Road Trip From New York City to Wichita
If you crave adventure and culture, it’s hard to top a classic American road trip. Embarking on a road trip from bustling New York City to the heart of the Midwest, Wichita, Kansas, not only offers you a chance to explore varying landscapes but also an opportunity to delve deep into America’s rich history and vibrant culture. This guide offers you details about five different routes that you can consider for your trip – each with its unique appeal and characteristics.
Depending on what you seek from your road trip, you can pick the fastest route, a scenic route that prioritizes picturesque landscapes, an unusual and fun route geared towards offbeat experiences, the best route with kids, or the best route with dogs. Each route takes you on a distinct journey filled with must-see attractions, ideal rest stops, and highlights that allow you to craft your perfect getaway.
We’ve meticulously planned this guide with you in mind, ensuring you don’t miss out on any impressive sights or experiences. So sit back, grab your road map, and let’s dive into the journey of a lifetime from the City that Never Sleeps to the Air Capital of the World.
Fastest Route
Embarking on a road trip from the bustling streets of New York City to the heartland of America, Wichita, can be quite an exhilarating experience. But if time is of the essence and you’re looking for the swiftest way to reach your destination, the most straightforward route will undoubtedly serve you best.
Route Overview and Highlights
This zippy route will take you through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and ultimately into Kansas. At approximately 1,410 miles, you can expect to spend around 22 hours on the road, without accounting for breaks or overnights.
Route Directions & Driving Time
- From New York City, take I-78 W and I-76 W to I-70 W in Kansas City.
- Continue on I-70 W, taking you directly into Wichita.
- Tallying up, your total travel time will reach around 22 hours, but this can vary based on traffic and your driving speed.
Must-See Attractions
Even though this is the fastest route, there’s a handful of notable attractions you can afford to make a pit stop at for a slice of Americana.
- Philadelphia Art Museum, Philadelphia: Home of the famed ‘Rocky Steps,’ the museum boasts a collection of more than 240,000 objects filled with creative inspiration.
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland: Rev up your road trip soundtrack after a visit to this tribute to the greatest rock artists in history.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis: A short detour offers the chance to visit the largest sports venue in the world and the mecca of American auto racing.
- St. Louis Gateway Arch, St. Louis: Standing tall on the western bank of the Mississippi River, this iconic US monument is worth a photo stop.
- Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City: Before you reach your final destination, take a breather and explore one of the country’s leading art museums.
Rest Stops
The route is well-serviced with options to rest, refuel, and refresh. Major service areas include the Hickory Run Service Plaza, PA; Tiffin River Service Plaza, OH; and West Harrison Service Plaza, IN. All offer comfortable restrooms, fast food options, and fuel stations to keep your journey smooth and hassle-free.
Scenic Route
The Charming Path: Route Overview and Highlights
There’s nothing like a scenic route to turn a simple road trip into an unforgettable experience. The route from New York City to Wichita through the Pennsylvania Wilds, the Appalachian Mountains, and the heartland of Ohio offers a treasure trove of stunning views and charming towns. Rich in history and natural beauty, this route promises a journey that’s as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Route Directions & Driving Time
- Leave New York City via the I-95 S, heading towards Philadelphia.
- Stay on I-76 W (PA Turnpike), continuing around Pittsburgh and on to Ohio.
- Exit towards I-70 W, pass Columbus, and continue towards Indianapolis.
- Proceed towards St. Louis on I-70 W, and then follow the same route in Kansas.
- Arrive in Wichita via I-135 S.
The total driving time is approximately 22 hours. It’s recommended to split this journey over several days to fully enjoy the scenic beauty.
Must-See Attractions
- Brooklyn Bridge, NYC: Start your trip with a walk across this iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the cityscape.
- Philadelphia: Visit the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and enjoy the city’s rich history and culinary scene.
- Flight 93 National Memorial, Shanksville, PA: Take time to pay homage to the heroes of Flight 93 who tragically lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
- Ohio Statehouse, Columbus: This Greek Revival style building is not only architecturally impressive but also steeped in history.
- Gateway Arch, St. Louis: The tallest man-made monument in the United States, the Arch is a sight to behold and offers stunning views from the top.
- Flint Hills, Kansas: Drive through one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in the world, known for its stunning beauty.
- Wichita: Once you arrive, don’t forget to visit places like the Old Cowtown Museum, Botanica Wichita, and Keeper of the Plains statue.
Rest Stops
A scenic journey wouldn’t be complete without picturesque rest stops. Here are some spots to take a break, enjoy a meal, or just stretch your legs:
- Valley Forge National Historical Park, PA: Perfect for a picnic amidst lush greenery.
- Scioto Audubon Metro Park, OH: Offers great walking trails.
- Rest Area, I-70 near Richmond, IN: Clean facilities and ample parking.
- Boonville Welcome Center, MO: A well-maintained rest area with a playground for kids.
