Top Five Places to Visit on a Trip between Carbon Hill, Illinois and Benham, Kentucky
Planning a road trip can be exciting, but it can also be challenging to decide what places to visit. To make things easier for you, we've come up with the top five must-see destinations for your trip between Carbon Hill, Illinois, and Benham, Kentucky.
Route Highlight and Halfway Point
Before we dive into the top five destinations, let's take a moment to highlight the route and halfway point. As you embark on this journey, you'll be traveling through the heart of America's mid-west. Carbon Hill, located in Illinois, is a small agricultural community, while Benham, in Kentucky once served as a coal-mining town. The drive is approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Scottsburg, IN, marks the exact halfway point in your trip. This charming town, located on the Muscatatuck River, is an ideal stop for lunch or to stretch your legs. Scottsburg has several local dining options and natural spaces to explore. It also has a vibrant downtown district, where you can shop or visit museums.
Top Five Stops
1. Turkey Run State Park
Outdoor adventure awaits at Turkey Run State Park, Indiana.
Turkey Run State Park is known for its rugged sandstone ravines and hiking trails that weave in and out of them. It's a nature lover's paradise with over 2,400 acres of unspoiled woodlands. Visitors can hike to scenic overlooks or paddle along Sugar Creek in a rented canoe. In addition to hiking trails and scenic drives, Turkey Run State Park also has picnic areas and a swimming pool for summertime fun.
2. Falls of the Ohio State Park
Explore a prehistoric wonderland at Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, Indiana.
The Falls of the Ohio State Park is a unique location with ancient fossil beds that exhibit massive Devonian-period fossilized coral reefs. You can hike the park's interpretive trails to come face-to-face with giant mammoth bones and prehistoric marine life. The park provides binoculars so you can watch birds or people watch at their riverbank benches. If you have time, stroll along the Falls of the Ohio River Greenway, a riverside hike and bike trail lined with wildflowers and butterflies during summer.
3. Lexington, Kentucky
Discover the home of the Kentucky Derby in Lexington, Kentucky.
Lexington, also known as the Horse Capital of the World, is a beautiful city with a rich and fascinating history. The city is home to several horse farms, including the infamous Calumet Farm, where many famous racehorses were trained. During your visit, experience the Kentucky Horse Park and the International Museum of the Horse – exhibits where you can learn about the industry and the animals. At night, enjoy drinks in Lexington's lively downtown, where you'll find amazing restaurants or visit nearby Keeneland racetrack.
4. Cumberland Falls State Park
Witness the moonbow, one of nature's unique phenomena, at Cumberland Falls State Park in Kentucky.
Cumberland Falls State Park is a prime destination for those who love nature and the great outdoors. The park, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, is best known for the Cumberland Falls, a majestic 125-foot waterfall that creates an impressive rainbow – a moonbow – during a full moon. Visitors can hike the park's trails, go fishing or horseback riding, or enjoy a sunset picnic with loved ones. If you're adventurous, try your hand at rock climbing or go ziplining through the park's trees.
5. Mammoth Cave National Park
Explore one of the world's longest and most complex cave systems at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky.
Mammoth Cave National Park is one of America's most popular national parks, with a cave system that spans over 400 miles. Visitors can take guided tours of its massive caverns and see some of the world's most remarkable geological formations. Mammoth Cave's National Park also has hiking trails, campgrounds, and other outdoor activities like kayaking or cycling. You can also try out the Green River, a designated Wild River where you can go kayaking or canoeing in a tranquil setting.
Conclusion
The route from Carbon Hill, Illinois, to Benham, Kentucky, takes you through most of America's heartland. Scottsburg, Indiana, is an ideal halfway point and a great place to stop and explore the town's natural spaces or museums. From there, explore the midwest by visiting a state park, Lexington's horse farms, Cumberland Falls, and the mammoth cave national park. With so much to see and experience on this journey, you'll always have something new and exciting to remember. Happy travels!