Because Interstate 80 connects two major US cities (San Francisco and Teaneck, NJ, right outside New York City), it's a popular and well-traveled route. But, even though its endpoints are two of the country's coolest destinations doesn't mean that everything in the middle isn't worth checking out! Along the way, you'll pass through Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Omaha, Des Moines, and more, and travel across states like Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, which are all loaded with offbeat and interesting attractions. Here are some of the coolest things to see and do along I-80!
The next city you'll reach if you stay on the interstate is Salt Lake City, Utah. The mountains, forests and (of course) the lake make for a beautiful natural setting for this city, with its many unique attractions. Science-lovers will appreciate the Clark Planetarium and The Leonardo, a museum that explores the intersection of art, technology, creativity, and science. Or, if you're a culture nerd, check out the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art and the Utah Museum of Natural History. Plus, as the home base for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka the Mormon Church) you can learn about this unique religion at the Gilgal Sculpture Garden, Temple Square, and the Museum of Church History and Art.
If you're looking for a quaint hotel in Salt Lake City, you're in luck, because there are more than a few options here. The Peery Hotel and the Ellerbeck Mansion are two excellent choices!
There's also Natural Corrals Archaeological Site, which is a really special place for a few reasons. It's a geologically important site, because ancient lava flows formed a rugged landscape dotted with caves, some of which have ice all year round. It's also historically important; there's evidence that Native Americans used this place for buffalo kills. Spend some time taking in the unique views here!
Another interesting historic stop along I-80 is the Wyoming Territorial Prison Museum. Built in 1872, it saw many famous outlaws (including Butch Cassidy!) pass through its doors. Walk into the cells, see pictures of old convicts, and learn what life was like for outlaws who weren't able to escape arrest!
I-80 makes its way into Nebraska next, where you'll find even more natural beauty and interesting history. From Apache Indians to the Oregon Trail, Ash Hollow State Historical site is loaded with fascinating stories from the past. It's not hard to see why Native Americans chose to settle here, as it has caves for shelter and tons of wildlife. The park's Windlass Hill is notable as it was a challenge for emigrants on the Oregon/California Trail.
Named for Union Pacific president Edd H. Bailey, Union Pacific Railroad's Bailey Yard manages 10,000 rail road cars every single day on its 2,850 acre spread. It's the world's largest train yard, and it's kind of hard to fully appreciate it unless you go to the top of the Golden Spike Tower and view it all from the observation deck. It's one of the best places to learn about the crucial role railroads played in American history!
Kearney, NE's Classic Car Collection is an ever-growing display of well-maintained and super cool vintage cars from across history. Even if you don't know a ton about cars, you'll love poring over the details and aesthetic of these retro beauties!
Keep going on I-80 and you'll hit Seward, NE, which is home to the World's Largest Time Capsule. It's a 20-foot by 8-foot by 6-foot concrete vault filled with 5,000 objects from the town's history, donated by its citizens; there's even supposed to be a car inside! It was dedicated in 1975 and is set to be open in 2025, but in the meantime, you can check out the memorial and ponder what might be within.
One of the more offbeat and lesser-known attractions along I-80 is the Monument to the First Train Robbery in the West. The year was 1873, and Jesse James and his gang of bandits had the (admittedly genius) idea to move a section of track to derail a train, and use the diversion to make off with some of the cargo. The monument features a wheel with a plaque, as well as the section of track that the gang shifted to derail the locomotive. It's an interesting and quick stop!
You'll find plenty of great parks in Illinois as well. There are tons of hiking trails at Starved Rock State Park, taking you past waterfalls, through twisting gulches, into mossy canyons, and around shaded forests. Make a day of it by camping out or booking a room at the onsite lodge and bask in the beauty of this natural wonder!
I-80 passes through the quaint little town of Joliet, IL next. It's hard to get inside the Joliet Prison (even after committing a felony, since the facility is closed) but the gorgeous old building has a unique claim to fame: it was featured in the Blues Brothers! Put on your suits, fedoras, and Ray Bans for a super epic photo op.
I-80 passes around Chicago, and just east of the city, in Gary IN, is the humble little house where Michael Jackson and the rest of the Jackson Five (and Janet) grew up. You can't go inside, but the community has maintained the building and yard, and you're more than welcome to stop by and take pictures. Sometimes, neighbors will come out and talk to you!
Indiana also has tons of unexpectedly cool things to see. Even if you aren't an RVer, a stop at the RV & Motorhome Hall of Fame is a must. Their collection of drool-worthy vintage RVs is worth the admission and is sure to enchant! If the display inspires you to sell all of your worldly possessions to hit the road in an RV, there's a lot of info on restoring retro motorhomes here as well.
Ohio at last! Welcome to Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse on the US side of the Great Lakes. Opened in 1822, it still guides ships to safety to this day. Located in Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, you can tour the historic lighthouse during the summer, and go into the keeper's cottage, which has been turned into a museum dedicated to the maritime and natural history in the area. Plus, the lighthouse is pretty photogenic and the views of Lake Erie are hard to beat!
I-80 also passes near one of the country's coolest National Park. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is an underrated gem of the NPS. Encompassing forests, stony gulches, waterfalls, an old canal, quaint towns, historic farmsteads, and fields of wildflowers, it's a picture-perfect setting for hiking, picnicking, and taking a scenic train ride. Plus, those quaint towns make for some awesome exploring as well!
Your next stop along I-80 is Pennsylvania. McConnell's Mill State Park features a deep scenic gorge, massive boulders, and scenic, winding drives, but the highlight has to be the gristmill that you can tour and the covered bridge crossing the creek at the bottom. The hiking and rock climbing here are (naturally) outstanding, and you can even hunt, fish, and whitewater raft here if you're looking for a more thrilling adventure.
In 1962, a mysterious fire tore through an abandoned strip mine, causing a chain reaction when it broke through a rock pit, settling the rest of the town’s coal mines alight. Despite the tireless efforts of firefighters, the town of Centralia was unable to quell the flames, and the underground has been a furnace ever since. The town of Centralia is now abandoned, and it makes for an eerie adventure. Steam rises from cracks in the graffitied roadway, telephone poles stand barren, and empty buildings add to the ominous vibes of this modern-day ghost town.
If you're getting hungry, but want a restaurant with atmosphere that's as noteworthy as the food, the Blairstown Diner is your stop. With its retro silver building and reasonably priced and tasty food, it's worth a stop in its own right, but the fact that it was featured in the slasher classic "Friday the 13th" makes it a can't-miss stop on the route. It's the perfect way to celebrate reaching New Jersey, the last state you'll cross on the I-80 route.
Paterson, NJ has played a huge role in shaping America's industrial development, and Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park commemorates this. The scenic Great Falls, viewable from the bridge, ran water along raceways to power mills that churned out cloth, paper, and even factories making trains and planes. You can see the raceways, tour some of the mills, and visit the Paterson Museum that gets really in-depth into the history of this fascinating town.
Teaneck, New Jersey, United States
Your journey along I-80 ends in Teaneck, New Jersey, which is just outside of New York City. End your adventure in this little town, or keep your coast-to-coast trip going and take it all the way to the New York City and the Atlantic Ocean!
There's no bad time of year to road trip along I-80. Snow might make traveling a little tougher in the winter, closing some attractions and slowing down your drive, and Iowa can get some bad storms and tornados in the spring, but there are enough big cities along the way and people driving the highway that something will always be open!