Orlando to Chicago Road Trip Guide

120 miles of driving brings RV campers to one of America's most iconic landmarks: the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A raceway also referred to as "the greatest racecourse in the world," the Indianapolis Motor Speedway finds its home in the town known as Speedway, Indiana. This property is well renowned for hosting one of the world's most prestigious events: the Indianapolis 500, a sporting activity that occurs on Memorial Day each year. Other popular racing events that take place at this racetrack yearly include the Verizon IndyCar Series and NASCAR.

Racecar fans from all across the world travel to visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The property is also home to a museum that contains memorabilia from the speedway's history. Other attractions on the grounds include concerts and golfing.

Round out a day of fun at the racetrack with an overnight stay at Raceview Family Campground.

176 miles further along the route takes RV campers to Louisville, Kentucky. Here, families can enjoy a visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Baseball fans will delight with the opportunity to meander through the working factory where the company's famous bats are built each day.

The Louisville Slugger bat was created in 1884. It was designed by a teenager named Bud Hillerich who made it his personal mission to craft a bat that was suitable for a local baseball hero. The company has now been in operation for more than 125 years and is still owned and operated by the Hillerich family.

But there is more to see at the Louisville Slugger Museum than just the factory. Also found on the grounds is a bat that is over 120 feet tall and that has earned the distinction of the biggest baseball bat in the world. Other attractions here include batting cages and a limestone baseball glove that can be climbed through.

After a day's visit to the museum and factory, why not consider spending the night at Louisville North Campground? After a good night's sleep, RV campers will be ready to take on the next leg of their journey en route to Chicago.

After a ride up Lookout Mountain, it's time to take the RV 133 miles further to visit one of Nashville's most iconic landmarks: the Grand Ole Opry. The Grand Ole Opry originated as a radio broadcast in the early 20th century. Its formula included a combination of musicians including new artists, reigning superstars, and country artists now deemed to be legendary. Today, the Opry's membership includes a complete bevy of high-octane country stars including Dierks Bentley, Vince Gill, Loretta Lynn, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, and many more.

The Grand Ole Opry is renowned as "the show that made country music famous." The hall offers guide tours several times each day for families to enjoy.

Other amenities found at the Grand Ole Opry include a bar and restaurant. There is ample parking on the ground for RVs and cars.

Check the Opry's website for scheduled concerts and information about obtaining tickets.

After a day of fun exploring the Grand Ole Opry, an overnight stay might be just what the doctor ordered. Consider stopping by one of these Nashville campgrounds for the night: Two Rivers Campground or Nashville KOA Resort.

The next stop on the seven-day RV road trip from Orlando to Chicago is 120 miles away in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Nestled in the heart of the city is Lookout Mountain, a popular destination for history buffs and hikers alike.

No trip to Lookout Mountain is complete without a ride on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. Though the railroad path is only a mile in total length, this funicular tramway has been in operation for a full century. The railway is fueled by two 100 horsepower winches and travels along a single track with the one exception of a loop in the middle which permits two trains to function concurrently.

The train's cars traverse through areas of immense beauty and provide breathtaking views of Lookout Mountain. One of the most interesting aspects of this train trip is the angle at which it proceeds through its route which is essentially a straight path towards the sky.

At the top of the trek, there is an observatory from which to enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding area.

Only minutes away from Georgia Aquarium is the World of Coca Cola, a museum dedicated to the world's most beloved and easily recognized soft drink. A visit to the World of Coca Cola opens up visitors to many of the unique processes involved in the creation of a simple bottle of Coke. From the bottling procedure to a huge collection of rare artifacts, visitors are treated to a never seen before history of this popular beverage. The museum even houses a delivery truck that was in use in Argentina in the 1930s.

Shown several times daily is a film in 4D which tells the story of the creation of Coke's proprietary formula. Since the taste of Coke varies according to the country due to the different sources of sugar for soft drinks, families can enjoy sampling Coke manufactured in many different countries around the world. Other beverages produced under the Coca Cola trademark can also be tasted.

