What route for a road trip across the US?

Question

I live in Michigan and have been really wanting to take a road trip across the US to the National Parks and other interesting locations. Since I am a teacher, I have the summers to do this. My general idea is to start in Michigan, go south toward Texas/Colorado, over to Cali, up Cali, and then back over to Michigan through Montana. Has anyone ever done this or have any ideas/suggestions? I am planning on camping alot with my b/f to save on money. Any must see places, restaurants, tourist traps? Any tips? THANKS!

Answer 1

Rather than doing the interstates, consider taking old Route 66, then up the Pacific Coast Highway, and connecting to the Lincoln Highway. For more information see:

www.historic66.com

www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org

You see more of the countryside that way. Have fun.

Answer 2

You need to do the "big circle route." From Michigan go through Chicago down I-55 to I-40 then West on I-40 to I-30 and then down to Texas. Take I-20 across Texas, NM and Arizona to I-10 to California. Then I-5 up to Seattle then I-94 across Washington, Idaho, Montana, ND< Minnesota and back to Chicago

Answer 3

I don't know your time frame or money situation. But, I'm not a fan of Texas. Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona,up into Utah, Nevada, CA. Redwood Hwy, Oregon Hwy 101, Curry County along the coast. Idaho, Mt. Yellowstone, Black Hills You won't go back to Mi. Sit down with a good road atlas, the internet and look up the states, Parks, counties, and places interest given by the Atlas.



Places I like, Crater Lake in CA. not Oregon, Steens Mt. Oregon, Hiawatha(sp) rail trail in Id, Avenue of the Giants, Ca. Yellowstone, Grand canyon, Oregon Coast, Hells Canyon, Tattered cover book store in Denver, Powell's bookstore in Portland, Any art museum Tillamock Air Museum in Tillamock, Or. The bike trail along I 70 in Colorado. Also around Vail if you can bike at 10,000ft.

Answer 4

Is a week per state long enough....? Depends on what you want to see. Consider that western states tend to be massive - in California it would be a really long day to drive from the southern boarder to the northern boarder. States like Rhode Island can be circumnavigated in a few hours. Many states have nothing to really see - Iowa, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Nevada.....miles and miles of nothing or just farmland. Staying in motels? If so plan on a $100/night on average. Eating in restaurants? I'd budget $35/day for food. Don't forget gasoline, souvenirs, entertainment/park admissions - if you go to NYC your trip wouldn't be complete without seeing a broadway show ($50+/ticket), maybe go to games at places like Wrigley Field, Fenway Park etc..those will run you $30+ each.

Answer 5

I'd agree with Patricia...if you're not in a particular hurry, taking old Route 66 is a great way to see way, way more Americana than you can from the interstates.