Chicago and surrounds

[Northwest9]

Im hoping for a few tips from the US locals

We are flying into Chicago in September next year, from Aus, to visit the wifes god father in Springfield Ohio.

We will spend a week or so in Alberta and BC while I hunt Black Bear, but will have about a week around the North East. We are flying into Grand Prairie, and hunting in Manning, before driving down to Edmonton, then across to Jasper, Lake Louise, on to Vancouver before flying across to Chicago

I had done up a bit of a loop we could drive, but was hoping for opinions from those who know the area better

I had come up with Chicago, to Springfield OH for the visit (2 days), then Cleveland, Buffalo, across to London ON, Grand Rapids, and back down to Chicago, over about 4 or 5 days

I have no idea if this is a good loop or not, Im just trying to fit seeing a variety of country in, different scenery etc, but there is just so many places to go in the US that I genuinely am lost on this one.

The wife and I plan on doing washington and new york at a later date, so theyve been left out on this trip

any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Wade J VanGinkel]

Just a thought, not sure how long it would take but consider going up over the makinaw bridge from lower michigan into upper michigan then back down or even up around lake superior then back down.
I'm amazed how many people don't even realize michigan has 2 separate pieces.
Something different that stands out a bit.
Makinak island itself is an attraction as well.

 

[meigsbucks]

While in Cleveland, take in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Less than a mile to the east of the HOF is a WWll submarine, the U.S.S. Cod that you can tour.

 

[Northwest9]

thanks for the tips, I like the idea of the bridge, and it doesnt seem as far as I was expecting. The wife is nervous about the kids int he car for long periods, but we did canberra to toowoomba in a day without a problem.

the kids would be really interested in the Submarine tour as well, thanks for that

 

[Rimbaud]

Read, or re-read the Man-eaters of Tsavo and go see the lions at the Field Museum. If you like art, Chicago has one of the largest collections of impressionist paintings in the world. Have lunch at the Navy Pier, dinner at Gibson's steak house. Buy cigars at Iwan Ries, and books at Abraham Lincoln Book Store. Take river architect tour. Walk Michigan Avenue. And dress very warmly.

 

[Northwest9]

Field museum is now at the top of my list. I have an ancient copy of the book that was given to me by my wifes grandfather, it belonged to his father. That is an absolute must

 

[Rimbaud]

Field museum is now at the top of my list. I have an ancient copy of the book that was given to me by my wifes grandfather, it belonged to his father. That is an absolute must

Even more reason to go because of the book . . . https://www.fieldmuseum.org/blog/tsavo-lions

 

[Wade J VanGinkel]

I had forgotten about this ,
I've been to the museum but so long ago.
Thinking nearly 40 years ago

 

[BRICKBURN]

An FYI on your western Canadian portion of your road trip you may encounter the #1 Highway road closure depending on your dates.
The #1 is being closed for some extensive highway expansion near Field BC. Closure in Red.
You will be detoured to Radium Hot Springs via Highway 93 and then a return loop to Golden via Highway 95 and then you may resume your travel westward to Vancouver.

You will encounter some interesting geography by this added loop and possibly some slight delay due to traffic volume.

 

[Newboomer]

While in Western Canada swing down to Glacier National Park in Montana and drive the Road to the Sun.

 

[Northwest9]

thanks for the heads up Brickburn, Ill take that into account when planning distance

Newboomer, I really wanted to get into Montana this trip, but itll have to be at a later date, Ill hopefully be back over there hunting again soon, and will do it then

 

[Rob404]

Go to the Shedd Aquarium and the Science and Industry and tour the German U-Boat U505 even The Art Institute is a nice trip. and don't forget a Chicago Style Hot Dog or Italian Beef Sandwich

 

[Henrysdad]

If you have kids with you they will want to see the bean....