Detroit to Denver Road Trip Guide

As you continue to make your way through Nebraska, it’s best to make a stop in Lincoln, as there isn’t too much throughout the rest of the state. There is camping all around the state where you can park and get some rest for the last leg of your journey. One of the more unique places to see in Lincoln, Nebraska is the Sunken Gardens. This garden was constructed in the early 1930s and has made it into the National Geographic Guide to Public Gardens before.

There are over 30,000, yes you read that right, 30,000 individual plants to see there. This is unlike any garden you’ve ever seen before. If you’re traveling in the spring you’ll be able to watch the tulips bloom, and in the summer you can see many more flowers come to life! Don’t forget to visit and watch the leaves change color come autumn!

Located in Omaha, Nebraska, Fun-Plex Waterpark is a more modern way to cool off during the warm summer months. More than just a waterpark, it is considered to be the largest amusement park in all of Nebraska. It has the only roller coaster in the state and the entire park started as a simple go-kart track in the late 1970’s. There is a fun wave pool there that will make you feel like you’re in the ocean.

If you’re looking for something a bit more laid back, there is a lazy river where you can kick back in an inner tube and float away the stress of your daily life. There are multiple water slides that are worth climbing the stairs for at Fun-Plex Waterpark as well. While kids can enjoy the kid-friendly play area, adults can take advantage of the swim-up bar for a cocktail right in the water!

As you continue on to Denver, Colorado, you’ve had quite the trip so far! Before leaving the great state of Illinois, it’s time to hit the lake. Road trips can be stinky, sweaty, and uncomfortable, especially in the warmer months. Stopping at Lake Storey is a great way to cool off and get your body moving between points of interest. It is located in Galesburg, Illinois and has beautiful scenery.

You can cast a reel in the lake and catch your own dinner fresh from the lake! Some of the more commonly caught fish are bass, crappies, and muskies. There is plenty of wildlife in the area that you can observe, as long as you don’t feed them! You can get in a classic game of Marco Polo, go for a casual swim, or even rent a kayak for an afternoon out on the water.

One of the most iconic places in Chicago is Millenium Park. Home to plenty of shopping, great restaurants, theater venues, and more, it’s worth going a few miles off course to spend a day there. You can take photos of and with your friends in front of the Bean. If it’s summer during your visit, you can cool off by splashing around in the Crown Fountain or catch a race at the Speedway!

You’ll be able to watch live musicians and other artists at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. If you’re looking for a place to do yoga or meditate after a few days on the road, check out the Lurie Garden. You can’t go to Chicago without getting a delicious slice of deep-dish pizza! Stop at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Giordano's, or Gino’s East! It’s worth it to drive a few miles out of the way to make plenty of amazing memories in one of the best cities in America.

After a day filled with amazing animals, it’s time to hit the road and head towards Colorado. Stopping at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana is a great way to stretch your legs after hours in the motorhome. This is a national museum that is home to a variety of unique automobiles, carriages, military vehicles, and more. Some parts of the museum will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

You’ll be able to see cars that didn’t have the modern amenities that we have today. There is a permanent collection of vehicles, as well as a rotating exhibit. If you’re exhausted after a long day of exploring, it’s time to hit the hay before heading towards the windy city. You can park the motorhome at the South Bend KOA for a convenient place to stay overnight.

This Nebraska border town serves as the official starting point of the transcontinental railroad. Explore the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and the Lincoln Monument before continuing west. The town's historic downtown offers antique shopping and local diners serving authentic Midwest comfort food.

Before you leave Detroit, you and your buddies have to make a stop at the Detroit Institute of Art. You’ll be able to spend quite a few hours roaming around this museum. It covers nearly 700,000 square feet and is home to over 100 different galleries. It is one of the largest and most impressive art collections in the United States. You don’t have to be a massive fan of art to have a good time there either!

The Detroit Institute of Art has exhibits that come and go throughout the year and you can check the calendar on the website to see what’s there during your trip. If you started your trip a little bit before Detroit you may want to rest before the long journey. You could stay at Scout Hollow Rouge Park, right in Detroit, for the night.

This towering geological formation served as a landmark for Oregon Trail pioneers. The visitor center provides fascinating exhibits about westward expansion, while the surrounding landscape offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. It's a perfect spot to stretch your legs and absorb American frontier history.

Just outside Denver, this world-famous venue showcases Colorado's dramatic red sandstone formations. Even without a concert, the hiking trails provide spectacular views of the Denver metro area and Front Range. The Trading Post offers local crafts and Colorado specialties.

Colorado's crown jewel offers over 400 square miles of pristine wilderness just 90 minutes from Denver. Trail Ridge Road provides stunning alpine vistas, while numerous hiking trails accommodate all skill levels. The park showcases Colorado's diverse ecosystems from montane meadows to alpine tundra. Learn more about this spectacular destination in our Rocky Mountain National Park guide.