Region Attractions
Chicago - Minneapolis
(ORD -MSP)
Group, Fly-Drive, Motorhome
15 Days
Some of the most unique American cultural attractions in the country are found within the region. Discover the off-the-beaten path places outline within this itinerary.
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Days 1/2 - Arrive Chicago
Discover these must-see attractions that distinguish this great metropolis from every other city in the world. See magnificent views of the city from the Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) or the John Hancock Observatory. Stroll beside beautiful art, a monumental fountain, and lovely gardens in awe-inspiring Millennium and Grant parks. Cheer your heart out at explosive Blackhawks hockey, Bulls basketball, Cubs and White Sox baseball, Bears football, and Fire soccer games. Hit the Ferris wheel and then play, eat, shop, and enjoy unforgettable cityscape views from Navy Pier. Board a sightseeing boat or take a walking tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation. In the shadow of skyscrapers, see some of nature’s greatest animals at the free Lincoln Park Zoo. Overnight Chicago.
Days 3/4 - Chicago to Lewiston via Spokane and Cataldo
Take a flight to Spokane then head east into Idaho to begin your Real America holiday. West of Cataldo visit Cataldo Mission of the Sacred Heart Idaho’s oldest building. Traveling west to Lewiston, visit the Nez Perce National Historic Park. The park has a visitors center, auditorium and theater which brings to life the 10,000 year history of the Nez Perce Nation. Overnight Lewiston.
Day 5 - Lewiston to Twin Falls
Twin Falls showcases the spectacular Snake River Canyon, which is best viewed from the Buzz Langdon Visitors Center. The Herrett Center Faulkner Planetarium is a 151-seat state-of-the-art facility. Overnight Twin Falls.
Day 6 - Twin Falls to Idaho Falls via Blackfoot
The World Potato Exposition in Blackfoot offers dozens of fun and educational exhibits about the potato. Overnight Idaho Falls
Day 7 - Idaho Falls to Deer Lodge
In Deer Lodge, there is no admission to see activities at the 1,500 acre Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, which recall the days of old time cowboys as well as modern ranchers. Overnight Deer Lodge or Butte.
Days 8/9 - Deer Lodge to Yellowstone National Park
The world’s first national park is Yellowstone National Park, where over 10,000 thermal features and hundreds of animal species run wild. Overnight in Yellowstone or a gateway community.
Day 10 - Yellowstone to Thermopolis
The Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis features exciting dioramas and exhibits. The museum’s mounted dinosaur skeletons were unearthed less than two miles from the center on the Warm Springs ranch. Shuttle bus tours are offered to visitors who want to see a working fossil dig in progress. Overnight Thermopolis.
Days 11/12 - Thermopolis to Rapid City
The Journey Museum in Rapid City contains geological and archeological treasures from the Black Hills. Also in Rapid City, see the world's largest reptile collection plus over 50,000 flowers at Black Hills Reptile Gardens. Bear Country is a unique drive-through wildlife park. See bears, wolves, buffalo, elk, bighorn sheep and other North American wildlife roaming free in their natural habitat. The Indian Museum of North America at Crazy Horse Memorial has one of the region’s foremost collections of Indian artifacts as well as sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski’s beautiful studio home. The Black Hills Passion Play in Spearfish portrays the last seven days of the life of Christ. In Keystone, tour the Rushmore-Borglum Story. Displays and galleries present the life of the famous creator of Mt. Rushmore. Overnight Rapid City.
Day 13- Rapid City to Mitchell via Murdo
Murdo is home of the Pioneer Auto Museum with more than 250 autos and 40 building exhibits. The World’s Only Corn Palace in Mitchell, built originally in 1892 to encourage settlement and prove the richness of eastern South Dakota soil, is decorated inside and out with thousands of bushels of colorful native corn, grains and grasses. Overnight Mitchell.
Day 14 - Mitchell to Watertown
In Watertown view over 100 originals of America's most popular artist at the Terry Redlin Art Center. Overnight Watertown.
Day 15 - Watertown to Minneapolis/St. Paul/Bloomington
Take the three-hour Metro Attractions sightseeing tour of Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington which encompasses the major attractions of three cities and/or the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, an architectural masterpiece with museum exhibits that feature large-scale objects, “hands-on” experiences, and the popular Minnesota: A-Z Exhrm.
Day 16 - Departure from Minneapolis/St. Paul/Bloomington
