Top Five Popular Attractions to See Between Burnsville, Minnesota and Jacksonville, Alabama
Are you ready for an exciting road trip? From the Land of 10,000 Lakes to the Heart of Dixie, this road trip takes you through the Midwest and down into the South. Taking this trip means you can lay your eyes on natural beauty, iconic landmarks and historical venues. Keep reading for the top five places to visit between Burnsville, Minnesota and Jacksonville, Alabama!
The Route and Halfway Point: East St. Louis, IL
The route from Burnsville, Minnesota to Jacksonville, Alabama is a long one and will be over 1,000 miles. On average, it will take about 15 hours of driving before reaching your final destination. It entails cruising on Interstate 55 South in Missouri until you reach Tennessee and then continuing on the newer portions of Interstate 22 that lead to Birmingham, Alabama, and then down to Jacksonville. The perfect midpoint of the journey is East St. Louis, IL, where you can refuel and rest before continuing the rest of the trip.
Top Five Places to See List
1. Mall of America
No visit to Minneapolis, Minnesota, would be complete without stopping to see one of the top American features: the Mall of America. It spans over 5.6 million square feet and is the largest mall in the United States. Besides containing over 500 stores featuring various brands, there is a Sea Life Aquarium, a Lego Store, a theme park complete with rides, a mini-golf course, and much more to see!
2. Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum is located in Hannibal, Missouri, and is a must-visit attraction. It is the site where Mark Twain spent his first 13 years and where he was inspired to begin writing. You will learn about his life, works, and find out what inspired him to create his iconic characters such as the Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer.
3. Gateway Arch National Park
Making your way to St. Louis, Missouri, you will not want to miss the Gateway Arch National Park. Designed by architect Eero Saarinen, this giant stainless steel arch stands at 630 feet, making it the tallest arch in the world and a symbol of affluence in the Midwest. A trip to the top provides an enjoyable panoramic view of the Mississippi River, the city of St. Louis and the surrounding areas.
4. U.S. Space and Rocket Center
The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is in Huntsville, Alabama, is a place dedicated to space and rocket science. Tourists can learn about the U.S. space program, try some flight simulations, observe space artifacts, and many other rocket exhibits and displays. It is also home to the Space Camp for kids and adults that want to learn more about space.
5. Little River Canyon National Preserve
The Little River Canyon National Preserve, located in Fort Payne, Alabama, is a nature enthusiast's dream come true. The national park spans over 15,000 acres and is full of waterfalls, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the canyon. In addition to hiking, there are many other activities to enjoy such as swimming, fishing, and even kayaking!
Conclusion
By the end of this road trip, you will have seen some of the most beautiful and exciting attractions in America. With stops at the Mall of America, Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, Gateway Arch National Park, US Space and Rocket Center, and the Little River Canyon National Preserve, there is something for everyone. Don't miss out on this epic journey! On this trip, we take the heartland of America from the smell of Minnesota's fresh pine trees to the taste of Alabama's sweet tea in your mouth. Make sure to also take a detour to see East St. Louis, IL, the perfect mid-point for refueling and stretching your legs before embarking on the second half of the trip. Safe travels and enjoy the ride!