We're planning a road trip from NYC to Chicago the last week of August,on a 7-day trip, so there's no rush to get there. We are going to be 3 guys and a girl, all of us in their late twenties. I'm kind of confused trying to find a rout that will combine nature and "real" american culture. We thought of maybe stopping a day or so at the Great Lakes (even driving into Michigan for that) for a chill-out beach day, or even drive to St Louis and take Route 66 to Chicago from there (obviously, not both!). Other things we thought about, and I hope you can correct me if you think it's crazy, are: Mackinac strait, Nashville, Mamooth caves, Blue grass trail, Niagara...

We think we've got plenty of days to take "the long way" but we would like to know any cool places to visit that will make our trip memorable. Any suggestions?

By the way, we're all from Spain. Thanks!!