Road Trip from Carlsbad, CA to Andover, KS: 5 Must-See Attractions
Pack your bags and hit the road for a memorable trip from Carlsbad, CA to Andover, KS. Along the way, you'll travel through some of the most scenic routes in the United States. This road trip is more than just reaching your destination, it's about the journey! With so many hidden gems along the way, we've made it easy for you with our top five popular attractions that you cannot miss.
Halfway Point: Grants, NM
Before we dive into our top five places to see, let's talk about the halfway point on this trip: Grants, NM. Grants is where Route 66 meets the path of ancient trade routes, which makes it a very culturally rich and vibrant place. This small town is known for its lunar landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Some of the popular outdoor activities in this area are hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.
Top Five Places to See
1) Carlsbad Caverns National Park (Carlsbad, NM)
You cannot complete a trip from Carlsbad, CA and not visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park! The park features massive underground chambers filled with formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. If you're an adventurer at heart, then you'll love the guided tours, hiking trails, and cave exploration opportunities. In the evening, you can watch the bat flight program, where up to 500,000 Mexican free-tailed bats fly out of their cave at sunset.
2) The Alamo (San Antonio, TX)
The Alamo is an iconic landmark that should be on any traveler's bucket list. The site of the famous Battle of the Alamo in 1836, which was a pivotal event in Texas' fight for independence from Mexico. Today, the Alamo welcomes millions of visitors each year, who come to learn about its rich history, architecture, and culture. The site is free to enter, and guided tours are available.
3) Gateway Arch National Park (St. Louis, MO)
One of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States, the Gateway Arch, is a must-visit on your trip to Andover, KS. The arch symbolizes westward expansion in the US, and its museum showcases the history of St. Louis and its ties to the western wilderness. The view from the top of the arch is breathtaking, and the park offers a variety of activities such as riverboat cruises, concerts, and festivals.
4) Ozark National Forest (Jasper, AR)
If you want to embrace the natural beauty of this trip, then you cannot miss Ozark National Forest. With over 1.2 million acres of pristine wilderness, this national forest offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities such as kayaking, hiking, camping, and fishing. The forest is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the US, such as Hemmed-in-Hollow, which is the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians.
5) Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (Strong City, KS)
Last but not least, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a stunning way to conclude your road trip. Tallgrass prairie was once one of the most abundant ecosystems in North America but has sadly been reduced to less than 4% of its original area. This national preserve is dedicated to preserving this unique ecosystem and offers visitors opportunities to hike the trails, bike, or ride with a park ranger. You'll also have the chance to see bison, coyotes, elk, and many other species that call these grasslands home.
Conclusion
Now that you know the top five popular attractions on your road trip from Carlsbad, CA to Andover, KS, all that's left is to choose your route. We recommend taking I-40 from Carlsbad, NM, driving through Albuquerque and Amarillo. Then, take I-35 North to Kansas City and take the Kansas Turnpike to Andover, KS. This route offers plenty of opportunities to discover more hidden gems along the way and honors the spirit of the classic American road trip. So, what are you waiting for? Get on the road and explore this beautiful country!