Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois and Alice, Texas

Chicago, Illinois, and Alice, Texas are separated by over 1,200 miles of highways and small-town backroads. Whether you're looking for a classic road trip adventure or a scenic route through some of America's most beautiful and historic regions, this trip is definitely one for the bucket list. Some of the highlights of this journey include the stunning views of the Mississippi River, the Ozark Mountains, and the vast plains of Texas. And if you're looking for a halfway point, Wagoner, Oklahoma, is the perfect spot for a rest and a bite to eat.

Top Five Things to Do

Visit the Gateway Arch

Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the Gateway Arch is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, standing at 630 feet tall. This impressive monument is the centerpiece of the Gateway Arch National Park, and visitors can ride an elevator to the top to enjoy stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis.

Interesting Fact: The Gateway Arch was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and was completed in 1965.

Explore the Ozark Mountains

The Ozark Mountains stretch across four states, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, and are a beautiful and unique region to explore. Visitors can hike the trails, go fishing, and even rent cabins to experience the beauty of this region. With over 1.2 million acres of parkland, there are endless opportunities for adventure in the Ozarks.

Interesting Fact: The Ozark Mountains are home to a unique breed of cattle called the Texas Longhorn, known for their long horns and ability to survive in harsh conditions.

Check out Historic Route 66

One of the most famous highways in the world, Route 66, stretches over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. Although the route has been decommissioned for many years, visitors can still follow the historic road and explore the many small towns that line the way. Some of the highlights of this route include the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, and the World's Largest Rocking Chair in Fanning, Missouri.

Interesting Fact: Route 66 was officially established in 1926 and became one of the most important highways for traveling between the Midwest and the West Coast.

Visit the Alamo

Located in San Antonio, Texas, the Alamo is one of the most iconic landmarks in American history. This historic mission was the site of one of the most significant battles of the Texas Revolution in 1836. Visitors can tour the grounds and learn about the history of this important site.

Interesting Fact: The Alamo was originally built as a Spanish mission in the 18th century and was later used as a military outpost during the Mexican War of Independence.

Explore Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is one of the most beautiful and remote national parks in the United States. Located in southwestern Texas, this park is known for its scenic views of the Rio Grande, the Chisos Mountains, and the vast desert landscape. Visitors can hike the trails, go on horseback rides, and even take river tours of the iconic Santa Elena Canyon.

Interesting Fact: The Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park are home to a rare species of black bear, known for their distinct cinnamon color.

Conclusion

This road trip from Chicago, Illinois, to Alice, Texas, is an adventure of a lifetime. With so many amazing sites to see, it's hard to pick just a few highlights. From the Gateway Arch and the Ozark Mountains to Route 66, the Alamo, and Big Bend National Park, this journey is full of history, natural beauty, and unique experiences. If you want to take your time and enjoy the trip at a leisurely pace, plan to spend a week or more on the road. Regardless of how long you take, one thing is for sure: you won't be disappointed by the amazing sights and experiences on offer.