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Southwest to Great Lakes Cross-Country Route
A classic American road trip from the Arizona desert to the Michigan lakeshore, featuring Route 66 highlights, historic river towns, and Midwestern charm with optimized overnight stays in peaceful suburban anchors.
5days
14stops
3562km
Day 1: Surprise City Hall → Petrified Forest National Park → Bernalillo
7h 40min · 783km3 stops
Surprise City Hall
09:00 – 11:00
3h 48min · 354km
Petrified Forest National Park
12:00 – 14:00
3h 52min · 429km
Bernalillo
15:00 – 17:00
Day 2: Cadillac Ranch → Oklahoma City National Memori… → Edmond Downtown
8h 5min · 895km3 stops
Cadillac Ranch
09:00 – 11:00
4h 11min · 468km
Oklahoma City National Memorial
12:00 – 14:00
3h 54min · 428km
Edmond Downtown
15:00 – 17:00
Day 3: Fantastic Caverns → Gateway Arch National Park → Historic Main Street St. Char…
7h 31min · 808km3 stops
Fantastic Caverns
09:00 – 11:00
4h 12min · 455km
Gateway Arch National Park
12:00 – 14:00
3h 19min · 353km
Historic Main Street St. Charles
15:00 – 17:00
Day 4: Indianapolis Motor Speedway M… → Zionsville Main Street
3h 56min · 411km2 stops
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
09:00 – 11:00
3h 56min · 411km
Zionsville Main Street
12:00 – 14:00
Day 5: The Henry Ford Museum → Dow Gardens → Midland City Center
6h 23min · 665km3 stops
The Henry Ford Museum
09:00 – 11:00
4h 21min · 448km
Dow Gardens
12:00 – 14:00
2h 2min · 218km
Midland City Center
15:00 – 17:00
Heads Up
- 1. This route covers significant mileage; ensure your vehicle is serviced for long-distance highway driving.
- 2. Check local weather when crossing the Ozarks and the Midwest, as conditions can change rapidly.
- 3. Verify seasonal hours for museums and national park visitor centers before arrival.
- 4. Day 1: 7h 40m driving — plan rest stops