Midwestern to Southern Road Trip: Driving from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Bentonville, Arkansas
Taking a road trip is one of the most exciting and engaging ways to travel across the country. Road trips give memories that last a lifetime and create unique experiences that cannot be found in any other form of travel. If you're planning to travel from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Bentonville, Arkansas, then you have numerous options of routes to take.
Ways to get there:
There are several routes you can take to get from Cedar Rapids to Bentonville, each offering a different travel experience.
Route 1: I-380 South and I-35 South
This route will take you through scenic landscapes in Southern Iowa and Northern Missouri. Start on I-380 South, which will take you through some of the most picturesque views in Cedar Rapids. You can take a stopover at Pella (Iowa) and enjoy picturesque Dutch-themed architecture. After travelling 250 miles, you'll merge onto I-35 South toward Kansas City. With a total distance of 614 miles, this route will take approximately 9 hours.
Route 2: US-59 South and I-49 South
This route is best for those who want to ride the scenic route on their journey. Begin by taking US-59 South from Cedar Rapids down to Kansas. This road will take you through towns with authentic Midwest feels. In front of you lies the charming land of small towns and stunning countryside. After nearly 540 miles, merge onto I-49 South in Arkansas. With a total distance of 716 miles, this road trip lasts approximately 11 hours.
Route 3: I-80 West and I-35 South
Beginning at Cedar Rapids, drive south towards Des Moines and take I-80 to Kansas City. Stop over in Omaha, Nebraska, and relax amidst its rich cultural and culinary heritage. After travelling 761 miles, you'll merge onto I-35 South towards Arkansas. This route has a total distance of 903 miles and takes almost 13 hours, but the scenery and interesting places you'll find along your journey are worth it.
Travel Time:
The distance between Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Bentonville, Arkansas, is approximately 650 miles. Below is the driving time for each of the recommended routes.
- Route 1 (I-380 South and I-35 South) – Approximately 9 hours
- Route 2 (US-59 South and I-49 South) – Approximately 11 hours
- Route 3 (I-80 West and I-35 South) – Approximately 13 hours
Places to Stop Along the Way:
Despite the long hours of driving, you can stop over in some exciting places to make your journey more memorable. You can visit Hallmark Visitors Center (Kansas City), the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum (Missouri), and the Ouachita National Forest (Oklahoma). You can also experience Agritourism firsthand at Urban Farmer (Des Moines) or soak in history at the Ozark History Museum (Arkansas).
In conclusion, a road trip from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Bentonville, Arkansas, is the perfect opportunity to explore some of the finest scenery and historical destinations in the Midwest and Southern states of the US. Taking interesting routes, stopping at quaint towns, and experiencing diverse cultures on the way are just some of the pleasures that make road trips a memorable adventure. Pack your bags and head out on your next Midwest-Southern adventure!