The Best Places to Visit on Your Road Trip from Aurora, Colorado to Baltimore, Maryland

Are you planning a road trip from Aurora, Colorado, to Baltimore, Maryland, and looking for some fun places to stop along the way? You're in luck! This route offers an abundance of natural beauty, fascinating history, and quirky roadside attractions. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or solo, you'll find plenty of exciting destinations to explore.

So, fasten your seat belts and get ready to hit the open road. Here are the top places to see on your journey from Aurora to Baltimore.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: One of the most famous and picturesque natural parks in the United States, Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit spot for nature lovers. Featuring soaring peaks, shimmering lakes, and seemingly never-ending meadows, Rocky Mountains offer some of the most breathtaking views you'll ever see.
Garden of the Gods, Colorado: Located in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods is a geological wonder that displays some of the most unique rock formations in the world. The sandstone formations are believed to be over 300 million years old and draw visitors from all over the world. You can explore the park's 15 miles of trails, go horseback riding, or take a Jeep tour.
Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming: Located in Thermopolis, Wyoming, Hot Springs State Park is home to the world's largest mineral hot spring. Visitors can swim or snorkel in therapeutic waters or wander through the park's bison herd. There are also walking trails, picnic areas, and a swinging bridge.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota: The striking peaks and layered rock formations of the Badlands National Park make it one of the most beautiful destinations in the United States. A drive through the park offers the opportunity to see wildlife such as bison and pronghorns, and there are several hiking trails to explore.
Rock City, Kansas: Located on the High Plains of western Kansas, Rock City features an impressive and strange collection of giant sandstone formations that have been carved by natural weathering. The formations are found in a basin-like depression and are best viewed on foot along a network of trails through the park.

History and Culture

Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri: Located on the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri, the Gateway Arch National Park is a symbol of the pioneer spirit. If you're up for heights, take a ride in the tram to the top of the 630-foot arch for panoramic views of the city and the river.
Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Ohio: Located in Cincinnati, the Underground Railroad Freedom Center celebrates the history of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape into freedom in the 19th century. The museum showcases interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and educational programs.
National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington D.C: A visit to Washington DC is incomplete without a stop at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It's a place where visitors can explore the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans. The museum houses more than 36,000 artifacts that bring to life the stories of struggle, resilience, and triumph of the African American community.
Gettysburg Battlefield, Pennsylvania: The site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, the Gettysburg Battlefield is a National Military Park that offers visitors a chance to learn about the historic battle that took place there. There are self-guided tours, ranger-led programs, and living history demonstrations. The park is also home to the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center, which features exhibits and a multimedia presentation of the battle.
National Aquarium, Maryland: Once you reach Baltimore, the National Aquarium is a must-visit destination. Home to over 17,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles, it's a fascinating place to explore and learn about marine life. The aquarium also features interactive exhibits, a 4-D immersion theater, and behind-the-scenes tours.

Quirky Roadside Attractions

World's Largest Ball of Twine, Kansas: Located in Cawker City, Kansas, the World's Largest Ball of Twine is exactly what it sounds like. The ball weighs over 20,000 pounds and is made up of over 1.6 million feet of twine. It's housed in a small gazebo for all to see.
Corn Palace, South Dakota: A truly unique roadside attraction, the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota is a building decorated entirely with corn murals. Each year, thousands of bushels of corn, grasses, and grains are harvested to create the massive murals that adorn the exterior walls. You can also go inside the palace for a tour.
The Blue Whale, Oklahoma: This roadside gem is an enormous blue whale that sits beside a pond on Route 66, just west of the town of Catoosa. The 80-foot long whale was built in the 1970s by a local businessman as a surprise gift to his wife. Visitors can climb the stairs inside the whale and slide down a tail slide.
The Shoe Tree, Nevada: A classic example of a roadside oddity, the shoe tree in Middlegate, Nevada, is a huge cottonwood tree that is covered in hundreds of pairs of shoes. It's a mystery how the tradition began, but visitors continue to stop and add to the collection to this day.
Haines Shoe House, Pennsylvania: An actual house shaped like a shoe, the Haines Shoe House was built in 1948 as a gimmick by a shoe salesman hoping to attract attention for his business. Visitors can take a guided tour of the unique house and learn about its history, architecture, and quirky features.

Conclusion

There you have it - the top places to visit when driving from Aurora, Colorado to Baltimore, Maryland. This journey is one that is sure to create a lifetime of memories. From exploring the great outdoors and learning about the rich history of the United States to experiencing some of the most unique roadside attractions in the country, there's something for everyone on this road trip. So, start planning your adventure today and hit the road.