New New Orleans to Chicago - Blues Highway Northbound

Route Snapshot: The Highway of Soul

Why This Route Works for RV Travel

There is no better way to experience the story of American music than by taking the scenic route from New Orleans to Chicago in an RV, campervan, or motorhome. Following the legendary Blues Highway along US-61, this journey is a vibrant blend of rhythm, history, and down-home hospitality. Traveling by RV allows you to absorb the cultural shifts at your own pace, turning the road into a rolling classroom and dance floor for the whole family. Instead of rushing between hotels, your motorhome becomes a front-row seat to the changing landscapes of the Deep South and the Midwest, offering the flexibility to linger in towns where the blues were born.

Route Rhythm: Pacing Your 14-Day Adventure

This 1,651 mi journey is best savored slowly. Over 14 days, you have ample time to transition from the sultry jazz clubs of Louisiana to the bustling streets of Illinois. Here is how the regional flow unfolds:

• Stage 1: The Crescent City & Louisiana Plantations: Begin with the soul-stirring streets of New Orleans. The pace here is relaxed—spend time strolling markets, enjoying carriage tours, and diving into jazz history before steering your campervan northward to explore antebellum architecture under canopies of live oaks.
• Stage 2: Mississippi's Deep Roots: As you cross into Mississippi, the focus shifts to indigenous history and the profound cultural foundations of the region. The driving distances remain short, allowing for deep exploration of heritage sites.
• Stage 3: The Birthplace of the Blues: The rhythm picks up as music takes over. This stage is all about interactive museums, legendary live music venues, and the rich storytelling of the Delta. Expect moderate driving days with frequent stops for cultural immersion.
• Stage 4: The Heartland Transition to Chicago: The final leg covers Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois. The driving distances increase as you trade southern charm for northern cityscapes, culminating in your arrival in Chicago.

Key Locations and Themes to Discover

This route is packed with diverse experiences that appeal to all ages. While you will find a detailed day-by-day plan inside RV PLAN, here are the core themes you will encounter:

Musical Heritage

Music is the heartbeat of this road trip. In Louisiana, the New Orleans Jazz Museum offers a fun and educational look at the genre's roots. Further north in Indianola, Mississippi, the B.B. King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center pays interactive tribute to the King of the Blues. Live music thrives along the way, highlighted by legendary spots like Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale.

History and Culture

The history along US-61 is layered and complex. A guided Southern Carriage Tour in New Orleans introduces the family to wrought-iron balconies and Spanish moss. The Oak Alley Plantation provides a dramatic view into antebellum history. In Mississippi, the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians serves as an inspiring cultural stop showcasing indigenous roots.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Beyond history and music, the route offers plenty of interactive fun. The French Market is perfect for letting the kids pick out a praline while listening to street jazz. The region also boasts opportunities for extreme activities, water parks, zoos, hiking areas, and canoeing or kayaking for those looking to stretch their legs in nature.

Trip-Prep Q&A: Planning Your New Orleans to Chicago Drive

How many days do I need for this route?

We highly recommend dedicating a full 14 days to this trip. Covering 1,651 mi requires a steady pace, and two weeks allows you to keep daily driving manageable while leaving plenty of time to explore museums, historical sites, and live music venues without feeling rushed.

Is this RV route worth it?

Absolutely. If you have any interest in American history, indigenous culture, or the evolution of jazz and blues, this is a bucket-list journey. The juxtaposition of southern hospitality and the vibrant energy of Chicago provides a perfectly balanced road trip.

When is the best season to travel?

Spring and autumn are ideal for the Blues Highway. The weather in the Deep South is comfortable, avoiding the intense heat and humidity of mid-summer, while the northern sections in Illinois and Missouri will offer pleasant driving conditions.

Booking Your RV & Framing the Budget

Planning an RV trip from New Orleans to Chicago involves a few specific logistical considerations. Because this is a one-way journey, you will need to account for a one-way drop-off fee in your rental agreement. These fees vary by fleet provider but are standard for cross-country routes.

Additionally, pay close attention to your mileage package. The base distance is 1,651 mi, but you should factor in extra miles for scenic detours, campground commutes, and exploring local towns. Purchasing a pre-paid mileage package is often the most cost-effective strategy.

For your overnight stays, a mix of state parks (which offer natural beauty and space) and private RV resorts (which provide full hookups and family amenities) will balance your campground budget. For specific campground recommendations and permit requirements, always consult the full itinerary on RV PLANET.

Ready to hit the Highway of Soul? Dive into the complete day-by-day details, check live availability, and secure your vehicle for this unforgettable journey by visiting RV PLAN.

Interactive route map

Official RV PLAN route map

Route rhythm at a glance

A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.

Days 1-3 — The Crescent City & Louisiana Plantations

~100–150 mi across this leg

Explore the vibrant streets of jazz, historic markets, and grand plantations before heading north.

Days 4-6 — Mississippi's Deep Roots

~150–250 mi across this leg

Transition into Mississippi to uncover rich indigenous history and the cultural foundations of the region.

Days 7-10 — The Birthplace of the Blues

~300–400 mi across this leg

Immerse yourself in the birthplace of the blues, exploring museums and legendary live music venues.

Days 11-14 — The Heartland Transition to Chicago

~600–850 mi across this leg

Cross through Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Illinois, trading southern rhythm for northern cityscapes.

Verified RV logistics for this route

• Average daily drive: roughly 118 mi/day. Build in shorter days near national parks and scenic stops.
• Fuel stops: expect at least 5 fill-ups along the route (typical Class C tank range ~600 km / 370 mi).
• Dump stations: plan 4 dump stops, roughly every 3 days.
• Campground booking lead time: 3–6 months ahead for state/national park sites; 2–4 weeks is usually fine for private RV resorts.
• Season check: confirm on RV PLAN that every overnight stop is open for your dates — several close out of season.

Live availability and pricing

Total cost for this 14-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,651 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the New Orleans → Chicago pickup window on Rent Motorhome.

Motorhomes available in New Orleans for this route

These are real vehicles in our New Orleans pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.

Check availability and book this route

Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the New Orleans → Chicago route.

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