The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and Maryville, Tennessee

The open road calls for adventure, and what better way to experience this than on a road trip? Driving from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota to Maryville, Tennessee offers a chance to see the heartland of America. The journey covers approximately 990 miles and spans the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The halfway point is Rensselaer, Indiana, a quaint town where travelers can refuel before continuing to their destination.

Here are the top five things to do on your road trip from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, to Maryville, Tennessee:

1. Visit the Mall of America

Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, the Mall of America is the largest mall in America. The mall boasts over 500 stores, an indoor theme park, a large aquarium, and a miniature golf course. Visitors can grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the mall, including those with international cuisine. The mall is perfect for families as it offers entertainment for both adults and children.

Fun Fact: The Mall of America receives approximately 40 million visitors annually, making it the most visited tourist attraction in the state of Minnesota.

2. Explore the Windy City

Chicago, Illinois, is a vibrant city with a rich history that appeals to all types of travelers. It has a plethora of museums, shopping centers, and art galleries. The city is also home to the renowned Navy Pier, where visitors can take a ride on the Ferris wheel or dine at one of the many restaurants.

Fun Fact: The Chicago River that runs through the city is the only river in the world that flows backward.

3. Take a stroll in Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods in Harrisburg, Illinois, is a nature lover's paradise. The park boasts awe-inspiring rock formations that date back over 300 million years. The park offers hiking trails of various lengths where visitors can fully take in the park's beauty. Garden of the Gods is an excellent spot for picnics, wildlife watching, and photography.

Fun Fact: Garden of the Gods was formed as a result of an earthquake that shook the region around 200 million years ago.

4. Visit the Derby City

Louisville, Kentucky, is known as the Derby City, home to the renowned Kentucky Derby. The city not only hosts the annual horse race but also has a lot to offer, including the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where visitors can learn about the history of the baseball bat. The city also has a vibrant dining scene, with many unique restaurants serving excellent southern cuisine.

Fun Fact: Louisville was originally named after King Louis XVI of France.

5. Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The park is known for its diverse range of plant and animal life. The park has extensive hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives while taking in the breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. The park has numerous campgrounds and picnic areas for those looking to spend several days at the park.

Fun Fact: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States.

The road trip from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, to Maryville, Tennessee, is a fantastic journey that offers a chance to experience the unique cultures of the Midwest and the South. The journey combines charming small towns and vibrant cities, making it an excellent choice for all types of road trippers. The trip can be completed in approximately 16 hours, but taking time to explore all the attractions on the way is ideal.