11 Unique Stops on the Drive from Chicago to Atlanta

The drive from Chicago to Atlanta spans just over 724 miles, bypassing the Great Smoky Mountains and into the heart of country music. Between a gritty, bold skyline and one of the most historically significant cities of America, there’s a surprising myriad of valley views and artistic pursuits.

While you can make the drive from Chicago to Atlanta in 11 hours non stop, I suggest stretching this Chicago to Atlanta road trip over a few days. Don’t just admire the mountain ranges – climb them!

Treat your ears to music shows and learn about the history of places you stop off – Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville, Indianapolis have so much culture to share with you!

The route is pretty straightforward as all major stop offs are on the same expressway bar one detour.

Take route I-65 S from Chicago to Nashville.
Switch to I-40 E from Nashville to Knoxville.
Route I-75 is the most direct from Knoxville to Chattanooga.
Back to route I-65 S from Chattanooga to Atlanta.

Best stops on the drive from Chicago to Atlanta

Map of the Chicago to Atlanta road trip,
you can see the Google map here.

1. Start the road trip in Chicago, Illinois

No doubt you’ve spent some time in Chicago, but if you haven’t, the Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park are just few of the many Chicago icons. Enjoy time out on Lake Michigan before you say ‘see you later’!

I’ve been to Chicago twice and it’s up there ahead of New Orleans and New York as my favourite city in the USA.

You can see all the best things to do in Chicago here, and if you’re in Chicago for winter, you need to read this article before you go. There are more road trips from Chicago here, and a guide to driving from Chicago to New Orleans here. BUT, let’s stick with the drive from Chicago to Atlanta for now.

Here are the best stops on the drive from Chicago to Atlanta.

2. Lafayette, Indiana

A relatively small city that mostly caters to Purdue University, Lafayette isn’t the most adventurous of places but it does boast a huge attraction: Columbian Park Zoo. Opened in 1908, Indiana’s 2^nd largest zoo doesn’t just boast the usual exhibits – you can also visit the Family Farm and milk a cow too.

See where Indiana first began at Fort Ouiatenon, the first European settlement built in 1717. Another place to stretch your legs is at Jerry E. Clegg Botanic Gardens, featuring walking trails through prairie and oak woodlands.

3. Indianapolis, Indiana

Fondly referred to as Indy, Indianapolis is the first big city on your Atlanta road trip!

Besides hosting Fortune 500 companies, it’s also home to several ‘world’s largest’. Alongside the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis comes the world’s largest sporting complex – the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It boasts a really cool Indy Racing Experience Driving Program where you can try out competition-grade cars.

Newfields, where the Indianapolis Museum of Art is based, is another not-to-miss site. For a relaxing walk, scour around White River State Park, Canal Walk or pick up some facts along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

This is a great stop on the Chicago to Atlanta road trip, and well worth a stopover for the night to check out the local nightlife, too.

4. Bloomington, Indiana

Don’t just stick to the big cities on your drive from Chicago to Atlanta!

Bloomington is just off the expressway towards Louisville, surrounded by Indiana’s beautiful nature. Indiana’s largest natural estate, Brown County State Park, is a riot of colour in the fall. Explore 20 miles of tree-lined trails on horseback or on foot; maybe even rent a cabin to stay. Stop by Bluespring Caverns Park, where you explore caves via boat.

Those who prefer the indoors or those travelling with young kids will enjoy the WonderLab Science Museum and the Eskenazi Museum of Art.

5. Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville is the home base of several famous names, like boxing legend Muhammad Ali and our guilty pleasure – Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). It’s also known for its ‘Museum Row’ in the western main district, including Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Baseball players can learn about how these baseball bats came to be.

Another must-visit is Churchill Downs, hosting grounds for the Kentucky Derby. Horse racing fans can check out the massive stadium and stands; maybe even catch a race! For another kind of thrill, Kentucky Kingdom is a 63-acre amusement park with an adjacent Hurricane Bay Water Park.

6. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Rally your sense of adventure as you pass through central Kentucky.

It’s time to spice up your Chicago to Atlanta road trip with Mammoth Cave National Park. Featuring one of the longest cave systems in the world, Mammoth Cave takes between 1 to 6 hours to explore depending on your tour. Multiple trailheads will take you to more caves or canoeing spots; the town of Cave City is close by as well.

Other notable attractions in the area include:

Dinosaur World – complete with life-sized models and fossil displays.
Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum – exhibiting rare animal specimens.
Raven’s Cross Escape Games – the haunted escape rooms of your dreams.
Diamond Caverns – literally brimming with formations.