The Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental highway in America and it is more than just a road—it’s a journey through American history, culture, and landscapes. Stretching from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco, this legendary route takes travelers through bustling cities, charming small towns, and vast open spaces, offering a true cross-country adventure. This guide provides an overview of a 15-day itinerary along the historic highway, with highlights for each day. My dad and I followed this exact itinerary when we drove it in 2024. For a deeper dive into each leg of the journey, check out the detailed daily posts linked throughout!
Want all of the stops in a Google Map? You can find it on the Patreon.
Day 1: New York City to Philadelphia
Kick off your journey in the heart of Manhattan at Times Square before heading west into New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Along the way, stop at the Dueling Site of Aaron Burr in Weehawken, where one of the most famous political duels in U.S. history took place. Continue westward to Thomas Edison State Park, a tribute to one of America’s greatest inventors. Cross historic bridges that have carried travelers for generations before wrapping up the day in Philadelphia, where iconic stops like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall await.
Read the full day 1 guide here
Day 2: Philadelphia to Gettysburg
Leaving Philadelphia, continue westward through Pennsylvania’s scenic countryside. Stop at quirky roadside attractions like the Shoe House in York and the Tinker sculpture. As you approach Gettysburg, immerse yourself in Civil War history at the Gettysburg Visitor Center and iconic battle sites like Devil’s Den and Little Round Top. End the day with a stay at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Read the full day 2 guide here
Day 3: Gettysburg to Pittsburgh
Begin the day with a deep dive into Civil War history at the Gettysburg Visitor Center and nearby landmarks like Devil’s Den and Little Round Top. Continue westward through Lancaster County and York, making stops at classic diners, historic taverns, and the National Watch and Clock Museum. As you reach Pittsburgh, explore the city’s vibrant history and settle in for the night.
Read the full day 3 guide here
Day 4: Pittsburgh to Fort Wayne
Leaving Pittsburgh, travel west into Ohio, making a stop in East Liverpool to see the historic Lincoln Highway marker. Continue through Canton, where football fans can explore the Pro Football Hall of Fame, while history enthusiasts can visit McKinley Presidential Library & Museum. The journey then takes you to Van Wert, home to classic Lincoln Highway-era relics. Finally, arrive in Fort Wayne, where you can explore Johnny Appleseed’s legacy, visit the Lincoln Tower, and check out the city’s growing arts scene before settling in for the night.
Read the full day 4 guide here
Day 5: Fort Wayne to Joliet
There are two ways to drive the route today, but we decided to head up to South Bend and back down to Juliet. This stretch takes you through classic Midwestern towns, stopping at historic diners, Norte Dame University and the Studebaker National Museum. Explore vintage police booths, giant sculptures, and murals that celebrate the highway’s history before arriving in Illinois.
Read the full day 5 guide here
Day 6: Joliet to Cedar Rapids
Head through Illinois and Iowa, where you’ll visit Route 66 crossings, Lincoln Highway shelters, and historic windmills. Stops in DeKalb and Malta offer a look at the highway’s early history, while the day ends in Cedar Rapids with a visit to the Last Slabs of the Seedling Mile.
Read the full day 6 guide here
Day 7: Cedar Rapids to Omaha
Drive through Iowa and Nebraska, experiencing classic roadside diners, historic bridges, and unique sculptures. Explore the National Czech & Slovak Museum in Cedar Rapids before heading west to Omaha, where the historic Durham Museum provides insight into the region’s railroad history.
Read the full day 7 guide here
Day 8: Omaha to North Platte
Today’s journey follows the Lincoln Highway across Nebraska, passing through key landmarks such as the Great Platte River Road Archway. Stop in Grand Island to see the world’s largest pair of overalls and visit Fort Kearny State Historical Park, an important stop along the Oregon Trail. As you travel west, visit Gothenburg’s Pony Express Station and end the day in North Platte, home to Buffalo Bill’s historic ranch and the expansive Golden Spike Tower.
