Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on a Road Trip from Brookfield, Ohio to New Orleans, Louisiana

If you're looking for a road trip that takes you through American history, consider driving from Brookfield, Ohio to New Orleans, Louisiana. Along the way, you'll find museums, parks, and landmarks that can help you better understand the past and present of the United States.

One interesting fact about this road trip is that you'll cross the Mason-Dixon Line between Maryland and Pennsylvania. This line was surveyed in the 1760s to mark the border between the Northern and Southern states. While it no longer has political significance, it's still an important cultural symbol.

The halfway point of this road trip is Nashville, TN. This city is known as the "Music City" because of its connections to country music. While you're there, you can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or take a tour of the Grand Ole Opry.

This road trip covers over 1,000 miles and can take between 15 and 20 hours depending on how many stops you make. However, the journey is worth it because of the unique places you can see along the way.

Here are the top five places to visit on this road trip:

1. National Museum of African American History and Culture (Washington, DC)

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a Smithsonian Institution museum that opened in 2016. It tells the story of African American history and culture from slavery to modern times. The museum houses over 40,000 artifacts and documents, including the casket of Emmett Till and a Tuskegee Airmen training plane.

Point of interest: While you're in Washington, DC, you can also visit the National Mall and see landmarks like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. The park is known for its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historic buildings. Visitors can hike, camp, fish, and drive through the park while enjoying the natural scenery.

Point of interest: Visit Dollywood, a theme park located near the Great Smoky Mountains that features rides, shows, and attractions related to country music and Southern culture.

3. Graceland (Memphis, TN)

Graceland is the former home of Elvis Presley and is now a museum dedicated to the King of Rock and Roll. Visitors can tour the mansion, see Elvis's cars and planes, and view exhibits about his life and career. Graceland has become a pilgrimage site for Elvis fans from around the world.

Point of interest: Visit Beale Street in downtown Memphis to experience live music, Southern food, and nightlife.

4. Mardi Gras World (New Orleans, LA)

Mardi Gras World is a museum and studio where Mardi Gras floats are created for the annual parade in New Orleans. Visitors can take a tour of the facility, see artists at work, and learn about the history and traditions of Mardi Gras. This is a great place to visit for anyone interested in the colorful culture of Louisiana.

Point of interest: While you're in New Orleans, be sure to try some of the local food like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.

5. Oak Alley Plantation (Vacherie, LA)

Oak Alley Plantation is a historic plantation located on the Mississippi River. The plantation was built in the 1830s and has been preserved as a museum and tourist attraction. Visitors can tour the plantation house, see the gardens and slave quarters, and learn about the history of sugar cane farming in Louisiana.

Point of interest: Take a swamp tour to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife that live in the bayous and rivers of Louisiana.

Overall, this road trip is a great way to learn about American history and culture while seeing some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Depending on how many stops you make, it can take between one and two weeks to complete, but the memories and experiences you'll gain are priceless.