After a day of fun exploring the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca Cola, a good night's rest might just be in order. Stop by the Stone Mountain Park Campground for the perfect place to park the RV for an overnight stay.

Atlanta offers many interesting activities for families to enjoy. Just 235 miles outside Valdosta, this metropolitan center is a treasure trove of exciting things to do.

For something a little out of the ordinary, why not stop by the Georgia Aquarium? This aquatic center is located in the heart of the city, making it a bit of a challenge to navigate in an RV. Upon arrival at the aquarium, there is lots of parking for RVs and cars.

A unique facility, the aquarium found here provides a habitat for more than ten thousand aquatic creatures. It houses over 500 varieties of fish and is comprised of greater than 60 unique living environments.

There are many exhibits found within Georgia Aquarium. One of the most popular ones contains 6.3 million gallons of water to create the ideal haven for four whale sharks, four manta rays, and a variety of other fish.

Another exhibit that is smaller in size provides a home for four beluga whales. Other interesting attractions here include a dolphin exhibit and a dolphin show. For the ultra adventurous, overnight stays amongst the aquariums can be arranged as can the opportunity to enter the water to spend quality time getting to know the beluga whales.

Wild Adventures is located in Valdosta, Georgia, and is the perfect place to stop for some fun on an RV road trip from Orlando to Chicago. This popular family fun park is situated 96.9 miles outside of Ocala and consists of over 170 acres of rides, animals, water sports, and much, much more.

Wild Adventures offers many exciting activities for families to enjoy including multiple rollercoasters. The park is home to the biggest assortment of rides in the state. Also housed on the grounds is a zoo that features many different types of exotic animals.

Wild Adventures contains a popular water park known as Splash Island, one of the biggest in the state. Also commonly featured on the grounds of this much-loved amusement park is live entertainment.

Among the amenities found on the grounds are concessions stands, a gift shop, bathrooms, and a restaurant. There is ample parking provided for both cars and RVs.

Thinking of parking the RV for a good night's rest before heading towards Atlanta? Both Lake Park Campground and Jennings KOA Holiday have ample facilities for RV stays.

While in Ocala, it is well worth the trip to visit Devil's Milhopper Geological State Park. Located just 39.7 miles from The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park, this incredible national landmark has been an area of fascination for tourists and locals alike since the late 19th century.

This public facility is surrounded by immense tree cover and its landscape is lined with white sand. .Found on the grounds is a small area with the typical conditions found in a South American rain forest.

The hallmark of the property is an immense sinkhole that is comprised of limestone. The area is surrounded by a wide variety of abundant plant life that thrives in the heart of sub-tropical temperatures.  

Devil's Milhopper Geological State Park is home to several artifacts that have been discovered by visitors to the grounds. Many of these fossils are believed to date back thousands of years and indicate that the land was once inhabited by Native Americans.

Tired out from the day's adventures and need a place to park the RV for the night? Consider a stay at Silver Springs State Park or Santos Trailhead and Campground.

Just 84.6 miles from Orlando, families will delight to discover The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park in Ocala, Florida. A popular spot for those that love outdoor adventure, this beloved park offers far more than simply the opportunity to zip-line through areas offering incredibly scenic views.

Nestled on a property of 100 acres in total size, The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park prominently displays such awe-inspiring topographical features as immense cliffs, crystal clear lakes, ancient tree growth, and vast canyons.
The zip-line experience at this beloved recreational area offers families a rush of exhilaration. There is an on-site welcome center that provides stunning views of a vast canyon and the turquoise-hued lake which shimmers from its depths.

Each tour includes nine different zip-lines. There are also two rope bridges for crossing on foot as well as the opportunity to do some rappelling for particularly adventurous souls.

For those who prefer to stick to the land, horseback riding is also permitted on the grounds.