The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Calgary, Alberta to Irondale, Alabama
Calgary, Alberta to Irondale, Alabama - A road trip that spans thousands of miles, filled with countless memories waiting to be made. This journey encompasses some of the most beautiful scenery North America has to offer and an endless list of things to see and do. Starting in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada, the route passes through the Great Plains of the Dakotas and Minnesota before reaching the rolling hills and forests of the Ozarks in Arkansas. After winding through historic civil rights landmarks and heading past the beaches of the Gulf Coast, the journey culminates in Irondale, Alabama, home of EWTN Global Catholic Network. The journey takes approximately 45 hours of driving time, but with so much to see, it can easily be stretched beyond a week.
Rogers, Minnesota is the halfway point on this road trip. It is a small town located just off Interstate 94. If you need a break from driving, visit the Ellingson Car Museum with an incredible collection of restored classic cars from a over the 90-year period.
Top Five Things to do
1. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a must-see when traveling through the western United States. Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the first national park in the world. It covers over 2.2 million acres of wilderness and features geysers, hot springs, and wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of buffalo. Visitors can hike, camp, or soak in hot springs.
Interesting Fact: Yellowstone is home to the largest super volcano in North America with a magma chamber capable of holding nearly forty cubic miles of molten rock.
2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most iconic American landmarks. The monument features the faces of four US presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln - carved into a towering granite rock face. The area also offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and opportunities to explore local mining towns and museums.
Interesting Fact: It took 14 years to complete the carving of the presidents' faces, and each face was carved to a height of 60 feet.
3. Memphis, Tennessee
Known for its rich musical history, Memphis is the ultimate destination for music lovers. Explore the history of Elvis Presley at Graceland, visit the home of legendary folk-blues musician W.C. Handy, tour the iconic Sun Studio, or take a walk down historic Beale Street. Memphis also offers a vibrant food scene, with delicious barbecue and fried chicken being some of its classic dishes.
Interesting Fact: Memphis is home to the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.
4. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Nestled on the southern coast of Alabama, Gulf Shores is a beach lover's paradise. This region offers some of the most pristine beaches in the United States, with soft white sand and crystal blue waters. The area also has plenty of golf courses, seafood restaurants, and water sports activities for visitors to enjoy.
Interesting Fact: Gulf Shores is home to one of the largest artificial reefs in the world, featuring the remains of the USS Oriskany, a retired US Navy aircraft carrier.
5. EWTN Global Catholic Network
Located in Irondale, Alabama, EWTN Global Catholic Network is the largest religious media network in the world. The facility features a massive television and radio studio complex, a chapel, and the EWTN Global Catholic Library. Visitors can take guided tours of the studios, watch live TV productions, and attend daily Mass.
Interesting Fact: EWTN was founded by Mother Angelica, a cloistered nun who was born and raised in Canton, Ohio.
The Calgary to Irondale road trip is truly an adventure to experience. From the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the tranquil Gulf Coast beaches, visitors will be enthralled with the diversity of cultures and landscapes available to them. Plan accordingly to get the most out of this breathtaking journey.