A remarkably long east-west highway connecting New England, Great Lakes country, prairie, Yellowstone country, and the Pacific Northwest.
Why take this road?
U.S. 20 offers a cross-section of the country without requiring one fixed historical narrative. It passes cities, farm towns, lake country, plains, mountain gateways, and volcanic landscapes.
Signature chapters of the journey
- New England and upstate New York townscapes
- Great Lakes and Midwest agricultural corridors
- Iowa and Nebraska prairie
- Wyoming approaches to Yellowstone
- Idaho high country
- Oregon desert, Cascades, and Pacific ending
Roadside memory
Old tourist cabins, diners, state-line signs, small museums, drive-ins, and bypassed main streets make U.S. 20 a strong route for discovering ordinary roadside America.
RV planning note
Some western segments cross remote or high-elevation country. Yellowstone-area routes, winter closures, and mountain grades require current checks.
Before departure: verify current closures, construction, wildfire or weather conditions, campground availability, vehicle restrictions, tolls, ferry rules, and attraction hours with the responsible agencies and operators.