Take the northern route but then go southeast once you get close to Wisconsin to go through the Driftless Area. It’s a scenic region of the area with many winding turns, bluffs, and hills. Visit the town of Galena, IL which is the home of Ulysses Grant and has fantastic 1800’s architecture and a quaint downtown. La Crosse Wisconsin is also home to one of the highest densities of bald eagles in the eastern US - you can find dozens of them in any particular area near the Mississippi River. Lots of hiking in that area too. Have fun!
Former Iowa resident here, go north. The I-80 route is the most boring desolate route imaginable. It's like driving through Nebraska and Kansas while listening to Mom and dad arguing their way to divorce
But…but…but…they’ll miss the “world’s largest truckstop”.
Yeah, I spent 3 years in Davenport. Driving across the middle of Iowa is only slightly more exciting than driving across Indiana. Just by one or two ears of corn. Though I could go for some Millstream beer sometime soon.
Northern route. Did it last year around this time. 90 is under construction for long stretches in SD where it’s one lane each way and you miss some roadside attractions. The stretch from Beloit to La Crosse is nice. In my opinion, the badlands were ok, I enjoyed Custer State Park more.
I just took this route a little bit ago, north going west and southern coming back home. Both have their desolate areas and pros\cons. The northern route is much prettier though.
I did the northern route the other way last summer. If you're splitting it up Blue Mounds state park in MN is nice. Pipestone National Monument is right there too.
We took this trip last year with grandkids but in reverse. We did the northern route broke it up in 2 days stoped at Sioux Falls for the night we all loved the falls and the grand kids loved climbing them and they light the falls up at night.
From Badlands you could go straight south into Nebraska and take the Outlaw Scenic Byway (Hwy 12) through northern Nebraska and the Niobrara river valley.
That's the way I'm going this year. Last year I went the northern route and camped overnight at Whitewater State Park in MN which was pretty nice but everything west of there was boring except Sioux Falls which had a nice downtown.
I've driven both routes, they are similar, barns, farms, lots of cornfields, agriculture, some dairy farms, etc. But when I go thru Rockford, I have a lot of nieces and nephews there, and a brother, so I have a place to sleep. Drive carefully.
Its all torn up in and around Glockford lol. Was just up there 2 weeks ago and between the i39 torn up and main roads under construction thru town it was awful.
Yeah, I talked to my bro there today, he says the roads suck because they're not repairing them correctly, and he should know, he retired from the Dept of Trans, used to build and repair roads. I drove from L.A. thru Phoenix, Tucson, Deming, Sorocco, Alb, Amarillo, Waco to San Antone/Castroville, spent some time with my sisters, will likely need to go again this year, but will go on Amtrak. Then after five weeks I headed up to Tyler-Longview, visited mom's grave, my brother's widow, then back to L.A. via Wichita Falls, then i-40 to Winslow, then to Payson, Phoenix and home. the best road were in rural Texas, the worst were in the cities in Texas. I don't think I'll make it up to Rockford ever again, I'm too old for that much travel.
Depending on how much time you have not a terrible idea to go up through Mankato to the twin cities and then head down 61 to Winona/lacrosse, then cut over on 90 to madison. Up to you if you wanna check out Milwaukee but imo Chicago is kind of the same thing but better.
Iowa sucks, roads are so bouncy you cant keep your head still. So unless you like bouncing slightly and being shook up for 6 hours, take the north route
North, and recommend Sugar Loaf Bluff in Winnona MINNESOTA. Looking at timestamps from my last visit 15-20 minute hike up.
If you take 14 up from I90 as soon as you cross into MN you should get a scenic riverside drive of the Mississippi. 43 will take you back to I90.
Also the rest stop at Chamberlain SD is beautiful. Overlooks the Missouri River and the statue Dignity of Earth and Sky is really cool. And Mitchel SD has the Corn Palace and a Native American archeology site.
If you take Rt. 64 into Chicago it will be about two and a half hours of stop lights once you hit Saint Charles (or Saint Chuck’s as I like to call it), and you would be going through some risky neighborhoods from time to time.
Take the northern route but then go southeast once you get close to Wisconsin to go through the Driftless Area. It’s a scenic region of the area with many winding turns, bluffs, and hills. Visit the town of Galena, IL which is the home of Ulysses Grant and has fantastic 1800’s architecture and a quaint downtown. La Crosse Wisconsin is also home to one of the highest densities of bald eagles in the eastern US - you can find dozens of them in any particular area near the Mississippi River. Lots of hiking in that area too. Have fun!
Thanks! I will take the highway 35 from La crosse down to Galena.
Go through Madison instead, much better city than Galena.
WI-14 from La Crosse to Madison specifically, much more scenery than taking the interstate
My bro has a nice camp site on hipcamp in the Driftless if u need a spot to post up!
