankakee Sands, and the family-friendly Hesston Steam Museum, this region blends natural beauty, small-town charm, and unforgettable experiences. We’ll take you...

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Welcome to the kickoff of our special three-part series, Midwest Coaster Quest, where we hit the road in search of the region’s wildest rides and best theme park vibes. In this week’s episode, Heartland Screams, we’re diving into five of the Midwest’s top theme parks:

  • Lost Island Theme Park (IA)

  • Adventureland Park (IA)

  • Worlds of Fun (MO)

  • Six Flags St. Louis (MO)

  • Silver Dollar City (MO)

We’re talking coaster sta...

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South Bend and beyond! In this installment of County Lines and Backroad Finds, we’re returning to the state of Indiana to explore another northern region of the state. This region of Indiana is home to “The Bend”, downtown river rapids, the world’s largest RV and motorhome museum, the round barn capital of the world, and much more. Come along as we explore North Central Indiana.

Indiana counties featured in this episode: Elkhart Co...

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You’re going to need a lot of vacation days for our first Road Map Mondays trip, or perhaps an early retirement. 32 NFL games, 30 NFL stadiums, thousands of miles, spanning across 4 months - this is the Great American Football Road Trip Odyssey 2025!

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In this episode of Take a Backroad Travel, we journey through the scenic backroads and charming small towns of Northeast Indiana — uncovering hidden gems, local festivals, and one-of-a-kind attractions across counties like Allen, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Huntington, and more. From Shipshewana’s Amish culture and antique markets to Fort Wayne’s thriving arts and food scene, you’ll discover the unique character of each community. Wh...

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