A Journey Between Chicago and Nashua
Who doesn’t love a good road trip? There’s something about the open road that brings out the adventurer in all of us. Today we’re going to talk about a journey that will take us from the “windy city” of Chicago, Illinois through the picturesque state of New York, and end up in the “Gate City” of Nashua, New Hampshire.
The Halfway Point: Irving, NY
Famous for its location on Lake Erie, the community of Irving serves as the halfway point between Chicago and Nashua. If you’re looking to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air, I recommend visiting the nearby Evangola State Park, which has over 5,000 feet of beach along Lake Erie, hiking trails, and camping sites.
Now that we’ve got a midpoint to look forward to, let’s dive into the top five places to see on this trip!
Top Five Places to See
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland, OH): If you’re a fan of music, you simply can’t miss the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. This interactive museum celebrates the history and evolution of rock and roll, and features a vast array of artifacts from legendary musicians such as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix.
Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls, NY): Known as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls is an awe-inspiring sight that deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list. With breathtaking views from both the American and Canadian sides of the falls, you can take a boat tour, hike along trails, and even zipline across the falls to get up close and personal with this natural wonder.
The Strong National Museum of Play (Rochester, NY): This museum, located in Rochester, NY, is a family-friendly attraction that boasts interactive exhibits based on toys and games from throughout history. Be sure to check out the massive indoor playground, complete with a pirate ship and climbable treehouse!
Ben and Jerry’s Factory Tour (Waterbury, VT): Ice cream lovers rejoice! A visit to the Ben and Jerry’s factory in Waterbury, VT provides a behind-the-scenes look at the famous ice cream production process, and includes a sample of their world-famous flavors.
The Flume Gorge (Franconia Notch, NH): Nestled within Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire, this natural gorge is a stunning showcase of the White Mountains. Visitors can follow a 2-mile round-trip trail that leads through the gorge and past waterfalls and rock formations.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the top five places to see on your journey between Chicago and Nashua. While it’s a bit of a trek, the stops along the way ensure that there will never be a dull moment. If you’re looking for the most direct route, I suggest taking I-90 East out of Chicago until you reach I-81 North in Syracuse, NY. From there, you’ll follow I-81 until you reach Concord, NH, at which point you’ll switch over to I-93 North until you reach Nashua. Safe travels!