PA to Chicago!! (York/Harrisburg)

[e.lee]

My friend and I are planning a road trip to Chicago from York, PA.

We are looking for some cool places to maybe stop on the way, or even things to do in Chicago. There really is no intent for the trip other than neither of us have been to Chicago before, but both really are interested. I am thinking we would take just about a week for the entire trip there and back.

Initially we were planning on doing all the driving in one day to get the most time in Chicago, but I do understand that may be a bit overwhelming, so would you suggest making an overnight stop somewhere? If so, where??

Also some potential routes?

Thank you!!!!

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

I think you're absolutely right to reconsider your initial thought of trying t drive directly to Chicago in a single day, and presumably only taking another single day for essentially the drive back using the exact same roads. While it is conceivably possible to make that drive in a single day, it could be done only at the cost of sticking strictly to the turnpikes, making absolutely no stops other than for gas, food and restroom breaks, and pushing yourselves well past what would be an enjoyable length of time in the car. Taking an extra day each way opens up all kinds of possibilities for two more relaxing and rewarding drives, along completely different routes, outbound and back home, while still leaving you at least three full days in Chicago. More if you can include two weekends in your plans.

One basic route would still entail using the turnpikes, I-76/I-70/I-76/I-80, with possible longer (a few hours) stops at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and/or Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore as well as shorter stops elsewhere.

Another possible route would use US-30/US-15/MD-77 past Gettysburg and through Catoctin Mountain National Park to I-70 west along the Potomac River and I-68 over the Appalachians to I-79 north and then I-70 west past the US Air Force Museum in Dayton OH and on to Indianapolis where I-65 would then take you up to Chicago.

In Chicago itself, there's Lake sShore Drive and the lake front itself, the Field Museum, the Art Institute, several sites associated with or designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, bars and nightlife around Wrigley Field, Lincoln Park, etc. etc. etc.

AZBuck