Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois to Baltimore, Maryland
Are you looking for a road trip that takes you through some of the most beautiful cities and towns of the Midwest and East Coast of the United States? Look no further! This road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Baltimore, Maryland is the perfect adventure for any history buff, nature lover, or culture enthusiast.
Did you know that the total distance between Chicago and Baltimore is just over 700 miles? Starting in Chicago, you will drive through scenic Ohio and Pennsylvania before reaching your final destination in the charming city of Baltimore.
About halfway between Chicago and Baltimore lies the small town of Streetsboro, OH. While this town is small, it's home to one of the most popular outlet shopping malls in the Midwest, making it a perfect pit stop for some retail therapy.
The total length of this road trip is approximately 12 to 14 hours, depending on how many stops you make along the way. However, we recommend taking advantage of the many attractions and landmarks along the route, so plan on making a few overnight stays to fully enjoy the journey.
Without further ado, here are the top five places to visit on your road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Baltimore, Maryland:
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Located in Cleveland, OH, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is the ultimate destination for any music lover. This impressive museum showcases the history and culture of rock and roll through displays of artifacts, performance footage, and interactive exhibits. Don't miss a chance to stand in front of iconic exhibits like the original Elvis Presley jumpsuit or one of Prince's custom-designed guitars.
Point of Interest: Don't leave Cleveland without trying the famous local dish – the Polish Boy. This delicious sandwich consists of a kielbasa sausage topped with coleslaw, french fries, and barbecue sauce.
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Head east to Pittsburgh, PA to experience the beauty of nature at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. This stunning botanical garden features over 15 acres of gardens and greenhouses, including a butterfly forest and a Japanese garden. Enjoy a peaceful stroll and take in the aroma of exotic flowers and plants.
Point of Interest: Satisfy your sweet tooth at the nearby Prantl's Bakery, known for their famously delicious burnt almond torte cake.
- Gettysburg National Military Park
Take a break from the city life and immerse yourself in American history at Gettysburg National Military Park. This park commemorates the famous Civil War battle of Gettysburg and features a museum, a battlefield, and other historical sites. Relive the events of the battle by taking a tour or traversing the park's extensive hiking trails.
Point of Interest: Stop by the Appalachian Brewing Company in nearby Abbottstown, PA for a refreshing craft beer and pub-style food.
- National Aquarium
Get up close and personal with sea creatures from around the world at the National Aquarium in Inner Harbor, Baltimore. This aquarium features over 20,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles. Don't miss the chance to walk through a rainforest exhibit or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium.
Point of Interest: Satisfy your hunger with a delicious Maryland-style crab cake at nearby Faidley Seafood in Lexington Market, a Baltimore institution since 1886.
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Located in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in aviation or space exploration. This museum features over 60,000 artifacts, including spacecraft, historical planes, and exhibits about the history of flight and space exploration. Don't miss the chance to see the original Wright Brothers' plane or a lunar rock from the Apollo missions.
Point of Interest: Take a stroll through the National Mall and see iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial or the Washington Monument.
In conclusion, this road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Baltimore, Maryland is the perfect way to explore the beauty and history of the Midwest and East Coast of the United States. With great attractions and points of interest along the way, it is bound to be a memorable journey. Just remember to take your time and enjoy the ride!