The Best Places to Visit when Traveling from Boise, Idaho to Rochester, Michigan

Driving from Boise, Idaho to Rochester, Michigan can be quite a journey, spanning over 2000 miles and crossing eight states. With so much ground to cover, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about which destinations to explore. This blog post aims to ease the stress that comes with planning a road trip by listing the top five places that travelers should add to their itinerary. From scenic routes to historic landmarks, you won’t want to miss these must-see locations.

Hit the Road: Exploring the Best of the West

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Boise, Idaho, is a great starting point for this road trip since it's located close to many scenic destinations. One must-visit location is Yellowstone National Park. Widely regarded as the first national park in the world, Yellowstone covers an impressive 2.2 million acres and features various wildlife, waterfalls, and geysers. The park is home to numerous hot springs, such as the Grand Prismatic Spring and the Morning Glory Pool, where you can admire vivid colors and photographic vistas. The park is also home to the iconic Old Faithful, a geyser that spouts water skyward every 90 minutes or so.

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

If you've never been to Mount Rushmore, it's an essential stop on any cross-country road trip. Gazing at the 60-foot-tall faces of the four United States presidents etched into the side of a granite mountain is a humbling experience that you can't miss. You can explore the park on your own or join one of the park's informative tours. Apart from the tourist attraction of the colossal sculptures, you can also explore the wildlife at Custer State Park or the Black Hills National Forest nearby.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Badlands National Park offers a stunning backdrop for travelers as they make their way across the country. Located in southwestern South Dakota, visitors can appreciate the vastness of the park's rugged terrain, and its abundant flora and fauna. Whether you're looking to enjoy some breathtaking views or hike the trails, Badlands has lots of outdoor activity options. And, as with most national parks, wildlife sightings are almost guaranteed.

Chicago, Illinois

Of the numerous cities you can visit on your road trip, Chicago is a city you shouldn’t miss. The famous Windy City offers an array of attractions to fit every traveler's needs. For a taste of Chicago's culture, you can visit its various museums, such as the Field Museum, Chicago Children's Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago. For a picturesque view of the city, take a stroll through Millennium Park or visit the Navy Pier. There’s also an abundance of restaurants with drool-worthy food, a buzzing nightlife, and an excellent music scene.

Cleveland, Ohio

No midwest trip is complete without making a stop in Cleveland, Ohio. The city provides a nice balance of outdoor and indoor attractions, with places like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, West Side Market, and the nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Cleveland also has some of the most stunning architecture in the midwest, with landmarks like the historic Terminal Tower and the Cleveland Arcade that belong to the gilded age of America.

The Final Stretch: Discovering Michigan's Hidden Gems

Detroit, Michigan

Detroit’s rejuvenated entertainment and downtown districts offer an exciting new vibe for visitors in a city that's long been regarded as the home of Motown music. Downtown Detroit has been transformed with new developments, such as Little Caesars Arena, home to the Detroit Pistons and Red Wings, and Ford field, the home of the Detroit Lions. You can also visit the iconic Motown Museum, Eastern Market, and the Belle Isle Park.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Just outside Detroit lies Ann Arbor, famed for its football stadium and as the site of the University of Michigan campus. The city incredibly combines small-town charm with a thriving cultural scene. Visit the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum or walk the lively downtown streets and explore Chef Zingerman's Delicatessen, which was recently ranked as one of America's must-visit food sites.

The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village

If you're interested in automobiles, then the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village are must-visits. The Henry Ford Museum has hundreds of exhibits from the earlier eras of the automobile, including The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, the Rolls Royce that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in, and various exhibits of American innovation and technology. Greenfield Village is an outdoor living history museum where you can step back in time to experience America's Industrial Revolution and see famous buildings and landmarks brought to life.

Traverse City, Michigan

As you get closer to Rochester, Michigan, make sure to stop by Traverse City, also known as the “Cherry Capital of the World.” You can explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and marvel at the miles of sand dunes and crystal-clear lakes. Afterward, you can enjoy a walk through the charming downtown area, where there are plenty of coffee shops, stores, and galleries to discover.

Conclusion

There are so many beautiful and diverse landscapes and adventures to be had on a road trip from Boise, Idaho, to Rochester, Michigan, and this guide has only touched the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Though, visiting the above locations will certainly make your trip fulfilling and fun-filled. The cities, national parks, and landmarks listed are all a testament to the diverse beauty of North America and make an incredible journey from east to the west coast.