Roadtrip with RVshare Pittsburgh to Chicago

Renting an RV to go from Pittsburgh to Chicago makes for a trip full of majestic views and fun experiences to be had. On this Pittsburgh to Chicago RV road trip, you will see a lot of the wonders that nature has to offer you. Visit the many museums and historic landmarks along the route to get great history lessons. Experience the sophisticated flair of a night on the town in one of the cities along this route.

Nearby National Parks

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Cleveland is home to over 100 waterfalls, and it is the only national park in all of Ohio. The waterfalls and natural paths make it a supremely delightful spot for having a little nature hike or enjoying the outdoors with your whole family. More than 2 million people visit this park every year, attracted by the miles and miles of pristine trails, a river that is nearly 100 miles in length, and a real working train on the premises. Cuyahoga Valley is like a gateway to another world, one that is filled with natural beauty. This is an excellent stop to make on your road trip.

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park

Indiana Sand Dunes was only declared a national park in 2019, but the land has been regarded as a sacred space by modern residents and indigenous peoples before them. One look at the rolling dunes and peaceful lakefront, and it is not difficult to see why. You may think a beach has nothing new to offer you, thinking that if you have seen one of them you have seen them all. On this lakefront park, you can get the excitement and activities that any other beach can offer. However, you are at the same time surrounded by the tranquil backdrop of other features like prairies, open pastures, and diverse wetlands.

Mammoth Cave National Park

This is an amazing park for the whole family because it offers beautiful and interesting natural formations and can deliver a full history lesson about the surrounding area. Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is very rural and does not provide many of the amenities travelers want and have come to rely on. However, it is within an easy drive of several small towns where you can find exactly what you need. The caves maintain a moist, chilly environment throughout the year, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket if you plan to take a tour. 

Nearby State Parks

Maumee Bay State Park

Located near the exciting and diverse cultural hub of Toledo, Maumee Bay State Park provides all-inclusive resorts and vacation packages as well as all that you will need to create an unforgettable experience of your own. You can see a variety of life in Maumee Bay, including several species of frog and other creatures that like to live near the water. The temperature is comfortable all year long, but it does get chilly in the winter, so you will want to dress accordingly.

Mohican State Park

This park caters to all the members of your family. From fun outdoor recreational activities of varying levels of intensity to summer programs for children between the ages of 7 and 14, Mohican State Park in Loudonville, Ohio, can occupy people of all ages. Some people even like to visit this park for simple reading in a shaded spot under some trees. This is a very popular destination.

Starved Rock State Park

It can be a little jarring to go from the hustle and bustle of the cosmopolitan flair of Chicago to the breathtaking natural vistas on display at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois, but it is well worth the effort. There's lots of natural beauty here, including waterfalls and a peaceful lake, and you can also take advantage of one of the fun and adventurous activities that this park makes available to you. View a variety of wildlife or go hiking or boating while you are here. Take advantage of all the natural beauty and memorable adventures provided here.

Sleepy Hollow State Park

Sleepy Hollow State Park is a bit north of your road trip route as it's in Michigan, but this scenic spot offers both a lake and a river where you can go fishing, take a boat out, or engage in any other water activities you like. The summers are mild, although the winters can be quite harsh. Many people choose to visit this park in the spring or summer months. This park is very popular with bird-watchers. Over 228 different species of birds have been spotted here. Bald eagles are regularly seen in areas of Sleepy Hollow.

Along the Way

National Museum of the Great Lakes

Learn all about the culture and the history of the region at this fantastic museum in Toledo. With its six different exhibits on offer, you can be sure that the whole family will be entertained. You can go to the museum and the maritime park all year long, but the ship that is docked there is only open for tours during the warmer months. The museum recommends that all visitors make a reservation online due to the ship's limited capacity and how popular it is.

Cleveland Metroparks

Get out of your RV and enjoy some city park life. With hundreds of miles of trails and access to a marina that features fishing and other water sports, the city parks in Cleveland will provide every member of your family with opportunities to have memorable experiences. There are also several golf courses in town should you want to hit the links.

Hale Farm and Village

If you are planning to make a stop in Cuyahoga Valley National Park during your road trip itinerary from Pittsburgh to Chicago, plan a visit to this historical site located within the park's boundaries. See what life was like on a traditional homestead back in history and participate in a demonstration of a basic chore. This farm and village will be able to provide an education for all ages.

The Science Central Museum

With a colorful smokestack that is a remnant of the old power plant that it is housed in, learning about science has never been so much fun at this museum. Hands-on science exhibits and lessons make this technology accessible to any of its visitors. The Science Central Museum in Fort Wayne, IN, also offers a tidal pool where you can learn all about the marine life prevalent in the area.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Toledo, Ohio

This city is a gateway to the Great Lakes, being on the westernmost edge of Lake Erie. Toledo has a history of glassblowing, and in the Glass Pavilion of the Toledo Museum of Art, you can see thousands of examples of this art. Visit the zoo to learn all about animals from all over the planet. Relax at a restaurant downtown after your long drive. Dump the waste and get a restful night out in the open at one of the RV campgrounds in Toledo.

Cleveland, Ohio

A large city located right on Lake Erie, Cleveland combines the pastoral charm of the Great Lakes region with the hustle and bustle of a major cosmopolitan center. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, this city also features an exciting burgeoning restaurant scene. See some famous sites, get some culture, and fill your belly before staying in a nearby campground.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

This city, the second-most populous in Indiana, is also known as "Summit City." This is because it has the highest altitude above sea level of any city along the Erie Canal in the area. It has a burgeoning and inclusive nightlife, so everyone is sure to feel at home here. Take advantage of one of the city's many RV parks. Visit a nearby dump station before you get back on the road.

Find Adventure from Pittsburgh to Chicago

Find your One-Way Rental

Your road trip from Pittsburgh to Chicago has a myriad of delights to offer you. You can see the most of what nature has to offer and also experience a few different cultures and learn something new. This is a great trip for the whole family to take. You will visit fantastic parks and pass through some vibrant cities. Rent an RV in Pittsburgh and drive it all the way to your destination of Chicago. Remember, this is your vacation, and you should create as many fond memories as you can.