The open road has always been a siren's call to adventure, and what better way to answer than with a road trip from Chicago to Seattle? This 1,700-mile journey takes you through the heart of America, showcasing stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and quaint towns. Over the next 7 scenic stops, we'll guide you through the ultimate road trip experience, highlighting must-see attractions, hidden gems, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.
Key Points
- Start your journey in Chicago, exploring iconic landmarks like Willis Tower and Navy Pier
- Stop 1: Mount Rushmore, SD - Marvel at the presidential monument and explore the Black Hills
- Stop 2: Badlands National Park, SD - Discover unique rock formations and diverse wildlife
- Stop 3: Yellowstone National Park, WY - Witness geysers, hot springs, and an abundance of wildlife
- Stop 4: Grand Teton National Park, WY - Take in breathtaking mountain vistas and pristine lakes
- Stop 5: Coeur d'Alene, ID - Enjoy scenic lake views, outdoor recreation, and a charming downtown area
- Stop 6: Columbia River Gorge, OR - Drive along the historic Columbia River Highway and hike to stunning waterfalls
- Stop 7: Seattle, WA - Explore the iconic Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the vibrant music scene
Stop 1: Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
After departing Chicago, your first stop will be Mount Rushmore, a monumental tribute to four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this iconic landmark is a must-visit attraction. Take a stroll around the presidential trail, explore the Sculptor’s Studio, and learn about the history and construction of this masterpiece. Be sure to visit the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial, a tribute to the legendary Native American leader.
Exploring the Black Hills
The Black Hills offer a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Visit Custer State Park, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bison, elk, and mountain goats. Take a scenic drive through the Needles Highway, which winds through towering granite formations and offers breathtaking views. For a unique experience, visit the 1880 Town, a recreation of a classic American town, complete with historic buildings and artifacts.
| Attraction | Location | Distance from Mount Rushmore |
|---|---|---|
| Crazy Horse Memorial | Crazy Horse, SD | 17 miles |
| Custer State Park | Custer, SD | 30 miles |
| Needles Highway | Custer State Park, SD | 35 miles |
| 1880 Town | Murdo, SD | 70 miles |
Stop 2: Badlands National Park, South Dakota
From Mount Rushmore, head east to Badlands National Park, a unique landscape of eroded rock formations, canyons, and gullies. Take a scenic drive through the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Hike through the park’s trails, including the popular Notch Trail and Door Trail, and keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.
Wildlife and Geology
The Badlands are home to a wide range of wildlife, including many species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Take a guided tour to learn about the park’s unique geology and the fossil record, which dates back over 75 million years. Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to learn about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife, and to plan your itinerary.
Stop 3: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
From the Badlands, head west to Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park. Established in 1872, Yellowstone is a treasure trove of geothermal wonders, including Old Faithful, hot springs, and geysers. Take a guided tour to explore the park’s many attractions, including the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States. Keep an eye out for the park’s abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and elk.
Geothermal Wonders
Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 geothermal features, including hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles. Visit the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center to learn about the park’s geology and the science behind these natural wonders. Take a hike through the park’s many trails, including the popular Old Faithful area trails and the more challenging Bechler River Trail.
Stop 4: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
From Yellowstone, head south to Grand Teton National Park, a stunning mountain range with pristine lakes, glaciers, and abundant wildlife. Take a scenic drive through the Teton Park Road, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Hike through the park’s many trails, including the popular Taggart Lake Trail and the more challenging Teton Crest Trail.
Mountain Vistas and Wildlife
The Teton Range is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elk, moose, and bison. Take a guided tour to learn about the park’s unique geology and the history of the area. Visit the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history, and to plan your itinerary.
Stop 5: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
From the Grand Tetons, head west to Coeur d’Alene, a charming lakeside town in northern Idaho. Take a scenic drive along the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding lake and mountains. Visit the Coeur d’Alene Resort, a luxurious hotel with a floating green on the 14th hole of the resort’s golf course. Enjoy outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and water sports, and explore the town’s charming downtown area, complete with shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Lakeside Charm and Outdoor Recreation
Coeur d’Alene is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports. Visit the Lake Coeur d’Alene Boat Tours to learn about the lake’s history and geology, and to enjoy a scenic cruise. Take a hike through the surrounding mountains, including the popular Tubbs Hill Trail and the more challenging Mineral Ridge Trail.
Stop 6: Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
From Coeur d’Alene, head west to the Columbia River Gorge, a stunning natural wonder that stretches over 80 miles. Take a scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding gorge and river. Hike through the many trails, including the popular Wahkeena Falls Trail and the more challenging Eagle Creek Trail. Visit the Vista House, a historic observatory with stunning views of the gorge, and enjoy the many scenic viewpoints and picnic areas along the way.
Scenic Views and Waterfalls
The Columbia River Gorge is home to many scenic viewpoints and waterfalls, including the popular Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls. Take a guided tour to learn about the gorge’s unique geology and the history of the area. Visit the Columbia River Gorge Visitor Center to learn about the gorge’s natural and cultural history, and to plan your itinerary.
Stop 7: Seattle, Washington
From the Columbia River Gorge, head north to Seattle, a vibrant and eclectic city surrounded by water, mountains, and forests. Visit the iconic Space Needle, which offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape. Explore the historic Pike Place Market, complete with fresh seafood, local produce, and handmade crafts. Enjoy the city’s vibrant music scene, including the famous Paramount Theatre and the Moore Theatre.
City Attractions and Cultural Experiences
Seattle is a city with a rich cultural scene, including many museums, galleries, and performance venues. Visit the Seattle Art Museum, which features a diverse collection of art from around the world. Take a tour of the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, complete with charming shops, restaurants, and galleries. Enjoy the city’s many outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking, and explore the surrounding mountains and forests, including the popular Discovery Park and Gas Works Park.