The United States is home to some of the most iconic road trips in the world, and the journey from Chicago to Austin is one that promises to deliver a mix of vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes, and a dash of southern charm. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first cross-country adventure, this epic road trip is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. As you embark on this 1,076-mile journey, you'll have the opportunity to experience the unique cultures, try delicious local cuisine, and take in the breathtaking scenery that each stop has to offer.
Before you hit the open road, it's essential to plan your trip carefully. With a total driving time of approximately 16 hours, you'll want to break up the journey into manageable chunks, allowing you to explore each destination without feeling rushed. From the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline to the rolling hills of Texas, every mile of this journey promises to be an adventure. So, pack up your car, grab your favorite road trip snacks, and get ready to discover the ultimate road trip from Chicago to Austin.
Key Points
- Distance from Chicago to Austin: 1,076 miles, approximately 16 hours of driving time
- Must-visit stops include Indianapolis, St. Louis, Springfield, and San Antonio
- Experience the vibrant music scene in Austin, with over 250 live music venues
- Try the local cuisine, including deep-dish pizza, toasted ravioli, and Texas BBQ
- Explore the stunning natural landscapes, such as the Ozark Mountains and the Texas Hill Country
Leg 1: Chicago to Indianapolis
The first leg of your journey takes you from the Windy City to the heart of the Midwest, Indianapolis. As you drive south on I-65, you’ll pass through the rolling hills and picturesque towns of Indiana. Be sure to stop at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500, and explore the city’s vibrant cultural district. With a wide range of restaurants, museums, and entertainment options, Indianapolis is the perfect place to start your road trip adventure. Don’t forget to try some of the city’s famous pork tenderloin sandwiches and sugar cream pie, the official state pie of Indiana.
Indianapolis Attractions
Indianapolis has a wealth of attractions to explore, from the world-class Indianapolis Museum of Art to the historic Canal Walk. Take a stroll along the canal, visit the Indianapolis Zoo, or catch a show at the Palladium, a state-of-the-art concert hall. With so much to see and do, you’ll want to spend at least a day or two exploring this vibrant city. As you prepare to leave Indianapolis, be sure to fill up on gas and grab some snacks for the road ahead.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis Motor Speedway | Home of the Indianapolis 500, offers guided tours |
| Indianapolis Museum of Art | World-class museum featuring over 54,000 works of art |
| Canal Walk | Scenic pedestrian path along the Indianapolis Canal |
Leg 2: Indianapolis to St. Louis
From Indianapolis, you’ll head south to St. Louis, Missouri, a city steeped in history and culture. As you drive along I-70, you’ll pass through the rolling hills and picturesque towns of Illinois. Be sure to stop at the iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall monument to westward expansion. Explore the city’s vibrant music scene, visit the world-class St. Louis Art Museum, or take a stroll through the beautiful Forest Park. With its unique blend of Midwestern charm and southern hospitality, St. Louis is a city that will leave you feeling warm and welcoming.
St. Louis Attractions
St. Louis has a wealth of attractions to explore, from the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery to the stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. Take a tour of the brewery, visit the iconic City Museum, or catch a show at the Fox Theatre, a stunning example of 1920s architecture. With so much to see and do, you’ll want to spend at least a day or two exploring this vibrant city. As you prepare to leave St. Louis, be sure to try some of the city’s famous toasted ravioli and provel cheese, a unique blend of cheddar, Swiss, and parmesan.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Gateway Arch | 630-foot-tall monument to westward expansion, offers tram rides to the top |
| St. Louis Art Museum | World-class museum featuring over 33,000 works of art |
| Forest Park | 1,371-acre park featuring several museums, gardens, and a zoo |
Leg 3: St. Louis to Springfield
From St. Louis, you’ll head south to Springfield, Illinois, the state capital and a city steeped in history. As you drive along I-55, you’ll pass through the rolling hills and picturesque towns of Illinois. Be sure to visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, a world-class museum featuring interactive exhibits and a stunning collection of artifacts. Explore the city’s vibrant downtown area, visit the historic Illinois State Capitol building, or take a stroll through the beautiful Lincoln Memorial Garden. With its unique blend of Midwestern charm and historic significance, Springfield is a city that will leave you feeling enlightened and inspired.
Springfield Attractions
Springfield has a wealth of attractions to explore, from the historic Dana-Thomas House to the stunning Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Take a tour of the house, visit the iconic Cozy Dog Drive In, or catch a show at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, a stunning example of modern architecture. With so much to see and do, you’ll want to spend at least a day or two exploring this vibrant city. As you prepare to leave Springfield, be sure to try some of the city’s famous horseshoes, a unique sandwich featuring toasted bread, hamburger, and cheese sauce.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum | World-class museum featuring interactive exhibits and a stunning collection of artifacts |
| Illinois State Capitol building | Historic building featuring a stunning dome and beautiful gardens |
| Lincoln Memorial Garden | Beautiful garden featuring a stunning collection of plants and flowers |
Leg 4: Springfield to San Antonio
From Springfield, you’ll head south to San Antonio, Texas, a city steeped in history and culture. As you drive along I-55 and I-35, you’ll pass through the rolling hills and picturesque towns of Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas. Be sure to visit the iconic Alamo, a former mission and site of the famous Battle of the Alamo. Explore the city’s vibrant River Walk, visit the stunning San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, or take a stroll through the beautiful Tower of the Americas. With its unique blend of Tex-Mex culture and southern charm, San Antonio is a city that will leave you feeling warm and welcoming.
San Antonio Attractions
San Antonio has a wealth of attractions to explore, from the historic San Fernando Cathedral to the stunning Natural Bridge Caverns. Take a tour of the cathedral, visit the iconic Market Square, or catch a show at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, a stunning example of modern architecture. With so much to see and do, you’ll want to spend at least a day or two exploring this vibrant city. As you prepare to leave San Antonio, be sure to try some of the city’s famous Tex-Mex cuisine, including tacos, burritos, and fajitas.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| The Alamo | Former mission and site of the famous Battle of the Alamo, offers guided tours |
| San Antonio River Walk | Scenic pedestrian path along the San Antonio River, features several restaurants and shops |
| San Antonio Missions National Historical Park | Stunning collection of four Spanish colonial missions, offers guided tours |
Leg 5: San Antonio to Austin
From San Antonio, you’ll head north to Austin