The best things to do on a road trip from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Highland, Illinois

Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Highland, Illinois are two cities located approximately 300 miles apart, making them a perfect starting and ending point for a weekend getaway. The interstate road that connects them is filled with exciting places to visit and explore. The trip can take about 5 hours with a halfway point in Palmyra, MO, where one can take a break and stretch their legs before continuing the journey. Here are some of the top things to do on this road trip:

Go wine tasting at Cedar Lake Cellars, Wright City, MO

Cedar Lake Cellars is a beautiful winery located just south of Interstate 70 in Wright City, MO. They offer a variety of wines to taste during their daily tours and host a range of events throughout the year, including live music, food trucks, and seasonal festivals. The winery's sprawling estate has a vineyard, a garden, a lake and offers stunning views of the countryside. Visitors will enjoy a fun-filled and educational time tasting different wines while learning about the winemaking process.

Fun fact: Cedar Lake Cellars produces more than 20 types of wines, including white, red, and dessert wines.

Visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, Hannibal, MO

Hannibal, MO is the birthplace of Mark Twain, the iconic American author known for his literary works, such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Tourists can visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, where young Samuel Clemens (Twain's real name) grew up. The museum has seven buildings on the property, including the famous white fence that Tom Sawyer had to paint in Twain's book. Visitors will enjoy exploring this historical landmark that is a symbol of American literature.

Fun fact: Hannibal, MO was also the boyhood home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the inventors of the airplane.

Tour the Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO

The Gateway Arch is a landmark monument located in downtown St. Louis and is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere, at 630 feet tall. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch and enjoy a breathtaking 30-mile view of the city and the Mississippi River. The arch is also home to a museum that showcases the history of the city and its significance in the United States. Visitors will enjoy a memorable and educational experience at this iconic monument.

Fun fact: The Gateway Arch's design represents the "Gateway to the West," symbolizing St. Louis' role as a launching point for westward exploration.

Explore the Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit, MO

The Shaw Nature Reserve is a beautiful nature area located just 40 minutes west of St. Louis. The reserve features a variety of gardens, forests, and wetlands and is open year-round for visitors. The area is home to over 14 miles of hiking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The reserve's mission is to inspire stewardship and appreciation of nature and offers interactive activities for visitors of all ages.

Fun fact: The Shaw Nature Reserve was formerly known as the "Shaw Arboretum" and was established in 1925 as a gift to the state of Missouri by the Shaw family.

Enjoy outdoor activities at Eckert's Country Store, Belleville, IL

Eckert's Country Store is a family-friendly farm located in Belleville, IL and is perfect for anyone interested in picking fruits, exploring the farm market, or taking part in outdoor activities. The store has a variety of freshly picked fruits to choose from, including apples, strawberries, and peaches, depending on the season. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes for a fun family-friendly experience.

Fun fact: Eckert's Country Store has been operating since 1910 and has grown to include several locations in southern Illinois.

After these fun activities, visitors can head back to either Cedar Rapids or Highland, depending on where they started their journey. This road trip is an exciting way to discover the beauty and culture of the Midwest in a short amount of time. Whether it be exploring the outdoors or immersing oneself in American literature, it is a trip filled with memories that will last a lifetime.