Going on a cross-country road trip soon (moving from SF to Chicago), is there anything new for making the trip a little more fresh and exciting besides just putting the destination in google maps and hitting the road? I'm down to take a longer route to see cool stuff or is there anything I can't miss? thanks

Welcome to Fodor's!

Here ya go. Enjoy!

Roadside America - Guide to Uniquely Odd Tourist Attractions

There are definitely a few roadtrip-centric sites that have decent suggestions. I'd personally recommend taking some detours in Utah and Colorado. I'm a big fan of Moab and Telluride myself, but any detour in those directions is likely to be stunning if you're heading out any time soon!

I'm actually working with the National Scenic Byways Foundation to build Overlook Maps, a new GPS app that allows travelers to customize their routing experience as well as the points of interest and food options they see along the way. It will be going live later this year! Let me know if it sounds like something you'd use

thanks!

Will your car be packed with possessions? (since you are moving) If yes that might influence where you stop, for how long, etc.

Just some carry-on suitcases. The rest of our stuff we are shipping. Ideally, we aren't going to be on the road past 7 days.

You could go through Yellowstone National Park and the Black Hills. For the former, besides Old Faithful, the main attractions are the Lamar Valley which has roaming herds of bison and elk plus wolves feeding on them (guided tours are available) and the Great Canyon of the Yellowstone which has a steep, deep canyon with waterfalls and hot springs.For the Black Hills there is Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, Wild Cave National Park, and Custer State Park with bighorn sheep and bison.

Awesome suggestions!

Yes! Overlook Maps sounds interesting. Hope it goes live before October when we make our move.

We stopped at Wall Drug and Mt Rushmore

You could swing through San Antonio for the Alamo and/or Enchanted Rock!