Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Bullhead City, Arizona to Virginia, Minnesota
The wide open road beckons. It’s time to pack up the family and hit the open road between Bullhead City, Arizona and Virginia, Minnesota. The scenic route will take you through eight states, past incredible landscapes and unforgettable experiences. After crossing the Rockies, you’ll hit the halfway point of Kaycee, WY, where you can rest and fuel up before continuing on. Here are five stops you won’t want to miss on your epic family road trip.
1. Grand Canyon National Park
Located in Northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most iconic geological wonders and a must-see for anyone touring the Southwest. While it’s located a few hours west of Bullhead City, it’s well worth the drive. The Grand Canyon is more than a mile deep and 277 miles long, and is home to a range of adventures, including hiking, white water rafting, and unforgettable views of one of the world's most famous natural places.
Did you know that the Grand Canyon is home to some of the oldest exposed rock in the world? The rocks at the bottom of the Canyon could be over 2 billion years old.
2. Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re going to take a road trip from Arizona to Minnesota, how can you not squeeze in one of America’s most beautiful natural parks? Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado with scenic drives, hiking trails, and natural landscapes that will leave the whole family feeling refreshed, and awe-inspired.
The park is home to over 60 peaks that are over 12,000 feet high. You can get a great view of these gorgeous mountains by driving down the Trail Ridge Road which crests at over 12,000 feet.
3. Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore, one of America’s most famous landmarks, is located in Keystone, South Dakota. While driving through the plains, this iconic sculpture of four former presidents is something that every member of your family will remember for their lifetime.
Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor behind Mount Rushmore, was a bit of a rogue artist. Not only did he illegally carve his own initials on the sculpture, but he changed the original design several times over its 14-year creation period.
4. Wind Cave National Park
Located in South Dakota, about an hour’s drive from Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park is one of the world’s oldest cave systems. You can take guided tours, go hiking, and experience the incredible natural beauty of the local park.
Wind Cave is one of the longest caves in the world. In fact, only about 10% of it has been mapped out by humans so far.
5. Mall of America
No road trip is complete without a shopping stop, and the Mall of America is America’s largest shopping complex. It is located just a 20-minute drive south of downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. At the mall, you’ll find over 500 shops, dozens of restaurants, and a wide range of activities that are sure to delight the whole family.
Did you know that the Mall of America has had over 5.6 million feet of Bubble wrap shipped to them each year since opening in 1992?
Conclusion
Taking a road trip from Bullhead City, Arizona to Virginia, Minnesota is an incredible experience, full of lifelong memories. By taking the scenic route and stopping at some of America’s iconic landmarks and sights, you’ll create memories that will last you and your family a lifetime. The trip takes around 30 hours, so be sure to plan for rest stops and accommodation along the way.