A Journey to Remember: Top 5 Places to Visit Between Black Hawk and Springfield
Looking for a scenic route to explore between Black Hawk, Colorado, and Springfield, Missouri? Look no further! This trip covers around 1,200 miles of paved roads, with ample opportunities to discover famous landmarks, unusual attractions, and breathtaking scenery. To make your journey more manageable, we suggest breaking it up into shorter segments. A great halfway point to use as a base is Russell, Kansas - a charming town with plenty of historic sites to explore and some fantastic restaurants to refuel your tanks.
Discover the Top 5 Places to Visit Along the Way
Mount Evans Scenic Byway, Denver, Colorado
Take a break from the bustling city of Denver and experience the highest paved road in North America. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway offers an elevation gain of 7,000 feet from the base to the summit, with stunning vistas of alpine tundras, clear blue skies, and abundant wildlife. Don't forget to pack your camera - the scenery is simply breathtaking.
Monument Rocks, Oakley, Kansas
One of the most striking natural wonders in the heartland, Monument Rocks is a collection of towering chalk formations that have been carved by nature over millions of years. This site is a popular destination for geologists, birdwatchers, and photographers, and is home to a variety of rare plants and animals. Visitors are welcome to explore the site at their own pace, but be sure to stay on marked trails to protect the fragile formations.
Cartoon Museum, Wichita, Kansas
If you're a fan of animation, comics, or pop culture, the Cartoon Museum in Wichita is a must-see attraction. This colorful and quirky museum houses an extensive collection of cartoons, comics, and memorabilia from some of the most famous artists and animators in history. Visitors can participate in interactive exhibits, attend lectures and workshops, and even watch classic cartoons on the big screen.
Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri
No visit to Missouri is complete without a trip to the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis. This 630-foot monument is the tallest arch in the world and is a symbol of the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can ride to the top of the arch in a tram to enjoy stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline. There is also an excellent museum at the base of the arch that showcases the cultural and historical significance of this landmark.
Fantastic Caverns, Springfield, Missouri
Wrap up your journey with an unforgettable underground adventure at Fantastic Caverns in Springfield. This unique attraction allows you to explore a vast network of caves and passages that have been untouched for millions of years. Visitors can enjoy guided tours on a tram, learning all about the formation and history of the caverns, and taking in the stunning natural beauty of the subterranean wonderland.
The Best Route for Your Journey
Now that you know the top five places to visit on this epic journey, it's time to plan your route. We recommend starting in Black Hawk, Colorado, and taking Highway 72 east towards Denver. From there, enjoy the Mount Evans Scenic Byway before heading east on I-70 towards Russell, Kansas. Take your time to explore the many historic sites and local eateries in this charming town before continuing east on I-70 towards Oakley. A detour to Monument Rocks is well worth it before heading south on US-83 towards Wichita, Kansas. Take a break to visit the Cartoon Museum before moving on east on I-44 towards St. Louis, Missouri. Be sure to take a ride to the top of the iconic Gateway Arch before concluding your journey with an underground adventure at Fantastic Caverns in Springfield.
So there you have it, a journey to remember filled with scenic drives and fantastic attractions. Be sure to pack your sense of adventure and your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of America.