Best Midwestern Road Trips to Take This Summer

Itching to get out of town? When it comes to road-tripping, the Midwest has some of the most scenic routes in the country. In fact, there are so many epic itineraries to choose from that narrowing down the choices might be your biggest challenge. 

Many folks would be surprised by the diversity of terrain that Midwestern states have to offer intrepid travelers. Are you looking for a road with historic sites along the way, or do you prefer something a bit more immersed in nature? How much time do you have – and what types of activities does the family want to fill it with? 

If you’re looking for great ideas, start by checking out these popular routes that have plenty to offer travelers this summer:

Kansas’ Historic and Scenic Byways

Did you know that Kansas – home to ICT Billet – has twelve byways, consisting of both scenic byways and historic ones? There is a lot to explore in the Sunflower State, from the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway to our highly fertile farmland. The Flint Hills National Scenic Byway and the Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway are both wonderful attractions for anyone who appreciates how geologic shifts formed the state's amazing landscape. 

Badlands National Park in South Dakota

Located in southwestern South Dakota, the Badlands are also considered part of the Midwest. Take a drive through Badlands National Park, and be sure to explore the 30-mile Badlands Loop Road. This lets you stop and take in as many overlooks as possible. There’s a lot of opportunity for activities, as well. Try your hand at spelunking. Enjoy views of buttes and pinnacles, as well as one of the biggest mixed grass prairies in the country. There are other nearby state and national parks that are also worth visiting, if time permits. 

Best Routes in Wisconsin

The landscape of Wisconsin offers motorists incredible views, from rolling hills to picturesque villages. And three wonderful way to access these views is by taking:

• U.S. Route 16

• Highway 12

• Highway 20

These roads run from the Upper Peninsula to the Lower Peninsula, making them ideal for anyone exploring the state’s natural beauty. That gives you multiple options when it comes to exploring the local attractions, from charming villages and eateries to lakes, forests, and farmland.

Head to These Scenic Routes in Indiana

The hoosier state also boasts some of the most interesting routes in the Midwest. These three are known for their beautiful scenery and interesting sites:

Arts Road 46 

Tourists come every year to explore the roughly 40 miles of Arts Road 46 that connect with Bloomington, Columbus and Nashville. You can simply wind through Brown County State Park in south central Indiana, or stop for some hiking, camping, horseback riding and off-road biking.

Parke County Bridges

Indiana is home to 31 historic bridges, accessible by a number of scenic routes. While the roads themselves aren’t all terribly long, they are definitely worth the visit. Most of the bridges were built in the 1800s, but many are still in use today. While here, enjoy activities such as hiking and horseback riding.

Autumn Loop II 

This 80-mile country road can take you right through Eastern Greene County. While known for its colorful fall foliage, there is still much to see in the summertime. For example, the famous railroad trestle bridge in Greene County that is 16 stories high and half a mile long!

Make Sure Your Car’s Engine Is Ready for the Trip

Once you’ve mapped out your trip, it’s time to make sure your vehicle is as road ready as you are. Have it inspected by a professional so that you can rest assured everything is in good working order.

If you’ve considered swapping out your old engine for an LS engine, make sure to give yourself ample break-in time before taking your freshly swapped vehicle out of town! Because we manufacture our parts and accessories right here in the U.S., our teams attract driving enthusiasts who want as much performance and power out of their vehicles as possible.

To find out more about doing an engine swap, email sales@ictbillet.com or give us a call today at 316-300-0833!