Dreaming about an epic drive from Pennsylvania all the way to Alaska?
This unforgettable road trip takes you across thousands of miles of changing landscapes, from busy cities and peaceful small towns to towering mountains and incredible wildlife.
Along the way, you’ll discover famous landmarks, scenic highways, and unforgettable experiences that make every day on the road feel completely different from the last.
Whether you have a few weeks or want the adventure of a lifetime, this itinerary will help you plan a journey you’ll be talking about for years.
1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Your road trip begins in Philadelphia, a historic city in southeastern Pennsylvania along the Delaware River that served as the nation’s first capital.
Here, you can tour Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated, then see the nearby Liberty Bell’s famous crack for free.
There’s also plenty more to explore, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a favorite with Rocky fans, and Reading Terminal Market, known for its roast pork sandwiches.
Before leaving, stroll the colorful Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, and enjoy lively waterfront parks along Penn’s Landing.
2. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Next, head into Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, where the scenic Cuyahoga River winds through forests, wetlands, and rolling hills between Cleveland and Akron.
Explore the park by hiking the 1.8-mile Ledges Trail for towering sandstone cliffs, or follow the 1.5-mile Brandywine Gorge Loop to its famous 65-foot waterfall.
If you’d rather take it easy, ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for beautiful valley views, or cycle part of the 20-mile Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, beavers, and great blue herons along the way, then finish your visit with a peaceful walk through Beaver Marsh.
3. Chicago, Illinois
About 5.5 hours from Cuyahoga, you’ll reach Chicago, a lively city on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan known for its impressive architecture and busy neighborhoods.
Start with a walk through Millennium Park to snap a photo with Cloud Gate (The Bean), then stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk or ride the 200-foot Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier.
There’s also The Ledge on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, offering skyline views, along with the Art Institute of Chicago, home to masterpieces like Grant Wood’s American Gothic.
Be sure to make time for a classic deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s or Pequod’s Pizza, then stop by Buckingham Fountain at night to see its colorful light show.
4. Pella, Iowa
A 5-hour drive from Chicago brings you to Pella, a town that proudly celebrates its Dutch heritage with charming architecture, bakeries, and unique shops.
One of the highlights here is touring the 124-foot Vermeer Windmill, North America’s tallest working windmill, before wandering through Molengracht Plaza and its Dutch-style canal.
You can also pick up pastries from Jaarsma Bakery, visit the quiet Sunken Gardens Park, and browse the Historical Village to see restored buildings from Pella’s earliest days.
If you’re visiting in early May, don’t miss the annual Tulip Time Festival, where colorful tulips, traditional Dutch costumes, and lively parades fill the streets.
5. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Up next is Badlands National Park in South Dakota, where striped buttes, sharp pinnacles, and deep canyons stretch across more than 244,000 acres.
To explore, drive the 39-mile Badlands Loop Road, stop at Big Badlands Overlook, then hike the 1.5-mile Notch Trail, where a wooden ladder leads to views of the White River Valley.
If you enjoy learning about prehistoric life, stroll the Fossil Exhibit Trail to see fossil displays and discover the animals that once roamed the Badlands.
Stay through sunset if you can, when the red, orange, and gold rock layers glow, or stick around after dark for incredible views of the stars and the Milky Way.
6. Bozeman, Montana
After about 7 hours and 45 minutes on the road, you’ll reach Bozeman, a Montana town tucked between the Bridger and Gallatin mountain ranges.
Here, you can visit the Museum of the Rockies, home to one of the largest dinosaur fossil collections in the United States, then browse the local shops along Main Street.
If you are ready to stretch your legs, hike the 3.6-mile College M Trail for panoramic valley views, or explore the scenic trails at Burke Park (Peets Hill).
To wind down, enjoy a hearty meal and coffee at the Western Café, or take a relaxing walk while enjoying Bozeman’s fresh mountain air.
7. Banff National Park, Alberta
Now continue to Banff National Park in Alberta’s Canadian Rockies, where mountains, glaciers, forests, and sparkling alpine lakes stretch across 2,564 square miles.
For the best views, drive the 144-mile Icefields Parkway, canoe across the bright blue waters of Lake Louise, and ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
You can also hike the Johnston Canyon to see roaring waterfalls and dramatic limestone walls, then watch for elk, bighorn sheep, and moose along the park roads.
No matter how you spend your time here, the breathtaking scenery makes every stop along the way worth it.
8. Dawson Creek, British Columbia
Your next stop is Dawson Creek in British Columbia, the official Mile 0 of the 1,387-mile Alaska Highway, one of North America’s most famous road trip routes.
A photo beside the iconic Mile 0 Post is a must, especially once you learn how this incredible highway was built in just eight months during World War II.
Afterwards, swing by the Northern Alberta Railway Park to see a historic railway car, then browse local shops before stocking up on supplies for the long drive north.
It’s a great place to unwind with a beer or wine at places like Post & Row Brewing Co. and stock up on supplies in town before the next leg of the road trip.
9. Liard River Hot Springs, British Columbia
At Mile 496 of the Alaska Highway is Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, one of the most popular places to relax before reaching the Yukon.
To reach the hot springs, follow a short boardwalk through a lush boreal forest, where the water usually stays between 107 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
Along the way, keep an eye out for moose, as the surrounding wetlands are home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Once you reach the Alpha Pool, take a relaxing soak, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, breathe in the fresh forest air, and let your worries melt away.
10. Whitehorse, Yukon
Less than a 7-hour drive from the hot springs is Whitehorse, the largest city in northern Canada, set along the Yukon River.
In town, check out the MacBride Museum for a closer look at Yukon history and Gold Rush artifacts, then follow the 2.8-mile Millennium Trail for a quiet lunch along the river.
There’s also Miles Canyon, where you can cross the suspension bridge for spectacular views of the stunning Yukon River flowing through volcanic rock.
If you stay after dark between late August and early April, you may even catch the colorful northern lights dancing across the sky before continuing toward Alaska.
11. Anchorage, Alaska
Finally, you’ll arrive in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, set between Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains and home to nearly 40 percent of the state’s population.
While you’re here, walk the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for views of Denali and visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about the state’s Native cultures.
If you have extra time, drive the 127-mile Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm, where you might spot beluga whales and Dall sheep.
To wrap up your road trip, treat yourself to fresh king crab or wild salmon, then enjoy the long summer daylight that can last about 22 hours around the summer solstice.
Related Posts
