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Roadtrip with RVshare Boston to Rockford

On your Boston to Rockford road trip, you'll have outdoor adventures galore with visits to breathtaking destinations at Acadia National Park, the Adirondack Mountains, and Indiana Sand Dunes National Park. Stops in a few bustling cities along the way take you on exciting and delicious excursions as you experience some of their best eateries and sightseeing hotspots such as Portillo's Hot Dogs and Navy Pier in Chicago, The Grotto and Niagara Falls in Buffalo, and the Flying Fig and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. You'll also immerse yourself in a real-live mystery at the Museum of Intrigue and enjoy a real doozy of a time on an Untouchable Tour of Chi-Town's historic "wise guy" haunts. 

Boston to Rockford Road Trip Itinerary

  • Trip Length: 16 hours 10 minutes
  • Mileage: 1070 miles
  • Fun Fact: The idea for the famous Chef Boyardee canned pasta company came to Chef Ettore Boiardi in 1920s Cleveland after his patrons kept asking for his recipes.

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Nearby National Parks

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is located off the coast of Maine, and is only four hours and 35 minutes north of Boston. At this spectacular park, you'll have 158 miles of hiking trails to enjoy as you trek to mountains, over marshlands, and along scenic stretches of New England shoreline. Outdoor activities include everything from tide pooling and leaf-peeping to horseback riding, fishing, and climbing. There are also a variety of historic places to visit as you explore Acadia's 45,000 acres. Camping here is stellar, and there are several campgrounds to choose from. 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park has something for everyone. Here, you can view the local wildlife and birdwatch while walking along the historic Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail before enjoying a leisurely train ride aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Kayaking and fishing are available on the Cuyahoga River, and questing adventures in the forest are a great way to experience the beauty of the park. In the evening, head out on a stargazing excursion to Beaver Marsh, one of the best places in the Cuyahoga Valley to observe the stars and lunar eclipses. 

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park welcomes you to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan with outdoor adventures aplenty. Start by checking out the dunes on an exciting hiking challenge, or ranger-led walk or talk, and then, head to the beach for a day of fun in the sun. Further exploration of the park takes you to a few historical sites such as the Chellburg Farm and the Bailly Homestead in addition to five World Century of Progress Homes. Indiana Sand Dunes also features 14 different trail systems with various types of terrain to suit every skill level. 

Nearby State Parks

Schodack Island State Park

Schodack Island State Park allows you to explore over 1,000 lush acres of woods that lie along the Hudson River and Schodack Creek. Some of the activities you'll enjoy are biking, kayaking, swimming, and boating. This park is also a state estuary and is home to a bird conservation area where you can view bald eagles and blue herons in their natural habitat. 

Maumee Bay State Park

Located on the northside of Toledo, Maumee Bay State Park has a ton of fun, outdoor activities that include a golf course with a pro shop, fishing, and boating on Lake Erie, an archery range, and five scenic hiking trails. You can also enjoy swimming at two lovely beaches, camp, and mountain bike. 

Big Foot Beach State Park

Big Foot Beach State Park is just one hour and 15 minutes north of Rockford on the shores of Lake Geneva in Wisconsin. Here, you'll have plenty of outdoor fun as you explore five miles of hiking trails, fish, and swim on Lake Geneva and camp the night away. 

Along the Way

The Adirondacks

A visit to the Adirondack Mountains is a must as you drive through New York on your road trip from Boston to Rockford. These majestic beauties are a quick two-hour and 10-minute drive north of Schenectady. Once you arrive, stop at Adirondack Experience - The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake to learn about the early settlers and cultural history of the area before feasting on a hearty steak or bowl of lamb stew at the Salt of the Earth Bistro. Get outdoorsy on jaunts to Whiteface Mountain, the Ausable Chasm, and Saratoga Spa State Park, and then, pick up some locally sourced products at Nori's. 

Museum of Intrigue

At the Museum of Intrigue, you'll put your problem-solving skills to the test on an exciting adventure of your choosing. All stories feature full access to the 9,000-square-foot mystery space that leads you through areas such as the Crypt, the Speakeasy, the Rainforest, and many more. 

Untouchable Tour

Experience Chicago like never before on an Untouchable Tour that highlights infamous mobster sites such as the Holy Name Cathedral, the St. Valentine's Day massacre spot, and the Biograph Theatre. On your bus ride back to the heyday of organized crime, you'll also hear stories about the exploits of real wise guys like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Bugs Moran from your perfectly suited tour guides, and if you're in the mood for a taste of Chicago, Portillo's Hot Dogs is right across the street. 

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Buffalo

Get ready to check off a bunch of your bucket list must-sees as you travel through the lively city of Buffalo. Start your time here with a Maid of the Mist tour that features up-close views of Niagara Falls, and then, set off on a delicious adventure down the Niagara Wine Trail, which spans three counties and offers numerous opportunities to sample local blends and the region's iconic ice wine. If you're in the mood for a few history lessons, check out Buffalo Naval Park and Old Fort Niagara. For sensational eats, head to Mulberry Italian Ristorante, The Grotto, and Bacchus Wine Bar and Restaurant. 

Branches of Niagara Campground & Resort is located on a sprawling, woodland property on Grand Island. Some of the activities you'll enjoy are ziplining, laser tag, mini-golf, swimming, and hiking, in addition to amenities that include a general store, activity center, three heated bathhouses, a dump station, laundry facilities, and a dog park. 

Cleveland

In Cleveland, you can experience the history of music on a fully immersive tour of the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and relish the unique vibe of the city at West Side Market, its oldest indoor/outdoor market space that features over 100 vendors. Explore the famous residence of the holiday movie classic "A Christmas Story" on a guided tour or overnight stay, and then, wander through The Arcade, a historic Victorian-era building with cool shops, cafés, and restaurants. During the day, get going with a savory breakfast from Grumpy's Café, or do lunch at the Flying Fig followed by an inspirational walk around the Cleveland Museum of Art. 

Woodside Lake Park is a scenic 100-acre campground near Cleveland that features a relaxing beach, hiking trails, a huge lake, and game room. There's also a dump station and convenience store on the premises so that you can stock up on supplies for your Boston to Rockford RV road trip. 

Chicago

Chicago invites you to experience some of the Windy City's most famous sights, sounds, and tastes as you tour Willis Tower, enjoy eating extravaganzas at Navy Pier, and catch live performances at the Chicago Theatre. Leisurely walks through Millennium Park followed by a relaxing picnic with treats from the Chicago French Market hits the spot before a fabulous night out at Berlin and the Debonair Social Club. You'll also want to check out a game at Wrigley Field, stuff your face with Chicago-style hot dogs at Wolfy's, and snap a few selfies in front of the Buckingham Fountain. 

Chicago Northwest KOA offers campers spacious sites with full hookups in a lush wooded area that's just 55 miles north of downtown Chicago. Amenities include walking trails, a dog park, mini-golf, weekend bingo, swimming, and ice cream socials. You'll also have access to free Wi-Fi, a clean dump station, and firewood. 

Find Adventure from Boston to Rockford

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Boston to Rockford, 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 Boston or Rockford.