Chicago to Richmond Road Trip Guide: Epic Midwest to Mid-Atlantic Drive

Route 60, a direct descendant of the historic Midland Trail, connects Chicago to Richmond—a 700-mile drive that traverses five states and three distinct geographic regions. You'll start on the flat prairies of Illinois, cross the rolling hills of Indiana and Ohio, then climb into the Appalachian ridges of West Virginia and Virginia. The drive typically takes 10-12 hours without stops, but the real journey lies in the detours.

One remarkable fact: somewhere in West Virginia, you'll cross the Eastern Continental Divide twice, a quirk of the region's complex watershed. The route also passes within 10 miles of the New River Gorge, the newest national park in the U.S. At how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, travelers share tips for uncovering these roadside wonders.

The transition from the Corn Belt to the Appalachian Mountains offers dramatic scenery. In West Virginia, I-77 cuts through the New River Gorge area—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gorge features whitewater rapids and 30-mile views from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. For a break, the town of Fayetteville offers local art galleries and farm-to-table dining.

• Natural highlight: Hawks Nest State Park (near Ansted, WV) for aerial tram rides over the gorge.
• Local produce: West Virginia's pepperoni rolls (a regional snack) at Tudor's Biscuit World in Charleston.
• Hidden off-route: The Greenbrier Resort (White Sulphur Springs, WV) for its guided bunker tour, a Cold War-era fallout shelter.

The primary corridor uses Interstates 65, 70, 77, and 64. These are well-maintained, with rest stops every 30-50 miles. Fuel costs: mid-2024 average is $3.50/gal; expect to fill up 3-4 times. Tolls are minimal ($5 total) unless using express lanes near Indianapolis.

• Recommended tank stops: Lafayette, IN; Columbus, OH; Beckley, WV.
• EV charging: Tesla Superchargers at 10 locations along I-70/I-64; check apps for compatibility.
• Best time to travel: Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October) for mild weather and foliage.

Road quality is excellent, but watch for fog in the Appalachians, especially mornings near Beckley. Construction is common on I-64 in Virginia; check VDOT alerts. For families, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a must (45 min detour off I-70). Pet-friendly: rest stops along I-70 have pet areas, and many hotels in Columbus and Charleston accept dogs.

• Safety tip: Deer crossings increase at dusk in rural Ohio/WV; use high beams when safe.
• Fatigue management: Plan stops every 2 hours; consider a stay at the Beckley Sleep Inn (exit 44 on I-64) for a quick rest.
• Hidden stop: The town of Lewisburg, WV—a historic gem with a farmers market on the courthouse square.