Roadtrip from New York to Chicago

[Urkullu]

We are planning a roadtrip from New York to Chicago, this is our plan:

4 days in NYC
3 days in Boston
2 days in the Finger Lakes
1 day in Niagara
1 day in (?)
4 days in Chicago

What would you recomend us to do before going to Chicago? Have you any suggestions to do in any of these places? We are very exited about this trip specially as we aree coming from Europe!

Thank you

[Lifemagician]

Hi, and Welcome to the Great American Roadtrip Forum.

Are you looking at going through the US or Canada? The latter being a shorter route. The route through Sarnia would be the preferred one. You could then explore a little of many attractions on the western coast of Michigan, heading down to Chicago.

Lifey

[Urkullu]

Thank you lifemagician!
Where would you recommend to stay in the western cost of Michigan?

[Lifemagician]

Hopefully someone will jump in with an answer. My travels are in a small campervan.

Lifey

[SandiC]

Hopefully someone will jump in with an answer. My travels are in a small campervan.

Lifey

I've never been to New York, but am from the Chicago area and have been to Niagara Falls. The Canadian side is the best place to see the Falls. Try and stay in the downtown area. We were on a budget and stayed at a hotel a few miles from the Falls. It was clean, but not too nice. It wasn't worth the savings. Make a dining reservation immediately overlooking the Falls. The view was spectacular.

When traveling from Canada to Chicago via Michigan, I'd recommend the western Michigan town of Saugatuck. It's located on Lake Michigan and there are many quaint B&B's along with hotels. Check out Groupon and see if there are any specials for accommodations or dining. We visit Saugatuck every year. There is a lot of shopping, a great beach and it is only about 3 hours from Chicago. I highly recommend the Saugatuck dune rides for an unforgettable experience. I never laughed so hard in my life.

Another area on the western coast of Michigan for tourists is New Buffalo and that, too, is very nice. It's on the Michigan/Indiana border and about 2 hours from Chicago. We always stop there to eat at Redamak's restaurant. A very popular casual dining restaurant known for its burgers, but it also has a great selection of other food as well.

On your travels from Canada into Michigan, I would also recommend a stop in Ann Arbor (45 minutes west of Detroit on I-94) and see the University of Michigan. It is one of the prettiest college towns in America. Their football stadium (aka The Big House) is the largest stadium in the US and second largest in the world.

Once you arrive in Chicago, there are so many places to stay, eat and play. The people in the Midwest are some of the nicest people in America. You'll be surprised how clean Chicago is and how beautiful the skyline and beaches are. While driving from Michigan/Indiana, you want to try and avoid getting off the expressway until you arrive in the downtown Chicago area. Even though the majority of the Chicagoland area is relatively safe, it is best to avoid Gary, Indiana, and the south and east side of Chicago. Fill up your gas tank (or Petrol tank) in southwest Michigan or Indiana (along I-94) before you get the on the Chicago skyway and then don't exit (unless it's an emergency) anywhere between Gary, Indiana and the east or south side of Chicago.

Enjoy your trip!

[Lifemagician]

Hi Sandi, and Welcome to the Great American Roadtrip Forum.

How nice of you to jump in with your suggestions and local knowledge. It is always appreciated.

Lifey

[32vld]

Rock and roll hall of fame in Cleveland.

Harley Davidson museum in Milwaukee.

Baseball fan then hit Cooperstown before Niagara.