10-Day Scenic Road Trip from Houston to Chicago via National Parks and Iconic Landmarks

Day 1: Houston Space Exploration

Houston, TX on June 28, 2025

9:00am

Space Center Houston

Explore NASA's official visitor center with interactive exhibits on space exploration and astronaut encounters. A must-see for space enthusiasts.
USD29.95, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Breakfast Klub

Enjoy southern-style comfort food with their famous wings and waffles, located in Midtown Houston. Open from 7am to 2pm.
USD15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive towards Grand Canyon, stop for dinner en route in Amarillo, TX

Travel west with a dinner stop at The Big Texan Steak Ranch, known for its 72-ounce steak challenge and lively atmosphere.
USD25, 1h0m

7:00pm

Overnight rest near Amarillo

Rest overnight to break the long drive and prepare for Grand Canyon visit the following day.
USD90, overnight
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Day 2: Grand Canyon Adventure

Grand Canyon, AZ on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Amarillo Diner

Start early with a classic American diner breakfast to fuel up for the day.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Arrive at Grand Canyon National Park

Spend the day exploring the South Rim viewpoints, hiking trails like Bright Angel Trail and visiting the visitor center. The park opens at 6am.
USD35 (car entrance fee), 6h0m

3:30pm

Dinner at El Tovar Dining Room

Enjoy a historic dining experience with views overlooking the canyon. Reservations recommended.
USD40, 1h30m

5:00pm

Drive to Hoover Dam

Begin the 2.5-hour drive to Hoover Dam and check into accommodation nearby for next day’s visit.
USD80 (hotel), overnight
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Day 3: Hoover Dam Tour

Hoover Dam, NV on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe before starting the Hoover Dam tour.
USD12, 0h45m

9:00am

Hoover Dam Guided Tour

Take a guided tour through the dam’s power plant and learn about its construction and importance. Open 9am to 5pm.
USD30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Dam Bar & Grill

A casual spot nearby offering American classics with a view of the dam.
USD18, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Salt Lake City, UT

Start the approximately 8-hour drive north to Salt Lake City. Stop for occasional breaks en route.
N/A, 8h0m

9:30pm

Check into hotel in Salt Lake City

Rest up after a long day of driving to prepare for exploring Salt Lake City tomorrow.
USD100, overnight
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Day 4: Salt Lake City Sights

Salt Lake City, UT on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ruth's Diner

Popular local diner known for hearty breakfast and gorgeous views in Emigration Canyon.
USD18, 1h0m

9:30am

Temple Square Visit

Tour Salt Lake City's iconic religious and historic sites, including the Salt Lake Temple and Tabernacle. Open 9am to 5pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Red Iguana

Enjoy some of the best Mexican food in the city, famous for their mole sauces.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Yellowstone National Park

Drive north towards Yellowstone, which takes about 5 hours. Check into nearby accommodation.
USD80 (hotel), 5h0m
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Day 5: Yellowstone Exploration

Yellowstone National Park, WY on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at lodging

Have an early meal to maximize time exploring the park’s geothermal wonders and wildlife.
USD15, 0h45m

8:00am

Yellowstone National Park Tour

Visit iconic locations like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Yellowstone Lake. Park opens 24h but visitor centers open 8am to 6pm.
USD35 per vehicle, 8h0m

4:00pm

Dinner at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

Dine in this historic lodge inside the park with rustic charm and classic American dishes.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Mount Rushmore & Travel

Keystone, SD on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at pancake house

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local spot before heading out to Mount Rushmore.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

View the famous presidential carvings and visit the museum and walking trails. Open 5am to 11pm, visitor center 9am to 6pm.
USD10 parking, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch in Keystone

Eat at The Ruby House, known for classic American fare and a cozy atmosphere.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Approximately 6-hour drive south toward Rocky Mountain NP. Check in to accommodation upon arrival.
USD90 (hotel), 6h0m
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Day 7: Rocky Mountain Hiking

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café

Fuel up with a fresh breakfast at a café near the park entrance.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park

Hike popular trails such as Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, or take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road. Park open 24h, visitor center 8am-5pm.
USD25 (per vehicle), 6h0m

3:30pm

Dinner at The Stanley Hotel's Cascades Restaurant

Dine in a historic setting with mountain views and an upscale menu.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 8: Chicago City Tour

Chicago, IL on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe

Enjoy renowned pancakes and artisan coffee near Millennium Park.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Willis Tower Skydeck

Experience panoramic city views from the Skydeck, open 9am to 10pm.
USD30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Try Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza in a casual but vibrant setting.
USD25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Millennium Park

Stroll through the park, see Cloud Gate (The Bean), and relax by the fountains.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Girl & The Goat

Enjoy innovative, shareable dishes at one of Chicago’s hottest restaurants. Reservations recommended.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 9: Return Travel Day

Nebraska on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local diner

Have a relaxed breakfast to prepare for the journey home.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive home to 4022 N Steels Cir

Begin travel home from Chicago to Nebraska, approximately a 7-hour drive with stops as needed.
N/A, 7h0m

4:00pm

Arrive home

Relax and unwind after completing an incredible road trip.
Free, rest
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