Embarking on a road trip from Chicago, Illinois, to Yellowstone National Park is an adventure filled with incredible landscapes, diverse attractions, and unforgettable memories. In September 2020, I set out on a 4,500-mile road trip, exploring some of the most beautiful parts of the United States. Here’s how my journey unfolded.
Day 1: Departure from Chicago, IL (September 6, 2020)
Our road trip began on the afternoon of September 6, 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. With excitement building up for the journey ahead, we packed our essentials, masked up, and hit the road from Chicago, Illinois.
The goal for the day was to cover as much ground as possible and reach Rapid City, South Dakota, for our night stay. As the pandemic restricted dine-in options, we opted for drive-through fast food along the way. While it wasn’t the most glamorous option, it allowed us to stay safe and focused on the road ahead.
Day 2: Badlands to Mount Rushmore: A Snowy Surprise (September 7, 2020)
We started early on September 7, 2020, excited for another day of exploration and adventure. With a packed itinerary, we hit the road and headed toward our day’s first stop: Badlands National Park.
Stop 1: Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park greeted us with its breathtaking rugged terrain, characterized by jagged peaks, colorful rock formations, and sweeping prairies. We eagerly explored the park, completing several trails that offered stunning views of the dramatic landscapes. Each trail was unique, taking us deeper into the park’s natural beauty and giving us a chance to truly appreciate its vastness. By the time we left in the late afternoon, we felt refreshed and in awe of this incredible natural wonder.
Stop 2: Mount Rushmore: A Snowy Encounter
Our next destination was the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The weather took a sudden and surprising turn as we approached—it started snowing! The sight of the snow gently falling over the granite faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln was nothing short of magical. The unexpected snowfall made the experience even more memorable, adding a serene and almost mystical vibe to the already awe-inspiring landmark.
Standing before Mount Rushmore, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the snow-covered landscape, was a moment of pure serenity and reflection.
Back to Rapid City for the Night
As evening set in, we returned to Rapid City for our night halt. The day had been packed with adventure, natural beauty, and even a little winter magic. Despite the challenges of traveling during the pandemic, moments like these reminded us why road trips are always worth the effort.
Day 3: Arrival at Yellowstone—Old Faithful’s Splendor (September 8, 2020)
We started the day early on September 8, 2020, eager to reach Yellowstone National Park by the afternoon. The excitement of finally visiting one of the most iconic national parks in the United States kept us energized throughout the journey.
Stop 1: Old Faithful Geyser
Our first and only stop for the day in Yellowstone was the legendary Old Faithful Geyser, and it didn’t disappoint. Arriving just in time for one of its spectacular eruptions, we watched in awe as boiling water shot high into the sky with a roar. It was a mesmerizing display of nature’s power and precision.
The area around Old Faithful was equally fascinating, with multiple geothermal features to explore. We spent hours walking the trails in the Upper Geyser Basin, marveling at the steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and colorful pools. The trails took more time than we had anticipated, but every moment was worth it as we immersed ourselves in the unique and surreal landscape of Yellowstone.
By the time we wrapped up, the sun was already setting, and we realized we had spent the entire day captivated by the beauty and wonder of Old Faithful and its surroundings.
Night Halt: Jackson, WY
We concluded the day by driving to Jackson, Wyoming, where we had booked an Airbnb for the night. Nestled in a charming mountain town, our stay in Jackson provided a cozy retreat after a long day of exploration. Exhausted yet thrilled by the day’s experiences, we couldn’t wait to see what the next day in Yellowstone had in store for us.
Day 4: Exploring Yellowstone’s Wonders (September 9, 2020)
We started Day 4 early, determined to cover as many iconic spots within Yellowstone National Park as possible. The crisp morning air and the promise of incredible landscapes fueled our enthusiasm for another adventurous day.
Stop 1: Grand Prismatic Spring
Our first stop was the stunning Grand Prismatic Spring, one of the most photographed spots in Yellowstone. As we approached the spring, the vibrant colors—ranging from deep blue to fiery orange—took our breath away. The steam rising from the spring added an ethereal touch to the already mesmerizing scene.
We spent a significant amount of time here, hiking the nearby trails to get better vantage points of the spring. The elevated trail to the overlook offered a panoramic view of the spring, which was well worth the effort. Every step brought us closer to appreciating the beauty and uniqueness of this geothermal wonder.
Stop 2: Mammoth Hot Springs
Next, we headed to Mammoth Hot Springs, a natural marvel known for its terraced limestone formations. Walking the boardwalk trails, we marveled at the cascading hot springs and the otherworldly textures created by centuries of geothermal activity. Each terrace seemed like a piece of artwork crafted by nature.
The hike through this area was both peaceful and fascinating, making it one of the highlights of our Yellowstone experience.
