Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois and Seattle, Washington

Chicago, Illinois, and Seattle, Washington, are two cities that are quite a distance apart. However, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration along the way. The halfway point between the cities is Terry, Montana, which is known for its historic downtown district. With that in mind, here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Chicago to Seattle.

Visit the Badlands National Park in South Dakota

The Badlands National Park is an amazing place to visit. It's located in southwestern South Dakota and offers breathtaking views. One of the most popular activities to do at Badlands National Park is hiking. Visitors can explore trails that vary in length from just under a mile to over 10 miles. Besides hiking, visitors can also enjoy driving tours, wildlife spotting, and stargazing.

Interesting Fact: The Badlands were formed through a combination of wind and water erosion.

Explore Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is an excellent place to spend a day or two. It spans over 2.2 million acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and buffalo. Visitors can explore the geothermal features of the park, including Old Faithful, which shoots water 100 feet into the air about every 90 minutes.

Interesting Fact: Yellowstone is home to over half of the world's geysers.

Venture to Glacier National Park in Montana

Glacier National Park is a must-see destination on any road trip from Chicago to Seattle. It's located in the northern part of Montana and offers visitors the chance to explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. One of the most popular activities to do in Glacier National Park is hiking. There are over 700 miles of trails to explore. Visitors can also enjoy driving tours, wildlife viewing, and boating.

Interesting Fact: Glacier National Park is home to over 130 named lakes.

Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota

While traveling through South Dakota, make sure to check out Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It is an iconic American landmark that features four of the most famous presidents of the United States carved into the granite of the Black Hills. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history and construction of the memorial.

Interesting Fact: Mount Rushmore was created to promote tourism in South Dakota.

Stop at the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington

The Space Needle is an iconic landmark in Seattle, Washington. Visitors can take an elevator up to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city. It's a great place to snap some photos and grab a bite to eat. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit at the base of the tower.

Interesting Fact: The Space Needle was built for the 1962 World's Fair.

In conclusion, a road trip from Chicago to Seattle is an excellent opportunity to explore some of the best national parks and landmarks in the United States. Along the way, visitors can enjoy hiking, driving tours, and plenty of sightseeing. The route can be completed in about 35 hours of driving time, but it's best to allow for several days to truly explore and appreciate everything the journey has to offer.