Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois and Portland, Texas

Chicago, Illinois and Portland, Texas are two cities that are almost 1200 miles apart. An approximately 18-hour drive without any stops. But in between the long journey is an opportunity to experience some of the fascinating places America has to offer. The trip down south has an unforgettable adventure and amazing sights that are perfect for catching great photos and making memories. That said, the halfway point is Bryant, AR.

Exploring the Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago, located in Grant Park. It has over 300,000 works of art, including American, African, Asian, and European artworks. Visitors can view painting, sculptures, textiles, prints and drawings, photographs, and many more. The institute's collection features some of the most impressive works of arts in America, with its vast variety of classic and modern pieces. Interesting fact - one of the most popular artworks at the museum is Grant Wood’s American Gothic painting.

Visiting Magnolia Market at Waco, Texas

Waco, Texas, is a must-visit destination when on a road trip from Chicago to Portland, Texas. Magnolia Market is situated in Waco; it is owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines from the famous HGTV show, "Fixer Upper." Magnolia Market features a large green space with idyllic farmland and a shopping center with Joanna’s own home decor and furniture collections. Visitors can explore the garden, taste homemade pastries at the bakery, and participate in workshops to make ornaments and flower wreaths. Suppose you’re looking for souvenirs for your journey. In that case, the market has a wide collection of vintage clothing, kitchenware, books, and home decor that you won't find at your local corner store. Magnolia Market is impressive, and the displays are beautifully curated, and walking through the gardens is a peaceful experience. Interesting fact - Chip and Joanna Gaines opened Magnolia Market in 2015 and has received over 30,000 visitors every week since then.

Touring the Dallas World Aquarium

The Dallas World Aquarium is home to some of the most dangerous sea creatures and exotic animals. It features a 22,000-gallon tunnel, where visitors can walk through and observe various species of fish, sharks, eels, and other aquatic animals. Visitors can also view exotic birds, monkeys, and other land animals in the facility's forest area and terrariums. Dallas World Aquarium provides a unique experience in the heart of the city. The aquarium also has a restaurant serving international dishes, including Mexican, Thai, and Italian cuisine. Interesting fact - the Dallas World Aquarium has the largest collection of Orinoco crocodiles, and they are known to be one of the most endangered creatures in the world.

Discovering the Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to one of the most intriguing and beautiful natural formations in America. The Caverns, located in New Mexico, features over 119 caves and limestone formations that have been a famous attraction for many years. Visitors can trek on several nature trails, climb or descend hundreds of feet into these caves to explore and learn about the rich history and geology of the area. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a great adventure into the earth's depths. The unique thing about these caves is that they are not interconnected, but separately formed, making each one a new discovery. Interesting fact - The Carlsbad Caverns have a natural phenomenon called the 'bat flight program,' where visitors can watch thousands of bats fly out of the caves into the night sky every night.

Hiking the Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the second-largest canyon in America, located in the heart of Texas. It features over 30,000 acres of land and a network of hiking and biking trails. Visitors can hike the trails to view the stunning rock formations and the picturesque landscape. They can also participate in several outdoor activities like horseback riding, rock climbing, and camping. The canyon is a great place to enjoy nature and the serene beauty of the wildlife. Interesting fact - The park has one of the oldest rock formations in the world, which dates back to more than 250 million years ago.

In conclusion, the route from Chicago, Illinois, to Portland, Texas, is long, but it is worth taking the time to pause and enjoy the beautiful sights and adventure experiences along the way. With so many attractions to discover and places to explore, the trip can last for days, but the memories are sure to last a lifetime.