Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chicago to Houston
Are you planning to take an adventurous road trip from Chicago to Houston? This route covers approximately 1100 miles and can take between 15 to 20 hours to complete, depending on the number of stops you make. While the goal may be to get to Houston, why not take advantage of this opportunity to explore some unexpected and exciting destinations along the way? Here are five unexpected places to visit on your road trip.
Halfway Point: Forrest City, AR
The first suggestion is actually the halfway point between the two destinations. Forrest City is a small town in St Francis County, Arkansas, and it is a great place to stretch your legs and take in some fresh air. Forrest City has several parks where you can relax and enjoy nature. The largest of these parks is Village Creek State Park. This park has a beautiful lake and is ideal for fishing, boating, and hiking. Other places of interest include the St. Francis County Museum and the Delta Cultural Center, where you can learn about the region's history.
1. Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
Mammoth Cave National Park is located in central Kentucky and is home to the longest known cave system in the world, with over 400 miles of surveyed passageways. This park offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the underground world of caves. You can take a guided tour of the caves and learn about their geology and the creatures that call them home. Above ground, the park also offers opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and kayaking. Be sure to try the Kentucky-style fried chicken at the nearby Mammoth Cave Lodge.
2. The Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO
The Gateway Arch is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States and a must-visit destination in St. Louis. The arch is a 630-foot tall stainless steel structure that was built in the 1960s to commemorate the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the Mississippi River. The park also offers a museum that explores the history of St. Louis and the construction of the arch. Make sure to try some of the famous St. Louis-style pizza while you're in town.
3. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, OK
Located in southwestern Oklahoma, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a natural oasis in the midst of the Great Plains. The refuge covers more than 59,000 acres and is home to bison, elk, deer, and other wildlife. Visitors can hike, bike, or drive through the refuge and take in the beauty of the landscape. The park also has several lakes where you can fish or canoe, and you can even rock climb on some of the park's granite peaks. Be sure to try the barbecue at the nearby Meers Store and Restaurant.
4. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX
Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation located west of Amarillo, Texas. The art installation features a row of ten Cadillac cars, half-buried nose-first in the ground, which visitors are encouraged to spray paint with their own messages and designs. Cadillac Ranch is a fun and interactive destination where you can leave your mark on this unique piece of art. Be sure to try the famous Tex-Mex cuisine at The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery while you're in Amarillo.
5. Space Center Houston, TX
Finally, no trip to Houston is complete without a visit to Space Center Houston. This is the official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center and offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history of space exploration and the future of space travel. The center houses more than 400 space artifacts, including spacecraft, spacesuits, and moon rocks. Visitors can take a tram tour of the Johnson Space Center and see where astronauts train for their missions. Make sure to try some of the famous Texas barbecue while you're in Houston.
In conclusion, taking a road trip from Chicago to Houston can be a great adventure, but why not make the journey even more exciting by taking some detours to explore these unexpected destinations? From the beautiful Mammoth Cave National Park to the unique Cadillac Ranch and the awe-inspiring Space Center Houston, there's something for everyone on this road trip. Be sure to pack some comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and enjoy the journey.