Roadtrip with RVshare Chicago to Albuquerque

Your road trip from Chicago to Albuquerque is filled with stark contrasts. You will begin your journey on the shores of Lake Michigan, drive past the mighty Mississippi River, and finish through the grassy prairies of the Midwest. You will marvel at the arid landscapes of the West before arriving at your final destination in the high desert city of Albuquerque, NM. If you have the time to add a few days to your Chicago to Albuquerque road trip itinerary, then you will have ample opportunities to see much of the U.S. along the way. 

Nearby National Parks

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park

In 2019, Indiana Sand Dunes National Park became the 61st national park to be designated. The 15,000-acre park is on the southern shores of Lake Michigan and runs along the beaches for 15 miles. While at the park, you can climb the tall sand dunes that reach upwards of 200 feet in height, and you will have ample opportunities to do so as you hike along the 50 miles worth of trails. Besides the dunes, you can also see diverse ecosystems of prairie grasses, meadows, rivers, beaches, and forests. If you visit Indiana Sand Dunes National Park in the spring and early summer, you will be rewarded with abundant displays of wildflowers growing beside the Calumet River. These areas are also colorful in the autumn due to dramatic fall foliage. Fishing and boating on the rivers and Lake Michigan are popular activities, and the winter months can be spent snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Manhattan Project National Historical Park

The Manhattan Project National Historical Park was formed in 2015 to establish an educational park about the research and the history of the making of the first nuclear bomb during World War II. The park has three different locations, one of which is located in Los Alamos, NM, where the nuclear bomb was first developed. Here, you will explore three facilities: the Pajarito Site, a research and development site during the war; the Gun Site, the design site of the "Little Boy" bomb; and the V-Site, home of the Trinity device.

Nearby State Parks

Meramec State Park

One of Missouri's many beautiful state parks, Meramec State Park is only a few miles from St. Louis, MO, one of the cities that lie along your Chicago to Albuquerque road trip. You will be able to explore more than 40 caves in this intriguing park, including the popular Fisher Cave, which visitors often tour with hand-held lights. Besides the caves, you can hike on more than 13 miles of trails and swim, boat, and fish on the Meramec River. 

Lake Thunderbird State Park

Oklahoma also offers many state parks, including Lake Thunderbird State Park which has plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation for visitors of all ages. This large state park has two beaches, two marinas, and nine boat ramps. Visitors can interact with the exhibits in the Discovery Cove Nature Center, and you will enjoy walking and biking on one of the many multi-use trails inside the park. There are playgrounds and picnic areas, and you can practice your archery at the range. The equestrian trails feature 4 miles of obstacles, and there are also public hunting areas. 

Caprock Canyons State Park

Caprock Canyons State Park is near Amarillo and affords easy access to Palo Duro Canyon, thus avoiding staying overnight at the more crowded and busy Palo Duro Canyon State Park. While here, you can see the official Texas bison herd and also hike on one of the many nature trails in the park. You can swim, boat, and fish on the 120-acre Lake Theo, and you will enjoy the picturesque backdrop of the surrounding red sandstone cliffs throughout the park. 

Along the Way

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a must-see destination and is one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. The pier extends into Lake Michigan for 3,300 feet and features more than 50 acres of shops, restaurants, exhibits, gardens, shops, and more. The Centennial Wheel is the heart and soul of the pier and soars nearly 200 feet into the sky, offering amazing views of the city and Lake Michigan. 

The Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch is located in Gateway Arch National Park that lies along the Mississippi River in the city of St. Louis, MO. It is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere and the tallest arch in the world. Opened to the public in 1967, the 630-feet-high arch was originally conceived to commemorate the many explorers and pioneers who passed through the city of St. Louis on their way west across North America. This famous monument celebrates the accomplishments of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and of Sacagawea, their female Native American interpreter, who undertook a famous expedition across land to reach the Pacific Ocean and who mapped the areas along their journey. The arch also pays homage to all the explorers, settlers, and pioneers who settled the western United States. The Gateway Arch is accessible to visitors and has a viewing platform inside that allows visitors to see the park and the Mississippi River.

Gloss Mountains

Gloss Mountain State Park in Oklahoma is the home of the Gloss Mountain range, which is also known as the "Glass Mountains" because of the high selenite content that lends the mountainsides a glassy sheen. The park is available for day use only, but visitors can hike the Cathedral Mountain trail from sunrise to sunset. This trail begins at the parking lot inside the park, continues on to the top of Cathedral Mountain, and then ambles across the mesa, all the while offering a close view of Lone Peak Mountain and the valley floor of prairie grass.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis is a large urban city that is interesting both for its location on the Mississippi River and for its place in American history as a staging hub for the Oregon Trail wagon trains that set out from the town of Independence, MO. There is much to see and to do while in the city, including visiting the famous Gateway Arch. This is the first major city you will drive through on your Chicago to Albuquerque RV road trip, and it is well worthwhile to stop and to take a few hours to tour the city and surrounding areas. The St. Louis RV Park is conveniently located in downtown St. Louis and is within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions, and if you need a dump station before driving any further, there are several options nearby.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

The city of Tulsa is located on the Arkansas River and is home to a diverse mixture of cultural venues, art deco architecture, and lots of lakes, rivers, and parks. Some interesting sites to visit in the city are the Philcade and Philtower buildings, and Grand Lake and Lake Eufaula offer fun recreational activities for your family. Canyon Creek RV Park is a newer park and is close to downtown Tulsa. There are also various dump stations in the area that you can utilize if the need arises. 

Amarillo, Texas

Amarillo is located in the panhandle of North Texas. This exciting city has a diverse and eclectic number of quirky things to see and do, such as visiting the Cadillac Ranch, which features 10 Cadillacs that are half-buried in the desert sands. Amarillo is close to Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the U.S. And if you have time, be sure to visit historic Route 66 in downtown Amarillo. Palo Duro Rim RV campground is near Pikes Peak and has all the family-friendly features your family will appreciate. There are many options for finding a convenient dump station in the areas around Amarillo if you need to utilize its services.

Find Adventure from Chicago to Albuquerque

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Chicago to Albuquerque, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Chicago to Albuquerque.