Winter Road Trips Filled With Adventure

Summer is often thought of as the prime time to take a long road trip, but winter road trips can be filled with just as much fun and adventure. If you don’t live in an area with a lot of winter recreational activities, it can be the perfect chance to get away and have some fun in the snow. Large cities are other great winter destinations because it is the high season for cultural entertainment and a gathering place during the holidays. If you are looking for a winter destination, consider any one of these road trips that you can pack full of adventure.

Chicago to Madison

Both Chicago and Madison are two great mid-western cities to visit in the winter. Madison is home to a growing cultural and foodie community, where the menus are always changing and the food is always fresh. Both during and after the holidays is a great time to discover new chefs, new flavor combinations and there are several snow activities right in town that you can have fun with, including the chance to snowshoe through the University of Wisconsin Arboretum or ice skate at the many rinks. The drive to Chicago is picturesque, as you make your way through hilly farmland and small country towns. In Chicago, fill your days with museums and spend the night at shows that feature everything from ballet to opera.

Denver to Montana

The skiing resort rich drive from Denver to Montana also takes you past some of the most beautiful parks that most people only see in the summers. Yellowstone National Park, for example, is one of the most beautiful winter destinations with a packed schedule of programming and events being offered to guests. Anyone that loves being out in nature, exploring, will love the challenge and rewards to a road trip spent on this less frequented stretch of road.

Hoosier National Forest to Brown County

The stretch of road that fills in this drive might not be considered excitingly scenic to some, but the miles of snow covered hills are beautiful to others. Hoosier National Forest makes up some of the most beautiful combination of trails that make for great winter hiking or cross country skiing. Brown County, on the other hand, is the perfect combination of state park and small town charm. The quiet vineyards have busy lodges and restaurants that serve local produce and there is the chance to kick up snow in whatever form you prefer — on skis, snowmobile or by sled– before finding some ice for fishing or skating.

Route 1 through Maine

Route 1 runs the entire coast of Maine where you will always have something of interest out the window. The coast is a little more rugged this far north and romantic lighthouses dot the entire drive. Pull over along the way to sample some of the best dishes in small hometown diners and restaurants and stroll through seaside towns. Extend the road trip for however long you want, as there are historic inns and bed and breakfasts that cater to road trippers along the entire drive.