Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cerro Gordo, Illinois and La Vergne, Tennessee

Have you ever embarked on a long drive and found yourself bored with the monotony of the highway? If you're driving from Cerro Gordo, Illinois to La Vergne, Tennessee, there are a plethora of interesting places to stop along the way. This road trip offers a unique blend of quaint towns, beautiful scenery, and unexpected sights. The entire journey takes approximately six hours, without any stops - but who wants to do that when there's so much to explore?

At the halfway point of this trip is Vienna, Illinois. Vienna has a population of just over 1,000 people, and it's located in the southern part of the state. If you find yourself in Vienna, stop by the Tunnel Hill State Trail, which is perfect for a bike ride or a walk. The trail is 47.8 miles long, and for those who don't want to go the full distance, there are multiple access points. The trail offers beautiful views of lakes, hills, and rural landscapes. If you're lucky, you might spot some wildlife, such as deer or rabbits.

Now, let's dive into the five unexpected places to stop on a drive between Cerro Gordo, Illinois, and La Vergne, Tennessee.

1. Metropolis, Illinois: Home of Superman (Superman Museum)

Distance from Cerro Gordo: About 2 hours

Metropolis, Illinois, is a small town located on the Ohio River. While it might seem like an ordinary Midwestern town, it is actually home to the Man of Steel - Superman! The Superman Museum is the perfect stop for comic book lovers and superhero fans alike. This museum is packed with memorabilia, including the first Superman comic book, action figures, and even a phone booth that visitors can use to transform into their superhero alter-egos. There's also a gift shop where you can purchase your own Superman gear. In addition to the museum, there's a giant statue of Superman in the town square that makes for a great photo opportunity.

Favorite food to try: Lois Lane's Amaretto Cheesecake from Fat Edd's Roadhouse.

2. Bowling Green, Kentucky: National Corvette Museum

Distance from Metropolis: About 3 hours

Bowling Green, Kentucky, is a city with a rich history and a vibrant downtown area. However, the main attraction here for car enthusiasts is the National Corvette Museum. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 80 Corvettes, including the only 1983 Corvette in existence. Visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour, and there are educational exhibits about the history of the Corvette. For an additional fee, visitors can schedule a test drive of a Corvette and see for themselves what it's like to zoom down the highway in one of America's most iconic sports cars.

Favorite food to try: Hot Brown at the Kentucky Grand Hotel & Spa.

3. Cookeville, Tennessee: Burgess Falls State Park

Distance from Bowling Green: About 1 hour

Cookeville, Tennessee, is a small college town with plenty of outdoor activities to offer. The crown jewel of Cookeville is Burgess Falls State Park, which is about 10 miles outside of the town. The park features four waterfalls, including the 136-foot tall Burgess Falls. There are multiple hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, but all of them offer stunning views of the waterfalls and the surrounding forests. If you're lucky, you might spot some bald eagles or otters. In the summer months, the park is perfect for swimming and picnicking.

Favorite food to try: Fried Bologna Sandwiches at Ralph's Donut Shop.

4. Chattanooga, Tennessee: Ruby Falls

Distance from Cookeville: About 1.5 hours

Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a city with a rich history and plenty of attractions. One of the most unique attractions in Chattanooga is Ruby Falls. Located deep inside Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is a 145-foot underground waterfall. Visitors take an elevator down to the caverns, and then embark on a guided tour through the colorful stalactites and stalagmites. At the end of the tour, visitors arrive at the impressive Ruby Falls.

Favorite food to try: Smoked Pulled Pork at Sticky Fingers Ribhouse.

5. Monteagle, Tennessee: Sewanee: The University of the South

Distance from Chattanooga: About 1 hour

Monteagle, Tennessee, is a small town located near the top of the Cumberland Plateau. This town is most known for the beautiful campus of Sewanee: The University of the South. The campus is known for its picturesque architecture and stunning views of the Tennessee Valley. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the campus and see the iconic libraries, chapels, and dormitories. There's also an on-campus golf course, which was designed by famous golf course architect Seth Raynor.

Favorite food to try: Blackberry Cobbler at The Wild Iris.

Now that you've learned about the unexpected places to stop on a drive between Cerro Gordo, Illinois, and La Vergne, Tennessee, it's time to start planning your trip! This road trip offers a unique mix of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of opportunities to learn about America's cultural icons. Whether you're a Superman fan or a Corvette enthusiast, there's something here for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your friends, and hit the road - you won't regret it!