Houston to Chicago by car

[vandymom]

Planning car/camping trip end of June and part of July......what are the MUST SEE places i should plan to stop? we like the outdoors, fihing and flyfihing, waterfalls, hiking, arts, museums....

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America forum.

When I first read your post, I thought that the obvious answer would be to just suggest that you head up the Great River Road, but the Mississippi is woefully short of waterfalls, although it offers pretty much everything else you're looking for. But then I realized that you can start your trip by heading up through the Ozarks for some really great outdoors experiences. Check this site for directions to some great beautiful waterfalls, and here are some resources that the state of Arkansas lists for fly fishing. For both a unique state park that would allow you to fish, has a small museum, and gives you the only opportunity in the world to dig for (and keep) diamonds, make a stop at Crater of Diamonds State Park.

Two 'must see' towns along your route would be Memphis (be sure to use the 'Search' function on the Toolbar above to find some of the many, many posts on what's available there besides Graceland) and St. Louis. And finally, for the section from St. Louis into Chicago, I think you might enjoy the Illinois River Road.

AZBuck

[vandymom]

Thanks for all the great options.....I had forgoten the Buffalo......canoed there about a dozen times in my younger years.lots of beautiful scenery there!