"From the North to the South: The Best Routes Between Bloomington and New Orleans"

Are you planning a road trip to the heart of Louisiana from the Midwest? Look no further than this article for a breakdown of the best routes from Bloomington, Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Straight Shot: Interstate 39 South to Interstate 55 South

The most straightforward route between Bloomington and New Orleans would be the combination of Interstate 39 South and Interstate 55 South. This 1,200-mile drive would take approximately 18 hours, not including pit stops or potential traffic delays.

If you're looking for an easy drive, this route is the way to go. To break up the monotony of a long road trip, consider stopping in Springfield, Illinois, where you can visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

The Scenic Route: Great River Road

For those looking for a scenic, winding drive along the Mississippi River, the Great River Road is the perfect alternative to the straight shot. This route takes you through charming river towns like La Crosse, Wisconsin and Dubuque, Iowa.

There are multiple options for taking the Great River Road, but we recommend starting in Minneapolis and following Highway 61 to St. Louis, Missouri. From there, you can hop on Interstate 55 South for the final stretch to New Orleans. This route covers approximately 1,600 miles and takes around 26 hours of driving time, so be prepared for a longer trip.

Along the way, stop for a leisurely hike at the Mississippi Palisades State Park in Illinois or sample some delicious wine at the Potosi Brewery in Wisconsin.

The Southern Route: Interstate 35 South to Interstate 10 East

For those looking to experience the southern states of America, this route will take you through iconic cities like Dallas and Houston, Texas. The route begins on Interstate 35 South in Minneapolis and ends on Interstate 10 East in Louisiana.

This route covers approximately 1,500 miles and takes around 22 hours of driving time. The highlight of this route is the iconic Bourbon Street in New Orleans, but be sure to stop at the fascinating Museum of Fine Arts in Houston and the famous River Walk in San Antonio, Texas.

Recommendations for Pit Stops

Regardless of the route you take, there are numerous options for pit stops to break up your road trip. If you're taking the straight shot, stop at the Meramac Caverns in Missouri for a guided tour of stunning limestone caves.

For the Great River Road, visit the Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa for a peaceful hike through Native American burial grounds.

Lastly, for the Southern Route, stop at the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi for a deeper understanding of the Civil War battle that took place there.

Conclusion

With these different routes and pit stop options in mind, you'll be sure to find the road trip experience that best fits your needs and preferences. Whether you're interested in a quick and easy drive or a leisurely scenic route, the journey from Bloomington to New Orleans is full of opportunities to explore new cities and landmarks.