Points of Interest between Beaumont, California to Leavenworth, Kansas

picture of Beaumont, California

Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Beaumont, California and Leavenworth, Kansas

Are you looking for an adventure on the road? Perhaps you’re dreaming of a cross-country trip that will take you from Beaumont, California all the way to Leavenworth, Kansas. This journey would certainly provide ample opportunities to see the country, explore new attractions, and sample local cuisine. Along the way, visitors will be treated to the stunning views of the Mojave Desert, Rocky Mountains, and the Great Plains. To make the most of your trip, take a glance at the highlights and top things to do.

Overview

This journey is approximately 1,972 miles, with the halfway point of Moriarty, New Mexico. From sunny Beaumont, California, the route goes through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma before reaching green Kansas. The total driving time is around 30 hours, making it a perfect road trip to take over several days.

Some of the highlights of the trip include:

  • The stunning Joshua Tree National Park
  • The gorgeous White Sands National Park
  • The famous Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
  • The iconic Route 66 in Oklahoma
  • The picturesque city of Leavenworth, Kansas

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park offers visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Mojave Desert with its unique landscapes and hidden ranges of rocks. The park is home to many diverse plant species and a variety of birds, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Additionally, visitors may enjoy activities such as hiking, horseback riding, stargazing, and rock climbing.

  • Interesting fact: Joshua Tree National Park was designated a national monument in 1936 and elevated to national park status in 1994.

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park provides visitors with the amazing experience of innumerable white sand dunes and abundant wildlife. It is one of the most unique desert landscapes in the world. The park is perfect for hiking, scenic drives, and dune sledding. Visitors can explore the designated area on a 5-mile hiking trail and go back in time with educational exhibits in the Visitor Center.

  • Interesting fact: The white sand of the park isn't sand as we know it; the sand is made up of gypsum crystals and is only found in a few places around the world.

Cadillac Ranch

Located just outside Amarillo, Texas, the Cadillac Ranch is a must-visit attraction on your trip. It is a public art installation consisting of 10 classic Cadillac cars buried halfway into the ground, which are dressed up with splashes of paint. The unique scenery of these rusty old cars is a prime spot for taking pictures and videos, especially since visitors are allowed to add their graffiti to the cars.

  • Interesting fact: The inspiration for this quirky exhibit came from Stanley Marsh 3 — an eccentric billionaire who had a deep appreciation for art.

Route 66

One of the most iconic routes in America is Route 66 – which runs from California to Illinois. Some stretches of the road have preserved their old-fashioned look and feel, making it ideal for travelers who want to escape the highway madness and explore iconic spots along this legendary road. Along Route 66 in Oklahoma, visitors can dive into the history of the region by visiting the Route 66 Museum and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

  • Interesting fact: In the 1930s, Route 66 was known as the "mother road" — the primary avenue of migration for people moving from the east to the west during the Dust Bowl.

Leavenworth, Kansas

Leavenworth is a charming town in northwest Kansas, which offers several tourist attractions. Visitors around Christmas can enjoy:

  • The Candlelight Vintage Homes Tour
  • The Winter Light Parade
  • Santa's Arrival
  • The Lansing Rotary Club Sr. Citizen Dinner.

Besides this, other must-visit places are the First City Museum, C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, and the Buffalo Soldier Monument.

  • Interesting fact: Leavenworth was named after Col. Henry Leavenworth, an officer in charge of building Fort Leavenworth, one of the oldest continuously operating Army installations west of the Mississippi River.

Conclusion

The road trip from Beaumont, California, to Leavenworth, Kansas can be a dream come true for the adventurous souls who want to experience everything the Southwest and Midwest have to offer. Travelers can appreciate the stunning views of the national parks, appreciate the quirkiness of the Cadillac Ranch and cruise on the iconic Route 66. Be sure to bring your camera and an adventurous spirit to take advantage of everything this route has to offer.