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.
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Oklahoma City National Memorial
- Gateway Arch National Park
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
- The Henry Ford Museum
High Desert and Painted Horizons
Surprise City Hall
Surprise City Hall, Surprise, AZ, US
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park, Holbrook, AZ, US
Bernalillo Visitor Center
Bernalillo Visitor Center, Bernalillo, NM, US
Route 66 Icons and Oklahoma Plains
Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX, US
Oklahoma City National Memorial
Oklahoma City National Memorial, Oklahoma City, OK, US
Edmond Downtown
Edmond Downtown, Edmond, OK, US
Ozark Wonders and the Gateway Arch
Fantastic Caverns
Fantastic Caverns, Springfield, MO, US
Gateway Arch National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, MO, US
Historic Main Street St. Charles
Historic Main Street St. Charles, St. Charles, MO, US
Heartland Heritage and Village Charm
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Speedway, IN, US
Zionsville Main Street
Zionsville Main Street, Zionsville, IN, US
Michigan Innovation and Gardens
The Henry Ford Museum
The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, MI, US
Dow Gardens
Dow Gardens, Midland, MI, US
Midland City Center
Midland City Center, Midland, MI, US
- This route covers significant mileage; ensure your vehicle is serviced for long-distance highway driving.
- Check local weather when crossing the Ozarks and the Midwest, as conditions can change rapidly.
- Verify seasonal hours for museums and national park visitor centers before arrival.
- Day 1: 7h 40m driving — plan rest stops