Best Places to See When Driving from Ames, Iowa to Nashville, Illinois
Are you planning a road trip from Ames, Iowa to Nashville, Illinois? This scenic route offers some of the most stunning views of the Midwest. Driving across this beautiful region can be a wonderful experience for travelers. This blog post provides a guide to the best places to see on your way from Ames, Iowa to Nashville, Illinois.
Whether you are looking for a great place to rest, stretch your legs and eat a delicious meal, or exploring cultural sites, scenic drives, and national parks, this blog post offers some of the best stops to make your road trip enjoyable and memorable.
Iowa's top attractions:
1. Reiman Gardens
Image by David Mark from Pixabay
Reiman Gardens is located in Ames, Iowa, and is a must-see destination as you embark on your road trip. The gardens cover 17-acres and are home to a multitude of stunning gardens. The children's garden is a popular attraction for families, which features a water filtration system for purification and child-friendly interactive exhibits. The Butterfly Wing is another highlight, featuring over 800 butterflies from around the world.
2. Pammel State Park
Pammel State Park is located approximately 4 miles south of Winterset, in Madison County, Iowa, off Highway 169. This is a perfect spot to stop for a picnic and stretch your legs. It offers a variety of activities including hiking, fishing, and camping. The park is named after Adolphus Gustavus Pammel, an OSU botanist, and an early advocate of conservation and environmental protection.
3. John Wayne Birthplace and Museum
If you are a movie lover, a visit to John Wayne Birthplace and Museum in Winterset, Iowa, is a must! The museum showcases his movie memorabilia, including costumes, movie scripts, awards, and some personal effects. The museum is the birthplace of the legendary screen star and is located on the top floor of the building, where he was born.
Illinois' top attractions:
4. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Image by Vlad Vasnetsov from Pixabay
The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest pre-Columbian archaeological sites in the United States. The mounds were constructed by the Mississippian Culture between the years 900 and 1550 A.D. The area covers 4,000 acres of land, and 80 mounds with a collection of artifacts dating back to 1350 A.D.
5. World's Tallest Man Statue
Crossville, Illinois, is the home of the world's tallest man, Robert Wadlow, who stood at 8 ft 11 in (2.72 m) tall. A life-size statue commemorates Robert Wadlow's life and is a sight to see as you travel on Hwy. 127. The statue weighs over 8 tons and was erected in the year 1986.
6. Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
Image by Jiuguang Wang from Pixabay
The Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is located in Shawnee National Forest, Illinois. It offers stunning views of the natural rock formations, forests, and breathtaking sunsets. The Garden of the Gods was formed from sandstone dating back to the Devonian Period, approximately 320 million years ago. Visitors can hike, horseback ride, camp, and rock climb while experiencing the beauty of the area.
Conclusion
Traveling from Ames, Iowa, to Nashville, Illinois, provides travelers with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Midwest. Along the route, you can find some of the most popular destinations and hidden gems. This blog post provides a guide to the top places to see in the journey. Whether you're in search of a magnificent natural view, history, or cultural sites, there's something for every taste along the way. So start your engines, grab your travel buddies, and hit the road for the ultimate road trip experience.