Top Places to See When Driving From Amarillo, Texas to Sparta, Illinois

Planning a road trip can be so much fun, but choosing the route and places to visit along the way can be a little daunting. If you're planning a road trip from Amarillo, Texas to Sparta, Illinois, there are so many amazing places to stop and check out. This route spans across several states and has some of the most scenic landscapes, museums, and historical sites. To make your trip even more exciting, we've compiled a list of the top places to see when driving from Amarillo, Texas, to Sparta, Illinois.

Before we start our journey, here are some quick tips. To make the best of this trip, ensure that you have a full tank of gas, a GPS-enabled device or a printed map, and comfortable clothing and shoes.

Visiting Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas

Our first stop is in Amarillo, Texas, where you'll find Cadillac Ranch. Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation that is made up of ten Cadillac cars that have been half-buried nose-first into the ground. The cars were painted by a group of artists called the Ant Farm, and now, visitors are encouraged to leave their mark by spray painting the cars. This is a great stop to stretch your legs and take some amazing photos.

Checking Out the Palo Duro Canyon in Canyon, Texas

Just 30 minutes south of Amarillo in Canyon, Texas, you'll find the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This park is the second-largest canyon in the U.S. and is truly a hidden gem. You can take a guided tour or hike the trails, and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the canyon and its distinctive rock formations. You'll also get to see the famous Lighthouse formation, which is a favorite spot for many photographers.

Walk Through the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri

Our next stop is in Hannibal, Missouri, where we'll visit the boyhood home of Mark Twain. This museum is a tribute to the life and writings of Samuel Clemens, who penned classics such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. You'll get to walk through the house where Twain lived with his family and see the places that inspired his writing, such as the Mississippi River, which you can view from the museum's balcony.

Discovering the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri

The Gateway Arch is a defining feature of the St. Louis skyline and is a great place to visit while on your road trip. The arch is 630 feet tall and is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. You can take a tram ride to the top of the Arch, where you'll get breathtaking views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. The park also has a museum that tells the story of St. Louis and its role in the westward expansion of the United States.

Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois

If you're a history buff, you don't want to miss the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois. This museum has a collection dedicated to President Lincoln's life, his presidency, and his legacy. You'll get to see artifacts, interactive exhibits, and even take a virtual tour of Lincoln's childhood home. This is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history or politics.

Exploring Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, Illinois

Our final stop is at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, Illinois. This site is an ancient Native American city that was home to a Mississippi River Valley society that thrived from 800 to 1400 CE. The mounds at this site were built by the Mississippians and are believed to have been used for religious purposes, as well as for elite burials. You can take a guided tour to understand more about this fascinating civilization.

Conclusion

Our road trip from Amarillo, Texas, to Sparta, Illinois is full of exciting places to visit. Whether you're interested in art, history, or breathtaking views, this route has something for everyone. Be sure to take your time and enjoy each stop along the way. Pack a picnic lunch and make memories with your travel companions. Most importantly, have fun. Happy road tripping!