Welcome to Phase 5 of our 2-Year North America Road Trip, 2015-2016. This was the next leg of our epic adventure, a time of huge change for me and a fresh chapter for Mia, Caius, and me.
We’ve taken plenty of road trips before and after this adventure, but this series focuses on our biggest and most unforgettable journey across North America in 2015–2016. During this time, we explored 48 US states and 7 Canadian provinces, creating what we consider some of the best USA road trips for families. To make it easy to follow, we’ve broken the journey into 12 phases, each covering a different region and experience.
- Eastern Canada Road Trip
- Midwest USA Road Trip
- Pacific Northwest USA Road Trip
- Western Canada Road Trip
- North Coast-To-Coast USA Road Trip
- Northeast to Southeast USA Road Trip
- Southeast to South USA Road Trip
- Grand Circle Road Trip (Part I)
- Grand Circle Road Trip (Part II – RV Adventure)
- California Road Trip – Sacramento to San Francisco (6 Days)
- Nova Scotia Road Trip (2 Weeks)
- Florida Road Trip Finale (2 weeks)
We hope you’ll join us for every phase, sharing in the adventures, the chaos, the fun, and all the memories that make this family road trip truly unforgettable.
Phase 5 – Washington → Idaho → Wyoming → South Dakota → Minnesota → Iowa → Illinois → Indiana → Ohio → Pennsylvania → New Jersey → New York
Dates: 27th November – 22nd December
Total approximate miles: 3,434 (5,527 km)
Total fuel: US$407
Total tolls: US$60
Phase 5 of our 2-Year North America road trip was big. Really big. This was our full USA road trip coast to coast, covering more than 10 states in under a month. Fast-paced, a little wild, and packed with unforgettable moments.
After slowing down in Western Canada, it was time to hit the road again and take on one of the most iconic routes of any road trip across North America. This was a true family roadtrip, full of quirky stops, natural wonders, and plenty of “are we really doing this?” moments.
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Kennewick, Washington – Back Into the USA
Dates: 27th November
Accommodation: Econolodge Kennewick
Best Attraction / Tour: Scenic drive from British Columbia into Washington
We kicked off our cross-country road trip after a month of slow-travel. Kelowna was a sad goodbye, but it was time to get moving again.
The border crossing at Oroville had me slightly nervous; we had been in and out of the US all year, and this was the moment our US visas were really put to the test.
We were pulled into a small office, asked how long we wanted, said six months, stamped, and done. Honestly, easier than most airport experiences.
From there, it was a beautiful drive past the last of the Canadian Rockies before reaching Kennewick for the night.
Boise, Idaho – Family Time and Fun Stops
Dates: 28th – 30th November
Accommodation: La Quinta, Boise
Best Attraction / Tour: Planet Kid indoor playground
After a long drive, Boise was all about connection and downtime. We met extended family for the first time, shared meals, and let the kids run wild at Planet Kid. Probably not part of your US road trip itinerary, but certainly part of our family road trips.
Hotel pool time, good food, and a slower pace made this a great reset on our USA road trip.
Idaho Falls, Idaho – Otherworldly Landscapes
Dates: 30th November
Accommodation: Super 8 Idaho Falls
Best Attraction / Tour: Craters of the Moon National Monument
This stop felt like landing on another planet.
Craters of the Moon is exactly what it sounds like: vast lava fields and rugged volcanic landscapes. Even though parts were closed for winter, what we saw was incredible and totally unique on this road trip across the USA.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Snow and First Ski Adventures
Dates: 1st – 4th December
Accommodation: Grand Teton Lodge
Best Attraction / Tour: Skiing and mountain experiences
Driving into Jackson Hole with snow covering everything felt magical, and certainly was not similar to a summer road trip.
We spent three days here, and it quickly became a highlight. From skiing to exploring the village and finding amazing food, it was more than just a ski stop. Watching Mia and Caius experience the snow like this is something I’ll never forget.
Casper, Wyoming – On the Road Again
Dates: 4th December
Accommodation: Best Western Plus Casper Inn
Best Attraction / Tour: Scenic winter drive
Leaving Jackson Hole was tough. Snow falling, long drive ahead, and a quiet kind of sadness knowing we had to move on. But our family road trip awaited.
