#Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Centennial, CO to Lebanon, MO Centennial, CO and Lebanon, MO are just over 900 miles apart, making for an epic road trip through multiple states. The trip takes about 15 hours each way without stops, making it the perfect opportunity to explore several worthwhile destinations along the way. The halfway point of Wilson, KS offers a perfect place to take a break and explore the local area. Below are five top things to do on this road trip.
##1. Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center in Colorado Springs, CO Garden of the Gods is a public park that features stunning rock formations, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the Pikes Peak region. Visitors can take a guided nature walk, rent a Segway, or simply explore the park on their own. The visitor center offers educational exhibits and even a dinosaur exhibit for children.
Interesting Fact: Garden of the Gods was gifted to the City of Colorado Springs by Charles Elliott Perkins in 1909. Before then, the land was inhabited by various indigenous tribes including the Ute and the Comanche.
##2. Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe, NM The Palace of the Governors is a National Historic Landmark that was completed in 1610 making it the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States. The building served as the territorial capital for the Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. governments and is now a history museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits from the Southwest region.
Interesting Fact: The building was constructed under Governor Pedro de Peralta's supervision and is one of the oldest public buildings constructed by Europeans in the United States.
##3. Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX This iconic art installation is located just off Route 66 and features a series of ten Cadillac cars half-buried in the ground, all painted with various designs and colors. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own cans of spray paint to add their own personal touch to the cars. The installation is open to the public and provides an excellent photo opportunity.
Interesting Fact: The cars were originally installed in 1974 by a group of artists called Ant Farm and were intended to represent the evolution of the Cadillac tail fin.
##4. Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, AR Thorncrown Chapel is a stunning glass and wood structure located deep in the Arkansas Ozark Mountains. The chapel was designed by architect E. Fay Jones and has won numerous architectural awards since its completion in 1980. Visitors can attend Sunday services or simply marvel at the beauty of the building.
Interesting Fact: Thorncrown Chapel has been named one of the top four wedding chapels in the United States by Reuters.
##5. Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton, MO Ha Ha Tonka State Park is home to the ruins of an early 20th-century castle built by a wealthy businessman, Robert Snyder. Visitors can explore the ruins and the surrounding lake, caves, and hiking trails. The park is also home to numerous species of birds and other wildlife.
Interesting Fact: The castle was modeled after European castles and was designed to serve as a summer home for Snyder. However, he died before construction was completed, and the castle fell into disrepair. Today, it is a popular tourist destination.
##Conclusion Embarking on this road trip from Centennial, CO to Lebanon, MO offers numerous exciting opportunities for adventure. From the stunning red rocks of Garden of the Gods, to the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States, and even the whimsical Cadillac Ranch, there is something for everyone on this trip. Even the drive itself is an adventure, revealing the beauty and diversity of the United States, from the towering Rocky Mountains to the sweeping Great Plains. In total, the trip is a 30-hour round trip, providing ample time to explore each destination and create unforgettable memories.