Road Trip: Top Places to See when Driving from Bellingham, Washington to Abington Township, Pennsylvania

Are you planning a road trip from Bellingham, Washington to Abington Township, Pennsylvania? Well, you're in for a treat! This cross-country drive will take you on a journey through diverse landscapes, charming towns, and magnificent natural wonders. From the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast, you'll encounter everything from stunning mountains to vast plains, quaint villages to bustling cities, and more. So, buckle up and get ready for an adventure. Here are our top places to see along the way.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

One of the most iconic landmarks on the drive from Bellingham to Abington Township is Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This awe-inspiring sculpture features the faces of four U.S. presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln - carved into a granite mountain. Created by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his team over 14 years, this masterpiece is a symbol of American heritage and ingenuity.

Besides the monument itself, visitors can explore the park's museum, gift shop, and walking trails. Whether you're a history buff, a patriot, or simply an admirer of art, Mount Rushmore is a must-see destination on your journey.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Another natural wonder that you shouldn't miss on the road trip is Yellowstone National Park, located mostly in Wyoming but also spanning into Montana and Idaho. This massive park covers nearly 3,500 square miles and is home to a plethora of geological features, wildlife, and recreational opportunities.

From Old Faithful Geyser to Grand Prismatic Spring, from bison herds to wolf packs, from hiking trails to fishing streams, Yellowstone has something for everyone. Be sure to plan ahead, as the park is busiest during the summer months and requires advanced lodging and camping reservations.

Chicago, Illinois

When you're ready for a change of pace and scenery, stop by Chicago, the Windy City, on the shores of Lake Michigan. This bustling metropolis is famous for its architecture, food, music, and sports. Take a riverboat tour to admire the city's skyscrapers and bridges, visit the Art Institute of Chicago to see world-class art collections, sample deep-dish pizza and hot dogs at local joints, and catch a Cubs or White Sox game at Wrigley Field or Guaranteed Rate Field.

If you have more time, check out other attractions such as Navy Pier, The Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and Lincoln Park Zoo. Don't forget to snap a selfie with "The Bean" (officially known as Cloud Gate), an iconic sculpture in Millennium Park that reflects the skyline and the crowds.

Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania

As you approach Abington Township in Pennsylvania, make a stop at Gettysburg National Military Park, which commemorates the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the bloodiest and most significant battles of the Civil War. This park features a museum, a visitor center, and a vast battlefield that covers over 6,000 acres.

Take a driving tour or a ranger-guided tour to learn about the battle's key events and personalities, and see monuments, cannons, and other artifacts that mark the battlefield. If you're lucky, you may witness a reenactment or a ceremony by living-history volunteers dressed in period clothing.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Lastly, but certainly not least, is Philadelphia, a historic and vibrant city that played a crucial role in the founding of the United States. As the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Philly is steeped in patriotic symbolism and landmarks.

Some of the must-see attractions include Independence Hall, where the Declaration and the Constitution were signed; the Liberty Bell, a famous symbol of American freedom; Reading Terminal Market, a bustling food hall that showcases local and international cuisines; the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you can run up the iconic steps like Rocky Balboa; and Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison that now offers tours and exhibits on the history of crime and punishment in America.

Conclusion

Driving from Bellingham to Abington Township is a unique and rewarding experience that lets you see the diversity and beauty of America. By including these top places to see, you'll have memories to last a lifetime. So, don't hesitate to hit the road and start exploring!