Directions To Lincoln Highway
If you’re an adventurer at heart, then the Lincoln Highway is the perfect destination for you. It stretches from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco, covering a distance of 3,389 miles. Along the way, you’ll find breathtaking natural landscapes, charming towns, and iconic landmarks that make for an unforgettable road trip. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling on the Lincoln Highway.
Top Attractions
The Lincoln Highway is a haven for travelers who love to explore the outdoors. Some of the top attractions along the way include Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore, and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re interested in history, you can visit the Gettysburg Battlefield, the Lincoln Museum in Illinois, and the Pony Express Museum in Nebraska. For a unique experience, stop by the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Kansas or the Largest Pistachio in New Mexico.
Hidden Gems
One of the best things about traveling on the Lincoln Highway is discovering hidden gems that are off the beaten path. Visit the quirky Carhenge in Nebraska, a replica of Stonehenge made from vintage cars. Check out the quirky Coffee Pot Building in Pennsylvania, or the Shoe Tree in Nevada where travelers toss shoes onto a tree for good luck.
Food Scene
The Lincoln Highway offers a diverse array of culinary delights. Stop by the farm-to-table restaurants in Iowa, grab a hot dog at the iconic Pink’s Hot Dogs in Los Angeles, or try some of the world’s best pizza in Chicago. Don’t forget to indulge in some local specialties like Philly cheesesteaks, lobster rolls in Maine, and deep-dish pizza in Chicago.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on the Lincoln Highway can be affordable if you plan ahead. Book your accommodations in advance, and look for budget-friendly options like camping or staying in hostels. Pack your meals and snacks to save on food expenses, and take advantage of free attractions like museums and national parks.
Outdoor Adventures
The Lincoln Highway offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Go hiking in the Rocky Mountains, kayaking in the Great Lakes, or skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Take a hot air balloon ride over the Napa Valley, or go on a whale watching tour in California.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with kids, the Lincoln Highway has plenty of family-friendly activities to keep them entertained. Visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, go on a wildlife safari in Ohio, or take a ride on the historic Hershey’s Chocolate Tour in Pennsylvania.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Lincoln Highway is full of unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Visit the quirky House on the Rock in Wisconsin, a sprawling complex of oddities and collections. Take a tour of the abandoned ghost town of Centralia in Pennsylvania, or stop by the Petrified Forest in South Dakota.
Natural Wonders
The Lincoln Highway takes you through some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the country. From the Badlands in South Dakota to the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, you’ll see a diverse range of flora and fauna. Don’t miss the scenic drives through the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific Coast.
Vibrant Nightlife
If you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene, the Lincoln Highway has plenty to offer. Check out the bars and clubs in Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Chicago. Take a tour of the breweries and wineries in Napa Valley, or catch a show on Broadway in New York City.
Local Markets
One of the best ways to experience the local culture is by visiting the farmers’ markets along the Lincoln Highway. Stock up on fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and handmade crafts. Don’t miss the iconic Pike Place Market in Seattle, the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, or the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco.
Beaches and Mountains
The Lincoln Highway takes you through some of the most stunning beaches and mountains in the country. Go surfing in California, relax on the beaches in Florida, or explore the rugged coastline of Maine. Hike the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania, or ski down the slopes in Colorado.
Cultural Immersion
The Lincoln Highway is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending festivals and events along the way. Experience the Native American culture in South Dakota, attend the Chicago Blues Festival, or participate in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Art and Music Scene
The Lincoln Highway has a rich art and music scene that is worth exploring. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, or the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Attend a concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado or the Hollywood Bowl in California.
Walking Tours
The best way to explore the historic cities along the Lincoln Highway is on foot. Take a walking tour of Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park, San Francisco’s Chinatown, or New York City’s Central Park.
Architectural Marvels
The Lincoln Highway takes you through some of the most iconic architectural marvels in the country. Visit the Empire State Building in New York City, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, or the Willis Tower in Chicago. Don’t miss the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Illinois or the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.
Historical Sites
The Lincoln Highway has a rich history that is reflected in its many historic sites. Visit the Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the Alamo in Texas, or the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. See the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, or the Fort Pitt Blockhouse in Pittsburgh.
Biking Routes
If you’re an avid cyclist, the Lincoln Highway has some great biking routes along the way. Take a scenic ride through the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Appalachian Mountains in Pennsylvania, or the rolling hills of Iowa.
Wellness Retreats
The Lincoln Highway offers a range of wellness retreats that focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. Visit the hot springs in Colorado, take a yoga retreat in California, or indulge in a spa treatment in Pennsylvania.
With so many incredible attractions and experiences, the Lincoln Highway is the ultimate road trip destination. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone along this iconic route.