Roadtripping from Virginia to Michigan
Are you planning a summer road trip? If so, consider traveling from Chesapeake, Virginia to Ann Arbor, Michigan. The route offers plenty of opportunities to explore the natural wonders and fascinating landmarks along the way.
An interesting fact about the road trip or the route
The route from Chesapeake to Ann Arbor is approximately 700 miles long on the shortest path, with several tourist attractions and unique towns to explore. However, the entire route from Ann Arbor to Chesapeake is close to 1,000 miles, so plan accordingly.
A halfway point in Somerset, PA
A great halfway point to break up the road trip is Somerset, PA. The town is home to the Flight 93 National Memorial, where an airplane crashed during the September 11th terrorist attacks. You can also visit the Laurel Highlands, a scenic mountain range that offers hiking and biking trails, beautiful vistas, and historical sites.
The length of the trip
The drive from Chesapeake to Ann Arbor takes approximately 12 hours, depending on traffic, weather conditions, and stops along the way. Therefore, it's best to break up the trip into three to four days, especially if you want to explore the various attractions and landmarks en route.
Top five places to visit
Shenandoah National Park (Virginia): Shenandoah National Park is the perfect stop to stretch your legs and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can hike one of the many trails, participate in ranger-led programs, or camp overnight and admire the stars.
Fallingwater (Pennsylvania): Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater is a true architectural masterpiece situated over a waterfall. The house features cantilevered balconies and unique angles that make it appear to blend into the natural surroundings. It's a must-visit for architecture and design enthusiasts.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Ohio): Located in Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a fascinating museum where you can learn about the history and influence of rock and roll. Exhibits feature memorabilia, artifacts, and music clips from legendary musicians such as The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and The Rolling Stones.
Chicago Riverwalk (Illinois): While Chicago may not be directly on the route, it's worth a slight detour to visit the Chicago Riverwalk, a beautiful promenade located in the heart of the city. The Riverwalk features outdoor dining, boat tours, art installations, and plenty of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum (Michigan): Located in Dearborn, Michigan, the Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum offer visitors a glimpse into America's past. The outdoor village features historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and working mechanical objects, while the museum boasts an impressive collection of automobiles, planes, and other technological advancements.
Point of interest recommendation with each stop
Don't miss the opportunity to see the sunrise or sunset at Shenandoah's Skyline Drive. The views are breathtaking.
Take a guided tour of Fallingwater to learn more about the house's history and design features.
Stop by Cleveland's West Side Market for some snacks and souvenirs. The market features over 100 vendors offering fresh produce, meats, and baked goods.
Although the Chicago Riverwalk can get busy, especially on weekends, walking along the river and seeing the city from a different perspective is well worth it.
Try some of the traditional American food at Greenfield Village, such as a pulled pork sandwich or peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The food is delicious and adds to the overall experience.
Conclusion
Traveling from Chesapeake to Ann Arbor offers a unique opportunity to experience different parts of the US and explore fascinating landmarks and bustling cities. With a distance of close to 1,000 miles, it's best to break up the trip into three or four days, allowing time to visit national parks, museums, and galleries. Whatever your interests, this road trip has something for everyone.