- Wilson State Fishing Lake, KS: A beautiful and quiet spot to enjoy some nature.
Unusual & Fun Route
The Road Less Traveled: An Overview and Highlights
Take the road less traveled on this unique route from New York City to Wichita. This unusual fun route will introduce you to extraordinary places that you might not know existed at all. Making pit stops at creepy abandoned places, quirky roadside attractions and an immersive educational center, you’ll have an unforgettable experience. Making visits to Mercier Orchards, a UFO memorial park, a Python Petting Zoo, and more, you’ll never forget!
Directions and Estimated Driving Time
- Start your journey by traveling west from NYC on I-80 towards Pennsylvania for about 2 hours.
- Turn left at PA and take the US-219 S for 3 hours heading to Altoona.
- From Altoona, take the US-22 west/N US-119 South for 2 hours to reach Pittsburgh.
- Continue heading west on I-70 for 3 hours until reach Akron.
- From Akron, continue on I-71 S for about 4 hours heading to Cincinnati.
- Then take I-70 W for about 11 hours towards Kansas.
- Finally, take the I-235 S exit to reach Wichita, KS.
The estimated driving time is about 26 to 30 hours without including stops.
Must-See Attractions
- Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, Georgia: A family-owned and operated orchard offering a unique farm experience.
- Jellystone Park in Pittsfield, Illinois: A fun Yogi Bear themed campground and park with tons of activities for kids.
- UFO Memorial in Sheffield, Massachusetts: A unique and quirky roadside attraction marking the area of a noted UFO sighting.
- Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio: A beautiful historical Catholic shrine that is worth a visit.
- Python Petting Zoo in Portsmouth, Virginia: For the brave-hearted, visit an actual python petting zoo!
- Abandoned Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama: For a spookier experience, visit this abandoned hospital turned haunted tour.
- Botanica: The Wichita Gardens: Before arriving in Wichita, stop by Botanica, a beautiful collection of themed gardens.
Rest Stops
When planning for rest stops along the way, consider the following places that offer a perfect break from the road: Breezewood rest area in PA, Tiffin River rest area in OH, Peculiar Park Place RV Park in MO, and High Plains Camping in KS. These stops offer facilities such as clean restrooms, picnic tables, and often, pleasant scenery.
Best Route with Children & Kids
Family-Friendly Expedition: Route Overview and Highlights
If you’re planning on taking this trip with children in tow, the key is to keep them engaged with numerous fun-filled stops along the way. This route is designed with kids in mind, offering a mixture of educational attractions, fun parks, and kid-friendly dining options that will help to break up the journey and keep little ones entertained.
Route Directions & Driving Time
- Start in New York City on I-80 West.
- Get onto I-76 West in Pennsylvania.
- Take I-70 West to Kansas until you reach Wichita. The estimated total driving time without stops is approximately 20 hours.
Must-See Attractions
- Legoland Discovery Center: Just outside of New York City, in Yonkers, is the amazing Legoland Discovery Center. It’s an indoor Lego playground that will surely keep your kids engaged for hours.
- Hershey’s Chocolate World: In Hershey, Pennsylvania, you can witness how Hershey’s chocolate is made and even customize your own chocolate bar. It’s a little chocolate heaven on earth.
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: Ranked number one in the US multiple times, this zoo in Ohio spans over 580 acres and has 10,000 animals from hundreds of species, offering lots of learning and fun.
- Museum of Ancient Treasures: Located in Wichita, this gem is an interesting stop where kids can learn about history in an interactive environment.
- Exploration Place: Also in Wichita, this is Kansas’s premier science center, offering hands-on exhibits and interactive displays. Kids can learn about flight, Kansas geography, medieval life, and more.
Rest Stops
With kids in the car, you’ll want to plan plenty of breaks. There are numerous rest areas with family-friendly facilities along I-76 and I-70. Expect to make stopovers in places like the Brookville Service Plaza in Pennsylvania, Highspire Service Plaza also in Pennsylvania, Buckeye Lake Rest Area in Ohio, West Topeka Service Area in Kansas, among others. All these rest stops offer food options, clean restrooms, and picnic areas.
Best Route with Dogs
A Canine Companion’s Journey: Route Overview and Highlights
Ready to take a fun-filled road trip with your furry friends from New York City to Wichita? This route considers the needs of your dogs and incorporates numerous stops that will allow your pet to stretch their legs, get a breath of fresh air, and even make new friends at dog-friendly parks and attractions. This route also opts for roads with more greenery for a calming ride for you and your pet.
Route Directions & Driving Time
- Begin on the I-80 W from New York City.
- After approximately 480 miles, continue onto I-76 W.
- Then, get on I-70 W in Kansas.
- Finally, reach Wichita via US-400 W/US-54 W.
Expect this route to be slightly longer due to the numerous rest stops factored in for your pet’s comfort with a total of approximately 25-27 hours of driving time.
