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New York to Denver - 6 Day Self-Drive Itinerary

DOWNLOAD: NEW YORK TO DENVER SELF-DRIVE ITINERARY

  • New York to Harrisburg
  • Harrisburg to Cleveland
  • Cleveland to Chicago
  • Chicago to Iowa City
  • Iowa City to Omaha
  • Omaha to Denver

Distance: 1893 miles

Day 1. New York, NY to Harrisburg, PA

Depart this morning and take the I-78 W in Jersey City. Continue to Susquehanna Township and take exit 67A-67B from I-81 S. Follow US-22 E, Maclay Street and N 7th Street to N 6th Street in Harrisburg.

Nearby Harrisburg is Hershey, where you will find the world-famous Hershey’s Chocolate World. Take a Chocolate tour, and discover how they make their unique and delicious chocolate. Afterwards, there are a number of activities including creating your very own chocolate bar, a 4D chocolate mystery and plenty of places to try more chocolate.

For an insight into the American political system, take a tour of the Pennsylvania State Capitol building. Explore throughout the building to see the interior design and architectural highlights, dating back to the early 1900s. In addition, there is a Welcome Center, where the interactive exhibits break down the Pennsylvania government.

Distance: 171 miles, 2 hours 50 minutes.

Stay: Harrisburg East Campground.

Day 2. Harrisburg, PA to Cleveland, OH

Depart this morning and take Forster Street/ Harvey Taylor Bridge Bypass and Cumberland Boulevard to US-15 S/N 32nd Street in Camp Hill. Take I-76 W and I-80 W to E 14th Street in Cleveland.

While in Cleveland, it is a must for any music fan to visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Learn about the origins of rock & roll, through the artists from the gospel, blues, R&B and country genres. From there, see everything from the music scenes in New York and Detroit, to the British influence during the 60s. With memorabilia from famous and your favourite artists, including a large Beatles collection, you will leave with a higher appreciation of music.

The Cleveland Museum of Art holds more than 45,000 works of art from around the world, with notable collections from Egypt and Asia. Maintaining a free admission in order to educate everyone about art, take your time to explore the many artworks of the museum.

Distance: 330 miles, 5 hours.

Stay: Euclid Beach.

Day 3. Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL

Depart this morning and follow the I-90 W to W Cermak Road in Chicago.

For an afternoon walk or picnic, visit Millennium Park located in the heart of the city. With hundreds of free arts and cultural events, combined with innovative and interesting architecture, you could spend hours here walking around.

Opened in 1916, the Navy Pier was once a shipping and recreational facility. Today it has over 50 acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants and attractions. Have some dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., as seen in Forest Gump, or get lost in the Funhouse Maze and then go ice-skating. There is something for everyone here.

Distance: 343 miles, 5 hours 20 minutes.

Stay: Chicago Northwest KOA.

Day 4. Chicago, IL to Iowa City, IA

Depart this morning and continue to I-290 W. Take I-88 W and I-80 W to IA-1 S/N Dodge Street in Iowa City.

Catch a game of college football at the Kinnick Stadium. Home of the Iowa Hawkeyes, college football is one of America’s favourite sports. Seating just over 70,000 people, get swept up in the passionate crowd and watch these top athletes compete for glory.

Along Iowa Avenue, between Clinton and Gilbert Street, you will find The Literary Walk. The walk celebrates authors who have a connection to Iowa, by placing their most famous quotes along the pathway. The authors you can see range from Mark Twain to Friedrich Nietzsche. Alongside the quotes are authors’ biographies so you can learn about their connection to Iowa.

Distance: 246 miles, 3 hours 40 minutes.

Stay: Coralville Dam Complex Campgrounds.

Day 5. Iowa City, IA to Omaha, NE

Depart this morning and return to the I-80 W to S 60th Street in Omaha.

The Old Market is one of Omaha’s historic and vibrant neighbourhoods, boasting a variety of activities. As you walk along the cobblestone streets, you will discover restaurants, street entertainment and art galleries.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is home to thousands of animals, living on 130 acres. From the African Grasslands to an Alaskan Adventure, you are able to travel all around the world to see these exotic and interesting animals.

Distance: 266 miles, 4 hours.

Stay: Pine Grove RV Park and Campground.

Day 6. Omaha, NE to Denver, CO

Depart this morning and take the I-80 W and I-76 W to US-287 S/ US-40 E/ W Colfax Avenue in Denver.

For sporting fans, catch a game of baseball at Coors Field, and cheer on the Colorado Rockies. Considered to be a field that is easy to get a home-run on, there is always a good game on with some exciting action. It is an essential American experience while over in the States.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is perfect for an educational, fun family day out. Whether you want to watch a film or documentary on the enormous IMAX screen, or immerse yourself in space and the stars at the Planetarium, the museum is the place to learn in a fun and exciting way.

Distance: 537 miles, 7 hours 30 minutes.

Stay: Flying Saucer RV Park.

Disclaimer

DriveNow's suggested itineraries are made available to assist travellers create and build personalised journey plans. DriveNow does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of these itineraries and they are provided as is and as advisory only. You acknowledge that any reliance on or use of any itinerary shall be at your sole risk.