The Ultimate Road Trip: Exploring Akron, Colorado to Avoca, Iowa

Do you have a craving for some adventure and a desire to hit the open road? If so, driving from Akron, Colorado to Avoca, Iowa should be on your bucket list! The route stretches across the Midwest and the Great Plains and promises scenic views and unparalleled experiences. The road trip offers a vast variety of places worth exploring, from historical landmarks to natural wonders, and everything in between.

Here are the top places you must see while driving from Akron, Colorado to Avoca, Iowa.

Explore the Scenic Beauty of Colorado Springs

Your journey begins with Colorado Springs, which is located about 90 miles south of Akron, Colorado. Colorado Springs is renowned for its natural beauty, including the Garden of the Gods Park, which is a registered National Natural Landmark. The park's stunning red rock formations will leave you breathless and inspire your sense of wonder. The Visitor and Nature Center in Garden of the Gods offers fantastic exhibits and shows to enlighten visitors about the park's geology, ecology and history.

Make sure to stop by the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which sprawls across 140 acres of mountainside terrain. The zoo is home to over 750 animals, including tigers, giraffes and orangutans. You can take a ride on the Mountaineer Sky Ride to capture a bird's eye view of the zoo and Colorado Springs.

Discover the Pioneer Spirit of the Wild West in Hays, KS

Now head east from Colorado Springs to Hays, Kansas, the next stop on our adventure- approximately 370 miles away. This charming town is known for its preserved historic district, shops, boutiques, and art galleries. The highlight of Hays is the impressive Fort Hays State Historic Site, featuring buildings of the former military outpost during the Indian Wars of the late 1800s. You can explore Fort Hays on your own or with a guided ranger tour and learn about the history of Kansas and the Western frontier. The site also offers a nature center with interactive exhibits and wildlife displays for a hands-on learning experience.

The Frontier Park and Zoo provide another must-see attraction in Hays KS. The park boasts a petting zoo, zoo, bird garden, and even an amusement park. Get up close and personal with exotic animals or visit one of their seasonal events, including fall festivals or a haunted house.

Step Back in Time in Independence, MO

Continuing east, you will reach Independence, MO, approximately 350 miles from Hays, Kansas. This historic town boasts a legacy that all Americans share: it is the home of the 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman. The Truman Presidential Library & Museum showcases Truman's political and personal life, including exhibits on the atomic bomb and his decision to drop it on Japan. You can wander through the museum, including the replica of the Oval Office, the Truman home, and bulletproof limousine.

Another stop worth the detour is the Vaile Mansion. It's a well-preserved Victorian mansion that offers an up-close look at an era gone by. You can appreciate the richness of the furnishings and the grandeur of the house's architecture, reflecting Missouri's prosperous history in the 1880s.

Discover the History of Omaha, Nebraska

Continuing on to Omaha, Nebraska, located approximately 160 miles east of Independence, MO. Omaha offers plenty of opportunities to relax, have fun, and learn something new. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium provide visitors with the chance to see over 17,000 animal species and seasonal events. They have the world's largest indoor desert and the largest indoor rainforest! You can also stroll around the Old Market for some window shopping and dining delights.

History buffs will also appreciate the Durham Museum, which used to be the Union Station and now serves as a museum. Here, the exhibits showcase the history of transportation from steam locomotives to present-day airline travel. Art lovers may enjoy the Joslyn Art Museum, which features an impressive collection of European and American art.

Revel in the Quiet Beauty of Lewis and Clark State Park

Finally, our road trip brings us to Lewis and Clark State Park, located in western Iowa, approximately 120 miles from Omaha. The park offers campgrounds, boat launches, fishing areas, and hiking trails to get back to nature. The Lewis and Clark Monument is located here, commemorating the landing site of the Corps of Discovery in Western Iowa. You can explore the visitor center with interactive exhibits and displays showcasing the Lewis and Clark expedition.

The park is located on the banks of the Missouri River, and the river vista provides an excellent opportunity to see a variety of water birds, including geese, ducks, and eagles. The park is abundant with trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, making it a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

The Akron, Colorado to Avoca, Iowa road trip is packed with natural wonders and historical landmarks. You can visit some well-known tourist spots or head off the beaten path and explore the joys of small towns. This trip will give you a chance to see the endless variety of landscapes, wildlife, and culture. So pack your bags, grab a map, and hit the road on this amazing adventure!