Top Five Places to Visit Between Cedar Rapids and Magnolia Beach

Are you planning a road trip from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Magnolia Beach, Texas? Don't forget to make time for some fantastic stops along the way. Here are the top five places you don't want to miss.

Halfway Point: Perry, Oklahoma

Perry, Oklahoma, is the perfect halfway point between Cedar Rapids and Magnolia Beach. This charming town is known for its historical downtown district, which features unique shops and restaurants. Be sure to check out the Noble County Courthouse, which was built in 1916 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

1. The Alamo: San Antonio, Texas

No trip to Texas is complete without a visit to the Alamo. This historic mission was the site of the famous Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Today, it is a museum filled with artifacts and exhibits that bring the story of Texas independence to life. Don't forget to take a stroll through the Alamo Gardens, which is home to some of the oldest live oak trees in the state.

2. Cadillac Ranch: Amarillo, Texas

Just outside of Amarillo, you'll find one of the most iconic roadside attractions in the U.S.: Cadillac Ranch. This public art installation features ten Cadillac cars half-buried nose-down in the ground, covered in graffiti and constantly changing thanks to visitors armed with spray paint. Stop by and leave your mark on the quirky artwork.

3. Waco Mammoth National Monument: Waco, Texas

If you're a fan of prehistoric creatures, you won't want to skip Waco Mammoth National Monument. This park is home to the only known nursery herd of Columbian mammoths, which lived around 67,000 years ago. Take a guided tour to see the mammoth fossils and learn about the history of the site.

4. Beavers Bend State Park: Broken Bow, Oklahoma

Known for its crystal-clear lake and stunning fall foliage, Beavers Bend State Park is a nature lover's paradise. Visitors can go kayaking, fishing, hiking, and even zip-lining through the treetops. Be sure to check out the park's iconic Broken Bow Lake Lookout Tower for breathtaking views of the surrounding beauty.

5. The Gateway Arch: St. Louis, Missouri

As you make your way back north towards Cedar Rapids, make a stop in St. Louis to see the iconic Gateway Arch. This stainless steel monument, which stands at 630 feet tall, was built as a tribute to the westward expansion of the U.S. Take a tram ride to the top for stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline.

Don't just rush from one destination to the next on your next road trip. Take time to explore some of the fantastic sights along the way. With these five stops, your journey from Cedar Rapids to Magnolia Beach will be unforgettable.