Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois and Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chicago, Illinois and Chattanooga, Tennessee are two cities with distinct cultures and their own unique flavor, making for an adventurous road trip. The route from Chicago to Chattanooga will take you through the heart of the Midwest, across the rolling hills of Kentucky and Tennessee, and finally into the heart of the American South.

After hitting the road, the first major city on the agenda is Louisville, KY, which serves as the halfway point of the trip. There is plenty to explore in Louisville, including the famous bourbon distilleries.

Top Five Things to Do:

Explore Magnificent Chicago

Chicago, also known as "The Windy City," is famous for its magnificent skyline, deep-dish pizza, and blues music. A trip to Chicago is a must-do for anyone who loves a vibrant city atmosphere, delectable food options, and gorgeous architectural designs.

Interesting fact: The Chicago River is dyed green every St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate Irish heritage.

Visit the Cloud Gate in Millennium Park

The "Bean" in Millennium Park is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago. This public art installation designed by Anish Kapoor is affectionately known as the Bean; it's a silver sculpture that reflects the city's skyline.

Interesting fact: The Cloud Gate weighs over 110 tons and is composed of stainless steel plates that were polished to perfection.

Experience the Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is home to over 32,000 creatures and offers an amazing experience for animal lovers. You'll get to see some of the rarest animals on the planet, including an octopus, beluga whale, sea turtle, and more.

Interesting fact: The Shedd Aquarium houses some of the oldest fish in the world, some of which are over 100 years old.

Tour the Mammoth Cave National Park

The Mammoth Cave National Park is a vast underground cave system located in Kentucky’s cave country. The limestone caves can be explored through one of the many guided tours available at the park, or visitors can explore the surrounding wilderness on their own.

Interesting fact: The Mammoth Cave system is the world's longest cave system, stretching over 400 miles.

Explore the Ruby Falls

The Ruby Falls are located near Chattanooga, Tennessee, and are an incredible underground waterfall. Visitors can take a guided tour through the historic Lookout Mountain Cave, to see the stunning well-lit waterfall deep in the caverns.

Interesting fact: The cave has its own unique ecosystem where no sunlight can penetrate.

Conclusion

The road trip from Chicago, Illinois and Chattanooga, Tennessee is a unique experience that offers a wide variety of exciting attractions. The trip covers approximately 600 miles and takes around ten hours to complete. Whether it's exploring the city's skyline in Chicago, touring the longest cave system in the world, or admiring the stunning Ruby Falls, there is so much to enjoy. This trip has a unique mixture of natural beauty and city life.