The Lincoln Highway has become one of the most iconic routes in American culture and history. The road was American independence, progress, and the romance of the open road; it was more than just a passage. Sections of the original Lincoln Highway have been rechristened, bypassed or updated over the years, but its spirit remains. This iconic highway has inspired many scenic road trips around the U.S. today a mix of adventure and nostalgia. The below are the best Lincoln Highway-inspired road trips you’ll want to consider, whether as a history buff, as a fan of beautiful yet challenging drives, or as someone who wants to see America’s heartland.
The Best Road Trips Inspired by the Lincoln Highway
Begin your descent along the Lincoln Highway in New York City. Travel west from Times Square to Philadelphia, Pa., via New Jersey. You can follow the ancient roadway along charming backroads and through historic towns like Trenton and Metuchen, although they didn’t perfectly intersect the modern interstate routes.
This strip marries colonial charm to city vitality. Explore Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and old-school diners that hark back to the days of the early motor car. This small but telling section captures the mood of the East Coast in the early 20th century:
Pittsburgh to Canton (Industrial Heritage and Rolling Hills)
The road winds through rolling hills, steel cities, and railroad bridges as you head west from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. One of the best ways to keep along the original route is to follow this part of the Lincoln Highway, which runs parallel to Route 30.
The Flight 93 National Memorial, vintage eateries, and roadside art works that pay tribute to the early days of the Lincoln Highway may all be seen on the route to Canton, Ohio. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located downtown Canton, which makes for a pleasant visit with contemporary attractions set against a backdrop of history.
Ohio To Indiana
You will experience the real American heartland as you travel west through Ohio and into Indiana. Old gas stations, hotels and rebuilt dinners from the heyday of the American road trip can be found in little towns like Delphons, Upper Sanduckya and so on. If you can make sure to stop by the Lincoln Highway Buy Way Yard Sale in August. This multi-state event turns the highway into a huge flea market and captures the spirit of camaraderie that once defined cross-country travel.
Illinois and Indiana: America’s Crossroads
Before entering Chicago via the historic Lincoln Highway byways, the route crosses into Indiana and travels through communities including Fort Wayne, Valparaiso, and Dyer.The Indiana section is dotted with antique cabins from the early 20th century and roadside museums. The Indiana Chapter of the Lincoln Highway Association has put a lot of effort into educating tourists and preserving original sections. The road winds via Joliet, Illinois, and then into Chicago, a Midwestern city that provides a unique fusion of architecture, culture, and food. To learn more about the significance of the highway, make sure to visit the Chicago History Museum.
Nebraska and Iowa: Plains and Prairies
From the bustling cities of the Midwest, the Lincoln Highway extends over the expansive prairies of Iowa and Nebraska. This is an experience for those desiring vast, uninterrupted stretches of road lined with grain silos, cornfields and ramshackle barns. In Iowa there is Boone and the Kate Shelley High Bridge of Boone provides gorgeous views, Marshalltown and Cedar Rapids. Omaha, Columbus and North Platte all fall on the Nebraska segment; the latter is home to the Golden Spike Tower that overlooks the world’s largest rail classification yard. This is the heart of cross-country traveling; it is spacious, easygoing and very American.
California and Nevada: The Last Mile
The Lincoln Highway west is beautiful and rugged. The road crosses the remote mountainous desert of Nevada, visiting Ely, Austin, and Carson City. Photographers and anyone wanting to escape will relish this portion. The verdant splendor of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is open to tourists in California. The amazing drive into Lake Tahoe over the majestic Donner Pass. Conclude your trip at Lincoln Park, where a small monument indicates the official terminus of the Lincoln Highway. A perfect end to one of America’s greatest road trips, coast to coast.
Why Take Today’s Lincoln Highway?
Dedicated preservation efforts have preserved the spirit of the ancient route, even though modern interstates have absorbed or avoided much of it. Along the Lincoln Highway, various states have installed historical markers and established museums, and numerous towns have Lincoln Highway festivals.
A road trip inspired by the Lincoln Highway is about more than just getting from point A to point B; it’s about slowing down, enjoying the ride, and rediscovering the American road trip in its most authentic form. TRegardless of whether you decide to go a little distance or attempt the full coast-to-coast route, the Lincoln Highway promises an adventure full of Americana, nostalgia, and exploration.
FAQs On The Best Road Trips Inspired by the Lincoln Highway
- The Lincoln Highway was created when?
- In 1913, it was formally founded.
- What is the Lincoln Highway’s length?
- It crosses 13 states and roughly 3,389 kilometers.
- Is the old Lincoln Highway still accessible?
- Indeed, there are still driveable and signed portions of the formerroute.
- Which states are ideal for a Lincoln Highway road trip?
- The states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nebraska, and Nevada are notable for their historical and scenic significance.
- Which season is ideal for Lincoln Highway driving?
- The weather and visibility are best from late spring to early autumn.