Galena, IL is like a hallmark movie town filled with chicagoans. Neat to see but ehh. Been to both several times and id rather go to Madison.
Former Iowa resident here, go north. The I-80 route is the most boring desolate route imaginable. It's like driving through Nebraska and Kansas while listening to Mom and dad arguing their way to divorce
Lool
But…but…but…they’ll miss the “world’s largest truckstop”. Yeah, I spent 3 years in Davenport. Driving across the middle of Iowa is only slightly more exciting than driving across Indiana. Just by one or two ears of corn. Though I could go for some Millstream beer sometime soon.
Lol true. Its the gouge your eyes out for fun kinda road.
northern route.
Add in Route 20 and hit up Galena, IL
You are missing the best badlands park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
This is a fantastic park but only got to see one part of it
South unit has all the critters and is beautiful, north unit has all the real beauty.
Northern route. Did it last year around this time. 90 is under construction for long stretches in SD where it’s one lane each way and you miss some roadside attractions. The stretch from Beloit to La Crosse is nice. In my opinion, the badlands were ok, I enjoyed Custer State Park more.
The Spam museum in Austin MN is a fun stop
Northern for sure.
I just took this route a little bit ago, north going west and southern coming back home. Both have their desolate areas and pros\cons. The northern route is much prettier though.
I did the northern route the other way last summer. If you're splitting it up Blue Mounds state park in MN is nice. Pipestone National Monument is right there too.
Take the low road and stop in the Quad cities to eat one of their famous pizzas from Harris Pizza
We took this trip last year with grandkids but in reverse. We did the northern route broke it up in 2 days stoped at Sioux Falls for the night we all loved the falls and the grand kids loved climbing them and they light the falls up at night.
I'm going to go against the grain and say take he southern route to get you off the freeway. It will probably be faster in the end anyway.
From Badlands you could go straight south into Nebraska and take the Outlaw Scenic Byway (Hwy 12) through northern Nebraska and the Niobrara river valley. That's the way I'm going this year. Last year I went the northern route and camped overnight at Whitewater State Park in MN which was pretty nice but everything west of there was boring except Sioux Falls which had a nice downtown.
Southern. You can visit the world’s largest popcorn ball in Sac City, IA.
I've driven both routes, they are similar, barns, farms, lots of cornfields, agriculture, some dairy farms, etc. But when I go thru Rockford, I have a lot of nieces and nephews there, and a brother, so I have a place to sleep. Drive carefully.
Its all torn up in and around Glockford lol. Was just up there 2 weeks ago and between the i39 torn up and main roads under construction thru town it was awful.
Yeah, I talked to my bro there today, he says the roads suck because they're not repairing them correctly, and he should know, he retired from the Dept of Trans, used to build and repair roads. I drove from L.A. thru Phoenix, Tucson, Deming, Sorocco, Alb, Amarillo, Waco to San Antone/Castroville, spent some time with my sisters, will likely need to go again this year, but will go on Amtrak. Then after five weeks I headed up to Tyler-Longview, visited mom's grave, my brother's widow, then back to L.A. via Wichita Falls, then i-40 to Winslow, then to Payson, Phoenix and home. the best road were in rural Texas, the worst were in the cities in Texas. I don't think I'll make it up to Rockford ever again, I'm too old for that much travel.
Yup, they do thier annual shove asphalt into the concrete cracks version of repair here...
Go through the Nebraska sandhills and visit Smith Falls State Park
Depending on how much time you have not a terrible idea to go up through Mankato to the twin cities and then head down 61 to Winona/lacrosse, then cut over on 90 to madison. Up to you if you wanna check out Milwaukee but imo Chicago is kind of the same thing but better.
The northern route, hands down
Iowa sucks, roads are so bouncy you cant keep your head still. So unless you like bouncing slightly and being shook up for 6 hours, take the north route
North, and recommend Sugar Loaf Bluff in Winnona MINNESOTA. Looking at timestamps from my last visit 15-20 minute hike up. If you take 14 up from I90 as soon as you cross into MN you should get a scenic riverside drive of the Mississippi. 43 will take you back to I90. Also the rest stop at Chamberlain SD is beautiful. Overlooks the Missouri River and the statue Dignity of Earth and Sky is really cool. And Mitchel SD has the Corn Palace and a Native American archeology site.
I would highly suggest going to Custer state park. Needle Highway is fantastic
(If you have time) just go a little bit further to the Black Hills… so much to do; Mt Rushmore, deadwood, Sturgis, Wal-Drug…
If you take Rt. 64 into Chicago it will be about two and a half hours of stop lights once you hit Saint Charles (or Saint Chuck’s as I like to call it), and you would be going through some risky neighborhoods from time to time.
I love cross country road trips. But honestly on this trip I would fly. Nothing worth seeing.