If you’re planning a trip from Detroit to Vegas, how can you make the journey as memorable as the destination? There’s no better way than a good old cross-country road trip! The drive will take you through no fewer than eight states – Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. Trust us on this. You won’t regret a minute of it as you take in the splendor of America’s sprawling heartland, the majestic Rockies, and Utah’s otherworldly landscape on your way to Vegas.
Pack your bags, rally the troops, and fill the tank, because we have all the road trip recommendations to have the best Detroit to Las Vegas drive.
The Detroit to Las Vegas drive couldn’t be easier because most of it is through a vast open country populated by scenic farms and quaint towns. Once you get to Chicago, you’ll pick up I-80 West, and the next 1,000 miles to Denver is about half the trip. In Denver, you’ll get on I-70 into Utah, then head down to Las Vegas. The stretch from Denver to Vegas is about 750 miles—a day’s drive if you keep at it.
Make no mistake, this is a long drive! The 2,040-mile journey is about 30 hours of driving if traffic and weather are on your side. So, depending on how many miles you put behind you each day and how many stops you make, plan three to five days for the entire trip. You’ll likely need more time if you’re traveling in the winter, especially once you get into the Rockies.
If possible, avoid arriving in Vegas on the weekend, as you’ll run into more traffic Friday through Sunday. Expect more traffic in larger cities along the route, particularly Chicago and Denver. Allow for longer drive times if you plan on traveling during the holidays or when there are big Las Vegas events. No matter where you’re driving from or which day of the week, the traffic is sure to pick up closer to the city.
This Mascot Hall of Fame celebrates the unsung heroes of the college and professional sports worlds – their mascots! This lively and colorful interactive museum incorporates STEAM principles and sports mascots.
With gorgeous canyons, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests, Starved Rock State Park has thirteen miles of trails and 18 canyons. Camping is also possible if you want to make this one of your overnight stops.
Right off I-80 in Walcott, Iowa, is the Iowa 80 Truckstop, which claims to be the world’s largest. Resembling a small city, this truckstop has been called Disneyland for truckers and has become a travel destination in and of itself.
If you’re a Trekkie, you can’t miss the town of Riverside, Iowa, near Iowa City. The most famous captain of the starship Enterprise will be born there on March 22, 2228. You can visit a small Star Trek museum, too.
Ranked as one of the world’s best zoos, Henry Doorly is the ultimate zoo experience. It has the largest indoor desert, rainforest, and swamp in North America. With over 17,000 animals, there’s much to explore!
If vintage military vehicles are your thing, this hands-on museum is right up your alley. About 100 vehicles from both world wars are on site, including ambulances, half-tracks, helicopters, tanks, and a jeep from every military branch.
Billed as “Nebraska’s answer to Stonehenge,” this quirky monument is a replica of its English cousin – except the stones are all in the shape of vintage cars! A total of 39 cars, arranged in a circle, make up this eccentric attraction.
Sprawled over 415 square miles of breathtaking scenery, Rocky Mountain National Park is a can’t-miss place on your way to Vegas. Look out for crystal-clear mountain lakes, serene meadows, and majestic snow-covered peaks.
There is no place on earth quite like Arches National Park. The park boasts over 2,000 natural stone arches, countless soaring pinnacles, massive rock formations, and impossibly balanced rocks that will make your jaw drop.
Words can’t describe Zion’s scenery. Massive sandstone cliffs rise above you, and everywhere you look is like a postcard. Zion features some of the most adventurous hikes, including The Narrows and Angel’s Landing.
Some say life isn’t only about the destination, it’s about the journey. If you’re planning your next trip to Vegas from Detroit, consider hitting the road and making an adventure out of it. While you’re planning all your Las Vegas road trip pit stops, be sure to book your room at Golden Gate Las Vegas to have a place to call home after your drive. On top of comfortable rooms and suites (or penthouses for added luxury), you’ll be in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas to walk around town and stretch your legs after your Detroit to Las Vegas drive. Drive safely, and see you soon!
