Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Bridgman, Michigan and New York, New York

Planning a road trip from Bridgman, Michigan to New York, New York? You're in for a treat! With a total distance of 811 miles, you can experience the best of both worlds: the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan and the iconic landmarks of the Big Apple. The halfway point of the trip in Mercer, PA provides a charming respite from the long drive. Here are the top five things to do on this epic road trip!

Visit the Skydeck Chicago

One of the most iconic buildings in the United States is located right in the heart of Chicago: the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower). It features an observation deck on the 103rd floor known as the Skydeck Chicago. Fear not, the elevator ride only takes 60 seconds! Once you're on top, you'll be rewarded with an unparalleled view of the Windy City. According to Travel + Leisure, it's also one of the 10 Best Views in America, making it a must-see attraction on any road trip through the Midwest.

Interesting fact: The Willis Tower held the title as the tallest building in the world from 1973 to 1998, when it was surpassed by the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia.

Explore the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

If you're a music lover, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio is a must-visit destination. The museum honors the greatest rock and roll legends of all time, from Elvis Presley to Led Zeppelin to Nirvana. Exhibits showcase artifacts such as original stage costumes, instruments, and rare recordings. The museum is located right on the shore of Lake Erie, making it a perfect pit-stop for those taking a scenic drive through the Midwest.

Interesting fact: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, who also designed the Louvre Pyramid in Paris.

Visit the Statue of Liberty

No trip to New York City is complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty. One of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, Lady Liberty stands tall in New York Harbor, greeting visitors from all over the globe. Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island to get an up-close view of the statue and learn about its history at the on-site museum. Once you're done, hop on another ferry to nearby Ellis Island, where you can explore the National Museum of Immigration.

Interesting fact: The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the United States. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Walk the High Line Park

New York City offers many parks and green spaces, but the High Line Park in Manhattan is truly unique. Built on an old elevated railway, this park stretches for 1.45 miles through the city's west side and offers fantastic views of the Hudson River and the surrounding neighborhoods. The park has been praised for its innovative design, with native plants and urban art installations interspersed throughout. It's free to visit and is a great way to escape the bustling city streets for a while.

Interesting fact: The High Line Park is built on a section of the New York Central Railroad's West Side Line, which remained unused for decades before it was transformed into a park.

See Niagara Falls

A visit to Niagara Falls is a bucket-list item for many travelers. Located on the border of the United States and Canada, these falls are awe-inspiring in their size and beauty. Visitors can take a boat tour to get up close to the falls, walk along the boardwalk for fantastic views, or even take a helicopter ride for a bird's eye view. Niagara Falls has been a popular tourist attraction for over a century, and it's not hard to see why.

Interesting fact: The water that flows over Niagara Falls comes from four of the Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie.

For those who decide to embark on this road trip, they’ll have the chance to experience some of the best locations in the United States. They can discover the Windy City from above, delve into the world of rock and roll, marvel at one of the most famous sculptures in the world, stroll through an elevated park in Manhattan, and feel the power of the waterfalls on the Canadian border. The entire trip takes approximately 14-15 hours of driving, but spread out over a few days and punctuated with stopovers, it can be an adventure of a lifetime. Pack the car and hit the road for a journey you won't forget!