Days 48-53: Airstream Origins, Churchill Downs & The World’s Longest Cave
After leaving Niagara Falls, we made a quick stop at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. With a night of rest, we made it to Jackson Center, Ohio, just in time for our Airstream Factory Tour. Unexpected truck battery troubles led to a kind act from NAPA staff. In Kentucky, we explored Churchill Downs, a horse racing complex, the Big Four Bridge, and Waterfront Park. We wrapped up with a visit to Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace, a stay at Jellystone Mammoth Cave, and an underground tour of the world’s longest cave system. 🚐✨
Days 48-49: Quick visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Aug 29 – Aug 30)
HTR Niagara to Sunbury / Columbus North KOA, OH – 317 miles, 5.25 hours
Day 48 was yet another long travel day. We took breaks along the way, including a brief stop at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Unfortunately, we arrived after the park had closed, so we only had time to walk near the entrance and browse the gift shop before continuing our journey.
We arrived at Sunbury / Columbus North KOA at 9pm, ready to rest for the night after a long day on the road.
Days 49-50: Airstream Factory Tour and Terraport Campground (Aug 30 – Aug 31)
Sunbury / Columbus North KOA to Airstream Factory Terraport – 76 miles, 1.5 hours
Day 49: Nearly Missed The Airstream Factory Tour
One of the experiences I was excited about on this trip was the Airstream Factory Tour at the Airstream Mothership in Jackson Center, Ohio. We had scheduled the Airstream Travel Trailer Factory tour months in advance, and the on-site Terraport Campground next to the Airstream Service Center, with full hookups for just $20/night, made for an inexpensive and convenient stay.
We almost missed our scheduled Friday 1 p.m. tour! We pulled into the campground at 12:40 p.m., thinking the tour was at the same location, only to realize it was about a mile away. By 12:53 p.m., I was frantically unhitching the trailer—probably the fastest I’ve ever done it—and we made it to the tour doors just in time at 12:58 p.m.
The tour itself was amazing, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at how these iconic silver trailers are crafted. The tour took us through the entire production process, from raw aluminum panels being shaped to the final polished product ready to hit the road. We watched skilled craftsmen hand-rivet every shell, ensuring the durability and quality Airstream is known for. Seeing the attention to detail and rich history behind these trailers gave us an even deeper appreciation for our own Airstream, Stella, and the legacy of adventure it represents.T Sadly, we couldn’t take any pictures while inside the factory floor. Understandable of course!
Airstream Heritage Center
Don’t forget to make time for the Airstream Heritage Center (either before or after your Factory Tour). It is located within Airstream’s headquarters in Jackson Center, Ohio, same building as the Travel Trailer Factor Tour. It is a 16,000-square-foot museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing over 90 years of Airstream’s rich history.
The museum features a collection of vintage Airstream models, including the 1938 Clipper—the first riveted aluminum Airstream—and the gold-painted Airstream used by founder Wally Byam during the Capetown to Cairo Caravan. We explored exhibits highlighting Airstream’s innovative designs, global caravans, and significant contributions to travel culture. It was an immersive experience for both Airstream enthusiasts like us and those interested in American travel history.
Dinner at the Terraport
That evening, we relaxed back at the Terraport. Logan helped with cooking steak, salmon, and vegetables on the grill for dinner on our Blackstone 17″ propane grill. After dinner, the kids roamed around the Airstream Service Center parking lot calling out many dented and damage trailers waiting to be fixed. We also saw a cool Airstream Motorhome, which is very rare to see, especially on the road.
Days 50-52: Louisville, KY & Churchill Downs – Kentucky Derby (Aug 31 – Sep 02)
Airstream Factory Terraport to Grandma’s RV Park, Louisville, KY – 147 miles, 2.5 hours.
Day 50 started with an unexpected hiccup: our truck battery was completely dead. After an unsuccessful attempt with a neighbor’s jump starter, Logan and I biked to a nearby NAPA Auto Parts, just half a mile away. They had one battery in stock and quickly sourced another from a nearby city.
The staff went above and beyond—Danny delivered the battery to our campsite, while William and Spencer came out to help us install it. While I could have replaced it myself, they were so quick and kind that we were back on the road faster than expected. What a fantastic crew!
We originally planned to visit the ARK experience on our way to Lousiville but decided to skip it. We did stop for a dinner break at William Arnold Log House in Williamstown, Kentucky, an authentic early 1800s log cabin. We arrived at Grandma’s RV Park in Louisville at 9:15 p.m. Note: the campground had strict rules—no bicycles, hoverboards, or scooters were allowed.
Day 51: Churchill Downs
The next morning, we started our day exploring a nearby flea market before heading to the iconic Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. It was fascinating to walk the grounds and imagine the historic horse races that take place there.
Later, we visited the Big Four Bridge and Waterfront Park, where the kids enjoyed the playground and we crossed the pedestrian bridge for scenic views. The LED lighting at night is pretty cool, so come before sunset and stay after dark.
The Big Four Bridge is a former railroad bridge that has been transformed into a scenic pedestrian and cycling bridge connecting Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana, over the Ohio River. It is named after the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis Railway, also known as the “Big Four Railroad.”
I highly recommend spending time here with the kids. Let them bring their bikes. The Kentucky side is a big park and playground while the Indiana side treats you with local shops, ice cream & eateries with easy access to downtown Jeffersonville.
Days 52-54: Lincoln Birth Place Historical National, Mammoth Cave, Jellystone (Sep 02 – Sep 04)
Louisville, KY to Jellystone Mammoth Cave, KY – 97 miles, 1.5 hours.
Day 52: Abraham Lincoln Birthplace and Mammoth Cave Jellystone
We checked out of Grandma’s RV Park and made a stop at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park on our way to Mammoth Cave. The kids were excited to earn their next Junior Ranger badge. This one took longer than previous ones, so we took a lunch and brain break in our Airstream before they completed the requirements (another benefit to road tripping with an RV!). The kids also got to pick a book and chose Kid Presidents.
Jellystone Campground at Mammoth Cave
We arrived at Jellystone at Mammoth Cave in the late afternoon, and the kids immediately went off to explore the campground on their own—they love that independence! While they roamed, we restocked groceries at a nearby DG Market (Dollar General), then grilled burgers and pork chops for dinner, accompanied by a hearty soup.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Day 53: Mammoth Cave Tour
We spent the day exploring Mammoth Cave National Park, where we joined the Domes and Dripstones Tour, which included the famous Frozen Niagara. Yes, you will see stunning stalactites and stalagmites creating surreal landscapes. Book your guided cave tours early!
Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system on Earth, with over 426 miles of explored passages—and still growing as new sections are discovered. Like most caves, it has a constant temperature of about 54°F (12°C). So bring a light jacket!
If we had more time in the Mammoth Cave, we would have visited the Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. Located in Horse Cave, Kentucky, Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is a unique Australian-themed animal park and cave attraction that offers hands-on experiences with exotic and native wildlife. There is always next time!
