The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving from Bentonville, Arkansas to Memphis, Tennessee

Are you planning to take a road trip from Bentonville, Arkansas, to Memphis, Tennessee? These two cities are not only major hubs in the southern region of the United States but are also rich in cultural and historical significance. With a distance of just over 300 miles, the drive from Bentonville to Memphis can be covered in 5-6 hours, depending on the route you take.

To make your journey even more exciting, we've compiled a list of the top places to see when driving from Bentonville, Arkansas to Memphis, Tennessee. So, fasten your seat belts, roll down the windows, turn up the music, and let's hit the road!

Visit Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri

Located just a couple of miles from the Mississippi River, Hannibal, Missouri, is a quaint town famous for being the boyhood home of author Mark Twain. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, situated in the heart of Hannibal, features a collection of memorabilia, artifacts and photographs depicting the life and works of America's favorite literary icon.

Visitors can take walking tours, see replicas of settings in Mark Twain's books, including Tom Sawyer's Fence, Huck Finn's Shanty, and Becky Thatcher's House. The museum hosts events such as wagon rides and riverboat cruises that are great fun for the whole family.

Discover Little Rock's Rock N' Roll Roots

Little Rock, Arkansas, may be best known for being the state capital and historic landmarks like the Arkansas State Capitol and the Old State House Museum, but it also played a significant role in the history of rock n' roll music.

Sun Studios in Memphis may be the most famous recording studio associated with rock and roll music, but long before Elvis Presley recorded there, he recorded his first song "That's All Right" at Sam Phillips' studio in Little Rock, Arkansas. The city's rich musical heritage can be experienced in various venues like the Arkansas Rock n' Roll Museum and the River Market district where free concerts are held on summer nights.

Explore the Ozark Mountains

The Ozark Mountains are a beautiful and serene region that's rich in natural beauty, stunning vistas and rich history. Stretching over 47,000 square miles across four states, the Ozarks' breathtaking scenery is marked by craggy peaks, winding rivers, sparkling lakes, and cascading waterfalls.

As you drive from Bentonville to Memphis, you can take scenic routes and explore the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the Mark Twain National Forest, and many parks, including the Buffalo National River and the Hot Springs National Park.

Visit the Mound City Group National Monument

Located in southeastern Ohio, the Mound City Group National Monument is a prehistoric Native American ceremonial site. The park features 30 mounds, with the largest being the Great Mound, which stands at over 70 feet tall. The mounds were built between 200 BCE and 500 CE and are a testament to the advanced civilization and culture of the Hopewell Indians, who were the Mound Builders of ancient North America.

Visitors to the park can take ranger-led tours, hike the various trails within the park, and explore the adjacent museum, which houses artifacts excavated from the site.

Experience the Memphis Music Scene

The birthplace of blues, rock n' roll, and soul, Memphis is a must-visit destination for music lovers. From the iconic Sun Studio where Elvis Presley recorded his first song to Beale Street, which is home to dozens of bars and live music venues, the city exudes a vibrant and infectious musical energy.

Other notable sites to visit in Memphis include the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Memphis Rock n' Soul Museum, and the National Civil Rights Museum.

Conclusion

Whether you're a history buff, a music enthusiast, or simply looking to soak in the natural beauty of the region, the drive from Bentonville, Arkansas, to Memphis, Tennessee, is a journey of a lifetime. With our list of top places to visit, you're guaranteed a memorable experience. So, pack your bags, get behind the wheel, and embark on an unforgettable road trip that's sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.