The Best Places to Visit on a Road Trip between Burleson, TX and Buffalo, MN

Are you planning a road trip from Burleson, Texas to Buffalo, Minnesota? Then you're in for a treat! This journey takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Midwest, with plenty of opportunities to explore along the way. Here are the top five places you don't want to miss.

Halfway Point: Lawrence, Kansas

Before we dive into the top five destinations, let's talk about Lawrence, Kansas. This college town is the halfway point of your journey and is worth a pitstop. It's home to the University of Kansas, which means there's a vibrant arts and culture scene. Check out the Spencer Museum of Art, which has a fantastic collection of ancient, Asian, and European art. Or take a stroll through South Park, a peaceful green space with playgrounds, picnic areas, and a swimming pool. If you're hungry, be sure to hit up the famous Mass Street, lined with restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

1. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum - Oklahoma City, OK

Remembering Tragedy and Celebrating a Rescue Mission

This memorial and museum is a beautiful tribute to the victims, survivors, and rescuers of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The outdoor memorial features a reflecting pool, a field of symbolic chairs, and the "Survivor Tree," a long-standing elm tree that survived the attack. Inside, the museum tells the story of the bombing and the rescue mission that followed, with exhibits, artifacts, and oral histories. It's a somber but powerful experience that's well worth your time.

2. Tallgrass Prairie Preserve - Pawhuska, OK

Roaming Bison on a Sea of Grass

If you want to experience a slice of the Great Plains as it once was, head to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. This 40,000-acre expanse of native grasses and wildflowers is home to bison, elk, coyotes, and other wildlife. You can explore the preserve along a network of hiking trails, or take a guided tour in a jeep or wagon. Be sure to visit in the spring or summer, when the wildflowers are in full bloom.

3. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium - Omaha, NE

Kingdoms of the Seas, Big Cats, and Jungle Trails

The Henry Doorly Zoo is consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in America, and for good reason. It's home to over 17,000 animals from all over the world, including elephants, tigers, gorillas, penguins, and sharks. The zoo is divided into sections, or "kingdoms," each with its own theme and exhibits. Highlights include the Desert Dome, a massive indoor desert habitat, the Lied Jungle, a steamy rainforest paradise, and the Scott Aquarium, where you can walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by swimming sharks and sea turtles.

4. Pioneer Auto Museum - Murdo, SD

Flashback to the Golden Age of Automobiles

Car lovers will be in heaven at the Pioneer Auto Museum, which boasts one of the largest collections of antique cars in the world. You can see over 250 cars, trucks, motorcycles, and tractors from the 1900s to the 1980s, all beautifully restored and displayed in themed exhibits. The museum also has a collection of gas pumps, pedal cars, and other nostalgic memorabilia. Don't forget to visit the diner for a classic soda fountain treat.

5. Mall of America - Bloomington, MN

Shop 'Til You Drop... or Ride a Rollercoaster

No road trip to Minnesota is complete without a visit to the Mall of America. This massive shopping and entertainment complex is the largest mall in America and attracts over 40 million visitors a year. With over 500 stores, a theme park, an aquarium, and dozens of restaurants, the Mall of America has something for everyone. If you're traveling with kids, be sure to check out Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor amusement park with roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and other rides.

In conclusion, while the road trip from Burleson, TX to Buffalo, MN is quite long, the places you can see in between are more than worth it. If you want to experience historic Kansas, remember the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing, walk among bison on a tall grass prairie, view the Kingdoms of the Seas, go back in time to 1900's automobiles, or just have a great shopping experience, then you should definitely make a stop at one of these destinations. Happy travels!