Road Trip from Atlanta to Chicago
This trip to the Eastern United States includes national parks, wooded areas, and busy cities. Before arriving at Chicago’s impressive skyscrapers, you might see Hollywood, Nashville’s country music firm, and the Great Smoky Mountains from Atlanta’s cultural center.
The 760-mile journey from Atlanta to Chicago takes eleven hours and thirty minutes. A diversion through Nashville, The Land Between the Lakes, Shawnee National Forest, and St. Louis is an alternative, highlights of the trip include Chattanooga, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis.
No matter the path you choose, you will reach the gorgeous city of Chicago, situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. Keep reading to plan your journey from Atlanta, including advice on the best routes, treks, and overnight breaks.
Duration of time to travel from Atlanta to Chicago?
| Route | Distance | Traveling Time |
| Cincinnati route | 760 miles | 11 hours 30 min |
| Nashville route | 860 miles | 13 hours |
It takes 11 hours and 30 minutes to drive the 759-mile Cincinnati Route. This trip is shorter, but you can see Knoxville, Gatlinburg, and the Great Smoky Mountains and add travel to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood.
The 860-mile Nashville Route takes 13 hours to travel in a straight line. It passes through the major towns of St.Louis and includes some noteworthy natural scenery in between, adding a few hours to the trip’s duration.
To fully enjoy such a holiday, we advise allowing at least three days or more so you can explore the city’s attractions and historic places.
The best route for a road trip between Atlanta and Chicago
These road trips blend fascinating cities with breathtaking landscapes in a way that is sure to delight you. Before they split at Chattanooga, you choose which towns you like and which natural wonders you wish to explore.
The Cincinnati Route passes through several prosperous, well-known cities, including Lexington, Indianapolis, Knoxville, and Cincinnati.
Drives across the Appalachian Mountains, one of North America’s oldest mountain ranges, are beautiful. Daniel Boone National Forest can be a good place to stop.
The cities of Nashville and St. are linked by the Nashville Route but drifts through scenic villages, wooded areas, and farmland.
Despite being longer than the alternative, this route provides numerous chances to take in the natural landscape of the Land Between the Lakes and the Shawnee National Forest.
Cincinnati Route
Located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga is reached by traveling north on Interstate 75 (I-75) from Atlanta.
Get to Knoxville by rejoining the interstate. From here, you can visit the mountain village of Pigeon Forge and Dollywood, the entertainment park with the Appalachian mountain theme and famous vocalist Dolly Parton.
Travel north on I-75 from Knoxville, with the option to take a short detour to Daniel Boone National Forest for some fresh air. You can visit a memorial honoring Abraham Lincoln’s first lady while you’re in Lexington.
Travel over the Ohio River to Cincinnati. Discover how the old and the new meet by exploring the bustling downtown and the architecture from the 19th century. After that, head back to I-75 and exit onto I-74.
Continue on this road to Indianapolis after you cross the Indiana border.The state capital, which is especially famous for its auto racing, hosts three major international racing events.
After merging with I-65 north, take I-90 west around the lakeshore until you reach the bank of Lake Michigan to get to Chicago.
Nashville Route
From Atlanta, travel north on I-75 and pass through Chattanooga to arrive in Nashville. If you want to attend live country music concerts and discover the style’s history, it’s worth staying in Music City for a night or two.
Travel west on Interstate 24 to reach the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, which offers more than 170,000 acres of stunning hiking, camping, and water sports options.
After crossing the Ohio River into Illinois, you can stretch your legs across miles of expansive trees in the Shawnee National Forest. Take I-57 north and turn onto I-64 W to reach St. Louis. Take a snapshot of the famous skyline, which is dominated by the Gateway Arch.
To gain a stunning view, you can ride to the summit.
Visit the former home of President Abraham Lincoln by traveling north on I-55 via Springfield. Keep on I-55 until you arrive in Chicago.
The best spots to stop between Atlanta and Chicago
Whichever route you choose, you can expect an elegant blend of tranquility and the vitality of a big metropolis.
There will be about 800 miles of road to travel, so plan a few strategically placed rest stops to break up the distance and take in the scenery. Here are a handful of our top picks for overnight trips.
Be more involved in Cincinnati
The city that lends this route its name, Cincinnati, is a terrific place to stop for a great deal. It boasts a beautiful river valley setting, conserved architecture, and a growing food culture. It is located roughly halfway along the Cincinnati Route.
Cincinnati featured one of the nation’s initial professional baseball teams, a legacy that the Great American Ball Park honors. On opening day each year, the stadium is crowded with fans supporting the team with parties and parades.
You’ve probably heard of Coney Island, an amusement park on the Ohio River that’s a great location to let your inner toddler out. There is something for everyone, regardless of your preference for traditional American funfair cuisine or excitement-seeking.
Enjoy your stay at 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati. This modern hotel features stylish furniture and an award-winning restaurant serving local cuisine.
It is conveniently located near Smale Riverfront Park, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and Fountain Square.
Enjoy Country in Nashville
Nashville, commonly known as Music City, is the heart of the country’s music culture and home to some of the world’s best barbecues.
Fans of all ages may learn more about the life of the music legend at the Johnny Cash Museum. It features a significant collection of souvenirs that were originally in Money itself.
Take a trip through Centennial Park, just like the locals. This park, which includes the Parthenon of Tennessee, has a one-mile walking track and is Nashville’s most popular green area. Depending on the time of year, tourists can enjoy exhibitions and events.
Where to Stay When You Tour Chicago
There is so much to do in Chicago that you’ll want a pleasant place to return to at the end of the day.
