SpringfieldNewsSun.com

SPRINGFIELD — In under 5 hours and less than $100, you can travel back in time to the 19th century, try your luck at the blackjack table, see elephants and rhinos in their natural habitat, hike through the Appalachian foothills or splish splash through the River Run.

Indianapolis —

There's a little something for everyone in Indianapolis. The whole family can explore the Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium or the children's museum. History buffs will enjoy the home of President Benjamin Harris and sports fan can get swept away in the Motor Speedway Hall of Fame.

Albion, Ind. —

Black Pine Animal Park provides a "last chance" for exotic animals at its nature sanctuary. The employees care for more than 70 different breeds, including lions, pythons, emus, bears, chimpanzees and camels and aims to increase awareness through its programs.

Santa Claus, Ind. —

It's always the most wonderful time of the year in Santa Claus. Santa's Candy Castle has all the sights of the North Pole, like Santa's work shop and an old-fashioned candy shoppe, and includes the Santa Claus post office, the only place in the word to get a Santa Claus postmark that became famous in the 1920s for holiday greetings.

Cave City, Ky. —

Guntown Mountain plays on the heritage of the Mammoth Cave region, where legend has it Jesse James once hid after he robbed a bank. This city is a re-creation of the wild west with a saloon show, onyx cave, Smith's Country Store and a haunted house.

Cumberland, Ohio — 158 miles roundtrip

The Wilds is a 10,000-acre wildlife conservation center that hosts rare and endangered animals from around the world. Visitors take a guided safari tour through the Wilds where they can observe animals in a natural habitat and stops at the Carnivore Center, Lake Trail, Wetlands, and Outpost.

Cincinnati — 164 miles roundtrip

Trips that normally last one day can turn into a fun-filled stay very close to home. Cincinnati offers the Newport Aquarium and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, as well as the Cincinnati Museum Center, home to the history museum, natural history museum and the Duke's Energy Children's Museum.

Canton — 350 miles roundtrip

Relive the days of Joe Nameth, Joe Brown, Johnny Unitas and Walter Payton at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Museum recently opened two new exhibits — Moments, Mementos and Memories and the Pro Football Today gallery — and the Class of 2008 will be inducted Aug. 2.

Wilberforce, Ohio —

Learn more about black history and cultural origins at the Ohio Historical Society's National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center. The museum contains the permanent exhibit From Victory to Freedom, Afro-American Life in the Fifties, as well as documentaries about the Underground Railroad and the cultural importance of music.

Sandusky — 266 miles roundtrip

It's known for being the Roller Coaster Capital of the world, thanks to Cedar Point. But Sandusky offers much more. Jet skis and boating on Lake Erie, exploring the Lake Erie Islands, a visit to Firelands Winery and the Ghost Manor Thrill Center are just a few of your options.

Cleveland — 380 miles roundtrip

The Queen of School, the King of Rock and Prince are there — and parents might welcome a break from the reigning princess of pop, Hannah Montana. Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or take a trip to the house from "A Christmas Story" for your pop culture fix. Cleveland also boards lighthouses and the Great Lakes Science Center.

Lake Cumberland, Ky. — 528 miles roundtrip

Boating and fishing and skiing, oh my! Lake Cumberland, with more visitors each year than Yellowstone National Park, is one of the premier recreation spots in the country. The man-made lake includes three state parks, a national forest and a Civil War battle ground in its attractions.

Holmes County, Ohio — 344 miles roundtrip

Holmes County boasts that it's Amish Country community is "the simple life" — minus the airhead heiress, of course. What it does have is Amish cultural centers, hot air balloon rides, renowned furniture stores and restaurants preparing Ohio-made foods.

Bruceton Mills, W.V. — 550 miles roundtrip

Named for a fugitive who used the area as a hiding place from the law, Cooper's Rock State Park is a campground with 50 miles of trails for hiking. The park has designated areas for hunting and fishing. Whitewater rafting and horseback riding are available nearby.

Logan, Ohio —

This southeast Ohio community is home to Hocking Hills, more than 9,000 acres of state forest land. Visitors are invited to enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, canoeing, rappelling and bird watching.

Dundee, Mich. —

Splash Universe River Run offers 100,000 gallons of family fun. The indoor water park features water slides and a lazy river as well as an arcade and spa.

Louisville, Ky. —

More than 100 years ago, the first Louisville Slugger was made. The game's changed a bit since then, but it's still America's favorite pastime. Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum or take a trip to one of America's other classic sporting events, the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Detroit, Mich. —

Las Vegas is nearly 2,000 miles away, but there's an MGM Grand within four hours driving time. For adults, Detroit offers casinos and families can enjoy the Chandler Park Family Aquatic Center and car-lovers can explore the Automotive Hall of Fame.

Kalamazoo, Mich. — 544 miles roundtrip

Kalamazoo can bring out the kid in anyone with the Air Zoo, a multi-sensory experience of flight, and Bounceland, an indoor collection of inflatable for bouncing, walls for climbing and slides for, well, sliding — but the grown-ups are welcome and even encouraged to jump in on the fun. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is an interactive exploration of history, science and technology.