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Road trip from Chicago to New Orleans
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ITINERARY
16h 57m918 miles10 stops
1
Michigan Avenue Bridge
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
2
Boystown
Located in Chicago's North Side, this vibrant neighborhood is known for its exciting nightlife and for being one of the largest LGBTQIA+ communities in the city. It's the host of the annual Chicago Pride Parade, and a must-see in the area is the Legacy Walk on Halsted Street, where you can learn about the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community while admiring the colorful street art and rainbow crosswalks. Check out the unique shops and then grab a bite at one of the area's delicious Thai or Mexican restaurants. At night, visit one of the neighborhood's bars to enjoy a drag show, concert, and tasty cocktail. Consider taking a food or walking tour of Chicago that stops by Boystown. – Tripadvisor
3
Wrigley Field
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours. Built in 1914, this must-see Chicago attraction houses more than 100 years of history. New this year, fans can join us on a non-gameday Ivy Tour which includes the opportunity to take a photo in front of Wrigley Field’s historic ivy wall.
4
The Quarry at Crystal Springs
5
Overton Park
Overton Park is a 342-acre public park in Memphis, Tennessee. The park is home to two playgrounds, a dog park, an open Greensward for recreation, a Veterans Plaza, and the 126-acre Old Forest State Natural Area. It features more than eight miles of trails, including the Bike Gate arch and plaza trail. The park is managed by the nonprofit Overton Park Conservancy. Overton Park is also a major cultural attraction, home to a nine-hole golf course, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the Memphis Zoo, Memphis College of Art, and the Levitt Shell concert pavilion.
6
Blues Hall Juke Joint
7
Cooper-Young Historic District
8
Palm Court Jazz Cafe
A stylish jazz spot in the French Quarter, which serves Cajun and Creole dishes.
9
The Presbytere
The Presbytere was designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo, alongside St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. It stands today as a beautiful reminder of both Louisiana's singular past and its vibrant present.The Presbytere, originally called Casa Curial or "Ecclesiastical House," was built on the site of the residence, or presbytere, of the Capuchin monks. The building was used for commercial purposes until 1834 when it became a courthouse. In 1911, it became part of the Louisiana State Museum. Two exhibitions are on display-"Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond" tells of rescue, rebuilding and renewal, and "Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana" captures the fun and fantasy of the annual celebration.
10
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Nature reserve, consisting of several sections, preserves significant examples of the natural and cultural resources of the Mississippi Delta region.
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OVERVIEW
Get ready for an epic adventure that'll make you want to shout "Wow!" and "Amazing!" at the top of your lungs! We're taking a grand journey from the bustling streets of Chicago to the vibrant heart of New Orleans. Along the way, we'll uncover the hidden gems and iconic landmarks that make this trip unforgettable.
We'll hop on a train and chug through scenic landscapes, watching the world go by from our cozy seats. We'll visit cities steeped in history, where we'll explore museums, stroll through charming streets, and sample delicious local flavors. And of course, we can't forget the mighty Mississippi River, a majestic waterway that will guide us towards our final destination.
As we approach New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz and Mardi Gras, the air will fill with the irresistible rhythm of live music. We'll immerse ourselves in the city's vibrant culture, marveling at its historic architecture, indulging in mouthwatering Creole cuisine, and dancing the night away. Are you ready for a journey that will create memories to cherish forever?
1
Start:Michigan Avenue Bridge
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(985) review
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
2
Start:Boystown
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(98) review
Located in Chicago's North Side, this vibrant neighborhood is known for its exciting nightlife and for being one of the largest LGBTQIA+ communities in the city. It's the host of the annual Chicago Pride Parade, and a must-see in the area is the Legacy Walk on Halsted Street, where you can learn about the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community while admiring the colorful street art and rainbow crosswalks. Check out the unique shops and then grab a bite at one of the area's delicious Thai or Mexican restaurants. At night, visit one of the neighborhood's bars to enjoy a drag show, concert, and tasty cocktail. Consider taking a food or walking tour of Chicago that stops by Boystown. – Tripadvisor
3
Start:Wrigley Field
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(9953) review
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours. Built in 1914, this must-see Chicago attraction houses more than 100 years of history. New this year, fans can join us on a non-gameday Ivy Tour which includes the opportunity to take a photo in front of Wrigley Field’s historic ivy wall.
4
Start:The Quarry at Crystal Springs
Maryland Heights, Saint Louis, Missouri·
4.0
(5) review
1 Crystal Springs Quarry Dr, Maryland Heights, Saint Louis, MO 63043-0015
5
Start:Overton Park
Memphis, Tennessee·
4.5
(92) review
Overton Park is a 342-acre public park in Memphis, Tennessee. The park is home to two playgrounds, a dog park, an open Greensward for recreation, a Veterans Plaza, and the 126-acre Old Forest State Natural Area. It features more than eight miles of trails, including the Bike Gate arch and plaza trail. The park is managed by the nonprofit Overton Park Conservancy. Overton Park is also a major cultural attraction, home to a nine-hole golf course, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the Memphis Zoo, Memphis College of Art, and the Levitt Shell concert pavilion.
6
Start:Blues Hall Juke Joint
Memphis, Tennessee·
4.5
(97) review
174 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103-3714
7
Start:Cooper-Young Historic District
Memphis, Tennessee·
4.0
(97) review
Cooper and Young Streets, Memphis, TN 38101
8
Start:Palm Court Jazz Cafe
New Orleans, Louisiana·
4.5
(99) review
A stylish jazz spot in the French Quarter, which serves Cajun and Creole dishes.
9
Start:The Presbytere
New Orleans, Louisiana·
4.5
(999) review
The Presbytere was designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo, alongside St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. It stands today as a beautiful reminder of both Louisiana's singular past and its vibrant present.The Presbytere, originally called Casa Curial or "Ecclesiastical House," was built on the site of the residence, or presbytere, of the Capuchin monks. The building was used for commercial purposes until 1834 when it became a courthouse. In 1911, it became part of the Louisiana State Museum. Two exhibitions are on display-"Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond" tells of rescue, rebuilding and renewal, and "Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana" captures the fun and fantasy of the annual celebration.
10
Start:Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
New Orleans, Louisiana·
4.5
(999) review
Nature reserve, consisting of several sections, preserves significant examples of the natural and cultural resources of the Mississippi Delta region.
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
Download Offline Map
Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
Camera or smartphone
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Chicago and New Orleans?
The distance is 918 miles
What's the travel time between Chicago and New Orleans?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 16h 57m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Chicago and New Orleans?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to New Orleans?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to New Orleans
What’s the weather like in New Orleans?
The weather in New Orleans is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in New Orleans in January
Weather in New Orleans in February
Weather in New Orleans in March
Weather in New Orleans in April
Weather in New Orleans in May
Weather in New Orleans in June
Weather in New Orleans in July
Weather in New Orleans in August
Weather in New Orleans in September
Weather in New Orleans in October
Weather in New Orleans in November
Weather in New Orleans in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in New Orleans?
Plan your dream New Orleans trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in New Orleans
A 2-day itinerary in New Orleans
A 3-day itinerary in New Orleans
A 4-day itinerary in New Orleans
A 5-day itinerary in New Orleans
A 6-day itinerary in New Orleans
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Chicago?
We have a lot of great trip options for Chicago! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you
