Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois and Marshfield, Massachusetts

As the desire for adventure and exploration lures many during the summertime, hitting the open road for a road trip is an exciting choice for friends, families, and couples alike. The route from Chicago, Illinois, to Marshfield, Massachusetts is one such journey filled with breathtaking scenery, iconic historical landmarks, and picturesque towns. Clocking in at approximately 1,000 miles, the road trip takes about 16 hours behind the wheel, with the halfway point reached in Derby, NY. Here are the top five things to do along the way, making the long drive worth every mile.

Exploring the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO

As the first stop, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, is an absolute must-visit for any history enthusiast. The iconic 630-foot steel arch, completed in 1965, stands tall as a symbol of America's westward expansion, and guests can take an elevator ride to the top to experience a 30-mile panoramic view. People also have the option to explore the museum of Westward Expansion displays and learn about the journey of early American pioneers.

>Fun Fact: The Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made monument in the United States and even surpasses the height of the Statue of Liberty.

Checking out the Indy 500 Speedway in Indianapolis, IN

A little over halfway through the drive, lies Indianapolis, Indiana, home to one of the most famous car races in the world, the Indy 500. Visitors can explore the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, which boasts a wide range of historic race cars from all eras of racing, and even offers bus tours to allow visitors to explore the iconic racetrack. The track is open all year, but visitors should check in advance for any race schedules.

>Fun Fact: The Indianapolis 500 has been held annually since 1911, making it the oldest automobile race in the world.

Witnessing the Great Lakes in Cleveland, OH

Driving further east from Indiana, Cleveland, Ohio, makes for an iconic stop along the way, home to the beautiful Lake Erie. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame offers a chance to learn all about the history of rock and roll, view iconic artefacts, and even visit various exhibits. However, the star of the show is the view of Lake Erie from the museum's upper floors, where visitors can experience the sight of a Great Lake.

>Fun Fact: Lake Erie is the shallowest of all five Great Lakes and freezes over much more often than the other four.

Stopping by the Niagara Falls, NY

Heralded as one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, the Niagara Falls in New York are the next stop on the list, located less than 200 miles from Marshfield. Guests can expect an unforgettable experience, with tours, walks, boat rides, and even zip-lines available for those who want to get up close and personal with the falls. The "Maid of the Mist" boat ride is an absolute must as it takes visitors straight into the falls' misty and thunderous heart.

>Fun Fact: About six million cubic feet of water falls from the Niagara Falls every minute during the daytime.

Enjoying Fisherman's Beach in Scituate, MA

As a grand finale, Scituate in Massachusetts provides a chance to relax and unwind at the end of the road trip. This quiet and historic seaside town provides visitors with the opportunity to visit iconic lighthouses, explore the local museums, and the harbour, and stroll at the Fisherman's beach. This tranquil spot is perfect for a picnic, taking a dip in the sea, or enjoying the stunning views of the Massachusetts Bay.

>Fun Fact: The town of Scituate is known for its boat-building traditions and naturally fertile soil, creating great spaces for farming.

In conclusion, the road trip from Chicago, Illinois, to Marshfield, Massachusetts, may be long, but the journey is filled with picturesque towns, exceptional landmarks, and unforgettable adventure. Covering approximately 1,000 miles, the trip, halfway at Derby, NY, passes through St, Louis, Missouri, Indianapolis, Indiana, Cleveland, Ohio, Niagara Falls, New York, before ending in Scituate, Massachusetts. Hitting the major highlights, the Gateway Arch, Indy 500 Speedway, Great Lakes, Niagara Falls, and Fisherman's Beach, the journey is a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure, and the memories made during the trip will be well worth it.