I'm travelling from St. Louis to Pittsburgh. Where shall I go and what could I do?

Hi, I'm going to be travelling for 2 weeks at the end of August from St. Louis to Pittsburgh, I'm from the UK.
I'm thinking that I will go from St. Louis to Chicago to Indianapolis to Pittsburgh. But there are other cities that I could possibly see such as Detroit, Cincinatti, Cleveland..and even Milwaukee, Louisville, Frankfort etc.
Can anyone recommend any good websites that can help me decide where to go, or can anyone offer any suggestions?
I'm going to be travelling alone and will eventually end up in Pittsburgh for the Steelers opening NFL game because I'm a huge football fan. I also like most other sports and music..
Any ideas/suggestions welcome.
Thanks! Dan.

just take a information booklet from the airport and find something intreresting

Native PGHer here.

Depending on when you are in our fair city, there are copious activities to engage in.

Arts festivals, plays, outdoor music, regatta's, sporting events, nightlife.

The site linked will give you a jumping off point, but is by no means a comprehensive site.

Just some suggestions:
Cedar Point Amusement Park - Sandusky, OH
Pro Football Hall of Fame - Canton, OH
Museum of Science and Industry - Chicago, IL
Wrigley Field (Cubs game) - Chicago, IL
Budweiser Brewery tour - St Louis, MO

There are also some specific events that may be going on in some cities while you are there (like concerts, etc.).
Google the city name and "Things to do" and you should get an events calendar for each city.
Below are some examples.

Dan,

first off, welcome to pittsburgh! we have lots of wonderful things to do, especially around steelers time!

you probably should plan to tailgate at the game that day. you don't have to have a car, just show up in the parking lot and talk to people until someon invites you to eat with them. pittsburghers are friendly, especially when they've had some beer! eat whatever anyone gives you because it will be awesome! an opening line to try when approaching a tailgate party would be "what're yinz eatin'?" yinz is a pittsburgh term for you's guys (sometimes pronouced that way too).

there is a great sports museum and history center in the strip district. if you stay downtown, they will direct you. it really is a nice time.

while you are here, pick up a city paper and look in it. there are a lot of great bands around with good music, you just gotta look!

again, welcome to pittsburgh.

i should also mention that with steelers tickets, you could have any girl go with you (if that's your thing)