7 days in Central Indiana, Illinois & Iowa Itinerary

Created using Inspirock United States tour planner
Make it your trip
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1
Indianapolis
— 1 night
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2
Chicago
— 4 nights
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3
Council Bluffs
— 1 night
Fly

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Indianapolis — 1 night

Circle City

Start off your visit on the 31st (Wed): admire the striking features of Scottish Rite Cathedral, join the crowd at Indy Racing Experience, then browse the exhibits of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and finally test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms. On the 1st (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: learn about all things military at Indiana War Memorial, explore the engaging exhibits at Children's Museum of Indianapolis, then admire the natural beauty at Indianapolis Museum of Art, and finally make a trip to USS Indianapolis Memorial.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Indianapolis trip app.

Philadelphia to Indianapolis is an approximately 4-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. May in Indianapolis sees daily highs of 73°F and lows of 54°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Thu) to allow enough time to fly to Chicago.
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Museums · Childrens Museums · Parks · Historic Sites

Chicago — 4 nights

Windy City

Chicago is known for sightseeing, museums, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: explore the world behind art at The Art Institute of Chicago, stop by The Magnificent Mile, get outside with Outdoor Activities, and admire nature's wide array of creatures at Shedd Aquarium.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, read Chicago journey planner.

You can fly from Indianapolis to Chicago in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Indianapolis to Chicago. In June in Chicago, expect temperatures between 81°F during the day and 63°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) to allow time to fly to Council Bluffs.
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Museums · Parks · Childrens Museums · Zoos & Aquariums

Council Bluffs — 1 night

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Tue): identify plant and animal life at Hitchcock Nature Center, admire the landmark architecture of Historic General Dodge House, and then try your luck at Horseshoe Council Bluffs.

For other places to visit, photos, maps, and tourist information, use the Council Bluffs trip maker site.

Fly from Chicago to Council Bluffs in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. In June, daytime highs in Council Bluffs are 85°F, while nighttime lows are 64°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Tue) to allow enough time to fly back home.
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Casinos · Fun & Games · Parks · Wildlife
Side Trip

Illinois travel guide

4.3
Observation Decks · Parks · Art Museums
The Prairie State
The most populous state in the country's Midwest region, Illinois features a diverse landscape that includes both the enormous urban sprawl of Chicago and flat central plains, devoted almost entirely to farmland. With a great selection of things to do, Chicago is the state's centerpiece, featuring world-famous architecture and renowned museums. Farther away from this giant urban center, you can explore historical landmarks dedicated to local heroes Abraham Lincoln and Ernest Hemingway. The state also includes a prehistoric Native American site, one of only 20 World Heritage Sites in the United States, a unique feature well-worth adding to your itinerary.
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Iowa travel guide

4.1
Casinos · Historic Sites · Specialty Museums
The Hawkeye State
Part of the American heartland, Iowa is marked by a strong agricultural heritage, with farmland encompassing around 90 percent of the state's land. However, a holiday in Iowa offers more than corn and cows: you'll also discover charming towns, beautiful lakes, and a handful of vibrant cities. Iowa City, a university town, provides a healthy dose of culture and nightlife, with a youthful and artistic vibe fueled by a sizable student population. A trip to some of Iowa's small towns provides a true American experience. Fortunately, the welcoming residents bear very little resemblance to the dour Iowans portrayed in Grant Wood's famous painting "American Gothic."
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