Chicago, Illinois
Lake Shore Drive is arguably the most scenic inner-city drive in America. On our most recent trip to Chicago, we stayed on the city’s South Side, but we drove to Wrigley Field to the north. Google Maps was initially trying to send us on the stop-and-go traffic of I-90, but as the driver, I preferred to see something besides concrete, graffiti, and brake lights. The drive along this section of US 41 does not disappoint.
The Cubs game was on an early Sunday afternoon, so the morning drive along Lake Michigan provided many great scenes, including sailboats and motorboats, people enjoying the lake, and people walking, jogging, cycling, and skateboarding on the lakefront trail adjacent to the highway. Lake Shore Drive is also a great way to enjoy the Chicago skyline, which, thanks to many great architects, is one of the most notable in the world. Yes, there are lots of traffic lights, and the speed limit is much lower, but we arrived at Wrigley Field at about the same time it would have taken in stop-and-go traffic on the interstate. Drives like this are why Americans fell in love with the automobile and why so much American popular music features cars and driving.