What Route Did the Griswolds Take in Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

The Griswold family from the classic comedy movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation” is a beloved and iconic fictional family that has captured the hearts of many viewers around the world. In the movie, the Griswolds embark on a cross-country road trip from their home in Chicago to the fictional amusement park “Walley World” in California. But what route did they take to get there?

While the exact route that the Griswolds took is not specified in the movie, there are several clues that can help us piece together their journey. Based on these clues, it appears that the Griswolds took a route that would have taken them through several iconic U.S. states and landmarks.

First, we know that the Griswolds started their journey in Chicago, Illinois. From there, they would have traveled west towards Missouri, passing through St. Louis along the way. In St. Louis, they famously stopped at the Gateway Arch and took a ride to the top before continuing on their journey.

Next, it’s likely that they traveled through Kansas and Colorado on their way to Arizona. In Arizona, they stopped at The Grand Canyon National Park where Clark (played by Chevy Chase) famously exclaimed “Look kids!

The Grand Canyon!” while his children were unimpressed.

After leaving Arizona, it’s probable that they made their way into California via Route 66 – a famous highway that stretches from Illinois all the way to Santa Monica, California. Once in California, they headed towards Los Angeles before finally arriving at Walley World – only to find that it was closed for repairs.

While we can’t say for certain exactly which roads or highways they took throughout their journey since it was never explicitly stated in the movie, these are some of the most iconic landmarks and states associated with a cross-country road trip along this general route.

Overall, while we may never know exactly what route The Griswolds took on their journey to Walley World, we can use context clues from the movie to piece together a general idea of their journey. From Chicago to California, they likely traveled through several iconic American states and landmarks, making their trip an unforgettable adventure for both them and viewers alike.