The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Buffalo, Wyoming to Suffolk, Virginia
The road trip from Buffalo, Wyoming, to Suffolk, Virginia, is a scenic adventure that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States. You'll travel through the sprawling prairies of the Midwest, over the rolling hills of the Appalachians, and along the sun-kissed beaches of the East Coast. Along the way, you'll encounter countless attractions, landmarks, and natural wonders that are sure to take your breath away. The halfway point of this trip is Rockford, IL, a charming city that's worthy of a stopover.
Top Five Things to Do
Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
If you're starting your road trip in Buffalo, Wyoming, you must visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This museum and cultural center is dedicated to the life and legacy of the legendary Wild West showman, Buffalo Bill. Here you'll find five museums under one roof, showcasing the art, history, culture, and wildlife of the American West. Don't miss the famous firearms collection, which includes some of the oldest and rarest guns ever made.
Get Lost in the Badlands National Park
If you're a nature lover, you can't miss the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. This awe-inspiring park is famous for its colorful buttes, spires, and canyons, which stretch over 244,000 acres of prairie. Take a scenic drive on the Badlands Loop Road, which winds through the park and offers stunning views of the unique geologic formations. You can also hike, camp, and even spot bison, pronghorns, and bighorn sheep in their natural habitats.
Explore the Mall of America
For some urban excitement, stop at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. This massive complex houses more than 500 stores, dozens of restaurants, and plenty of entertainment options, including an aquarium, a theme park, and a comedy club. It's also a great place to people-watch and experience the Midwestern culture. The Mall of America is one of the largest shopping centers in the world, attracting more than 40 million visitors annually.
Walk the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,200-mile footpath that runs from Georgia to Maine, but you can access it from many points along the way, including Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. This beautiful section of the trail offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, abundant wildlife, and serene waterfalls. You don't have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the trail; you can take a leisurely stroll or a more challenging trek, depending on your fitness level.
Relax on Virginia Beach
Finally, no road trip on the East Coast is complete without a visit to Virginia Beach. This oceanfront city is known for its pristine sand, sparkling waters, and vibrant boardwalk. You can swim, sunbathe, surf, fish, or just soak up the sun and views. The boardwalk features many restaurants, shops, and attractions, such as the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. You might even catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the surf.
Interesting Facts
- The Buffalo Bill Center of the West attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year from all over the world.
- The layered rocks and eroded canyons of the Badlands National Park form one of the richest fossil beds in North America, with evidence of ancient mammals, reptiles, and birds.
- The Mall of America has its own zip code, and if you spend just 10 minutes in each store, it would take you almost four days to see them all.
- The Appalachian Trail crosses 14 states and eight national forests, and it takes an average of six months to hike the entire trail.
- Virginia Beach is the longest pleasure beach in the world, stretching for 35 miles along the Atlantic Ocean.
Conclusion
The road trip from Buffalo, Wyoming, to Suffolk, Virginia, is an epic journey that spans almost 2,000 miles and offers a kaleidoscope of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. Whether you're into history, nature, shopping, or relaxation, there's something for everyone along the way. The trip can take anywhere from a week to several months, depending on how much time you have, how many detours you take, and how fast you drive. So embark on this adventure, and remember that the journey is as rewarding as the destination.