The Ultimate Road Trip: Best Places to See Between Bourbonnais, Illinois to Chattanooga, Tennessee
Are you planning a road trip from Bourbonnais, Illinois to Chattanooga, Tennessee? Then you're in luck because this route is filled with some of the most fascinating and interesting places you'll ever see in the South. From bustling cities to historic landmarks and scenic attractions, this drive offers a bit of everything for everyone. So buckle up and get ready for the ultimate road trip as we reveal the best places to visit while driving through Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
1. Spirits of French Lick, West Baden Springs, Indiana
No road trip is complete without a stop at a beautiful winery, and Spirits of French Lick is as great as it can get. Located in West Baden Springs, Indiana, this winery specializes in handcrafted spirits and exquisite wines that reflect the natural landscape and terroir of the historic region. Besides the wine, it's best known for its superb brandy, gin, and bourbon. Visitors can taste the specialty spirits, take a guided tour of the facility and learn about the historical significance of the area.
2. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, Hodgenville, Kentucky
Pay homage to the nation's 16th president and visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Hodgenville, Kentucky. This park features a replica of a traditional cabin family where Lincoln was born, a granite and marble memorial building, and an extensive museum highlighting Lincoln's life and achievements. Don't forget to pause and take a picture of the famous bronze Lincoln statue that rests in front of the memorial building.
3. Mammoth Cave National Park, Cave City, Kentucky
Nature lovers must stop by Mammoth Cave National Park in Cave City, located in Kentucky. With more than 400 miles of underground pathways, Mammoth Cave is considered the world's longest known cave system. The park offers guided tours and a chance to explore the eerily beautiful beauty of stalactites and stalagmites, crystal formations, underground rivers, and cave creatures like bats, trout, and salamanders. For the more adventurous, you can opt for a rappelling tour or cave diving.
4. Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
As you drive through Tennessee, there's no better way to end the day than with dinner and a show at Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction in Pigeon Forge. This entertaining event involves horse-riding competitions, a magnificent four-course feast, live music, and talented performers. As you enjoy your dinner, watch as horses gallop around the arena, and feel the ground shake beneath you.
5. Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee
The last stop of your road trip would not be complete without a trip to See Rock City at Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This stunning park offers mesmerizing views of the mountain and neighboring city from its lofty perch. Take a tour of the rock gardens, candy-factory-style gift shops, walk through caves, and peep through the daring suspension bridge. After that, make time to visit Ruby Falls and enjoy the enchanting view of the waterfall in a cave.
Conclusion
From sipping wine to exploring the cave systems, and indulging in dinner and a show, this road trip from Bourbonnais, Illinois, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, is an enchanting journey of discovery. These five stops, coupled with other mind-blowing road attractions, are the best places to visit in the South for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy your road trip adventure!