ROAD TRIP A GREAT WAY TO VIEW THE COUNTRY.(TRAVEL)

Byline: ALAN SOLOMON Chicago Tribune

The lure of the open road has never left us. Whether it's Steinbeck traveling with Charley or the Griswolds hauling off to Wally World, seeing the U.S.A. in our Chevrolets has long been one of those things we just want to do.

And why not? More to the point, why not now? With everything that has gone on, there has never been a better time to discover, or rediscover, America its vastness, its humanness, its accents and cuisines, and its incomparable beauty.

With that in mind, we've brought back a few of our favorite ``Great American Drives'' in short form this time, primarily for inspiration.

Why so few details? Mainly, to encourage you to make these drives your own.

A few things to know before we begin:

We've listed our actual mileages, but they're the miles we drove and they include meanderings, because that's what we do. You don't have to.

To enjoy any of these drives, it's essential not only that you get off the interstates, but that you get out of the car. Walk the towns; shop the flea markets; taste the pies; enjoy the fairs; catch a Little League game; catch a bluegill.

This land is your land. Hug it.

Got it? OK, here we go ...

The Yellowstone Route

Chicago to Yellowstone National Park

Length:

10 days, 2,040 miles (one way)

The route:

Interstate Highway 90, U.S. Highway 212, plus many side roads and national park roads.

Highlights:

The Corn Palace, Wounded Knee, Badlands National Park, Wall Drug, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, …