Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Burlington, Iowa to Biloxi, Mississippi
The Midwest and the South are two distinct regions, both with their own charm and character. A road trip from Burlington, Iowa, to Biloxi, Mississippi, will take you through the heart of America, where you'll see picturesque farming communities, stunning natural beauty, and charming small towns. This route will take you on a journey of over 900 miles and will take about 14 hours to complete. The halfway point of this journey is the city of Osceola, AR, which is located at the junction of two major highways. Some of the highlights of this trip include the Mississippi River, the Ozark Mountains, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Top 5 Things to Do
1. Visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in Hannibal, Missouri
Mark Twain, one of America's greatest writers, spent his childhood in Hannibal, Missouri. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum is a must-visit for any literature enthusiast. The museum features exhibits that showcase Twain's life, including photographs, artifacts, and interactive displays. Visitors can also tour the boyhood home where Twain lived with his family. The house has been restored to its original appearance, and you can see how the author lived during his formative years.
Interesting Fact: Mark Twain's real name was Samuel Clemens. He adopted the pen name Mark Twain as a nod to his days as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River.
2. Hike through Ozark National Forest
The Ozark National Forest is a stunning natural area that covers over a million acres of land. The forest is home to countless hiking trails, campsites, and scenic vistas. A popular spot for visitors is the Whitaker Point Trail, which leads to a natural bluff overlooking the forest. The trail is relatively short, only about 2.9 miles, but the view from the top is breathtaking.
Interesting Fact: The Ozark Mountains were formed over 300 million years ago, making them one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world.
3. Explore Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is a unique natural attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to bathe in hot springs that flow from the earth. The park has several hot spring bathhouses where visitors can enjoy a soak in the mineral-rich waters. The park is also home to several hiking trails, including the Sunset Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Interesting Fact: Hot Springs National Park is the smallest national park in the United States, covering only 5,550 acres.
4. Visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is a fascinating attraction that gives visitors a glimpse into America's military history. The park is home to several decommissioned naval ships, including the USS Alabama, a battleship that served in both World War II and the Korean War. Visitors can tour the ship and learn about the daily life of sailors on board. The park also features a museum with exhibits that cover America's military history.
Interesting Fact: The USS Alabama was used to film several films, including "Under Siege" and "Crimson Tide."
5. Relax on the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico
The trip from Burlington, Iowa to Biloxi, Mississippi ends at the Gulf of Mexico, where visitors can enjoy the warm waters and sandy beaches. Biloxi is a popular destination for beachgoers, with several miles of beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. One of the most popular spots in Biloxi is Ship Island, which offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast.
Interesting Fact: The Gulf of Mexico is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, home to over 15,000 species of plants and animals.
Conclusion
A road trip from Burlington, Iowa to Biloxi, Mississippi is a journey that takes you through some of America's most beautiful landscapes. From the rolling hills of Missouri to the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, this trip offers something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a beachgoer, you'll find plenty of things to see and do along the way. This trip will take you approximately 14 hours to complete, but the memories you make will last a lifetime.