Roadtrip from Washington d.c. to Chicago IL

[Ronen Tiv]

Hi there,
I plan a roadtrip from Washington D.C. to Chicago IL, that will last three days at the beginning of october 2009. We're a family of 5. The kids are 8, 6, and 2. We're renting a minivan.
I would appreciate any advice on siteseeying on the way, amusment parks, national park, camping sites etc, to enjoy the ride.
Also a recomendation on a great camping gear stor on the way would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Ronen.

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

The main consideration on your trip that I have is whether it is one-way or round trip. If it's planned as a round trip, then you'll barely have time to make the drive, spend a few short hours in Chicago, and then turn around and immediately start the long drive back to Washington. At 700 miles one-way, this is a day and a half drive each way. If, on the other hand, the three days you mention is to be entirely devoted to just getting to Chicago, then you will have a goodly amount of time to explore some places along the way. Major venues on your route would include Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the shorelines of Lake Erie and Lake Michigan. There are also plenty of other enjoyable stops en route.

AZBuck

[Ronen Tiv]

Thank you for your quick reply.

All three days are dedicated to sightseeing, fun and so on, since we drive one way. We fly home from Chicago and stay with family while there.
Also there is a slight change of rout, we drive from Newport News to Chicago.
So I would appreciate an update on the recommendation and more information, if you have, on places to go en rout. we could make the drive last four days if needed.
thanks,

Ronen.

[glc]

One of the best outfitters in the country has a store in Hampton, VA, right next to Newport News.