Casper was a simple stop, dinner, rest, and back on the road.
Rapid City, South Dakota – Icons and Adventures
Dates: 5th – 9th December
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn
Best Attraction / Tour: Mount Rushmore
Rapid City delivered everything we hoped for and more, and should definitely make the list for best family road trips.
We visited Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, explored Wind Cave, and saw prehistoric mammoths. Outdoor adventures through State Parks, and Scenic Highways.
It was Mia’s birthday during our visit, so we also took time out for kids fun at the WaTiki Indoor Waterpark, a visit to the Dino Park & The Journey Museum, plus ate possibly some of the best food ever at Kol. Check out all the things we did with kids in South Dakota.
This stop is a must on any USA road trip itinerary with kids.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Scenic Stops and Surprises
Dates: 9th – 12th December
Accommodation: TownePlace Suites Sioux Falls South
Best Attraction / Tour: Badlands National Park
On the way, we stopped at Wall Drug, which is one of the strangest roadside attractions ever, and the Badlands, which are absolutely breathtaking.
In Sioux Falls, we added a helicopter ride over Christmas lights, wine tasting, and family-friendly tourist attractions like butterfly houses and nature centres.
Minnesota – Mall of America Madness
Dates: 12th – 15th December
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Bloomington By Mall Of America
Best Attraction / Tour: Mall of America
We said goodbye to South Dakota, and all its amazing outdoor-ness, for three days indoors at the largest mall in the US. Honestly, it was chaos in the best way. On the way, we made a quick stop at the Badlands Pawn Shop, as seen on TV. Gee, there were a lot of guns!
We also managed to find the Jolly Green Giant at Blue Earth, MN.
From theme parks and aquariums to mini golf and Lego, Mia and Caius were in heaven. We even caught up with friends from a previous cruise, which made it extra special. Here is what we ate at the Mall of America,
Iowa – Family and Familiar Stops
Dates: 15th – 19th December
Accommodation: Family stay
Best Attraction / Tour: Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville
A sentimental stop in Iowa to visit family and see where the kids’ grandfather was born.
Chicago, Illinois – Sister Fun
Dates: 16th – 19th December
Accommodation: Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago
Best Attraction / Tour: Willis Tower Skydeck
We said goodbye to family and drove straight to Chicago. We picked up my little sister there and spent 3 days visiting Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium , and The Field Museum. Read more on things to do in Chicago with kids here.
Fort Wayne, Indiana – A Return Visit
Dates: 19th December
Accommodation: Hilton Fort Wayne
Best Attraction / Tour: Science Central
We loved Fort Wayne the first time, so coming back felt right. Pizza, science exhibits, and more fun for the kids.
Ohio – Roadside America
Dates: 20th – 21st December
Accommodation: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Streetsboro
Best Attraction / Tour: Campbell’s Soup
From giant soup cans to massive candy stores, this stretch was full of classic quirky USA road trip moments.
Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
Dates: 21st December
Accommodation: Super 8 Danville
Best Attraction / Tour: Daffin’s Candies
More driving, but this time we stopped off at Daffin’s Candies in Sharon, PA, which bills itself as the world’s largest chocolate candy store. And then rested at a sweet little town for the night.
New York – The Halfway Mark
Dates: 22nd December – 10th January
Accommodation: Family home + city stay – Cambria Suites, Chelsea
Best Attraction / Tour: New York City experiences
Pulling into New York felt surreal. This was where our journey began, and now we were back, halfway through. Our first pitstop, Paulinskill Viaduct in New Jersey, was the world’s largest reinforced concrete structure of its time back in 1910. We also stopped at the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.
Having family fly in from Australia made it even more special. Christmas, New Year’s Eve in New York city, exploring the city, and just being together after so long. Here’s a list of thing to do in New York with kids.
We wrapped up with the New York Times Travel Show, speaking, reconnecting with friends, and soaking in the city without the chaos of earlier visits.
