TC

With a new SUV we want to make an interesting road trip to Oregon (near Portland) in September. A friend is getting married there. We have no time or money limitations. Starting in Minneapolis, we would like to see some beautiful scenery and stay in some interesting places. Wouldn't mind driving to a location and then spending 2 or 3 days there before moving on towards our next destination. Renting a cabin in a beautiful location would be awesome or staying in a mountain lodge. Dining in unique places could be a reason to stop.

We have done - what I will call -- the Northern route already. That would be through the Dakotas and Montana to Yellowstone. So we've seen that part of the country. What other routes would you suggest and what things to see along the way or places to stay are on your "don't miss" list?

Thanks.

tomfuller

Head for Cheyenne Wyoming and then south to Rocky Mt. NP.
Leaving RMNP, head for Aspen/Glenwood Springs.
From Glenwood Springs head for Moab and Arches NP and Canyonlands NP.
Head north through SLC and get on I-84 through Boise to get to Portland. The Blue and Wallowa Mountains in Oregon are quite scenic.
If you have more time, see the other 3 southern Utah National Parks

happytrailstoyou

Here is my short list: Rocky Mountain NP, Arches NP, Zion NP, Canyon de Chelly, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, the Oregon Coast, the Columbia River Gorge, and Mt. Rainier.

There is much more if you have not been to the states where they places are located.

HTtY

tomfuller

Any more questions from TC?
Anyone else have suggestions?

TC

Thanks for your suggestions. We will, of course, hit the national parks. Any really interesting places to stay or dine that you would recommend?

Cheers,
TC

tomfuller

From Minneapolis it is 10 hours (650 miles) to North Platte Nebraska. There is an Applebees off the exit of I-80.
The Oak Tree Inn has good ratings and a reasonable rate.
It is 5 hours from North Platte to Estes Park, CO outside Rocky Mt. National Park.

TC

Thanks, Tom. I was hoping to find some places a bit more original than Applebees, but thanks for your thought.

tomfuller

How about a stainless steel diner? https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura..._Nebraska.html
The Moab Diner Is great for a lunch in Moab Utah.

TC

They get pretty lousy reviews, Tom. Looks like our taste is dissimilar, but thanks for trying.