Roadtrip with RVshare Chicago to Columbus

A Chicago to Columbus road trip will take you and your family near two Great Lakes, a national park, and several state parks, so it’s a great excursion to make as a clan. For group travel, there’s no better way to go than in an RV, and while you hit towns like Valparaiso and Toledo, you’ll always have a place to rest your head. The trip itself only takes about eight hours, but if you want to see what this area of the country has to offer, set aside a few days to explore.

Nearby National Parks

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park

There’s only a single national park along this road trip from Chicago to Columbus, and that is Indiana Sand Dunes National Park. This is a great park for anyone who enjoys beachside vistas and spacious places to relax. Previously, Indiana Sand Dunes was considered a national preserve but was added to the national park system in February of 2019. Lake Michigan, which is 22,394 square miles, makes this shore-side national park appear to border an ocean, but Indiana Dunes is far from a tropical locale. In the winter, the beach can easily and quickly drop below freezing.

Nearby State Parks

Tippecanoe River State Park

Indiana state parks are known for their lake- and river-side environments and Tippecanoe River is one that is just perfect for those kayakers and canoe enthusiasts who need calm waters for things like fishing. This park is near Winamac, Indiana, and there are campgrounds and boat rentals along the shore of the Tippecanoe. There are also miles of hiking trails to explore around the river where you’ll experience some of the local wildlife.

Chain O’ Lakes State Park

As the name indicates, Chain O’ Lakes is a park that is located in an area known for numerous lakes. In fact, this park features the largest concentration of natural lakes in the state of Indiana. This state park has a combined 6,500 acres of water in its lake system. As a result, this is a wonderland for those who love water sports or want to do a little fishing. There are also campsites and trails for those who want to spend some time off the water.

Independence Dam State Park

Independence Dam is a state park that’s located in Defiance, OH. The park is spacious and picturesque, with 591 acres of land for visitors to explore. During your Chicago to Columbus road trip, you can visit this park to witness the Miami and Erie Canal ruins, which are still here. This canal once ran from Cincinnati to Toledo. 

Mary Jane Thurston State Park  

Another park near the remains of the historic Miami and Erie Canal, this state park is a designated scenic river that’s also near McClure, OH. Mary Jane Thurston Park is a riverside park that’s a great place to paddle if you’re a kayaker, and it also has plenty of places to fish or wade. When angling, you’ll find several fish species, including smallmouth bass, walleye, bullhead, and northern pike. 

Indian Lake State Park  

The final Ohio state park that you’ll be visiting during your road trip itinerary from Chicago to Columbus is Indian Lake. This park began as a relatively shallow feeder lake for the Miami and Erie Canal, which now lies in ruins. Like the other parks along this river, there are plenty of opportunities to fish, boat, and even jet ski. The park also has rentals for vessels for those who want to go fishing, and during the winter, ice fishing is available for those who enjoy it.

Along the Way

Shedd Aquarium

Before you leave Chicago, consider paying a trip to the Shedd Aquarium, which is a spacious aquarium that has been in operation for 90 years. At the aquarium, you and your family can witness more than 32,000 unique animals, so be ready to learn! Throughout the year, they have multiple activities like the Virtual Sea Otter Encounter, “Shark Expectations,” and “Sea Star Touch.” You and your family can also try the 4-D experience, which feels like a ride through the sea's natural environments and history.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan dwarfs all of the towns and cities on its shores. In fact, at over 22,000 square miles, this inland lake makes seas like the Dead Sea seem minuscule. There are multiple activities along the shoreline of the lake, and since the lake itself is so massive, it’ll feel like you’re visiting an ocean, not an inland body of water.

Potawatomi Wildlife Park

Located in Tippecanoe, the Potawatomi Wildlife Park is a natural sanctuary for thousands of plants and animal species. At the park, you can rent a canoe or kayak, ride a bike, or take part in one of the environmental programs. Fishing is available in one of the ponds, and the park allows for dogs along the park trails as long as they are on a leash. 

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum

If you’ve ever heard of such iconic automobiles as the Auburn 654 Cabriolet or the 851 Speedster, then you know of at least two of the car models crafted by Auburn Cord Duesenberg, which began as three auto manufacturers in the late 19th century. While the combined brand is now defunct, visiting the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum provides visitors with an impression of what yesteryear's luxury cars looked like. Some several exhibits and collections display over 120 vehicles throughout the year.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Valparaiso, IN  

With a population of 31,730, the city of Valparaiso, IN, is a small town with some suburban flavor. Valparaiso is an ideal location on a Chicago to Columbus RV road trip for those looking to unwind; there are craft beer houses, drive-in theaters, and various cafes with skilled baristas. Valparaiso is also home to a variety of festivals that visitors will love. Some iconic Valparaiso festivals include the Pork and Popcorn Festivals. You can also take in a little culture at the White Ripple Art Gallery or the Dillinger Museum. 

There are also a variety of great campgrounds in the area where you can stop for the night on your Chicago to Columbus road trip. Most have full hookups, several spaces for various types of RV, and various comfy amenities for visitors. 

Fort Wayne, IN

As the name indicated, Fort Wayne began its history as an actual fort back in the early 1800s, and to this day, you can visit this Old Fort in the city. Today, Fort Wayne has about a quarter-million residents and has become a center of the arts and sciences in northeastern Indiana. There’s the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, the legendary Embassy Theater, and Science Central, to name a few family-friendly locations. Additionally, you can have a bit of fun at one of the parks or snack on confections at the DeBrand Fine Chocolates Tour.

There’s only one Fort Wayne campground in the city itself. This is Johnny Appleseed Park, but there are also several RV parks and campgrounds in the Fort Wayne area if you’re looking for something else. Places like Fireside Resort RV Park and Indian Springs Campground are pet-friendly, and campgrounds like Twin Mills Camping Resort have an amazing 551 RV sites that you can use. If your campground doesn’t have a place for gray or black water, consider one of the various dump stations in the area.

Toledo, OH

As you close in on Columbus, consider a trip to Toledo, which is only about 140 miles away along this route. This city is positioned along the western tip of Lake Erie, so you’ll have a chance to see your second Great Lake. Toledo is one of the centers of glass production in the U.S., and you can learn more at the Toledo Museum of Art, which has an exhibit about the city’s history of glassmaking. 

Find Adventure from Chicago to Columbus

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Chicago to Columbus, 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 or Columbus.