Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and Richland, Washington

A cross-country road trip from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania to Richland, Washington offers a chance to explore the vast and diverse landscapes of the United States. From the rolling hills of Pennsylvania to the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and the sprawling plains of North Dakota to the arid deserts of Nevada, this road trip has something for everyone. The halfway point of Valley City, North Dakota is a small town with a rich history and plenty of charm.

Top 5 Things to Do:

1. Visit the Badlands National Park, South Dakota

The Badlands National Park is a must-see destination for anyone on a road trip through South Dakota. The park's unique landscape features towering rock formations, deep canyons, and vast prairies. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the park on scenic drives. Don't forget to keep an eye out for bison and other wildlife.

Interesting Fact: The Badlands were once home to ancient horses, camels, and rhinoceroses.

2. See the Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri

One of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, is a must-visit destination on any road trip. The arch stands at 630 feet tall and offers breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River. Visitors can take an elevator to the top or explore the museum at the base of the arch.

Interesting Fact: The Gateway Arch is the tallest arch and the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere.

3. Explore the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

No road trip through the American West is complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon National Park. The park's stunning natural beauty attracts visitors from around the world. The Grand Canyon is a mile deep, 277 miles long, and up to 18 miles wide. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the park on rim drives.

Interesting Fact: The Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.

4. Visit the Hoover Dam, Nevada

One of the largest dams in the world, the Hoover Dam in Nevada is a marvel of engineering and a must-visit destination on any road trip through the Southwest. The dam provides power to Arizona, Nevada, and California and attracts millions of visitors each year. Visitors can take guided tours of the dam and see the power plant and generators.

Interesting Fact: The Hoover Dam weighs more than 6.6 million tons and is made up of enough concrete to build a two-lane highway from San Francisco to New York.

5. See the Space Needle, Seattle, Washington

The Space Needle in Seattle, Washington, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. The needle stands at 605 feet tall and offers stunning views of the city and the Puget Sound. Visitors can take the elevator to the top or dine at the restaurant at the top of the needle.

Interesting Fact: The Space Needle was built for the 1962 World's Fair and was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River at the time.

Conclusion

This cross-country road trip from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania to Richland, Washington offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful and iconic destinations in the United States. The trip covered over 2,600 miles and took approximately 40 hours of driving time. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the arid deserts of Nevada and the sparkling waters of the Puget Sound, this road trip shows off the incredible diversity of the American landscape.