Read the full day 8 guide here
Day 9: North Platte to Medicine Bow
Leaving North Platte, continue west through the Nebraska Panhandle before crossing into Wyoming. Stop at Fort Sidney Museum to explore the region’s military history, then visit Pine Bluffs to see the giant Virgin Mary statue. As you drive through Wyoming, visit Cheyenne’s historic railroad district and stop by the Cheyenne Depot Museum. Follow the Lincoln Highway west, exploring the Ames Brothers Pyramid and the famous Tree in the Rock before arriving in Medicine Bow, where you can stay at the legendary Virginian Hotel.
Read the full day 9 guide here
Day 10: Medicine Bow to Salt Lake City
Leaving Medicine Bow, follow the Lincoln Highway through Wyoming’s rugged landscapes and high desert scenery. Stop in Rawlins to explore the Wyoming Frontier Prison and a restored 1920 Texaco Station before heading west toward Echo Canyon. This historic route features towering red rock formations and was a key path for pioneers traveling westward. Explore the scenic overlooks and historic markers detailing its role in westward expansion before arriving in Salt Lake City, where you can visit the historic Temple Square and enjoy the vibrant city atmosphere.
Read the full day 10 guide here
Day 11: Salt Lake City to Ely
Leaving Salt Lake City, the journey west takes you past the Great Salt Lake and onto the famous Bonneville Salt Flats, a surreal landscape where land speed records are set. Stop in Wendover to see Wendover Will, one of the largest neon cowboys in the country, before crossing into Nevada. Explore Ely’s rich mining history at the White Pine Museum and take a scenic train ride on the Nevada Northern Railway before settling in for the night at the historic Hotel Nevada.
Read the full day 11 guide here
Day 12: Ely to Fallon
Travel through Nevada’s vast high desert to Eureka, one of the best-preserved mining towns along the Lincoln Highway, before reaching Middlegate, home of the famous Monster Burger. Stop at Cold Springs Station, a historic Pony Express stop, and the legendary Shoe Tree before arriving in Fallon, known as the “Oasis of Nevada.”
Read the full day 12 guide here
Day 13: Fallon to South Lake Tahoe
Depart Fallon and follow the Lincoln Highway west, making a stop at historic Fort Churchill, a preserved military outpost from the mid-1800s. Continue through Carson City, where you can visit the Nevada State Museum and the Capitol Building. Next, take a scenic detour to Cave Rock for a short but rewarding hike with stunning views of Lake Tahoe. Wrap up the day at Emerald Bay, one of the most breathtaking sunset spots in the region, before settling in at a cozy stay in South Lake Tahoe.
Read the full day 13 guide here
Day 14: South Lake Tahoe to Oakland
Leaving the scenic beauty of Lake Tahoe, head over Echo Summit, taking in breathtaking mountain views. Stop at historic Strawberry Lodge before descending into California’s Central Valley. Visit the state capitol in Sacramento and take a walk across the Folsom Historic Truss Bridge before continuing west. Explore Mossdale Crossing, marking the final link in the transcontinental railroad, and stop for a classic mug of root beer at the original A&W in Lodi. Arrive in Oakland, where you can visit Jack London Square, Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, and other historic sites along the waterfront.
Read the full day 14 guide here
Day 15: Oakland to San Francisco (The Western Terminus)
Cross the Bay Bridge into San Francisco, where the final stretch of the Lincoln Highway leads to Lincoln Park—the official Western Terminus of this historic road. Arriving at the end of this transcontinental journey is a momentous occasion, marking the completion of a route that has connected travelers across the country for over a century. Stand by the commemorative marker, reflecting on the adventure from coast to coast, before taking in the breathtaking views of the Golden Gate. Celebrate your arrival with visits to the Palace of Fine Arts, Lombard Street, and the iconic Ferry Building, soaking in the vibrant energy of San Francisco as you close out an unforgettable road trip.
Read the full day 15 guide here
The Lincoln Highway is more than just a road—it’s an adventure through the heart of America. From the East Coast to the West, this journey showcases the best of historic highways, roadside attractions, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re planning to drive the entire route or just a section, the Lincoln Highway promises an unforgettable experience. Ready to hit the road? Let us know your favorite stops along the way!
