Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Burnsville, Minnesota and Kannapolis, North Carolina

The journey from Burnsville, Minnesota to Kannapolis, North Carolina is one that takes you across six states and over a thousand miles. It’s an approximately eighteen-hour drive that will have you passing through big cities, small towns, and stunning countryside. Throughout this drive, there are five unexpected places you should consider stopping to explore. These stops will break up your journey, allow you to stretch your legs, and create unforgettable memories.

Halfway Point: Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis, situated in Indiana, is the perfect place to stop at the halfway point of your journey. Nicknamed the “Crossroads of America,” Indianapolis offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, sports, or just want to explore a new city. Take a walk around the city and view its many statues and sculptures, including those of Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Harrison. Stop by the Children's Museum of Indianapolis for some family fun or immerse yourself in the world of speed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum. Indianapolis also boasts several breweries, including The Blind Owl Brewery where you can try craft beers and indulge in some bar food.

1. Iowa 80 Truckstop, Iowa

Situated near Walcott, Iowa, the Iowa 80 Truckstop is the world's largest. Truckers from around the world stop here to fuel up and take a break from their journey, but it's not just for truckers. This stop has numerous amenities to keep the entire family entertained, including a movie theater, arcade, museum, and even a trucking accessory store. At the Iowa 80 Kitchen, you can enjoy some of the best comfort food, including the famous trucker's breakfast burrito. Try the chicken pot pie, which is made from scratch and served piping hot.

2. Monticello Railway Museum, Illinois

The Monticello Railway Museum in Monticello, Illinois, is an unexpected stop that rail enthusiasts and history buffs will appreciate. This museum houses an impressive collection of restored railway locomotives, cars, and cabooses. You can board the train and experience what it was like to travel by train in the early 1900s on one of the museum's train rides. There's also a small café that serves sandwiches, hot dogs, and ice cream.

3. Cumberland Caverns, Tennessee

Cumberland Caverns, situated in McMinnville, Tennessee, is a natural wonder that's waiting to be explored. This cave system is the second-longest in Tennessee and offers a variety of cave tours, including an adventure tour that involves crawling through tight spaces. If you're not interested in crawling, you can take a walking tour or a gem mining tour that's perfect for families. The cave's temperature stays at 56 degrees Fahrenheit all year round, so remember to bring a jacket. After exploring the cave, stop at Bluegrass Underground, an underground concert venue where you can listen to live music and grab a bite to eat.

4. Old Salem Museums & Gardens, North Carolina

Old Salem, situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is an interactive living history museum that will transport you back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The museum showcases the Moravian community’s history and culture through re-enactments, tours, and demonstrations. You can step inside the restored homes of early Moravian settlers, participate in craft demonstrations, and shop for authentic Moravian goods. For a sweet treat, go to the Winkler Bakery, where you can watch bakers make bread and sugar cakes using centuries-old techniques.

5. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Congaree National Park, situated in Hopkins, South Carolina, is a hidden gem that's worth a visit. This park is home to the largest continuous tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in America. The park has several hiking trails that take you through the forest, including the Bluff Trail, which offers views of the Congaree River. You can also take a canoe or kayak the river and see the park from a different perspective. The park offers ranger-led walks and talks, including night walks that give you an opportunity to see nocturnal animals.

Conclusion

A drive from Burnsville, Minnesota, to Kannapolis, North Carolina offers unexpected and exciting stops. From the world’s largest truck stop to the largest continuous tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in America, from the food at The Blind Owl Brewery to the sugar cakes at Winkler Bakery, there’s something for everyone. Plan a trip to explore these five unexpected stops, break up your drive, and create unforgettable memories.