The Open Road Travel

Best Place To Stop On A Road Trip From Chicago To Omaha, Nebraska

With a road trip from Chicago to Omaha, Nebraska, taking a little over 7 hours, many people want to split the journey up, especially if they want to see everything that our selected route has to offer. There are several good places to do this along the way, but none have quite as much to offer as Des Moines, Iowa.



Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines is the capital and most populous city in Iowa. A truly beautiful destination, it has plenty to keep people of all interests entertained.

History and architecture fans will enjoy the Iowa State Capitol, the only five-dome Capitol building in the United States, which was built between 1871 and 1886. They will likely also appreciate the Kruidenier Trail Bridge, a stunning pedestrian walkway over Grays Lake that provides incredible views of the city and its surrounding area.

Nature lovers will enjoy strolling around the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. A 14-acre greenhouse, it houses over 1,200 species of plants from across the globe, as well as stunning works of art and water features.

Other top attractions in the city include Des Moines Art Center, the State Historical Museum of Iowa, John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House & Gardens, Terrace Hill, Gray’s Lake Park, Principal Riverwalk, Blank Park Zoo, Adventureland Park, and Living History Farms.

When you then throw in things like the countless great bars, shops, and restaurants throughout the city, it should be clear to see why Des Moines is our top spot to get off the road and relax for a while on a road trip from Chicago to Omaha, Nebraska.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Des Moines – Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection By Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton is a historic, luxurious, 4-star hotel in the heart of downtown Des Moines. Opened in 1919, it has hosted numerous notable guests, from U.S. presidents to A-list celebrities, and its extensive renovations enable it to offer a fabulous blend of modern amenities and classic charm.

It boasts 290 upscale guestrooms, which are all beautifully decorated and equipped with comfortable furnishings and linens, complimentary Wi-Fi, 55-inch smart TVs, mini-refrigerators, and Keurig coffee makers. Many also offer stunning views of the city, while breakfast is available at an additional charge.

Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center featuring TechnoGym and Peloton equipment, valet parking, express check-in and check-out, digital key access, meeting and event spaces, and on-site restaurants like Proudfoot & Bird, which serves locally sourced dishes, and Hobnob Coffee and Wine Bar, which offers coffee, wine, and small plates in a relaxing setting.

Located within walking distance of major attractions like the Des Moines Civic Center, Iowa Events Center, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and Wells Fargo Arena, its combination of comfort and convenience makes it a perfect option for most people.

Top Attractions On A Road Trip From Chicago To Omaha, Nebraska

Joliet, Illinois

The 3^rd largest city in Illinois, Joliet is synonymous with the motor industry and one of the most northernly stops on the Historic Route 66. Attractions such as the Route 66 Visitors Centre, Route 66 Raceway, and Chicagoland Speedway make it a must-see destination on a road trip for any car or petrolania enthusiasts.

Even if you aren’t super into cars, though, Joliet features attractions like Joliet Area Historical Museum, the Old Joliet Prison, Rialto Square Theatre (which is heavily linked with infamous gangster Al Capone), and numerous casinos, making it a city that has something to offer for everyone.

Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park covers 2,600 acres along the Illinois River. Known for its waterfalls, striking sandstone canyons carved by glacial meltwater, and forested trails, it is a popular destination for activities like hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting.

Starved Rock State Park also has deep historical significance, as it is named after a Native American legend involving the Illiniwek tribe, who were reportedly starved atop one of the rock formations in a conflict during the 1760s. Visitors can explore historic sites like Starved Rock Lodge, which was built in the 1930s and offers rustic lodging, dining, and panoramic views from its terrace.

Ronald Reagan’s Birthplace

Located in the small town of Tampico, Illinois, the Ronald Reagan Birthplace and Museum is a charming and historically preserved site offering visitors a glimpse into the humble beginnings where America’s 40th president was born on February 6, 1911. A modest second-floor apartment above a store on Main Street, it has been carefully restored to reflect its original appearance, complete with period furnishings from the early 20th century.

A guided tour typically includes taking a walk through the living quarters while hearing stories about Reagan’s childhood, family life, and his roots in small-town America. You will also find a visitor center and exhibits detailing Reagan’s early life, while the surrounding town features shops with vintage storefronts and signage reminiscent of Reagan’s early years, making it easy to get a feel for the era during which he lived here.

Davenport, Iowa

Davenport, Iowa, sits on the banks of the Mississippi River. One of the Quad Cities and the 3^rd most populous city in the state, it offers a charming mix of riverfront scenery, Midwestern hospitality, and cultural attractions. Popular activities in the city include walking the scenic riverwalk, biking along the Mississippi River Trail, signing up for a riverboat cruise or the River Music Experience, or exploring Vander Veer Botanical Park or the revitalized downtown district and its local boutiques, restaurants, and breweries.



Figge Art Museum houses an impressive collection of American, Haitian, and Mexican Colonial art, and the Putnam Museum & Science Center combines natural history, regional exhibits, and a planetarium, making it ideal for all ages. Depending on when you visit, Davenport also hosts many events throughout the year, including the Bix 7 Road Race, a famous seven-mile run honoring jazz legend Bix Beiderbecke, who was born in the city. 

