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The ultimate road trip guide to I-90, from Boston to Seattle

Over 3,000 miles of asphalt and adventure.

  • 48
  • 62:08
  • 3,563 mi
  • $571
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Created by TrevorFenner - June 16th 2016

Interstate 90 (AKA I-90), is a coast-to-coast, transcontinental freeway, and America's longest Interstate Highway. Unless you've only traveled around the southern portion of America, you've probably hopped on and off I-90 at some point, whether around Boston, Chicago or Seattle. The freeway is a whopping 3,020 miles. In the East I-90 begins right by Boston's Logan Airport, passes through the Continental Divide by Butte, Montana and ends in Seattle, near Safeco and CenturyLink Field. These are a few of the best I-90 road trip stops.

1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA, US

Old Sturbridge Village

If you're starting in Boston, there are loads of places to check out from the New England Aquarium, to Faneuil Hall (where you can choose from dozens of different food vendors for a taste of Boston), to the Freedom Trail and Museum of Science.

From Boston, stop at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA where you can literally step back in time to the 1830s. What separates this outdoor living history museum is that it happens to be the Northeast's largest living history museum. Here you can experience what life was like in the late-1700s to mid-1800s. There are over 40 original buildings, and the staff is always in costume, and always focused on 100% authenticity. The best time to visit to avoid crowds is spring, and fall. In fact, autumn is the perfect time to visit to get gorgeous photos while the village is blanketed in stunning fall foliage. BONUS: If you happen to visit during Thanksgiving, they have an out-of-this-world buffet.

1
41mi 00h 45m
Photo of Six Flags New England
3.5

1623 Main St, Agawam Town, MA, US

Six Flags New England

1

Six Flags New England is a pretty remarkable amusement park because it actually dates back to 1870, and has the distinction of being the oldest Six Flags park. The park is spread out across 235 acres and when you buy a pass to the park, you get to go to the waterpark as well. When you go be sure to ride the Thunderbolt, a wooden roller coaster that's been in operation since 1941.

2
203mi 03h 18m
Photo of World's Smallest Church
4.2

3755 Randall Rd, Oneida, NY, US

World's Smallest Church

2

Next up is "the world’s smallest church." Sitting atop a tiny wooden platform off Sconondoa Road in Oneida, the nondenominational Cross Island Chapel is absolutely adorable. The 3' by 6' church was built in 1989, and today sits on top of a small dock, smack dab in the middle of the pond. It's available for meditation and special occasions.

3
135mi 02h 08m

23 E Main St, Le Roy, NY, US

Jell-O Gallery Museum

3

From the "World's Smallest Church" to the Jell-O Gallery Museum in Le Roy, NY! Even if you're not a fan of jell-o, every road trip needs a weird, offbeat museum detour. Here you can learn everything you ever wanted to (or never wanted to) learn about jell-o, for just $4.50 admission. Then, while in Le Roy, head to Smokin' Eagle for some delicious barbecue.

4
66mi 01h 08m
Photo of Eternal Flame Falls
4.4

Eternal Flame Hiking Trail, Orchard Park, NY, US

Eternal Flame Falls

4

Then head to Orchard Park, NY to see the Eternal Flame Falls. This is a pretty phenomenal natural wonder. Park at Chestnut Ridge Road and prepare for a short 15 minute hike to the falls. You'll start to smell a rotten egg-type odor the closer you get to the tiered falls, which cascade around 30 feet. Here you'll notice a small grotto inside of which is a flame, about 4-8" high, ignited by the natural gas emitted from the spring. It's really an amazing natural wonder.

5
167mi 02h 48m
Photo of Willoughby Ghost Walk
4.5

36 Public Sq, Willoughby, OH, US

Willoughby Ghost Walk

5

When you pass through Willoughby why not take a walk on the spooky side... The Willoughby Ghost Walk tours operate from June through October and provide guided walking tours of downtown Willoughby. You'll learn all about the haunted history of the town, and learn the legends of and strange phenomena that have been reported over the years. The tour covers 12 blocks and lasts just under two hours.

6
14mi 00h 20m
Photo of Birthplace of Superman
3.7

10622 Kimberly Ave., Cleveland, OH, US

Birthplace of Superman

6

If you're a fan of Superman (the movies, but most especially the comics), then make the pilgrimage to the home of Jerry Siegal, the creator of Superman. Outside the home you can see a sign and the iconic Superman logo commemorating the home's previous owner. Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster came up with the idea of a hero with superpowers in 1933, both boys were lived on the same street and were from immigrant Jewish families. The current owners of the home where Superman was "born" are quite friendly to people on Superman pilgrimages, and scattered throughout the property is superman memorabilia.

7
9mi 00h 15m

3159 W 11th St, Cleveland, OH, US

A Christmas Story House and Museum

7

If you're a fan of the movie "A Christmas Story" then it's essential that you stop at the house where the film was shot. It's located on West 11th Street in Cleveland and offers tours of the home, and they encourage you to touch the exhibits, and even recreate your favorite scenes for photos. The tour can run you around an hour, so if you have the time it's almost as good as actually being in the movie.

8
19mi 00h 23m
Photo of Olde Avon Village
5.0

36840 Detroit Rd., Avon, OH, US

Olde Avon Village

8

If you enjoyed Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts, then take a detour to Avon, Ohio's Olde Avon Village. Here you can walk back in time and see what life was like in the mid-1800s. There are shops, homes and pretty much everything else you could want in an authentic 19th century village.

