The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving from Bentonville, Arkansas to Brandon, South Dakota

Are you an adventurous soul looking for a road trip? If so, then you've come to the right place! Pack your bags, buckle up, and hit the road as we take you on a journey from Bentonville, Arkansas, to Brandon, South Dakota. This route is packed with some of the most scenic and popular destinations that you'd not want to miss.

From picturesque national parks to fantastic museums and exciting outdoor activities, this road trip has something for everyone. So, put on your wanderlust cap and let us guide you through the top five must-see attractions on your drive from Bentonville, Arkansas, to Brandon, South Dakota.

Day One:

1. George Washington Carver National Monument, Missouri

Start your journey by heading North to Diamond, Missouri, a three-hour drive from Bentonville. Our first stop on this journey is the George Washington Carver National Monument. Here you'll learn about the life, work, and legacy of George Washington Carver, an accomplished African-American scientist, educator, and humanitarian. From the visitor center, you can embark on a nature trail that leads you through the forest to his early-1900s boyhood home.

2. James H. Drew Exposition, Georgia

Continue your journey eastwards by driving towards Georgia, where you’ll reach our next stop, The James H. Drew Carnival Museum in Valdosta. This museum has quite the collection of artifacts, including carnival posters, signs, photos, and other memorabilia. The museum provides great insight into how the traveling shows operate and put together. For a nostalgic moment, you can catch a ride on one of their old amusement park rides.

3. Chattanooga, Tennessee

We end our day in Chattanooga, Tennessee - just under three hours drive from Valdosta. Chattanooga is a great place to stop and rest for the night and experience its fun and lively downtown. Go for a walk along the Tennessee Riverwalk, bike around Bluff View Art District or the Appalachian Trail. If you're into history, you can visit the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park where you can explore civil war battlefields and hike trails.

Day Two:

4. Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri

Rise and shine! Today, we start the day with one of the most iconic landmarks in America - The Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The Gateway Arch National Park is a tribute to Thomas Jefferson's construction of the western frontier. Here, you can take a ride up to the top of the arch, take a tour, and get a bird's eye view of the city. While you're in St. Louis, don't forget to grab some of their world-famous barbecue.

5. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

For nature lovers, our fifth and final destination takes you to the Petrified Forest National Park. It's a six-hour drive from St. Louis but worth every mile. The Petrified Forest is one of the largest and most impressive collections of petrified wood and fossils in the world.

The petrified wood is believed to be more than 200 million years old and stored in a sprawling desert landscape, dotted with ancient rock formations. If you’re more adventurous, explore the backcountry and discover the wonders of Blue Mesa, an extensive area of badlands noted for its striking blue and red "painted" desert.

Conclusion

And, there you have it- our top five must-see attractions on your journey from Bentonville, Arkansas, to Brandon, South Dakota. This road trip has something for everyone! From fascinating history and museums to stunning nature and adventure, this journey is sure to be both entertaining and memorable. So grab your keys and hit the road for the trip of a lifetime.