A Cross-Country Road Trip from Chicago to Grand Canyon
This 25-hour drive takes you out west through the Great Plains, Rockies, and Arizona desert as you head from Chicago to one of the natural wonders of the world.
, with some stops in Des Moines, Denver, and the Rocky Mountains on the way. The attractions range from family-friendly campgrounds to impeccable modern Asian fusion restaurants, to spiraling rock formations.
You may be ready to throw your stuff in the trunk and hit the road with enthusiasm, but hold up––make sure you’ve invested in the right
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Now, buckle up for a fun Chicago to Grand Canyon road trip!
brings together the diversity of an urban setting with some Midwestern charm. Though the city began as an industrial transit center, today it offers abundant opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
What to do in Chicago
Best photo op spots: Some prime picture spots include
: Head over to Shedd Aquarium to see an incredible selection of marine life exhibits, which are seamlessly integrated into the historic Georgia marble of the building.
: Formerly known as Sears Tower—this was the tallest building in the Western hemisphere for more than 40 years. Visitors are welcome to ride up its 1,450 feet to catch views from the Skydeck.
Catch a game: As with much of the Midwest, sports are big here: fans can catch a Cubs, Bulls, White Sox, or Blackhawks game while they’re in Chicago.
($$$$): Chicago is home to world-class dining experiences. Three-Michelin-star establishment Alinea prides itself on providing impeccable service and presentation, even when it comes to carry-out.
($$): For a low-key eatery, try Lou Mitchell’s diner, which has been in operation since 1923. Choose from an all-day breakfast and lunch menu with all the classics: silver-dollar pancakes, jumbo omelets, skillets, burgers, and more.
Chicago signature food: Of course, Chicago is most notable for Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs. While Chitown natives will all have their own opinions,
If you enjoyed the bustling atmosphere in Chicago, don’t worry––there’s more where that came from. While our first stop is not as big as Chicago, it is the Midwest’s fastest-growing city: Des Moines,
: If you loved (or missed) Navy Pier in Chicago, there’s another chance for you to try some big amusement rides at Adventureland.
Take a hike: If you’d like to exchange a car ride for a bike ride, Des Moines is the place to do that, with 800 miles of biking trails. Cycle, walk, or run along the
: Make sure you don’t miss Pappajohn Sculpture Park, where you can view some larger-than-life attractions. This art collection ranges from colorful pop art to a giant spider of especially unsettling quality.
, the world’s largest bull statue. His own park is fittingly called Albert the Bull: World’s Largest Bull Park and is open to campers. Travelers of all ages can also enjoy the James Audubon walk, a path lined with recreations of the birdwatcher’s famous canvas prints.
($$): The Des Moines food scene includes local breweries, smokin’ BBQ, and some true wild cards. Burger fans looking for a unique experience should try the Zombie Burger and Drink Lab, which welcomes you into its self-proclaimed "post-apocalyptic chic" venue.
($$): You can grab a behind-the-scenes tour after your meal at Exile Brewing Co, whose on-tap selection is simply...unique. I’d bet even ardent beer fans haven’t yet tasted "2020 Jesus on a Forklift" or "Ogre at Simcoe Pass."
: As you head in the direction of the pioneers of old, you may wish to stay in a rustic log cabin. Short of finding an actual cabin, you can opt for the Stoney Creek Hotel, a three-story motel where each room features a unique and cozy color scheme. Cost per night: from $103
: Several of Lincoln’s interesting attractions can be found at the University of Nebraska campus. Visit the Lincoln Quilt Museum to catch an impressive collection of stitchwork, including American frontier-inspired works and quilts that date back to the 1700s.
: Or, take a tour of the Nebraska Capitol to see neoclassical white-figure floor murals, shimmering vaulted ceilings, and an impressive congressional library.
Where to eat in Lincoln
Lincoln boasts a diverse collection of international cuisine.
($$): The inventive restaurant Copal Progressive Mexican Cuisine offers fried duck tamales, a loaded chicken tinga huarache, and hot queso with garlic croutons.
($$): For unforgettable Asian cuisine, try Hiro 88. Let the gently smiling Buddha statues welcome you into this dark-lit dining space that offers elegant arrangements of sushi and meat and vegetable plates.
($$): For a classic steak and whiskey combo, look no further than Single Barrel. Wilderness Ridge (located at the golf club of the same name) offers a classic lodge atmosphere with antler chandeliers and a dark wood interior, complementing the black tinge of char from the grill.
For dessert: Travelers with a sweet tooth won’t want to miss the Alice in Wonderland-inspired
, the Mile High City. Denver attracts vacationers and residents in all seasons of the year for its proximity to the mountains. The town itself, though, has no shortage of places to explore.
: One of Denver’s most iconic sites is Red Rocks, located at the west edge of town. This Aztec sandstone formation is the site of many community events, most notably concerts and yoga sessions.
: Be sure to travel to some of Denver’s magnificent parks to experience the local lifestyle. Lookout park has great views of downtown from afar. History buffs may enjoy seeing Buffalo Bill’s Grave and the Buffalo Bill Museum here.
: On the other hand, hiking and backpacking enthusiasts won’t want to miss the REI flagship store. Maybe stock up on some outdoor swag before hitting the Grand Canyon?
Check out the neighborhoods: If you’re curious about Denver’s real estate, wander through the LoHi and RiNo neighborhoods, some of the most sought-after locations in the city.
($$): Locals rave about Avanti, a classic food hall in the LoHi neighborhood. Big groups will love the different restaurant options, including pizza, sushi, and French street food.
: To stay near a shopping district, check out the Maven Hotel at Dairy Block (an interesting day destination in its own right). Cost per night: from $166
: Take I-25 south to 160 west. This way you’ll skirt the mountains, but you’ll add at least an hour to your drive. You’ll still pass through the San Juan National Forest. You can stop and camp at Chimney Rock.
. 25 hours of driving have led you to this moment (and it’s more than worth it). Enjoy your views of the Grand Canyon’s gorges, shaped over millennia by the Colorado River, that captivates the world. Some people might not know that there is an entire Grand Canyon Village in the park, where you can eat, shop, and sleep.
What to do in Grand Canyon
Explore the park, of course!: The Canyon is divided into the South and North Rims, with many other subdivisions in between, and covers nearly 2,000 square miles of land.
: Grand Canyon National Park maintains some great restaurants, from no-fuss dining halls to a steakhouse. Hermit’s Rest Snack Bar offers food and gifts within the Grand Canyon Historic District, which preserves living arrangements from the nineteenth-century Wild West.
: Not looking to camp? If you’re willing to splurge to celebrate your arrival, the Grand Canyon Hotel is a great themed stay. Cost per night: from $384
The way back
You can retrace the same route you took, perhaps choosing a different option to get through Colorado.
Or, you can stay to the south, moving from the Grand Canyon to Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Springfield, St. Louis, and then Chicago.
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Don’t let the prospect of a 25-hour drive intimidate you. All you need is a dependable roadside assistance plan from
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