Here’s a bit of interstate trivia: Did you know major interstate routes are organized by odd and even numbers directionally? So, routes with odd numbers run north and south, while even numbers run east and west.
For example, I-90 starts in Seattle, WA, runs west to east, and ends in Boston, or vice versa, if you choose. This freeway is also America’s longest interstate highway (3,020 miles), which is why so many traveling military families are familiar with its path.
Who has made the trip between Joint Base Lewis McChord and Hanscom AFB? If a PCS along I-90 from Seattle to Boston is your final destination, take a look at some fun and entertaining options on the way. But don’t forget to consider the time of year you travel, especially during the winter. Prepare your car and family for windy, snowy, and frigid weather during the cold months. Even in the summer, you should have jackets and pants on hand when the temperatures dip on windy days along the plains or at higher altitudes.
Washington
If your journey starts in Seattle, you’ve undoubtedly spent time exploring the region, so look eastward for new adventures.
Gingko Petrified Forest State Park
About two hours east of Seattle, in Vantage, WA, you’ll run into a state park dedicated to Washington’s official state gem: petrified wood, specifically fossilized Gingko trees. Take a break, enjoy a picnic, and walk along the Columbia River. Later, head inside the interpretive center to learn about Washington State during the Ice Age and browse 30 varieties of petrified wood, including a rare ginkgo petrified wood display.
Do you have unexpected extra time or a gorgeous weather day? Go hiking! John Wayne Pioneer Trail in North Bend, WA, is a dog-friendly thirty-seven mile trail.
Need a day trip destination? Try one of the 7 Best Beaches of Whidbey Island, Washington.
Photo from Shutterstock
Idaho
Old Mission State Park, Cataldo
Old Mission State Park is home to the oldest building in Idaho. The Mission of the Sacred Heart was built in 1850 by Jesuit Missionaries and members of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. You’ll learn about how they coexisted and their dedication to the church.
The visitor center has a gift shop near cyclists’ favorite, the Trail of the Coeur d'Alene. So, if you’re a serious cyclist, plan on spending the day on the trail.
Coeur d'Alene
The city is breathtaking and an outdoor person’s paradise. You can spend a few nights here and not check every activity box, regardless of the season. But, if you stay during the warm months, hit up Tubbs Hill Nature Park, parasail, zipline, boat, or spend the day at the Northwest's largest theme park, Silverwood. Skiing is everything in Coeur d’Alene during winter, so pack your gear if you make the trip during ski season.
Montana
Little Big Horn Battlefield
You’ve probably heard about Custer's Last Stand, but now it’s time to see it. The memorial is dedicated to the Lakota and Cheyenne tribes who lost the battle to hold onto their territory and to the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry, who lost their lives and served under Lt. Col. George A. Custer. The largest gathering areas are the Peace Through Unity memorial and the 7th Cavalry obelisk.
Livingston
You must stop and explore the banks of the Yellowstone River any time you can! Livingston's scenery is unparalleled, its rich history is rich, and the event calendar is packed during the warm season. Of course, Calamity Jane fans know she spent plenty of time there.
Wyoming
Devil’s Tower National Monument
This geological feature has drawn human interest since the Northern Plains Indians and other indigenous people built their communities around what they considered a sacred site. The tower soars over 5,000 feet into the sky and consists of hundreds of parallel cracks, making it one of North America’s most popular climbing destinations. In the park, you’ll also find a variety of hiking trails to explore after driving hours across the plains.
Buffalo
Consider a fun overnight at the Occidental Hotel, where previous guests include Butch Cassidy and President Teddy Roosevelt. Downtown, shop and stroll among historic buildings with the Bighorn Mountains as your backdrop. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a buffalo burger at one of the restaurants that are happy to serve you local fare.
South Dakota
There’s a lot to see off of I-90 in South Dakota, so plan around visiting your favorites to make the most of your road trip.
Badlands National Park
Most visitors haven’t seen scenery like the views throughout the Badlands. The geological moon-like formations are unmatched. Hike in the park for an up-close look or drive through and stop at various lookout points for once-in-a-lifetime photos.
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore, one of the most iconic National Parks in the country, pays homage to American presidents Washington, Jefferson, T. Roosevelt, and Lincoln. The Black Hills come to life with the carvings, especially if you catch a summer evening lighting ceremony. Be sure to make time to visit a souvenir shop in nearby Keystone.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Only fifteen miles from Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial is dedicated to North American Indian heritage. Make sure to stop and see the likeness of Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse at what will be the world’s largest sculpture at completion. To give you an idea of its grandeur, Crazy Horse's face measures 87 feet 6 inches, and his horse’s mane will eventually reach 62 feet high.