USA Coast-to-Coast Road Trip Itinerary – Phase 5 Overview
Route Overview:
Washington → Idaho → Wyoming → South Dakota → Minnesota → Iowa → Illinois → Indiana → Ohio → Pennsylvania → New Jersey → New York
Duration: 4 weeks
Highlights:
- Jackson Hole snow adventures
- Mount Rushmore and Badlands
- Mall of America experiences
- Quirky roadside attractions
- Christmas in New York
This is a fast-paced but iconic USA road trip coast to coast, perfect for ticking off major highlights on a North America road trip.
Top Family Road Trips Tips for a USA Coast-to-Coast Road Trip with Kids
- Plan for Long Driving Days
This stretch is big. To make it the best family road trip, break it up with fun stops and car games. - Mix Big Attractions with Quirky Stops
Kids love variety, from Mount Rushmore to roadside oddities. - Pack for Changing Weather
Snow to the city, you’ll need layers. - Book Key Stops Ahead
Especially around holidays like Christmas in New York. - Keep It Flexible
Some of the best moments on a family road trip come from unplanned stops.
USA Coast-to-Coast Driving Distances – Phase 5 Route
If you’re planning a USA coast-to-coast road trip, understanding distances is key. This stretch of our North America road trip covered huge ground, so breaking it down helps manage expectations, especially on a road trip with kids.
| Route | Distance | Approx. Drive Time |
| Kennewick, WA → Boise, ID | 430 miles (692 km) | 6.5 hours |
| Boise, ID → Idaho Falls, ID (via Craters of the Moon) | 285 miles (459 km) | 5 hours |
| Idaho Falls, ID → Jackson Hole, WY | 90 miles (145 km) | 2 hours |
| Jackson Hole, WY → Casper, WY | 280 miles (450 km) | 4.5 hours |
| Casper, WY → Rapid City, SD | 260 miles (418 km) | 4 hours |
| Rapid City, SD → Sioux Falls, SD (via Badlands & Wall Drug) | 350 miles (563 km) | 5.5 hours |
| Sioux Falls, SD → Minneapolis, MN (Mall of America) | 235 miles (378 km) | 3.5 hours |
| Minneapolis, MN → Bettendorf, IA | 300 miles (483 km) | 4.5 hours |
| Bettendorf, IA → Chicago, IL | 170 miles (274 km) | 2.5 hours |
| Chicago, IL → Fort Wayne, IN | 160 miles (257 km) | 2.5 hours |
| Fort Wayne, IN → Streetsboro, OH | 210 miles (338 km) | 3 hours |
| Streetsboro, OH → Danville, PA | 220 miles (354 km) | 3.5 hours |
| Danville, PA → New York, NY | 180 miles (290 km) | 3 hours |
Total Distance: 3,434 miles (5,527 km)
💡 Tip: On road trips for families, anything over 4-5 hours on the road benefits from a fun stop. Trust me, it changes everything.
Other Must-See Stops on a USA Coast-to-Coast Road Trip
Even on a fast-paced USA road trip, there are always incredible places you just can’t fit in. If you have more time, these family road trip destinations are worth adding to your USA road trip itinerary:
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming – One of the most iconic stops on any road trip across the USA, with geysers, wildlife, and landscapes that feel unreal.
- Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming – Right near Jackson Hole and absolutely stunning, perfect for hiking trails and wildlife spotting on this cross country road trip.
- Mount Rushmore at Sunrise or Sunset – We visited during the day, but golden hour would take it to another level.
- Chicago Riverwalk – A must if you’re spending more time in the city, great food and views.
- Cleveland, Ohio – Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a fun cultural stop on a longer North America road trip.
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – History, food, and iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell, a strong addition to any USA road trip east coast itinerary.
These additions can turn a fast-paced drive into a more in-depth USA travel itinerary, especially if you’re planning your own family gap year blog adventure.
Wrapping Up Phase 5 of Our North America Road Trip
Phase 5 was intense, exciting, and full of variety. From snowy mountains to bright city lights, this leg of our family roadtrip across North America showed us just how diverse the USA really is.
And just like that, we hit the halfway mark. For more of our best road trips for families in North America, check out:
👉 Read Phase 6 as we head on a South road trip – Northeast to Southeast USA
👉 Or head back to Phase 4 – Western Canada & Alaska Road Trip
👉 Looking for a California road trip? Check this one out.