Must-See Attractions
- Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania: A beautiful pit-stop with scenic nature trails that are perfect for a walk with your canine companion. The forest offers plenty of space for your dog to run around and stretch their legs. Remember to keep your pet leashed.
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: The city has several dog parks, including the Frick Park which features four off-leash areas for dogs.
- Columbus, Ohio: Visit the Scioto Audubon Metro Park, which features a large dog park with obstacle courses. Your dog will love the chance to frolic and play here.
- Indianapolis, Indiana: Take your dogs for a stroll at the Broad Ripple Bark Park which has ample space for off-leash play.
- St. Louis, Missouri: Take a stop at the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog. Your dog is welcome as long as they’re leashed.
- Kansas City, Missouri: Make a stop at Bar K Dog Bar, a unique dog-friendly destination combining a fully staffed dog park with a bar and eatery.
- Lawrence, Kansas: Walk your dog at the Mutt Run Off Leash Dog Area. It’s a beautiful off-leash area for dogs with open fields and woods, perfect for a long, relaxing walk.
Rest Stops
Ensure your dog’s comfort and happiness by incorporating frequent rest stops where they can relieve themselves, stretch their legs and have some water. Consider the following rest stops: White Haven Rest Stop in Pennsylvania, Blue Mountain Plaza in Ohio, Columbia Welcome Center in Missouri, and Bell Plain Rest Area in Kansas.
Additional Tips and Considerations
While planning your road trip from New York City to Wichita, it’s important to consider a few extra tips to ensure your journey remains enjoyable and hassle-free from beginning to end.
General Safety Tips
- Assess your Vehicle: Before embarking on your road trip, it’s crucial to check your vehicle thoroughly for any mechanical issues. Make sure the tires are inflated properly, the oil is changed, and the spare tire, jack, and other necessary tools are available in the vehicle.
- Keep Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contact numbers handy, including road-side assistance services and healthcare facilities.
- Stay Alert: Sharing the driving responsibilities or scheduling regular stops can help prevent driver fatigue. In addition, ensure you’re equipped with appropriate first-aid supplies and emergency food and water.
Considerations for Different Seasons
When planning your road trip, the time of year and corresponding weather conditions must be considered. During the winter, road conditions can deteriorate, requiring more cautious driving. In the summer, you might need to plan more indoor attractions or take swimsuits for water-based fun activities.
Remember Transmission Relations
Consider the relative alignment of your vehicle transmission and the terrain. For long uphill journeys, it’s generally recommended to use the lower gears to avoid overheating the engine. Downhill travel should be handled with care to avoid brake wear-out.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Finally, always embrace the unpredictability that comes with road trips. You might stumble upon an unexpected gem of a location, or you may need to detour due to roadwork or weather conditions. Keep your schedule flexible for these surprises and maintain a spirit of adventure throughout your journey.
Planning Your Road Trip
Planning your road trip can be almost as much fun as the journey itself. But it doesn’t begin when you hit the road; it starts right at home with thorough preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your road trip from New York City to Wichita planned and perfected.
Identify Your Preferred Route
Before you put rubber on the road, choose your route based on your personal preferences. Use this guide to help you select one of five conceivable routes: the Fastest, Scenic, Unusual & Fun, Best for Children & Kids, and Best for Dogs. Each offers a uniquely engaging experience.
Leaving the Bustle Behind
Now that you’ve planned your route, packed your bags, and noted the all-important rest stops and attractions, there’s just one last, exciting thing to do – leave the hustle and bustle of New York City behind. Embarking on this exciting journey, whether it be the Fastest, Scenic, Unusual & Fun, Best with Children & Kids, or Best with Dogs route, will offer a refreshing change from the jam-packed subways and towering skyscrapers of the city.
Remember, a road trip doesn’t begin when you reach your destination; instead, it commences the moment you put your foot onto the gas pedal. As you make your way to Wichita, embrace the slower-paced lifestyle. Take time to savor the diversity and breadth of the landscapes that ripple out beyond NYC’s concrete jungle. Be it the towering mountains, the rolling plains, or the grand rivers, let them remind you of the wonders that sit at America’s doorstep.
Note that the journey will ebb and flow, with stops at bustling towns or serene parks, various attractions, or perhaps a roadside diner tempting you with local cuisine. Moments of exploration will mingle with periods of peaceful solitude. Remember to embrace it all, as each of these experiences contributes to the full, immersive tapestry of a road trip adventure.
However, what matters is that you stay open, aware, and eager to absorb every bit of the journey to Wichita. The road trip from New York City to Wichita can be a transformative experience, a chance to step out of the fast-paced city life and embrace every moment. Moreover, facing the open road, you have the opportunity to make this trip your own and create beautiful memories. So, buckle up, it’s time to embrace the adventure that lies ahead and leave the city chaos behind. Your journey awaits!
