Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Cedar Rapids, IA to Charleston, SC

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Charleston, South Carolina, might seem far removed geographically, but a road trip from one city to the other can make for an unforgettable adventure. Covering over 950 miles, the journey can be completed in approximately 16 hours, with a halfway point in Lexington, KY. Along the way, travelers can catch glimpses of the Midwest, the Appalachian Mountains, and the stunning coastal landscapes of South Carolina. Here are five exciting things to do during the journey.

Visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

Travelers on a road trip from Cedar Rapids to Charleston may want to stop by the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Hodgenville, Kentucky. The park is located at Sinking Spring Farm, where Lincoln was born, grew up, and spent his early years. The park features a memorial building with exhibits, as well as the symbolic beginnings cabin and functioning Lincoln's Boyhood Home. Visitors can learn not just about Lincoln but also the country's early 19th-century life.

Drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you want to experience a beautiful place noted for its mountains, wildlife, and cultural heritage. The park is straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Sights include the multi-layered ridges of the mountain range, which indicates its age and geographical background. Visitors can drive, cycle, or hike to take in waterfalls, lush forests, and blooming flowers. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the United States with 11.4 million annual visitors, a fact worth noting.

Tour the Birthplace of Elvis Presley

Travelers can get a glimpse into the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll by stopping by Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis Presley. The Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum offers a guided tour of Presley's small, two-room house and provides insight into his early years, music, and cultural significance. Visitors can also see the famous Elvis at 13 statue inside the museum. The singer was raised impoverished in Tupelo, Mississippi, but eventually rose to fame and fortune as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century.

Experience the Southern Magnolia Trees at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the oldest plantations in the country, where visitors can experience the beauty of Southern magnolias and gardens, which attracts over 300,000 visitors annually. The plantation features a Romantic-style garden planted in 1840 and a biodiversity-rich swamp tour, where visitors can spot alligators, herons, and other wildlife. The extensive collection of camellias and azaleas, formal gardens, and the history behind the slave cabins make The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens South Carolina’s must-visit destination.

Explore the Gullah Islands' History and Culture

The Gullah Islands are located off the coast of South Carolina, connected to the mainland by a series of bridges. The islands' history and culture have been heavily influenced by the West African slaves brought to the area centuries ago, resulting in unique language, traditions, and cuisine. Visitors can experience the charm and culture of the islands by taking local tours, visiting the Gullah museums in Beaufort, and eating traditional Gullah cuisine. The sweetgrass basketry found across the islands are famous, and visitors would do well to take home some as a souvenir.

The trip from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Charleston, South Carolina, takes approximately sixteen hours and offers various exciting options for travelers looking for adventure. To experience glimpses of the Midwest, the Appalachian Mountains, and the stunning coastal landscapes of South Carolina, travel enthusiasts can visit Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, tour the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum in Tupelo, and fly to the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and explore the Gullah Islands' history and culture along the way. The trip is sure to be an unforgettable adventure, deepening visitors' understanding of American culture and history.