Top Places to See When Driving From Ardmore, Oklahoma to Tupelo, Mississippi

Are you planning a road trip from Ardmore, Oklahoma to Tupelo, Mississippi? If so, you're in for a treat. This drive will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the South, as well as some of the most interesting towns and cities. From historic landmarks to natural wonders, there is no shortage of things to see and do along the way. Here are our top picks for the best places to stop on this unforgettable road trip.

Exploring the Outdoors

If you love the great outdoors, there are plenty of beautiful spots to explore on your drive from Ardmore to Tupelo.

1. Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Located just outside of Ardmore, Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a must-see stop on your road trip. This beautiful park features crystal clear springs, hiking trails, and scenic drives. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even rent a kayak or canoe to explore one of the park's many lakes and tributaries.

2. Turner Falls Park

Just a short drive from Ardmore, Turner Falls is Oklahoma's largest waterfall, cascading more than 70 feet into a natural swimming pool. The park also features hiking trails, camping areas, and a natural rock castle that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

3. Natchez Trace Parkway

Stretching from Mississippi to Tennessee, the Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic drive that follows the historic Natchez Trace trail. Along the way, you'll encounter beautiful vistas, historic landmarks, and opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping.

Exploring the Towns

The drive from Ardmore to Tupelo will take you through several charming towns and cities, each with its unique character and history.

1. Little Rock

If you have the time, consider taking a detour through Little Rock, Arkansas. This charming Southern city is home to beautiful parks, museums, and historic sites, including the Clinton Presidential Library and the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, where nine African American students became the first to integrate a traditionally white school in 1957.

2. Memphis

No road trip through the South would be complete without a stop in Memphis. This iconic city is home to the birthplace of rock and roll, Beale Street, and, of course, Graceland. You can also visit the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the site of the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

3. Oxford

Oxford, Mississippi, is a charming college town that's home to the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss. The town's historic square is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, and is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening. If you're a fan of Southern literature, you can also visit Rowan Oak, the home of William Faulkner.

Exploring the History

Finally, the drive from Ardmore to Tupelo will take you past some of the most important historic landmarks in the South.

1. Vicksburg National Military Park

Located in Vicksburg, Mississippi, this historic park commemorates the site of one of the Civil War's most pivotal battles. Visitors can explore the park's many monuments and memorials, as well as the Union and Confederate cemeteries.

2. Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum

No trip to Tupelo would be complete without a visit to the birthplace of the King of Rock and Roll. The museum features exhibits on Elvis's life and career, as well as the tiny, two-room house where he was born.

3. Civil Rights Trail

Last but not least, consider taking a tour of the Southern Civil Rights Trail. This series of historic sites and landmarks stretches across several states, including Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, and commemorates the struggle for civil rights in the 1950s and 60s. Some of the highlights include the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, where four young girls were killed in a bombing in 1963, and the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served as pastor.

Conclusion

Whether you're into outdoor adventures, charming towns, or important historic sites, the drive from Ardmore, Oklahoma to Tupelo, Mississippi has something to offer everyone. From Turner Falls to the birthplace of Elvis, there are endless opportunities for exploration and discovery on this unforgettable road trip. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to experience the best of the South!