Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Brownsville, Tennessee and Chicago, Illinois

If you are thinking of taking a road trip from Brownsville, Tennessee to Chicago, Illinois, you're in for a treat. This 10-hour drive is filled with beautiful sights, historical landmarks, and fun activities that everyone in the car can enjoy. The halfway point, Salem, IL, is also worth a stop. Here is a rundown of the best things to do when travelling from Brownsville, Tennessee to Chicago, Illinois.

Visit the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee

The Civil Rights Museum in Memphis is an excellent place to start your road trip. The museum showcases the history of the Civil Rights Movement in America and is a good way to understand some of the challenges and triumphs of the African American community. Visitors can see exhibitions, artifacts, documents, and multimedia presentations that make it an incredibly immersive experience. The Civil Rights Museum is a must-visit when traveling to Brownsville, Tennessee to Chicago, Illinois.

Interesting Fact: The museum is built on the site of the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.

Take a Scenic Drive Along the Great River Road

The Great River Road is one of the most beautiful drives in America, taking you along the Mississippi River from Brownsville, Tennessee to Chicago, Illinois. The road passes through quaint towns, scenic overlooks, and historic sites. There are many places to stop and take in the views, including parks, trails, and other roadside attractions. Driving along the Great River Road is an excellent way to take in the natural beauty of America and appreciate its rich history.

Interesting Fact: The Great River Road runs over 3,000 miles from Minnesota to Louisiana, following the course of the Mississippi River.

Visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri

The Gateway Arch is one of the most famous landmarks in the Midwest and should be a destination on your road trip. The iconic arch stands at 630 feet tall and symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch for breathtaking views of the city. There is also a museum at the base of the arch that provides a history of the Gateway Arch and the city of St. Louis.

Interesting Fact: The Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the United States.

Explore Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois

Route 66 is another iconic American roadway that runs through Springfield, Illinois, and it's a great stop on your road trip. Route 66 is known as the "Main Street of America" and has been immortalized in songs, movies, and TV shows. Visitors can explore the various roadside attractions and historic landmarks that line the road, including cafes, motels, and gas stations. Springfield is also home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which is worth a visit.

Interesting Fact: Route 66 was decommissioned as a US highway in 1985 but remains one of America's most famous roads.

Visit the Willis Tower Skydeck in Chicago, Illinois

No trip to Chicago is complete without visiting the Willis Tower Skydeck. The Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower and offers panoramic views of the Windy City. Visitors can step onto the glass ledge and look down 1,353 feet below. The Willis Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the United States and has been featured in many movies and TV shows.

Interesting Fact: The Willis Tower was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1974 and held that title for over 20 years.

Conclusion

Travelling from Brownsville, Tennessee to Chicago, Illinois is a perfect road trip for anyone who loves history, natural beauty, and iconic landmarks. From the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, there are many amazing things to see and do along the way. By following this guide, you'll have an adventure-packed itinerary that's sure to create memories to last a lifetime. The trip took approximately 10 hours, but when you factor in all the stops and attractions, it's worth taking your time to fully experience the journey.