Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Blue Island, IL to Kilgore, TX
A road trip from Blue Island, Illinois to Kilgore, Texas is a journey of 1100 miles that spans different highways, towns, and cities. The trip usually takes around 16 hours of non-stop driving, but with different stops and side trips, it can take longer and be more exciting. The trip offers a diverse range of landscapes, from the Great Plains to the Ozarks and the piney woods of Texas. Along the way, there are various landmarks, natural wonders, and cultural sites that make the journey memorable. The halfway point is Blytheville, Arkansas, a historic town known for its cotton industry and its connection to the civil rights movement.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
The 630-foot Gateway Arch in St. Louis is an iconic attraction that symbolizes westward expansion and exploration. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch and enjoy views of the city, the Mississippi River, and Illinois. The surrounding Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park offers a scenic and educational backdrop for picnicking, walking, and learning about the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Interesting fact: The Gateway Arch is the tallest arch in the world and weighs 43,220 tons.
2. Explore Old Town in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a historic city with a rich legacy of law enforcement, frontier justice, and cultural diversity. The Old Town district showcases various landmarks such as the Fort Smith National Historic Site, the Judge Parker Courtroom, the Belle Grove Historic District, and the Trolley Museum. Visitors can immerse themselves in the past by taking guided tours, visiting specialized museums, and attending cultural events.
Interesting fact: Fort Smith was a strategic military outpost during the Civil War and was named after General Thomas A. Smith.
3. Hike and float in the Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
The Ozark National Forest covers more than a million acres of rugged wilderness in Arkansas and Missouri. The forest offers numerous hiking trails, scenic vistas, waterfalls, and rivers that are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can also go fishing, hunting, camping, or floating on the Mulberry River. The forest is home to diverse wildlife and plants, including threatened and endangered species.
Interesting fact: The Ozark National Forest is the only national forest in Arkansas and is known for its hardwood and pine forests.
4. Discover the Dalworth Machine Works in Dallas, Texas
The Dalworth Machine Works in Dallas, Texas, is a historic industrial complex that dates back to the early 1900s. The complex consists of several buildings that house various businesses, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the old factories, warehouses, and offices that are now repurposed to showcase contemporary art, vintage collections, boutique shops, and trendy cafes. The complex is a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation.
Interesting fact: The Dalworth Machine Works was once a textile mill that produced military uniforms during World War II.
5. Visit the East Texas Oil Museum in Kilgore, Texas
The East Texas Oil Museum in Kilgore, Texas, is a unique museum that celebrates the oil industry's impact on the state's economy and culture. The museum is located in the Kilgore College campus and showcases various exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays that tell the story of the oil boom and bust in East Texas. Visitors can learn about the drilling, refining, transportation, and marketing of oil, as well as the lifestyles and experiences of the workers and entrepreneurs who made the industry prosper.
Interesting fact: Kilgore, Texas, was once known as the "Oil Capital of the World" due to the abundance of oil discovered in the 1930s.
Conclusion
The road trip from Blue Island, Illinois to Kilgore, Texas, offers a diverse and exciting adventure that can take about 16 hours of driving, but can be extended to several days or weeks if the travelers want to explore more. The trip covers different landscapes, from the urban sprawl of St. Louis to the natural beauty of the Ozarks and the industry of Dallas and Kilgore. The highlights of the trip include visiting the Gateway Arch, exploring Old Town, hiking in the Ozark National Forest, discovering the Dalworth Machine Works, and learning about the East Texas oil industry. These destinations offer unique experiences and opportunities that can enrich the traveler's knowledge, perspective, and creativity.