Stop 3: North Entrance and Gardiner, Montana
Our final stop of the day was the North Entrance of Yellowstone, located near the charming town of Gardiner, Montana. The towering Roosevelt Arch at the entrance, inscribed with the words “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People,” was a perfect spot for photos and reflection.
As we explored Gardiner, we were greeted by a unique and unexpected sight—around 100 elk roaming freely in the town! Watching these majestic creatures up close in such an unusual setting was an unforgettable experience and a fitting conclusion to our day in Yellowstone.
Back to Jackson, WY
As the sun set, we made our way back to our Airbnb in Jackson, Wyoming. The day had been packed with incredible sights, trails, and experiences, leaving us exhausted but deeply satisfied. With so much to see and do, Yellowstone had truly lived up to its reputation as one of the most extraordinary national parks in the world.
Day 5: From Yellowstone to Bonneville Salt Flats – A Starry Adventure (September 10, 2020)
Our journey on September 10, 2020, took us beyond Yellowstone as we set our sights on new destinations. Starting early in the morning, we left the national park and headed south, aiming to make the most of the day while exploring unique locations along the way.
Stop 1: Salt Lake City, Utah
After a long drive, we reached Salt Lake City in the afternoon. Hungry from the journey, we took a break to enjoy a delicious late lunch in the city. The bustling urban atmosphere was a refreshing change after days spent in the serene wilderness. Salt Lake City, with its backdrop of mountains and vibrant cityscape, served as the perfect pit stop to recharge before continuing our adventure.
Stop 2: Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
Our next destination was the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats, one of the most surreal landscapes in the United States. Driving onto the salt flats felt like stepping onto another planet, with the vast, white expanse stretching endlessly in all directions. We couldn’t resist the opportunity to drive across the flats, an experience that was both thrilling and unforgettable.
As the sun began to set, the salt flats transformed into a magical setting. We decided to stay late, almost until midnight, to indulge in some stargazing and Milky Way photography. The dark, unpolluted skies provided the perfect canvas for the stars to shine brightly, and the Milky Way was clearly visible. Capturing these celestial wonders with our cameras was one of the highlights of the trip. The peaceful silence of the flats, combined with the stunning night sky, created an otherworldly experience that we’ll never forget.
Night Halt: Salt Lake City
After a long and fulfilling day, we drove back to Salt Lake City for the night. The combination of unique landscapes, delicious food, and stargazing made this day one of the most memorable of our road trip. As we rested, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the diverse and awe-inspiring experiences this journey continued to offer.
Day 6: From Salt Lake City to Omaha – A Journey Through the Heartland (September 11, 2020)
September 11, 2020, marked a long day of travel as we began our journey back east toward Chicago. With a considerable distance to cover, we started early in the morning, ready for a day filled with scenic drives and one amazing stop along the way.
Stop 1: Pawnee National Grassland
After hours of driving through the open roads, we reached Pawnee National Grassland, a hidden gem along our route. This vast expanse of prairie land was a refreshing change of scenery. The sprawling grasslands, dotted with wildflowers and occasional wildlife, created a tranquil and picturesque setting.
We took some time to stretch our legs and explore the area, soaking in the beauty of the wide-open skies and endless horizons. The peacefulness of the grassland offered a perfect break from the long drive, and it left us feeling rejuvenated for the rest of our journey.
End of the Day: Omaha, Nebraska
After another long stretch on the road, we finally reached Omaha, Nebraska, where we had booked an Airbnb for the night. The day’s drive had been tiring, but the combination of scenic stops and the satisfaction of making significant progress toward home made it worthwhile.
As we settled in for the night, we reflected on the incredible variety of landscapes we had encountered on this road trip—from geothermal wonders in Yellowstone to salt flats in Utah and now the serene grasslands of Colorado. Each day had been a new adventure, and we were grateful for every moment.
Day 7: Homeward Bound – The Final Leg to Chicago (September 12, 2020)
The final day of our road trip, September 12, 2020, began early as we set out on the last stretch of our journey back to Chicago. After days of exploring incredible landscapes and creating unforgettable memories, the thought of returning home was bittersweet.
With the goal of reaching Chicago early, we kept our stops minimal and focused on making good time on the road. The drive itself offered moments of reflection on the amazing experiences we’d had—from the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park and the snow-kissed Mount Rushmore to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone and the surreal expanse of Bonneville Salt Flats. Every mile we drove was a reminder of the adventure and joy this trip had brought into our lives.
By late afternoon, we rolled into Chicago, completing a journey that had taken us across thousands of miles, through diverse landscapes, and into the heart of nature’s wonders. It was truly an amazing trip, one that will remain etched in our memories for years to come.
Final Thoughts
This road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone and beyond was a testament to the beauty of the United States. From national parks to hidden gems, every stop along the way offered something unique. If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, a road trip like this is highly recommended.
As we unpacked our bags and settled back into the rhythm of everyday life, we couldn’t help but smile at the memories we had made. Adventures like this remind us of the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones and exploring the world around us.
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