Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Centerton, Arkansas and Auburn, Kansas

Centerton, Arkansas and Auburn, Kansas may not be top tourist destinations, but the road trip between these two cities offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration. The scenic route crosses through five states, cutting across the Midwest and the Great Plains. Halfway point Erie, KS, is a small town with big character and makes for a perfect pit stop.

Here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Centerton, Arkansas, to Auburn, Kansas:

1. Visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum is nestled in the Ozark Mountains and features a collection of American art from the colonial era to contemporary times. It has over 5,000 works of art on display, from painters like Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol. All of the art is set in a gorgeous natural setting, with walking trails and outdoor sculptures.

Interesting Fact: The museum is the brainchild of Walmart heiress Alice Walton and cost over $500 million to build.

2. Tour the University of Kansas Campus in Lawrence, Kansas

The University of Kansas is a public research university located in Lawrence, Kansas. The campus is beautiful, with its mix of historic and modern buildings, and there are plenty of things to see and do. Sports fans can catch a game at the Allen Fieldhouse, where basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain once played. The Jayhawk statues located throughout the campus are popular photo spots.

Interesting Fact: The university has a long history of political activism, and former students include journalists and Watergate figures Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.

3. Check out the Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas, is dedicated to all things Wizard of Oz. The museum has a large collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the classic movie, and it's the perfect place to visit for fans of the story. The gift shop is an excellent spot to find tin man t-shirts and other souvenirs.

Interesting Fact: Wamego considers itself the "Little Oz," and the yellow brick road in the town square is made from over 8,000 brick pavers.

4. Experience a Cattle Drive in the Flint Hills

The Flint Hills of Kansas are home to some of the most extensive prairies in the United States and are beautiful to explore by car. For a true cowboy experience, you can opt for a cattle drive where you can be part of the cowboys driving a herd of cattle across the plains. It’s an adventure that gives you a glimpse of the West's storied past.

Interesting Fact: The Flint Hills of Kansas feature the largest remaining tallgrass prairie in North America.

5. Visit Kaw Point in Kansas City, Kansas

Kaw Point is located in Kansas City, Kansas, at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers. This site marks the spot where the Lewis and Clark Expedition reached the confluence of the two rivers in 1804. The site offers interpretive signs and a pavilion that illustrates the expedition's purpose as it moved from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean.

Interesting Fact: The rivers’ intersection served as a point of reference for navigators, traders, and settlers as they made their way westward.

The road trip between Centerton, Arkansas, and Auburn, Kansas, is a journey through history and nature. The route takes approximately 10 hours, making it a perfect weekend getaway. Whether you enjoy art, sports, or history, there's something for everyone along this route. The trip ends in Auburn, Kansas, a small town with a big heart. Overall, this is an adventure that is sure to leave road trippers with unique memories that will last a lifetime.