Road Trippin’: From Cairo, IL to Denmark, TN

Have you been craving a good old road trip with your friends or family? Well, look no further than the route between Cairo, Illinois, and Denmark, Tennessee! Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive or the fastest route, we’ve got you covered.

Option 1: The Scenic Route

If you’re not in a rush to get to Denmark, we recommend taking the scenic route through the Shawnee National Forest. From Cairo, take Highway 3 North and then turn right onto Highway 146 East. You’ll drive through the stunning forest and past the serene Lake Glendale, making for a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and take some great photos.

This route is approximately 70 miles and will take you just over 2 hours to get to Denmark. We suggest stopping in the small town of Jonesboro for some delicious country cooking at the Jonesboro Family Restaurant.

Option 2: The Fastest Route

If you need to get to Denmark in a hurry, take Interstate 57 South. This route is approximately 85 miles and will take you just over an hour and a half to get to Denmark from Cairo. You’ll pass through the town of Memphis, Tennessee, which offers plenty of unique attractions like the National Civil Rights Museum and the iconic Beale Street.

For a quick snack break, we recommend stopping at the famous Gus’s Fried Chicken in Mason, Tennessee. Trust us, it’s worth the detour!

Option 3: The Off-The-Beaten-Path Route

For a unique and quirky (yet still scenic) route, we suggest taking Highway 51 South out of Cairo. You’ll pass through small towns like Mounds and Anna before reaching Carbondale, Illinois. From there, take Highway 13 East and enjoy the beautiful view of the Shawnee Hills.

This route is approximately 85 miles and will take you just over 2 hours to get to Denmark. For a fun pitstop, we recommend visiting the Giant City State Park in Makanda, home to some unique rock formations and beautiful hiking trails.

Final Thoughts

Whatever route you choose, be sure to make the most of your road trip! Fill up on gas and snacks before hitting the road, and take plenty of breaks to stretch your legs and explore the small towns along the way. Safe travels!