If you have more time to explore South Dakota on 1-90, check out these road trip fan favorites:
- The World’s Only Corn Palace, Mitchell, SD: home of the Corn Palace Festival
- 1880 Cowboy Town: exhibits about life in Sioux Falls
- Deadwood: a modern-day take on a Wild West gold rush town
Minnesota
Rochester
Rochester has a little bit of everything if you're thinking of making a stop. You can tour Soldier Field Veterans Memorial, take in some fresh air walking through Quarry Hill Nature Center, and learn about the Mayo family and their contributions to medicine and the surrounding area at the mansion at Mayowood. Rochester Art Center and Silver Lake City Park are also popular with visitors.
Processed meat enthusiasts flock to nearby Austin, MN, to shop Spam merch and taste Spam burgers. Visit the SPAM Museum and learn the origins of a quintessential American food product.
Wisconsin
Circus World Museum
For when you just have to get out of the car and move! You’ll walk between original circus structures created by the Ringling Brothers between 1897 and 1918. The museum will entertain everyone with plenty of circus history, and you can buy tickets to enjoy live shows.
Make your WI gas stop extra fun and visit a beloved roadside attraction. The Pink Elephant in Deforest, WI, features a life-size pink elephant, aka Pinkie, wearing glasses at a gas station.
Photo from Shutterstock
Illinois
Chicago
You can spend multiple days in Chicago if you prefer; it’s always tourist season in the city. The trouble is narrowing down your options. Pick from Wrigley Field, the Art Institute of Chicago, a river cruise down the Chicago River, shopping along the Magnificent Mile, shopping, eating, and people-watching at the Navy Pier, or having a few laughs at the world-famous Second City for top-notch stand-up comedy.
Want to avoid the city? Try Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg, IL, which houses more than three million Lego bricks.
Indiana
Pokagon State Park
Indiana has plenty of space to get out of the car and experience nature. Start at Pokagon State Park, named for Leopold and Simon Pokagon, the last two leaders of the Potawatomi tribe. Although you can explore historic stone and log structures and run and play in pretty meadows during the warm season, Pokagon really comes to life in the winter when cross-country skiing and sledding trails open. Absolutely plan to ride the epic twin-track toboggan run that clocks at speeds of 35-40 mph.
Do you love quirky stops/history/music/Michael Jackson? Visit the Michael Jackson Family Home in Gary, Indiana, home to the Jackson 5.
Ohio
Cleveland
Cleveland is another Midwest city with so many things to do that you can easily spend a few days here, and it would be worth your time. Most people know Cleveland because it’s home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Guardians, and the Cavaliers, but you can also take in culture at the Cleveland Museum of Art, eat delicious food wandering through West Side Market, and get in touch with nature at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Check out Edgewater Park and Lake Erie's shoreline if you can only spare a day and need room to stretch and play. Swim, picnic, and walk the pier.
Everyone loves Ralphie and Christmas! “A Christmas Story” House is in Cleveland, OH. Visit the museum or schedule an overnight stay.
New York
Niagara Falls, USA
Come on, you know you’ve always wanted to go, and its location on I-90 practically begs you to stop and take a ride on the Maid of the Mist. You can also walk to Cave of the Winds and get up close to the falls as you descend into the Niagara Gorge and watch from the aptly named Hurricane Deck.
Want to take your trip international? Try Niagara Falls, Canada— some say the view is better from Ontario.
Massachusetts
Boston
Although Boston is the last stop on I-90, you certainly shouldn’t skip this iconic U.S. destination (unless you’re calling one of several local military duty stations home). As a tourist, choosing which historical sites to visit and what events to participate in can be tough. Consider a bus tour to fit in as much as possible, hire a tour guide for an epic walking tour, or plan an itinerary based on your interests.
Most people experience a combo of these top attractions: Fenway Park, Freedom Trail, Martha’s Vineyard, Salem, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, Samuel Adams Brewery, ghost and cemetery tours, Boston Public Library, Harvard and MIT, and so much more.
If you’re stationed in Boston, you might want to save local sightseeing for later and head into the country. Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA, is the Northeast’s largest outdoor living museum from the 1830s.
Wow, there’s more than enough to see and do and keep you entertained along I-90 from Seattle to Boston! Were you surprised? Give yourself plenty of time to visit majestic sites, try new foods, and experience a uniquely American road trip.
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