Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX
If you're looking for an epic road trip, there are few that can top the journey from Chicago, Illinois, to Austin, Texas. Traveling through the heartland of America, this trip is filled with diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and plenty of interesting things to do. The trip is 1,022 miles long and takes approximately 15 hours of driving time without factoring in stops. The halfway point of Joplin, Missouri is a charming stop that offers a glimpse into the Ozarks culture with its unique museums, delicious food, and quaint downtown area.
Top Things to Do on the Road Trip
1. Visit Mammoth Cave National Park
Located in Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is the perfect place to stretch your legs and explore a natural wonder. The cave system is the world's longest and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can take guided tours to experience the vast underground chambers, intricate passageways, and impressionable stalactites and stalagmites. Don't miss the chance to hike some of the park's over 80 miles of trails with incredible scenic vistas.
Interesting fact: Although it is called Mammoth Cave, no mammoths were ever found within the cave system.
2. BBQ Heaven at Memphis
No road trip through the South is complete without trying some of the region's famous barbeque. Memphis, Tennessee, is the perfect place to do just that. Whether you prefer dry-rubbed or saucy meat, Memphis offers a variety of excellent BBQ restaurants. Make sure to stop by Charlie Vergos Rendezvous, a local institution that has been serving up mouth-watering BBQ ribs since 1948.
Interesting fact: Memphis is known as the "Barbecue Capital of the World," and it hosts the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest each May.
3. Visit Graceland
Elvis Presley's iconic mansion is one of the top tourist attractions in the country. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Graceland is the former home of the "King of Rock and Roll." The estate is now open to the public, and visitors can take guided tours through the mansion to see Elvis's living quarters, a trophy room, music room, and his final resting place.
Interesting fact: Graceland is the second most visited house in the United States after the White House.
4. Check out downtown Hot Springs
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is known for its thermal water springs that have drawn visitors for decades. Along with natural beauty, the city boasts many charming shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Take a stroll down Bathhouse Row, located in the heart of the city's historic district, and check out the elegant bathhouses used in yesteryear by Al Capone, Babe Ruth, and other famous figures.
Interesting fact: Hot Springs, Arkansas, is the only city in the United States that's within a national park.
5. BAT viewing at Congress Avenue Bridge
Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas, is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Every evening from mid-March through November, the bats emerge from under the bridge to hunt for food. The best time to see the bats is just before sunset. Bring a picnic and stake out a spot to witness one of nature's most fantastic sights.
Interesting fact: The bats that live under Congress Avenue Bridge are Mexican free-tailed bats, and there can be up to 1.5 million of them.
Conclusion
From the underground mystique of Mammoth Cave to the BBQ-feasting in Memphis, from Elvis's iconic mansion to the unique downtown area of Hot Springs, and witnessing the spectacular bat flight in Austin, this road trip offers a one-of-a-kind adventure. With so much to see and do, allow at least a week to complete the journey. So pack up the car, grab your map, and get ready for an unforgettable trip.