Roadtrip with RVshare Chicago to Niagara Falls

One of the most iconic places to visit in the Great Lakes region is Niagara Falls. So, why not make your journey an RV road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls? Along the way, you can stop at several state parks and hike, and there is a zoo and a water park along the way to enjoy. The trip will follow I-90 for most of the way, but if you prefer, you can also take a path through Detroit and head into Canada during the trip.

Nearby National Parks

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park was reclassified as a national park in February of 2019, which makes it a relatively new national park that you will want to visit. It is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, and you can enjoy hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and other water sports at this park. 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Another national park along this Chicago to Niagara Falls road trip is Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The park is located in Ohio, and it is home to over 100 waterfalls. There are also narrow ravines and over 125 miles of trails in the park that you can explore. There is even a scenic railroad in the park that makes a unique photo opportunity.

Nearby State Parks

Pokagon State Park

Pokagon State Park is located in Angola, Indiana, and it is a very tranquil park where you can enjoy nature. There are several trails that you can explore as well as a nature center and places where you can sit and go fishing. In the winter, there are even opportunities to go skiing in the park.

Geneva State Park

Geneva State Park in Ohio sits along the shores of Lake Erie. It has a 300-foot beach that you can enjoy and opportunities for boaters to spend a day out on the water. There are also trails in the park that can be explored by foot or bike. If you would like to spend some extra time in this area, there are camping options that you can take advantage of as well.

Erie Bluffs State Park

Another state park to include in your road trip itinerary from Chicago to Niagara Falls is Erie Bluffs State Park. This one is located in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania, and it is 587 acres in size. At this park, there are several hiking trails to enjoy as well as creeks and bluffs that overlook the lake and offer a very scenic view. The park offers guided walks and hands-on activities that visitors can enjoy.

Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park is a peninsula that can be found off the coast of Lake Erie in Erie, PA. Because of the location of this park, this is a great place for bird-watching. Migrating birds frequent this area, and rare species can even be seen during certain times of the year. Boat tours, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, and hiking are popular activities that you can also enjoy in the park.

Evangola State Park

Evangola State Park is another state park that can be found off the coast of Lake Erie, in New York. It has sandy beaches that you can enjoy as well as plenty of opportunities to see nature as you take a hike through the area. Within the park, there are tennis courts, basketball courts, and baseball diamonds that visitors can enjoy as well. In addition, if you stay overnight, there are 80 campsites that you can choose from to park your RV.

Along the Way

Niles Scream Park

If you are taking this trip during the fall, Niles Scream Park is a great option for those who like to be scared. It’s located in Niles, Michigan, and there are quite a few attractions at the park that will give you a full night of fun and excitement. If you are traveling with children, know that the attractions are not recommended for kids who are under the age of 6. 

RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum

Since you are making this trip in an RV, we only thought that it would be appropriate to stop at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart, IN. There are trailers on display that date back to the 1920s so that you can see exactly how much campers have changed over the years. There are photos and memorabilia on display that can help complete the picture and tell a story about the technical advances of RVs. 

Sauder’s Historic Village

Sauder’s Historic Village gives visitors the opportunity to experience Ohio during an earlier period of time that falls between 1803 and 1928. Guides wear costumes to help you get fully immersed in the times, and there are animals on the farm for you to enjoy. You can also marvel at the craftsmanship of the era while visiting some historic homes. There is even an Erie Express train that you can take a ride on. There are museum exhibits that you can check out as well.

Toledo Zoo

Whether you are traveling with little ones or a group of friends, the Toledo Zoo is a great place to explore. There are land and water exhibits that feature animals from around the globe. There are interactive exhibits as well as feedings that guests can experience. This is a great way to spend a day, so finding a campground nearby could be beneficial. 

Splash Lagoon

If you are taking your RV trip during summer and you would like to spend a day cooling off, then Splash Lagoon in Erie will be an ideal stop for you to make. There are waterslides and pools to enjoy as well as a FlowRider that is perfect for learning how to surf on the waves without being in the ocean. There is also an arcade and a virtual reality experience, so you could easily spend a whole day here.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Gary, Indiana

Gary is a city in Indiana that you may want to stop in, especially if you are a fan of Michael Jackson because this is where his family home is located. While you are here visiting the Indiana Sand Dunes National Park, make sure to check-in at the Majestic Stare Casino for some excitement. There are plenty of campgrounds to stay at in the area, but if you are looking to simply travel through Gary, there are dump stations along the way that you can use.

Toledo, Ohio

Toledo is another city that you will encounter during your RV trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls. It is where the Toledo Zoo is located and a great place to enjoy an interactive science museum with your family. If you decide to spend the day here, there are plenty of campgrounds in the area where you can stay. Cedarlane RV Park and Maumee Bay State Park are both attractive options where you can spend a night or two.

Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, New York, is one of the last stops that you will be making on this road trip, but there are plenty of things to check out in the city before moving on to the last leg of the trip. You can explore the zoo and the botanical gardens that are located here. If you would like to grab a drink and relax for the evening, the Niagara Wine Trail offers a peaceful experience. If you decide to find a place to camp, there are Buffalo campgrounds that are easy to travel to from the city. Many of the camping options also have dump stations that are free to use for guests. 

Find Adventure from Chicago to Niagara Falls

Find your One-Way Rental

This is a very exciting trip to make in your RV, especially if your family has never been to Niagara Falls before. It is a spectacular location that is often considered to be one of the wonders of the world. Part of making a road trip is being able to enjoy the journey to your destination, and this road trip itinerary from Chicago to Niagara Falls provides plenty of options. You don’t have to own an RV to make a trip like this one memorable. Just check RVshare for Chicago rental options to see what is available to you. If you don’t find an RV that fits your needs, try doing the trip in reverse and look for a rental RV near Niagara Falls instead.