Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Centertown, Tennessee and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

Have you ever taken a long road trip and found yourself bored with the monotonous highway views? Well, fear no more! We have found five unexpected places to stop on your drive from Centertown, Tennessee to Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. This road trip will span over 1,200 miles and will take approximately 18 hours of driving time. Along the way, you will be able to indulge in unique food, breathtaking scenery, and one of the best college towns in the United States.

Halfway Point: Normal, IL

Before we jump into the unexpected stops, we must mention our midway point, Normal, IL. Normal is not just a standard, boring city. It is the proud home of Illinois State University, a school known for its beautiful campus. Normal has plenty to offer visitors, including breweries, foodie destinations, and unique shopping experiences. If you have the time, stop by the Normal CornBelters ballpark for America’s favorite pastime.

1. Little Nashville, IN

Located approximately three hours from Centertown, TN, Little Nashville is a town that specializes in bluegrass entertainment. The city is filled with live music venues, and one can enjoy local performers' music under the starry night sky. But that's not all, visitors can indulge in classic mid-western cuisine like BBQ at Mike's BBQ Barn. Don't forget to bring an appetite.

2. Wisconsin Dells, WI

Driving from Little Nashville, IN, through the Windy City, you will arrive approximately four hours later in Wisconsin Dells, WI. The Dells is an oasis in the middle of Wisconsin, with breathtaking natural beauty, state parks, and thrilling waterparks for all travelers to enjoy during the summer months. One cannot leave without visiting the Iceberg Drive-In, where you can enjoy one of the best burgers in the area.

3. Sioux Falls, SD

Two hundred miles west of Wisconsin Dells is Sioux Falls, SD, a beautiful and shopping-friendly city for those who love to shop small businesses. Along with some great shopping, the falls that give the city its name, downtown sculptures, outdoor concerts, hiking trails, and the butterfly house and aquarium await visitors. Be sure to stop by Phillips Avenue Diner for a homemade meatloaf sandwich to help refuel for the remainder of the journey.

4. Badlands National Park, SD

Badlands National Park is roughly five hours west of Sioux Falls and is one the most surreal and scenic places in the United States. The park showcases eroded buttes and pinnacles that tower above stunning prairies. Visitors can hike, camp, and experience the otherworldly terrain up close. A must-stop destination for nature lovers. After a long day of hiking, visitors can enjoy some local cuisine at Wall Drug Store, most notably their homemade donuts.

5. Lake Geneva, WI

Approximately eight hours from Badlands National Park, we finally reach our last stop, Lake Geneva, WI, located in southeastern Wisconsin. Lake Geneva is the perfect destination for family vacationers and couples with its charming lakeside towns. Visitors can soak up the sun on the beach and indulge in water sports or take in the view of Geneva Lake on a relaxing boat tour. End your drive with a bang and visit Popeye’s on Lake Geneva, known for its famous lobster mac and cheese.

Taking a long road trip can be daunting, but by taking a few unexpected stops along the way, this can turn your journey into a memorable adventure. From enjoying the entertainment of bluegrass music in a small Indiana town to relaxing on the beach in Lake Geneva, there's something for everyone to enjoy on this road trip. Don't be afraid to take an unexpected route and make memories that will last a lifetime.