Road Trip from Arlington, VA to Prior Lake, MN: Top Places to See

Are you planning a road trip from Arlington, Virginia to Prior Lake, Minnesota? If so, you’ll be driving through some of the most beautiful parts of the country. From the charming small towns of the Midwest to the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, there’s plenty to see and do along the way. In this post, we’ll highlight some of the top places to see during your road trip.

So, buckle up and hit the road! Here are the top places to see when driving from Arlington, Virginia to Prior Lake, Minnesota.

Exploring the East Coast

1. Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Your first stop should be Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which is about two and a half hours from Arlington. Lancaster is known for its Amish community, which has been living in the region for over 300 years. Take a drive on the country roads to see picturesque farms, horse-drawn buggies, and beautiful countryside.

Don’t miss touring the Amish Farm and House, a working farm that provides a glimpse into the traditional way of life for the Amish people. You can also take a guided buggy ride or shop for handmade crafts and furniture.

2. Gettysburg National Military Park

From Lancaster, drive just over an hour to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and explore the Gettysburg National Military Park. The park covers 6,000 acres and includes battlefields, monuments, and museums. Take a guided tour to learn about the three-day battle that occurred here in 1863, which marked a turning point in the Civil War.

Make sure to visit the Cemetery Ridge, Little Round Top, and Devil’s Den, which are some of the most significant sites in the park. You can also see the Gettysburg Cyclorama, a 360-degree painting that depicts Pickett’s Charge.

3. Cleveland, Ohio

After Gettysburg, hit the road and head to Cleveland, Ohio, which is about six hours away from Arlington. Cleveland is a vibrant city that is well-known for its museums, parks, and music scene. Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which houses artifacts and exhibits dedicated to the history of rock and roll music.

Don’t miss visiting the Cleveland Museum of Art, which has over 45,000 artworks from around the world. You can also check out the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo or catch a game at Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians.

Midwest Charm

4. Chicago, Illinois

From Cleveland, drive four and a half hours to Chicago, Illinois, the Windy City. Chicago is a bustling metropolis that is full of attractions and surprises. Take a stroll along the Navy Pier, which offers great views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. You can also check out the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), which was once the tallest building in the world.

Don’t miss deep-dish pizza, a Chicago specialty. You can find this pizza in every corner of the city, but some of the best slices can be found at Lou Malnati's, Pizzeria Uno, and Giordano’s.

5. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

After Chicago, hit the road and head to Keystone, South Dakota, which is about 13 hours away. Keystone is the gateway to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which is a must-see on any road trip to the Midwest. Mount Rushmore features the faces of four U.S. presidents, chiseled into the Black Hills of South Dakota.

In addition to admiring the memorial, explore the Black Hills region. You can hike the trails, visit Custer State Park, or take a scenic drive on the Needles Highway.

Minnesota Bound

6. Minneapolis, Minnesota

From Keystone, its a four and a half hour drive to Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota. Minneapolis is known for its parks, lakes, and cultural attractions. Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art, which has over 90,000 artworks from around the world. You should also check out the Walker Art Center, which is known for contemporary art exhibitions.

Don’t miss walking around the Chain of Lakes, which includes five different lakes connected by bike and walking trails. You can also visit the historic Mill City Museum or explore the charm of the Uptown neighborhood.

7. Mall of America

From Minneapolis, drive 30 minutes to the Mall of America, the largest mall in the United States. There are over 500 stores, an amusement park, an aquarium, and many dining options. You could spend a whole day exploring the mall, or just enjoy some retail therapy before hitting the road back home.

Conclusion

Driving from Arlington, Virginia to Prior Lake, Minnesota is an opportunity to explore the beauty and diversity of the United States. From the charming small towns of Pennsylvania to the bustling cities of the Midwest, there is a lot to see and do along the way. Make sure to stop at these top destinations, and don’t forget to take your time and enjoy the journey. Safe travels!