Taking a road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park is an adventure that promises breathtaking landscapes and exciting discoveries along the way. If you’re planning such a trip, it’s essential to decide where to stop and explore the various attractions that come your way. After all, you don’t want to miss out on the hidden gems that make your road trip memorable.
Here are some of the best places to stop on your road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone:
1. Badlands National Park
Located in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park is an incredible destination for hikers and adventurers alike. The park boasts rugged terrain, unique rock formations, and stunning vistas that will take your breath away. You can hike one of the many trails, take a scenic drive through the park, or even camp overnight.
The must-see attractions in Badlands National Park include:
- The Badlands Loop Road
- The Pinnacles Overlook
- The Fossil Exhibit Trail
- The Notch Trail
2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
No road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone is complete without a stop at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. This iconic landmark features massive sculptures of four of America’s most significant presidents carved into a granite mountain face.
Things to do at Mount Rushmore:
- Take a guided tour of the memorial.
- Visit the Lincoln Borglum Museum.
- Hike one of the many trails around Mount Rushmore.
- Watch the evening lighting ceremony in summer months.
3. Grand Teton National Park
As you approach Yellowstone, make sure to stop at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. This park boasts stunning mountain views, crystal-clear lakes, and a wide variety of wildlife.
What to see in Grand Teton National Park:
- The Teton Range
- Jackson Lake
- The Jenny Lake Scenic Drive
- The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
4. Yellowstone National Park
Finally, your road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone culminates in the park itself. Yellowstone is home to some of the most unique natural wonders, including geysers, hot springs, and waterfalls.
Top attractions in Yellowstone National Park:
- Old Faithful Geyser
- The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River
- Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
- Lamar Valley Wildlife Watching Area
In conclusion, taking a road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park is an unforgettable adventure. Don’t rush through it; enjoy the journey by making stops at some of these incredible destinations along the way. With so many amazing places to explore and discover on this route, you’ll never run out of things to do and see.