Best Places to See on a Road Trip from Ankeny, Iowa to Lexington, Kentucky

Are you planning a road trip from Ankeny, Iowa to Lexington, Kentucky, and wondering where to stop along the way? Well, you're in luck, as we've prepared a list of the top places to see when driving through this scenic midwestern route. From iconic landmarks to natural wonders, there's something for everyone in this list, so fasten your seat belts and get ready for an unforgettable journey.

Overall, this route takes around 9 hours to complete, covering approximately 600 miles. However, you may want to adjust your itinerary depending on how many stops you want to make. Without any further ado, let's get started.

#1: Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum (Hannibal, Missouri)

The first must-visit location on our list is the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri. This charming town on the banks of the Mississippi River is the birthplace of one of the greatest American writers of all time: Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. The museum complex consists of eight buildings, including the iconic white fence that Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn famously painted. You can learn about Twain's life, explore the Victorian-style house where he grew up, and even visit his grave at the nearby Woodlawn Cemetery. Hannibal also offers other attractions, such as riverboat cruises, cave tours, and antique shops.

#2: Gateway Arch (St. Louis, Missouri)

About two hours south of Hannibal, you'll reach St. Louis, Missouri, home of the Gateway Arch. This iconic monument is a 630-foot-tall stainless steel arch that symbolizes the western expansion of the United States. You can take a tram to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city, the Mississippi River, and the surrounding countryside. The Gateway Arch also has a museum that tells the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the pioneers who explored the western territories in the early 19th century. If you have time, you can also visit other St. Louis attractions, such as the City Museum, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.

#3: Mammoth Cave National Park (Cave City, Kentucky)

About three hours east of St. Louis, you'll cross the Mississippi River into Kentucky and enter the land of bluegrass, bourbon, and horses. Our next recommendation is Mammoth Cave National Park, located near Cave City, Kentucky. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the longest cave system in the world, with more than 400 miles of explored passages. You can take guided tours of the caves, which range from easy walks to strenuous crawls, and marvel at the incredible formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. The park also offers hiking trails, camping sites, and horseback riding. If you're lucky, you may even spot some wildlife, such as deer, turkeys, and bobcats.

#4: Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)

About two hours east of Mammoth Cave, you'll reach Louisville, Kentucky, the largest city in the state and the home of the Kentucky Derby. Our fourth recommendation is Churchill Downs, the legendary racetrack where the "most exciting two minutes in sports" takes place every year on the first Saturday of May. Even if you're not a horse-racing fan, Churchill Downs is worth a visit for its historical significance and architectural beauty. You can take a guided tour of the facility, visit the Kentucky Derby Museum, and maybe even bet on some live races. Louisville also offers other attractions, such as the Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, and the Bourbon Trail.

#5: Horse Country (Lexington, Kentucky)

Finally, after about an hour's drive from Louisville, you'll arrive at our destination: Lexington, Kentucky, the heart of horse country. Our fifth recommendation is Horse Country, a nonprofit organization that offers tours of some of the most prestigious horse farms and facilities in the world. You can see the majestic horses up close, learn about their breeding, training, and racing, and meet the people who make it all happen. Horse Country partners with over 30 farms, including the legendary Claiborne Farm, where Secretariat, the greatest racehorse of all time, was born and raised. Lexington also offers other attractions, such as the Mary Todd Lincoln House, the Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, and the Kentucky Horse Park.

Conclusion

There you have it: our top five places to see when driving from Ankeny, Iowa, to Lexington, Kentucky. Of course, there are many other attractions and sights along the way, depending on your interests and preferences. We hope this list inspires you to explore the beauty and diversity of the American Midwest and have a safe and enjoyable road trip. Remember to take breaks, stretch your legs, and take plenty of pictures. Happy traveling!