An Epic (and Affordable) Road Trip to 8 of America’s Most Incredible Wonders

Pack up your clothes, the kids, and your sense of adventure because it’s time for some of our favorite USA budget road trips! There are so many wonderful places to explore across this beautiful country of ours, and doing it by car is noted by many as the preferred method of travel.  So whether you have a hankering to explore national parks, foodie cities, historic sites, or anything in between, this budget sojourn promises a wealth of truly bucket-list-worthy destinations.

Want to discover more USA road trips? You’ll love OnlyInYourState's newest series, On The Road, which explores magnificent routes across America catered to nature lovers, foodies, budget travelers, adventurers, and more.

Encompassing 1,621 miles, this road trip will take about 27 hours. However, we know you’re not going to do it all in one fell swoop! This adventure is meant to be savored, one delicious destination at a time.

1. Explore History at Knife River Indian Villages, North Dakota

First up on this Ultimate USA Budget Road Trip is the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site. Located in North Dakota, the site shares the history of the Knife River Indian Villages that many Native American tribes once called home. Established over 500 years ago, they served as important trade hubs and, according to history, explorers Lewis and Clark met Sakakawea here.

2. Marvel at Mount Rushmore National Monument, South Dakota

Next, we’re headed south for about five hours and 45 minutes through 350 picturesque miles to the famous Mount Rushmore National Monument in South Dakota. Located in Keystone, Mount Rushmore National Monument was carved by a father-and-son team between 1927 and 1941. A hidden gem here is a 75-foot-long, 35-foot-tall chamber nestled behind President Lincoln's head.

3. Discover Bizarre Formations at Toadstool Geological Park, Nebraska

Traveling a little further south for 105 miles, in about two hours just over the Nebraska border, you’ll reach Toadstool Geological Park. Today’s Toadstool Geological Park was formed when volcanic ash blanketed the area some 30 million years ago. As erosion took place, it left these bizarre rock formations that look like – well, toadstools!

4. Chase Waterfalls at Winnewissa Falls, Pipestone National Monument

Backtracking just a bit on this USA road trip, past Mount Rushmore again to Rapid City and then east, our next stop is at Winnewissa Falls. The drive is 7.5 hours and covers 486 miles. You’ll find the Winnewissa Falls at Pipestone National Monument. The falls and the landscape of this 282-acre park are simply stunning, and the trails are peppered with incredible pink quartzite stones that catch the light – particularly at sunrise and sunset.

5. Take in Panoramic Views from Granddad Bluff, Wisconsin

Moving right along this budget road trip adventure, we now come to Granddad Bluff. The four-hour and 45-minute, 300-mile drive will take you just over the eastern border of Minnesota into La Crosse, Wisconsin. You’re in for dramatic panoramic vistas at the 600-foot-high Granddad Bluff! From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota, as well as La Crosse.

6. Adventure Through Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa

Only another three hours and 148 miles, and you’ll arrive at Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa. Scenic trails, dramatic beauty, and fascinating caves await you at Maquoketa Caves State Park. There are 16 caves in all across this 111-acre park – some connected by boardwalks and ramps, others standing alone in all their glory.

7. Hike Stunning Trails at Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Crossing over into Illinois after another two-hour, 138-mile drive, we come to Starved Rock State Park. Reputation precedes us at Starved Rock State Park, which was once named the best in Illinois for its spectacular, natural features. Encompassing 2,630 acres, the park is chock full of trails, waterfalls, and 18 sandstone canyons.

8. Experience Nature & Wildlife at Kankakee Sands, Indiana

And last, but certainly not least, on this ultimate USA budget road trip is Kankakee River State Park. Situated about two hours and 101 miles away, just over the Indiana border, Kankakee Sands spans 4,000 acres and is a recreational playground for camping, fishing, equestrian, boating, and hiking enthusiasts.

Didn’t you just love these budget road trips in the US? Have you ever been to any of these fantastic places? If so, which were your favorites? We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments. One of our favorite ways to travel in style is to rent an RV from RVShare, since you don't need to spend a fortune on your own.

Want help planning this route step by step? Use the Only In Your State Itinerary Planner to map stops, calculate drive times, and customize your road trip based on your travel style.

To help you make sure you have everything you need, check out this Ultimate Road Trip Packing List.