Iowa 80 - World’s Largest Truck Stop

Located near Walcott, Iowa, the Iowa 80 Truck Stop is the world’s largest truck stop and a wonderful roadside attraction. The sprawling complex covers more than 75 acres and serves over 5,000 visitors a day, including everyone from truck drivers to tourists.

Inside is like a mini shopping mall, with a huge convenience store, a food court with fast food staples and a 50s-style diner, a movie theater, laundry facilities, showers, gift shops, a dentist’s office, a barber, and even a chiropractor, as well as plenty of gas pumps. Perhaps the star of the show, though, is the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, which boasts a collection of vintage trucks and tells the story of America's trucking industry and its history.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Located in West Branch, Iowa, the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is a preserved site offering visitors a glimpse into President Herbert Hoover's formative years, rise to the presidency, and enduring legacy. At its heart is the modest two-room cottage where Herbert Hoover was born in 1874, and surrounding it are historically significant structures that demonstrate his simple, Quaker upbringing.

These include a replica of his father's blacksmith shop, the 1853 schoolhouse he attended, and the Friends Meetinghouse his family worshipped in. There is also the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, which houses informative exhibits that cover everything from his professional achievements to his personal life in great detail.

You will even find the gravesite of President Hoover and his wife, Lou Henry Hoover, and over two miles of walking trails through restored tallgrass prairies. These provide the perfect opportunity to take in the same views the former president did when he was young.

Iowa City, Iowa

The 5^th most populous city in Iowa, Iowa City is a vibrant, culturally rich town in eastern Iowa known for its literary heritage, historic charm, and lively college-town atmosphere. Home to the University of Iowa, it blends academic energy with a creative spirit. The only UNESCO City of Literature in the United States, Iowa City has a strong literary tradition, while plenty of art, history, and entertainment options will keep visitors of all interests happy.

Downtown Iowa City is a hub of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries just a short walk apart. The iconic Pedestrian Mall, or "Ped Mall," offers outdoor seating, public art, and regular live performances. Historic landmarks like the Old Capitol Building then provide a glimpse into the city's political and architectural past.

Amana Colonies

The Amana Colonies are a collection of seven picturesque villages in eastern Iowa built in the mid-1800s by German Pietists fleeing religious persecution. A registered National Historic Landmark, the well-preserved historic buildings display a blend of old-world charm, community, heritage, and craftsmanship, and their communal kitchens, workshops, and homes give visitors a glimpse into the region's past.

Many local businesses are still housed in original colony structures. This enables tourists to enjoy experiences like traditional German cuisine, local beer and wine, and handmade furniture and textiles. Depending on when you visit, you may even get to enjoy seasonal festivals like Maifest and Oktoberfest, which celebrate the colonies’ German roots with music, dancing, and food.

Winterset, Iowa

Winterset, Iowa, is a small town just south of Des Moines that is popular with tourists for two different reasons. Firstly, it is the setting of the novel “The Bridges of Madison County”. This makes it a great place to visit for anyone who is a fan of the book, its film adaptation, or historic covered bridges in general.

However, the main reason that most people visit Winterset is because it is the location of the John Wayne Birthplace Museum. The main attraction here is the restored house in which “The Duke” was born and raised, complete with its original décor and furnishings.



However, when you combine it with an extensive collection of artefacts and exhibits, a giant statue of the man himself, a screen playing a documentary on him which can be watched on seats from the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, where many of his movies premiered, and a wonderful gift shop, there may be no better place in the world for John Wayne fans to make a stop. 

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Council Bluffs lies along the Missouri River, across from Omaha, and offers a rich blend of history, outdoor recreation, and unique attractions.



Its historical significance is evident in landmarks like the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, which details the nation's railroading past, Grenville M. Dodge House, the former residence of a key figure in the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, and Squirrel Cage Jail, a rare three-story rotary jail that has been converted into a museum.

If you like the outdoors, Lake Manawa State Park offers activities like boating, fishing, and hiking, the 63-mile Wabash Trace Nature Trail provides a scenic route for biking and walking, and Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park features green spaces and trails with views of the Omaha skyline.

Council Bluffs also boasts a vibrant arts scene and hosts public art installations and cultural events throughout the year. It is also a popular destination for gamblers, as the Harrah’s Council Bluffs casino is known to have one of the best poker rooms in the region, as well as countless other gaming options.

Final Thoughts On Planning A Road Trip From Chicago To Omaha, Nebraska

That concludes our guide to planning the perfect road trip from Chicago to Omaha, Nebraska. You should now have all the information you need to make the trip yourself, including when to go, which route to use, where to stay, and what to see along the way.

All you have left to do is work out what to take with you and start getting everything budgeted for and booked, so you can look forward to enjoying it all for yourself as soon as possible. If you need help planning where to stay to begin your trip in Chicago, we even have an article to help you there, too.