Best Places to Visit on a Trip Between Chicago, IL and Schenectady, NY

If you're planning a road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Schenectady, New York, you're in for a treat! The journey is gorgeous, and there are loads of exciting attractions along the way. Here are my top 5 must-see stops.

The Route and the Halfway Point: Kingsville, OH

The route from Chicago to Schenectady takes you across the border into Indiana and through Ohio, Pennsylvania, and finally, New York state. It's an 830-mile journey and will take approximately 12 hours to complete.

The halfway point is Kingsville, OH, a quaint town in Ashtabula County. There are a few places to visit here, including the famous Kingsville Train Depot and several excellent restaurants.

Stop 1: Amish Country, OH

Just south of the city of Canton is Ohio's Amish Country, an area famous for its great food, picturesque countryside, and impressive history. The Amish have been living in Ohio since the early 19th century, and their influence can be seen throughout the area. You can find Amish dining experiences with only locally grown and prepared food, like Dutch Valley Restaurant or Der Dutchman Restaurant. Their markets have baked goods, quilts, and heirlooms to take away as souvenirs.

Stop 2: Letchworth State Park, NY

Located near Geneseo in Western New York, Letchworth State Park is often called the "Grand Canyon of the East." The park is particularly beautiful in the fall when its trees turn crimson, gold, and orange. The main feature of the park is the Genesee River, which flows through the gorge and has three large waterfalls along the way. Visitors can explore the park by car, or on foot, or they can go fishing, picnicking, or camping.

Stop 3: Adirondack Park, NY

Adirondack Park is the largest wilderness preserve in the continental United States. The park covers more than six million acres and is home to a vast array of wildlife, including black bears, moose, deer, and peregrine falcons. Visitors can hike, fish, bike, or paddle on one of the 3,000 lakes and ponds or found thousands of miles of hiking trails traversing high peaks and dark forests. The park is the perfect destination for those who love the great outdoors.

Stop 4: Saratoga Race Course, NY

Saratoga Race Course is the oldest thoroughbred racecourse in America and has been hosting races since 1863. It's home to the Travers Stakes, known as the Mid-Summer Derby, and draws visitors from across the country. The track also features an on-site museum, a tram ride, and numerous dining options. Visitors can see the horses training in the morning and get a close-up look at the stables. It's a unique experience for those interested in horse racing.

Stop 5: Niagara Falls, NY

Located on the US-Canadian border, Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. It's a massive attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. The falls consist of three separate waterfalls, including Horseshoe Falls, which is the largest. There are numerous ways to experience the falls, like a boat tour, and get up close to the falls and feel the mist. Besides the Falls, Niagara Falls is the perfect place for wine tasting and to experience jazz festivals.

Conclusion

We hope our list of the top five must-see stops from Chicago to Schenectady has inspired you to get on the road and explore. Each destination boasts its unique attractions, so take time to explore and take in the beauty of our country's mid-northeast region. Excitement, beauty of nature and history, and fun experiences await in these beautiful places along the way.