Points of Interest between Aurora, Illinois to Marble Hill, Missouri

picture of Aurora, Illinois

The Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Top Places to See When Driving From Aurora, Illinois to Marble Hill, Missouri

Looking for a fun and adventurous road trip? Look no further! The drive from Aurora, Illinois to Marble Hill, Missouri is full of incredible sights and stops. From beautiful natural scenery to historical landmarks, this road trip has something for everyone. So pack your bags, buckle up, and hit the open road with this ultimate road trip guide.

First, let’s start with a little background. Aurora, Illinois is a bustling suburb of Chicago, known for its vibrant downtown area, outdoor activities, and friendly locals. Marble Hill, Missouri, on the other hand, is a small town nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, known for its scenic beauty and historic sites. The drive from Aurora to Marble Hill takes approximately 6 hours, covering about 400 miles.

Natural Wonders

  1. Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Before you hit the highway, make a stop at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois. This park is known for its stunning canyons and waterfalls, which were formed by glacial meltwater and erosion over millions of years. Some of the most popular hikes at the park include the French Canyon Trail and the St. Louis Canyon Trail. This is a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy nature before hitting the road.

  1. Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri

As you approach Marble Hill, make sure to stop at Mark Twain National Forest, located in the heart of the Ozarks. This forest covers more than 1.5 million acres and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and bald eagles. The forest has over 750 miles of trails for hiking and biking, as well as ample opportunities for fishing, hunting, and camping.

  1. Elephant Rocks State Park, Missouri

One of the most unique stops on this road trip is Elephant Rocks State Park, located in Belleview, Missouri. This park gets its name from the enormous pink granite boulders that resemble a herd of elephants. Visitors can explore the park's trails and picnic areas, or climb on the rocks for a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity.

Historical Sites

  1. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Illinois

No road trip through Illinois is complete without a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois. This state-of-the-art museum features interactive exhibits, original artifacts, and life-size replicas that tell the story of Lincoln's life and legacy. Visitors can also tour the renovated 19th-century home where Lincoln and his family lived for 17 years.

  1. Missouri State Penitentiary, Missouri

For a more offbeat historical site, check out the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City, Missouri. This prison operated from 1836 to 2004 and was once considered one of the most dangerous institutions in the country. Visitors can take a guided tour of the prison, which includes a visit to the gas chamber and the underground dungeon known as "the hole."

  1. Trail of Tears State Park, Missouri

The Trail of Tears State Park in Jackson, Missouri, is a poignant reminder of the forced relocation of Native American tribes in the 1830s. Visitors can hike the Trail of Tears Memorial Trail, which follows the route that Cherokee Indians were forced to take from their ancestral homeland in the southeastern United States to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). The park also offers camping, fishing, and boating opportunities.

Foodie Finds

  1. Alexander's Steakhouse, Illinois

If you're a meat lover, stop by Alexander's Steakhouse in Peoria, Illinois for a juicy, perfectly cooked steak. This upscale restaurant has been a local favorite for over 50 years and is known for its prime rib and aged steaks.

  1. Lambert's Cafe, Missouri

Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston, Missouri, is a fun and quirky restaurant that's famous for its "throwed rolls." Waiters sling hot, buttered rolls across the restaurant to diners who catch them in baskets. The restaurant is also known for its hefty portions of Southern comfort food, like chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes.

  1. Sugarfire Smoke House, Missouri

For some of the best barbecue in the Ozarks, stop by Sugarfire Smoke House in Washington, Missouri. This award-winning restaurant serves up smoked meats and homemade sides, like mac and cheese and baked beans. Save room for dessert, too - the restaurant's gooey butter cake is a must-try.

Sightseeing Gems

  1. Gateway Arch, Missouri

No trip to Missouri is complete without a visit to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. This iconic landmark stands 630 feet tall and is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River.

  1. Molly Brown House Museum, Missouri

Fans of the movie "Titanic" will want to stop by the Molly Brown House Museum in Hannibal, Missouri. The museum is dedicated to Margaret Brown, who survived the Titanic disaster and became a philanthropist and activist. Visitors can tour the museum and learn about Brown's life and legacy.

  1. Piasa Bird, Illinois

As you drive along the Great River Road in Alton, Illinois, keep an eye out for the Piasa Bird mural. This is a local legend about a monster with a bird's head and a dragon's body that terrorized Native American tribes. The mural is painted on a limestone bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and is a must-see for anyone interested in folklore and mythology.

Conclusion

There you have it - the top places to see when driving from Aurora, Illinois to Marble Hills, Missouri. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for some fun and adventure, this road trip has something to offer. So grab your map, plan your route, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heartland of America. Happy travels!