9
168mi 02h 42m
Photo of Pokagon State Park
4.5

450 Lane 100 Lake James, Angola, IN, US

Pokagon State Park

9

When you're ready to stretch your legs, stop at Pokagon State Park, near Angola, Indiana. The name for the park comes from Leopold and Simon Pokagon, the last two leaders of the Potawatomi tribe. If you're looking to spend the night, you should check into the Potawatomi Inn, a pretty popular Midwest resort lodge. Throughout the park you'll find beautiful stone and log structures, wide open fields and meadows, rolling hills and even wetlands.

10
109mi 01h 52m
Photo of Washington Park Beach
4.5

115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City, IN, US

Washington Park Beach

10

Detour to Washington Park Beach in Michigan City, and visit the Michigan City Lighthouse and take a walk on the boardwalk. There's also a seven acre zoo just across the street from the beach, and playgrounds for little ones. The park is open from 6am to 10pm, and costs $2 during the weekday and $5 on weekends. There's also loads of parking.

11
27mi 00h 37m

2300 Jackson St, Gary, IN, US

Michael Jackson's House

11

If you're a fan of Michael Jackson, then you'll definitely want a photo at his childhood home in Gary, Indiana. The best time to visit is in August, when there's usually a Michael Jackson-themed event going on.

12
35mi 00h 48m

1616 N Wells St, Chicago, IL, US

The Second City

12

If you love Saturday Night Live, or just really dig improv comedy, then you need to visit the Mecca of improv at The Second City in Chicago. This is where the best SNL cast members got their start. TIP: If you purchase tickets through the Second City website you can usually get a great deal on a restaurant nearby at the same time. Dinner and a show in Chicago! The perfect night!

13
25mi 00h 32m

601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg, IL, US

Legoland Discovery Center

13

As you head out of Chicago, visit Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumurg, IL. There are over 3 million lego bricks here and you can easily spend the day exploring with kids. According to Legoland's official policy: "Please be reminded LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a children's attraction. Adults must be accompanied by a child in order to enter the attraction." But, if you have kids, this is a can't-miss stop.

14
26mi 00h 31m

42W813 Reinking Rd, Pingree Grove, IL, US

Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch

14

If you're road tripping during summer and fall, you'll absolutely want to visit Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch in Pingree Grove. There's so much to do, especially during autumn, from a pumpkin-eating dinosaur, to a hay bale maze, and basically every other fall-themed outdoor activity you can think of. Oh, and the puppet show is absolutely adorable. TIP: Go during the week to avoid the massive weekend fall crowds. And don't forget to stop at the cafe and gift shop!

15
93mi 01h 36m
Photo of Lake Kegonsa State Park
4.8

2405 Door Creek Rd, Stoughton, WI, US

Lake Kegonsa State Park

15

Lake Kegonsa State Park is considered "one of the best-kept secrets of southern Wisconsin." And that's no surprise. This state park features a 3,200-acre lake, woodlands, a swimming beach, fishing, a boat launch and campground. There are tons of hiking trails and picnic places in case you just wanted to get out of the car and stretch your legs.

16
24mi 00h 28m
Photo of Pink Elephant
4.3

4995 County Rd V, WI, US

Pink Elephant

16

Next up: Quirky roadside photo op alert! There's a massive Pink Elephant wearing glasses at a gas station. His name is "Pinkie" and he was installed in the late 1970s at the gas station, now a Citgo.

17
34mi 00h 37m

550 Water, Baraboo, WI, US

Circus World Museum

17

If you're still in the mood for some more offbeat adventuring, head to the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin. This town was where the Ringling Bros. Circus was founded in 1884 by five brothers. In fact, they named the "winter quarters" for the circus, Ringlingville. Several buildings were built along the Baraboo River between 1897 and 1918, and today they make up America's "largest surviving group of original circus structures." Here you can see memorabilia and learn all about circus history, which is actually pretty interesting. And if you want a good book to read on the road, Katherine Dunn's "Geek Love", will definitely get you in the mood to fully enjoy your time at the Circus World Museum.

18
18mi 00h 27m

3951 River Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI, US

Witches Gulch

18

From clowns to witches...over in Wisconsin Dells, skip the theme parks and water parks and head to the Witches Gulch, it's like something out of Lord of the Rings. Admission to get in is just $5 and it's an absolutely breathtaking geological wonder. The Gulch is a slot canyon that surrounded by lush woodland. It's pet-friendly and definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

19
37mi 00h 42m
Photo of Mill Bluff State Park
3.6

15819 Funnel Rd., Camp Douglas, WI, US

Mill Bluff State Park

19

If you're still in the mood for some outdoor fun, your next stop is Mill Bluff State Park near Camp Douglas, Wisconsin. This state park has beautiful, towering bluffs, swimming areas, a campground and plenty of places to hike or relax after a long day of driving.

TIPS FOR DRIVING ACROSS I-90: Depending on the time of year you decide to conquer I-90, it's important to note that weather can affect your journey. Snow and high winds will plague you from Minnesota to Montana, especially in the winter. Snow plows do a pretty good job, but if there's a storm, you could get stuck, so just be prepared before setting out for this trip. Also, keep in mind that between Rapid City and the Black Hills, you'll be at an exceptionally high elevation, which means it's a bit more cold in this area. So, pack accordingly, depending on the time of year. In fact, during deep winter, you can expect sub-zero temperatures across South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. So, absolutely remember your anti-freeze, snow tires, and don't let yourself run low on gas.