Roadtrip with RVshare Chicago to Duluth

Taking a Chicago to Duluth road trip begins at one Great Lake and ends at another. Your journey starts in Chicago on Lake Michigan, continues through the state of Wisconsin from the southern state line, and finishes on the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth at the northern border of Wisconsin. Along with the exciting venues and activities available in Chicago, you will also get to experience the natural beauty of the many lakes, rivers, and forests of Wisconsin, including two of the largest inland bodies of water in the U.S.

Nearby National Parks

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park became the 61st park in the National Park System in 2019. This large park has 15,000 acres and lies along 15 miles of the southern shorelines of Lake Michigan. The park is named for the tall sand dunes it contains, some of which reach upwards of 200 feet in height. Along with the sand dunes, there are large areas of prairie grass, forests, meadows, and rivers to explore. The wildflowers put on a beautiful display in the early summer months, and the fall colors in the autumn months are equally lovely. While in the park on your Chicago to Duluth RV road trip, you can hike in the summer and snowshoe and snow ski in the winter. You can also enjoy any of the available water-based activities that are offered at Lake Michigan. 

Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park is near the Canadian and Minnesota borders and has four large lakes, 16 smaller interior lakes, the Ash River, numerous islands, and 650 miles of shoreline. Of the park's 218,000 acres, more than one-third are underwater. The park is interconnected through a series of waterways and can be navigated by private boats or boat tours. Once inside the park, you can hike along more than 27 miles of trails. Besides the natural sites and activities, you can also visit Ellsworth Rock Gardens, which is a collection of abstract sculptures that are displayed on terraced outcroppings of rock. There is also a historic hotel in the Kettle Falls area. The park is known for spectacular views of the night sky, including frequent showings of the Northern Lights.

Nearby State Parks

Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is located on the Illinois River a few miles southwest of Chicago, and it provides a good beginning to your road trip from Chicago to Duluth. The park has numerous deep sandstone canyons that were formed by glacial melt, and many of them have waterfalls. Visitors can hike on any of the many nature trails, and there are several equestrian trails as well. You can fish and have fun boating on the Illinois River, and there are many chances to view the native wildlife, including white-tailed deer, migratory birds, and bald eagles. 

William W. Powers State Recreation Area

William W. Powers State Recreation Area is a natural gem located on Wolf Lake on the Illinois and Indiana state borders on Chicago's southeast end. This 580-acre park is known for the excellent fishing that is available for catching crappie, carp, sunfish, bullhead, Muskie, pike, bluegill, bass, and other species of fish. There are approximately 6 miles of lakeshore that are available for bank fishing, and everyone can enjoy hiking and picnicking throughout the park. 

Lake Wissota State Park

Wisconsin also has many state parks worth visiting, including Lake Wissota State Park, a 1,000-acre park that is located on the northeast shores of Lake Wissota. The lake offers a variety of fish, and fishing equipment can be borrowed from the park services. Boating, kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing are popular activities (canoes can be rented from the park), and there is a boat launch on the south end of the lake. There are 11 miles of off-road bicycling trails with a majority of the trails also available for hiking. The Old Abe State Trail is a paved railroad trail that runs 20 miles to Brunet Island State Park in the town of Cornell. Horseback riders have 9 miles of equestrian trails, but keep in mind that a state trail pass is required for horseback riders who are 16 years of age and older. 

Along the Way

Chicago Pier

Chicago Pier is one of the most visited tourist sites in the city of Chicago, and it should definitely be added to your Chicago to Duluth road trip itinerary. The Centennial Wheel is the pinnacle of the pier, both literally and figuratively. This famous Ferris wheel reaches nearly 200 feet into the sky and offers a unique view of both the city and Lake Michigan below. The pier itself extends into Lake Michigan for 3,300 feet and covers a total area of more than 50 acres of shops, gardens, parks, and restaurants.

Cave of the Mounds

Cave of the Mounds is a National Natural Landmark, and it is often referred to as the "jewel box" of caves in North America. It has one of the most beautiful limestone formations in a known cave system. The Cave of the Mounds is located a few miles west of the city of Madison on the eastern side of the hills of the Blue Mounds. It was discovered by accident in 1939 by quarry workers. The limestone stalactites are awe-inspiring, and visitors can see them via well-lit walkways that meander throughout the caves. 

Minnehaha Park

Minnehaha Park is the home of Minnehaha Falls, a 53-foot-high waterfall on Minnehaha Creek, which eventually flows into the Mississippi River. This park is one of Minneapolis' oldest and most popular parks, and it offers a natural oasis in an urban setting. The park is 193 acres and features the falls, lower cascades, limestone bluffs, and river overlooks. It was part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and was featured as part of the "Fashionable Tour" steamboat tours of the 1880s. Visitors can visit historic sites inside the park, including the John H. Stevens House and the Minnehaha Princess Station train depot.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Madison

Located west of the city of Milwaukee, Madison is the capital city of Wisconsin. The most famous landmark of the city is the domed Wisconsin State Capital, which is located on an isthmus between Mendota Lake and Monona Lake. While visiting the city, you can visit many parks, museums, and event venues, including the Wisconsin Historical Museum and the Monona Terrace lakefront convention center, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Viking Village Campground is conveniently located near Madison in Stoughton, WI, and it has all the modern amenities that you could want. If you need a dump station, don’t worry because you can find several options in the vicinity. 

Wisconsin Dells  

Wisconsin Dells lies along the Wisconsin River in southern Wisconsin, and it is in a region that features sandstone formations that were formed by glacier movement. The city is known for both the numerous parks and entertainment centers and for its proximity to Mirror Lake State Park, which is a natural preserve and lake with a wide network of nature trails. Sherwood Forest RV Park is a fun campground located nearby, and it has a splash pad, several playgrounds, and a heated swimming pool. There are also dump stations nearby, so you'll have several options when it's time to dump your wastewater.

Eau Claire

Eau Claire is located 90 miles east of Minneapolis, MI, and it offers a wide variety of outdoor and indoor activities. The Eau Claire River merges with the Chippewa River, which then drains into the Mississippi River. You can walk or paddle along the Chippewa River State Trail, view crafts from local artists, and shop and eat in the vibrant downtown sections. There are also historical sites and buildings to see. Eagle Ridge Campground is conveniently located in Chippewa Falls and affords easy access to the recreational activities around Eau Claire. When it's time to utilize a dump station, you will find several in the surrounding areas.

Find Adventure from Chicago to Duluth

Find your One-Way Rental

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