Road Trip with RVshare Detroit to Bismarck

Your Detroit to Bismarck road trip itinerary overflows with fun and exciting things to see and experience as you travel through the cities of Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. Relaxing visits to a couple of beautiful national parks take you hiking over the dunes and through the woods at Indiana Dunes National Park and to scenic waterfall destinations in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Continue your adventure and arrive at a fascinating interactive art installation at River Lights Plaza and the largest mall in the country at the Mall of America.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Chicago

In Chicago, you can hang like a local at the Kaiser Tiger and enjoy some of the best beer and sausages the Windy City has to offer. Head to Little Italy for the mom-and-pop restaurants and authentic Italian ice cream parlors, then take a historical cemetery walk to learn about the city's past residents and hear a few chilling ghost stories. Classic sights you just can't miss are the Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, the giant, mirrored art sculpture, Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, and the Chicago Riverboat Tour. Campgrounds around the city are perfect places to rest and relax as you enjoy more of Chicago. Dump stations are also conveniently located throughout the area.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee takes you to unexpected and exciting places, such as Shaker's Cigar Bar, a haunted destination and former speakeasy that was once operated by Al Capone. For a fun espionage-inspired experience, The Safe House is the perfect place to spend the evening eating, drinking, and enjoying secret passageways, two-way mirrors, and the martini-mixing tubes that run throughout the building. More to see in this eclectic and cool city are the Bronze Fonz, the Harley-Davidson Museum, the Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion, and East Brady Street. Nearby campgrounds with dump stations allow you to keep your RV clean and explore Milwaukee at your own pace.

Green Bay

You can't stop in Green Bay without checking out the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame and Museum like a real-life cheesehead. Then, enjoy some beer-slurping fun at Legend Larry's on your Detroit to Bismarck RV road trip. Keep the good times rolling at Titletown for rotating seasonal events and a football field with a playground that features tackling dummies and a 40-yard dash that times you. You can indulge in a wine excursion or two at Captain Walk Winery and Mona Rosa Winery for some delicious reds and whites that include local history lessons. Enjoy a relaxing night's stay at a beautiful campground in Green Bay. You'll find dump stations in and around town.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis treats you to the finer things at a few local hotspots you won't want to miss. Head to Spyhouse Coffee Roasters for a hearty cup of joe and the decadent Love You, Cookie, and check out the North Loop & Warehouse District for the hip urban vibe and excellent boutique shopping. Top-notch beers and delicious snacks await at Bauhaus Brew Labs, and for dessert, you can savor tempting ice cream treats with unique flavor combinations at Milkjam Creamery. For some sporty fun, check out Bad Axe, where you'll be taught the art of throwing like a lumberjack, and spend a little time working on your golf game at Topgolf. You should also stop by the Museum of Russian Art, Ingebretsen's Scandinavian Gifts, and the Nicollet Mall to soak in the international ambiance of the city. Local campgrounds are open year-round and feature a variety of excellent amenities that include dump stations.

National Parks

Visit a couple of national parks on your road trip from Detroit to Bismarck for sand dune adventures and excursions to a few peaceful spots.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park has 33,000 lush acres for you to explore and is only two hours and 45 minutes from Detroit. This park features several breathtaking waterfall areas that are excellent for photo ops and hiking to Brandywine Falls, Blue Hen Falls, and Buttermilk and Bridal Veil Falls. You can take a relaxing ride through Cuyahoga Valley on the scenic railroad or drive through the park via Riverview Road for lovely views of the ever-changing forests. Be sure to visit Sarah's Vineyard located just outside of the park on the south side for afternoon wine tastings and their famous wood-fired pizzas.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park is an outdoor oasis located on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. Start off at the Visitor Center for a few local history lessons in the on-site theater and exhibit room, then head outside to hike three of the world's biggest sand dunes. You can enjoy a little rest and relaxation or swim and fish on pristine beaches that stretch for 15 miles. Before you leave, be sure to check out Chesterton's European Market for delicious ethnic foods, local crafts, and fresh honey and syrup. Key points of interest you'll want to explore are Barker Mansion, the Old Lighthouse Museum, Friendship Botanic Gardens, and Porter Beach.

Nearby State Parks

Enjoy the serenity and rich history of a few state parks on your Detroit to Bismarck road trip.

Potato Creek State Park

Potato Creek State Park is a popular boating destination where you can spend the day kayaking, swimming, or fishing for bluegill and bass on Lake Worster. Explore the park's six trails for easy-to-challenging hikes through forests and rugged terrain. Bike and horseback riding trails are also available, along with 287 campsites and an equestrian campground.

High Cliff State Park

High Cliff State Park is an RV camper's paradise that combines history with outdoor adventure on Lake Winnebago. Check out the museum and General Store to learn about the lost town of High Cliff and the ancient effigy mounds located throughout the park. Hiking and biking trails are available and are excellent places to spot local wildlife. If you're into water sports, you'll have never-ending fun windsurfing, boating, kayaking, and swimming on Wisconsin's largest inland lake.

Buffalo River State Park

Buffalo River State Park is only 14 miles from downtown Fargo and rests on over 1,000 acres of beautiful prairie lands that are home to red foxes, moose, deer, and beavers. Here, you can enjoy fishing on the Buffalo River, hike 12 miles of riverine forest and prairie trails, picnic, and splish-splash the day away on the swimming beach. A gift shop is also on the premises, along with access to firewood and ice in the park office.

Along the Way

River Lights Plaza

River Lights Plaza is a must-see interactive public art installation where you can marvel at two interactive light sculptures as they illuminate the beautiful cascading water of the St. Joseph River in South Bend, Indiana. Notice the highlighting of the symbolic Keeper of the Fire statue that unites the two sides of the river while you enjoy the sculpture's interactive feature by approaching either light fixture to send a flow of color to the opposite side.

Paine Art Center and Gardens

Paine Art Center and Gardens is an exquisite destination that features over 1,000 works of art, scenic gardens, and British-inspired architecture in the city of Oshkosh near Lake Winnebago. Tours of the English country mansion include 11 spectacular locations that whisk you from the Great Hall to the Library, Conservatory, and Master Bedroom. You can also enjoy tours of the immense grounds, featuring the Morning and Evening Gardens, the Birch Grove, Rose Garden, and Woodland Path.

Mall of America

At the Mall of America in Minneapolis, you can do just about everything from riding on roller coasters at the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park to bowling at Game Works and playing mini-golf at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf. You can also wander through the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, watch a live comedy show, race around in a Sky Kart at SMAAASH, and catch a movie while dining on gourmet cuisine as you sip cocktails. 

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Detroit to Bismarck, 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 Detroit or Bismarck.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Detroit to Bismarck?

To plan an RV road trip from Detroit to Bismarck, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.

What type of RV should I rent for my trip?

The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.

How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?

RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from Detroit to Bismarck without returning to the starting point.

Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.

What should I pack for an RV trip?

Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.

Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?

You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from Detroit to Bismarck. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.

How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?

Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.

Is insurance included in my RV rental?

Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.

Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?

Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.

What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?

Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!