Cover Photo by Michael Browning on Unsplash
Move over Route 66. Route 90 is the way to go if you want to traverse the northern United States. You’ll get all the attractions and natural beauty of other well-known routes, like Routes 80 (New Jersey to San Francisco), 70 (Baltimore to LA, through the arches and canyons of Utah) and 40 (Wilmington to LA, through Nashville). So why choose Route 90? For pristine natural beauty, some of the country’s most exciting cities and, if you’re driving in the summer, less-oppressive heat than the more southerly routes, this is the best pick.
Highlights of the Route 90 Road Trip Across the Northern United States
From the historic Northeast to the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest, America’s longest interstate - Route 90 - offers iconic landmarks, national parks and more. As with any road trip, you hold the keys (pun intended) - you have the freedom and flexibility to take any detour you wish, stay over longer in some places and skip over others. Together, we can put together a route that highlights the best Route 90 has to offer, along with fun accommodations, under-the-radar restaurants and private sightseeing tours.
Here’s what we suggest you see on your Route 90 road trip from Boston to Seattle, or vice versa - but don’t let us limit your imagination!
Boston: Start your trip where America began. Visit 16 important Revolutionary War sites on the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail (a good chance to stretch your legs before logging hours in the car). Take in a game at historic Fenway Park, tour the USS Constitution and visit the world-class Museum of Science. Don’t leave with a decadent seafood meal.
Photo by Sean Sweeney on Unsplash
Cleveland, Ohio: Music fans love Cleveland for its Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and legendary Nighttown Jazz Club. It was here that the famous DJ Alan Freed is said to have coined the term, “rock ‘n roll.” You might be fortunate enough to catch a live act by John Legend or Wynton Marsalis while you’re in town.
Photo by DJ Johnson on Unsplash
Chicago: Consider spending a couple days in Chicago to embrace all this vibrant city has to offer - eye-catching architecture, beautiful city beaches on Lake Michigan, a fantastic food scene, amazing museums and more. Sports fans can watch the Chicago Cubs at historic Wrigley Field. Try to fit in an architecture cruise on the Chicago River.
Photo by Pedro Lastra on Unsplash
Pittsburgh: Don’t overlook the “Steel City” for its burgeoning creative scene, historic restaurants and Point State Park, a National Historic Landmark.
Photo by will Phillips on Unsplash
Minneapolis, Minnesota: If you have limited time for your Route 90 northern-route trip, and you want to head west, consider Minneapolis as a starting point. No matter when you pass through during your travels, make sure to visit the Sculpture Garden, drive the Stone Arch Bridge across the Mississippi and dine at award-winning restaurants.
Photo by Nicole Geri on Unsplash
Deadwood, South Dakota: Is it safe to say you don’t think of South Dakota as a great sightseeing state? Think again. As you approach the Black Hills, stop in Deadwood to feel that wild west vibe. Imagine the days of Wild Bill Hickok and the panners looking for gold at the Broken Boot Gold Mine.
Image from: https://www.tripsavvy.com/things-to-do-in-deadwood-south-dakota-4766535
Rapid City, South Dakota: Drive on through the Black Hills National Forest to Rapid City, where you can sample local draft beer at a downtown pub. Fit in a visit to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, too. Then, it’s on to the stunningly surreal landscapes of Badlands National Park. See? We told you South Dakota would surprise you!
Photo by Michael Beltz on Unsplash
Jackson, Wyoming: Take a slight detour off Route 90 to spend a day or two in Yellowstone National Park, with its Old Faithful Geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring and abundance of wildlife, from bison to black bears. Head south through Grand Tetons National Park and into charming Jackson, where you can spend the night at a ranch.
Photo by Emily Campbell on Unsplash
West Glacier, Montana: Continue on to West Glacier, one of the entrances to Glacier National Park. As with Yellowstone, you may want more than just a drive-through experience here to take advantage of the epic Going to the Sun Road and the numerous hiking, fishing and rafting opportunities this particularly picturesque national park has to offer.
Photo by Cole Allen on Unsplash
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: Dine waterfront on the exquisite Lake Coeur d’Alene, taking in the lush mountain views. For a fun adventure, visit with the friendly alpacas at the local alpaca ranch. Take a lake cruise, go kayaking or take a whitewater-rafting while you’re here.
Photo by Roger Starnes Sr on Unsplash
Seattle, Washington: And finally we come to the Emerald City. As you approach over Lake Washington and through the “Portal to the Pacific” tunnel, prepare yourself for jaw-dropping Olympic Mountain views across Puget Sound. Ride to the top of the iconic Space Needle, pick up artisanal, local treats at Pike Place Market and spend some time enjoying the quirky and personality-packed neighborhoods of Seattle, from Capitol Hill to Greenwood.
Photo by Luca Micheli on Unsplash
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