Points of Interest between Bolingbrook, Illinois to Concord, North Carolina

picture of Bolingbrook, Illinois

The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving From Bolingbrook, Illinois to Concord, North Carolina

Taking a road trip can be an incredibly exciting adventure with new landscapes, attractions, and experiences. However, planning the perfect itinerary can be a daunting task, especially when you're traveling an extended distance from Illinois to North Carolina. Therefore, we've put together a list of the top places to see when driving from Bolingbrook, Illinois, to Concord, North Carolina.

Whether you're traveling with friends, family, or solo, these destinations are guaranteed to make your trip a memorable one.

Sightseeing Must-Dos

  1. Gateway Arch National Park - Embark on your journey to Concord, North Carolina with a trip to Gateway Arch National Park. This iconic landmark located in St. Louis, Missouri, offers outstanding views of the city skyline and the Mississippi River. You can reach the top of the 630-foot tall arch via an elevator ride, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis.

  2. Mammoth Cave National Park - Located in central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, with over 400 miles of explored caves. The park offers a myriad of guided tours to the underground caves, and you get to witness the beauty of the worlds longest cave system. This is an absolute must-see destination for cave enthusiasts or anyone looking for an underground adventure.

  3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - The most visited National Park in the United States and a UNESCO world heritage site, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-do when driving from Bolingbrook to Concord. The park offers numerous miles of hiking trails, incredible scenic drives, and breathtaking waterfalls. The colorful blooms of the spring wildflowers or the vibrant leaves during the fall foliage season are a sight to behold.

Best Food Stops

  1. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Locals from in and around Memphis rave about the mouthwatering flavor of Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken. Hand-battered and fried to perfection, the juicy and succulent chicken, comes served with sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans. If you only stop at one food stop, make sure it's Gus's.

  2. Loveless Cafe - Growing from a small restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee, has grown into a nationally known eatery that has people traveling for miles just to experience the southern comfort food delicacies. The Loveless Cafe serves up the perfect combination of biscuits, gravy, and crispy bacon, along with other southern delicacies.

  3. Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge - When you're in Shelby, North Carolina, Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge offers the perfect pitstop for a much-needed barbecue fix. The food joint has been around since 1946, and they are known for their mouthwatering and succulent pork ribs, hush puppies, hand-cut fries, and chicken.

Best Attractions for Family Fun

  1. The Magic House Children's Museum - Located in St. Louis, Missouri, this museum is designed to introduce children to basic physics and the principles of engineering through practical and interactive play. The Magic House Children's Museum features over 100 different exhibits and activities that are both fun and educational.

  2. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park - If you want to witness an unforgettable natural phenomenon, venture off the beaten path and visit Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin, Kentucky. The park is home to Cumberland Falls, a must-see attraction that features a beautiful 125-foot waterfall and a moonbow, which is a rare nighttime rainbow caused by the combination of light dispersion and waterfall mist.

  3. Discovery Place Science - Science and discovery collide at the Discovery Place Science museum in Charlotte, North Carolina. The hands-on exhibits are perfect for children, promoting learning and sparking the imagination of the young inquisitive minds. Some of the must-visit exhibits include bug zoos, a rainforest, and a virtual experience of the heart and brain.

Best Scenic Drives

  1. Cherohala Skyway - The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile drive that stretches across the borders of North Carolina and Tennessee, taking you through the stunning Appalachian Mountains. Apart from the breathtaking scenery, drivers are treated to incredible views of the wild rose, mountain laurel, and rhododendron that bloom along the way.

  2. Tail of the Dragon - Also known as US Highway 129 to the locals, the Tail of the Dragon features an unrelenting 318 curves in just 11 miles, making it the most challenging drive on this list. Adventure seekers come from all over the world for a chance to take on Tail of the Dragon.

  3. Blue Ridge Parkway - The Blue Ridge Parkway is an epic journey that stretches over 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. Along the way, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Conclusion

Driving from Bolingbrook, Illinois, to Concord, Carolina, might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With this list, you can plan the perfect road trip adventure and make a lifetime of unforgettable memories along the way. Whether you're up for some sightseeing, indulging in scrumptious southern cuisine or embarking on adventurous activities that the whole family can enjoy, there's something for everyone on this trip. So, gear up, and hit the road to begin an epic journey!