The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving From Bradley, Illinois to Austin, Texas

There’s nothing quite like a road trip: the open road, the endless possibilities, the thrill of adventure. And when it comes to road tripping, there are few routes quite as iconic as the journey from Bradley, Illinois to Austin, Texas. The 1,000-plus-mile trek takes you through some of America’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to vast prairies to rugged desert terrain. Along the way, you’ll also encounter some truly remarkable sights and experiences that are not to be missed. So buckle up, roll down the windows, and get ready to explore the top places to see when driving from Bradley, Illinois to Austin, Texas.

Exploring the Midwest: Bradley, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri

Gateway Arch National Park

The first stop on your journey from Bradley to Austin should be the Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri. The iconic Gateway Arch stands at 630 feet tall, making it the tallest monument in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can ascend to the top of the arch for breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River below. The park also includes the Museum of Westward Expansion, where you can learn about the pioneers who traveled across the country to explore the American West.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Just a short drive from St. Louis, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a must-see for anyone interested in Native American history. The site features an impressive network of earthen mounds and other artifacts that date back more than 1,000 years. Visitors can explore the site’s interpretive center, take a guided tour, or hike the trails that lead to some of the most impressive mounds.

The Gateway to the West: Kansas City

From St. Louis, the journey takes you through the heartland of America as you cruise westward to Kansas City. Often referred to as the “Gateway to the West,” Kansas City is known for its jazz music, barbecue, and rich history. Be sure to check out the National World War I Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the famous 18th and Vine Jazz District.

Hitting the Great Plains: Kansas City to Amarillo

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

As you leave Kansas City, you’ll begin to venture deeper into the Great Plains, where the rolling hills give way to vast expanses of grassland. One of the highlights of this region is the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas. The preserve is home to one of the last remaining tracts of tallgrass prairie in the country, and visitors can explore the grasslands by hiking or biking the trails that wind through the preserve.

Monument Rocks

As you cross the border into Kansas and venture deeper into the Great Plains, you’ll come across one of the region’s most spectacular natural wonders: Monument Rocks. Also known as the Chalk Pyramids, these towering rock formations rise up from the prairie like something out of a science fiction movie. Visitors can explore the formations up close and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

One of the highlights of the journey from Bradley to Austin is the chance to explore the rugged beauty of the Texas Panhandle. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a great place to start. The park is home to the second-largest canyon in the country and offers visitors the chance to hike, bike, camp, and explore the rugged terrain of the region.

Exploring the Lone Star State: Amarillo to Austin

Cadillac Ranch

As you pass through the quirky town of Amarillo, be sure to check out one of the most unusual art installations in the country: Cadillac Ranch. The installation features 10 Cadillacs buried nose-down in the ground, and visitors are encouraged to spray paint the cars with their own messages and artworks.

The Alamo

No trip to Texas is complete without a visit to the Alamo in San Antonio. This historic mission was the site of a pivotal battle during the Texas Revolution, and it has since become a symbol of Texan independence and resilience. Visitors can explore the grounds of the Alamo and learn about the region’s rich history.

Austin’s Music Scene

As you make your way to the final destination of your journey, be sure to take some time to explore Austin’s legendary music scene. Austin is home to some of the best live music venues in the country, and you can catch shows ranging from country to blues to indie rock and everything in between.

Conclusion

No matter where your journey takes you, the road trip from Bradley, Illinois to Austin, Texas promises to be an unforgettable adventure. From the rolling hills of the Midwest to the rugged beauty of the Texas Panhandle, there’s something for everyone to enjoy along the way. So pack your bags, hop in the car, and hit the road – the ultimate road trip awaits!