Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chicago, Illinois to Las Vegas, Nevada
If you're ready for an adventure, hit the road and drive from Chicago, Illinois, to Las Vegas, Nevada. The journey is nearly 1,750 miles long, but it's worth every moment with stunning scenery and many places to explore. You might think that driving long distance is boring, but the route from Chicago to Las Vegas proves otherwise. You will go through many small towns you never heard of before and see many scenic spots that will take your breath away.
Halfway Point: Brush, CO
Before we dive into the exciting places you can explore before reaching Las Vegas, let's talk about the halfway point of your journey. Brush, CO, provides an ideal location for resting and exploring. This quaint town is a friendly place where you can meet the locals and experience small-town living. Brush offers fantastic parks where you can stretch your legs and take a break from driving.
1. Corn Palace - Mitchell, South Dakota
The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, is unlike any other palace you will ever visit. The palace interior and exterior are made from murals made entirely of corn! The palace has existed since 1892 and for several years was the world's largest cereal manufacturer. Take a tour of the palace, get up close and personal with corn murals, and taste corn delicacies at the concession stand.
Favorite food: Corn on the cob with butter.
2. Badlands National Park - Interior, South Dakota
Badlands National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a scenic drive from Chicago to Las Vegas. The place is famous for its scenic views, distinctive rock formations, and rich wildlife. It might be tempting to drive through the park, but it's better to park and explore its many hiking trails. You might spot bison, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and many other animals along the way.
Favorite food: Picnic lunch in the park with sandwiches and chips.
3. Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
Yellowstone National Park is one of the world's most famous parks, and it's a great place to stop on your itinerary from Chicago to Las Vegas. Yellowstone is a vast park that spans three states - Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The park offers plenty of recreational opportunities, from hiking and camping to skiing and snowshoeing. You will be able to see geysers, hot springs, and wildlife roaming through the rugged terrain.
Favorite food: Bison burger at the park's restaurant.
4. Zion National Park - Springdale, Utah
Zion National Park is an excellent place to visit if you want to experience one of America's most incredible natural wonders on your drive from Chicago to Las Vegas. Zion is famous for its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and red rock formations. It's a great place to hike, ride a bike, or take a guided tour. The park has many activities that cater to visitors of all ages.
Favorite food: Hiking trail mix and water.
5. Hoover Dam - Clark County, Nevada
Before you reach Las Vegas, you will have a chance to stop at one of America's most famous structures, the Hoover Dam. The dam spans the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada and receives more than seven million visitors every year. You can marvel at its incredible engineering, take the elevator down to see the power plant, and walk across the top of the dam to see the breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Favorite food: Ice cream at the visitor center.
Conclusion
If you're looking to experience a memorable road trip from Chicago to Las Vegas, there are many unique places to explore along the way. From The Corn Palace to Zion National Park to the Hoover Dam, these destinations provide incredible scenery, food, and history. The road trip is about more than getting from point A to point B; it's about the journey and the experiences that await you along the way. So, pack your bags, fill up your tank, and embark on an unforgettable adventure from Chicago to Las Vegas.