The Blackstone is a premium hotel located in a historic French Beaux-Arts structure in downtown Chicago. It’s just steps away from the Magnificent Mile, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Grant Park, so you can get right out.
The hotel features an on-site tapas restaurant that serves Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as numerous local restaurants. There is a well-equipped exercise center, but the true lure is the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from every direction.
Places to See on a Road Trip from Atlanta to Chicago
This tour offers a wide choice of activities, from theme parks to historic spots. Each route includes both natural and man-made green spaces, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs.
Over the course of the 800-mile journey, we’ve selected some of the most highly recommended places to include in your itinerary
Cincinnati Route
1. Tennessee Theater Knoxville: This theater has been open since 1928 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a premier performance arts facility that hosts a variety of events.
Knoxville2. Market Square Knoxville- is a busy downtown market with a wide range of entertainment, retail, and food opportunities.
3. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park: While visiting this park, enjoy the Eagle Falls Trail trek for breathtaking vistas. If hiking is not your cup of tea, you can go horseback riding.
4. Daniel Boone National Forest: With over 708,000 acres, this national forest borders the Appalachian Mountains and features forest, sandstone cliffs, and canyons.
5. Mary Todd Lincoln House Lexington – This mansion serves as a tribute to Abraham Lincoln’s first wife, reflecting her life and success in the White House.
6. Fountain Square, Cincinnati: This monument marks the city’s downtown district and is surrounded by numerous stores and dining options.
7. Great American Ball Park Cincinnati: This park, which is home to the Cincinnati Reds, the first professional baseball team, is positioned right along the Ohio River and offers spectacular views of the city.
8. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: This museum shares stories from the motor racing industry and houses some of the most significant events in racing history.
9. Monument Circle Indianapolis- is the hub of downtown and features a rooftop deck with views of the city.
10. Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis—provides hiking, boating, fishing, and other activities!
Nashville Route
1. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the most popular music museums, with many items related to the country genre.
2. Nashville Parthenon – This attraction, located in Centennial Park, is a propagation of Athens, Greece’s Parthenon.
3. Land Between the Lakes: Explore the Elk & Bison grassland, where many elk and bison roam freely in the park, or follow the paved loop to see other grassland wildlife.
4. Superman Statue, Metropolis—Superman’s birthplace! There is a statue of this superhero downtown.
5. Shawnee National Forest – Explore the forest’s stunning beauty while learning about America’s indigenous history.
6. The Gateway Arch, St. Louis: You may enjoy views of the St. Louis cityscape and the Mississippi River as you ride up to this gigantic arch.
7. City Museum in Louis—Let your inner child show! This museum was designed to be dynamic, so you can enjoy tunnels, slides, and an expansive outdoor climbing area.
8. Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Center – Visit the famous Route 66 Visitor Center! This route has become one of the most well-known roads in the country, running from east to west.
9. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Springfield: This historic mansion, which is the only home of our previous President Abraham Lincoln, serves as the focal point of Springfield.
Both routes
1. Marietta Square, Marietta—a lovely town park surrounded by local stores, restaurants, and a Liberty Bell replica.
2. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park—in Kennesaw This conserved site from the 1864 Civil War conflict is ideal for historians, as it includes films and souvenirs from the battle.
3. Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville: This museum is an exceptional portrayal of Western America, focusing on all things cowboy.
4. Ruby Falls, Chattanooga: You may join a guided cave tour or zipline above this magnificent cascade.
5. Millennium Park, Chicago: A public park in downtown Chicago near the Lake Michigan shoreline known for the Cloud Gate sculpture and a variety of art.
Best time for a road trip from Atlanta to Chicago
While you may travel from Atlanta to Chicago at any time of year, the warmer months are ideal for taking advantage of the entire choice of outdoor activities and national parks along the way.
Because the summer is peak tourist season, accommodation rates may be higher, and you may experience humid weather. But it’s also an excellent time to explore parks and forests while relaxing in the sun. During this time of year, the average daily temperature might exceed 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
People come to the city for a number of exciting summer events, including the Taste of Chicago festival in July and one of the biggest blues festivals in the world in the month of June., which showcases the city’s diverse cuisines.
In the winter, expect slower driving across the mountains and freezing temperatures. Chicago is known as the City of Winds, so you might want to stay away from the icy winter gusts. Temperatures hover around 25-30 degrees, which may result in lengthy drive times and cold parks.
The months of March through May and September through October are ideal for visiting. The shoulder seasons have fewer visitors and average rates, but there is still enough to see and do!
The temperature remains moderate (between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and is not very humid. The Chicago Marathon is held in October, when many streets are closed to runners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you stop from Atlanta to Chicago?
The main cities between Atlanta and Chicago are Nashville, Louisville, Chattanooga, Indianapolis, Huntsville, Bowling Green, Franklin, Blue Ridge, and Dahlonega. Nashville is the most popular city along the route. It’s four hours from Atlanta and eight from Chicago.
Which city is very close to Chicago?
Oak Park, Berwyn, Naperville, and Bolingbrook are among the closest cities to Chicago.
Is it hard to drive into Chicago?
While there can be a lot of traffic in Chicago, if you follow the general rules of the road and plan your route ahead of time, you’ll find it relatively straightforward to travel.
Is there a train that goes from Atlanta to Chicago?
Yes, Amtrak’s **Crescent** route runs from Chicago to Atlanta. The train offers a scenic 12-hour journey, with stops in cities like Indianapolis and Birmingham along the way.
For more information, kindly visit http://exploregeorgia.org
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