The Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Top Places to Visit When Driving from Annandale, Virginia to Denver, Colorado
Do you ever dream of hitting the open road and experiencing the thrill of a new adventure? If the answer is yes, then pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for the ultimate road trip from Annandale, Virginia to Denver, Colorado. Get ready to be mesmerized by the scenic routes, breathtaking views, and the endless natural wonders you'll encounter along the way.
From the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains to the Great Plains, we have curated a list of the top must-see places to visit on your journey from Annandale, Virginia to Denver, Colorado. Here's our ultimate road trip guide of the top places to see when driving from Annandale, Virginia, to Denver, Colorado.
Section 1: Starting from Annandale, Virginia
1. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, is an ultimate paradise for nature lovers. With its breathtaking scenic drives, hikes, and waterfalls, this park is a must-see destination on your road trip. The Skyline Drive is the most popular scenic route in the park that runs 105 miles along the mountaintop, offering stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. You can also enjoy the hike to the highest waterfall in the park, the Whiteoak Canyon Falls, or visit the historic Rapidan Camp, President Herbert Hoover's rustic mountain retreat.
2. Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania
As you continue west, make a stop at the Gettysburg National Military Park, located in Pennsylvania. It is the site of the historic Battle of Gettysburg, where thousands of soldiers fought and died during the Civil War. Today, the park serves as a memorial to the soldiers who fought in the battle, with a variety of exhibits, guided tours and events. You can explore the battlefields on a self-guided tour or join a ranger-led tour to get a more in-depth look into some of the most important sites.
3. Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio
The Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio is one of the leading art institutions in the country, with a world-renowned collection of over 50,000 works of art that span 6,000 years of world culture. The museum's impressive collection includes Egyptian mummies, medieval armor, and American contemporary art, among other displays. The museum is also home to a variety of educational programs and events, making it an educational stop on your road trip.
4. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, located in Northwestern Indiana, is home to 15 miles of sandy beaches and dunes that stretch along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. This natural wonderland attracts millions of visitors each year, who come to enjoy the hiking trails, cycling paths, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan. The park also features a variety of cultural and historical attractions, including the Chellberg Farm, which is a restored early 1900s farmstead, and Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm, which are two historic homes that were part of the Duneland community.
5. Chicago, Illinois
No road trip from the East Coast to the West Coast would be complete without a stop in the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois. Known for its towering skyscrapers, delicious deep-dish pizza, and lakefront views, Chicago is a destination that should not be missed. Take a stroll along Navy Pier, visit the world-famous Art Institute of Chicago, or catch a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field.
Section 2: The Great Plains and Rocky Mountains
1. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
As you enter the west and move deeper into the Great Plains, make sure to visit the Badlands National Park, located in southwestern South Dakota. Its unique landscape of layered rock formations, deep canyons, and breathtaking vistas is a sight to behold. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife; visitors are likely to spot bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope.
2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
Continue your journey to the Black Hills of South Dakota to see the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, one of America's most iconic landmarks. The carved faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln stand 60 feet tall in the granite rock of Mount Rushmore and celebrate the birth, growth, and preservation of American democracy. The area around the monument offers a variety of hiking trails, fishing, and rock climbing opportunities.
3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming, is home to half of the world's geysers and thermal features. Yellowstone's unique landscape of geysers, hot springs, and mud pots provide an unforgettable sight for visitors. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, bison, and elk, making it an excellent location for wildlife watching and photography.
4. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Just south of Yellowstone is Grand Teton National Park, where you'll find the towering peaks of the Teton Range rising above the clear waters of Jackson Lake. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at the park, including hiking, mountaineering, fishing, and kayaking. Take a boat ride across Jenny Lake or watch the sunset over the Tetons for a truly unforgettable experience.
5. Denver, Colorado
As you approach the end of your journey, your final stop is the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado. Denver offers a vibrant downtown area with a variety of restaurants and breweries, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Be sure to visit the Denver Art Museum, or catch a show at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Conclusion
From the rolling Appalachians to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, this road trip is one of the most scenic in the country. From national parks and urban cities to cultural institutions, you'll find something for everyone on this trip. We hope that our top places to see, from Annandale, Virginia to Denver, Colorado, helps make your road trip all the more unforgettable. So, pack your bags and hit the road for an adventure of a lifetime.