Top Five Popular Attractions to see Between Champaign, Illinois and Cary, North Carolina
Are you planning a road trip from Champaign, Illinois to Cary, North Carolina? You'll be happy to know that there are several amazing attractions along the way. From breathtaking landscapes to historic landmarks, we've got you covered.
Point Pleasant, WV - Halfway Point
Point Pleasant is situated in Mason County and conveniently located midway between Champaign and Cary. Here you'll find the Point Pleasant River Museum, which celebrates the history of the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers and their impact on the area. Visit the Mothman Museum, dedicated to the popular legend of Mothman that surrounds the area with fascinating stories about sightings and encounters with the creature. You can take a walk along the riverfront, picnic in the park, and enjoy the small-town charm of Point Pleasant.
Top Five Places to See List
1. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum - Springfield, IL
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is one of the most visited presidential libraries in the United States. The museum features exhibits that display the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. The museum's collections include hundreds of thousands of artifacts that tell the story of Lincoln's life from his childhood to his assassination. If you're interested in history, you'll love this museum.
2. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum - Indianapolis, IN
For all of you car racing enthusiasts, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum should be on your must-see list. Here you'll get to see different types of race cars, trophies from past races, and the garage area where teams prepare their cars. For a nominal fee, you can take a narrated bus tour of the speedway.
3. Smoky Mountains National Park - Great Smoky Mountains, TN
The Smoky Mountains National Park is a natural treasure that runs along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. This park provides an excellent opportunity for adventurous visitors looking to explore with more than 800 miles of trails, most notably the Appalachian and the Mountains-to-Sea trails. Visitors can also take scenic drives or guided tours to enjoy sweeping views of the mountains and wildlife sightings.
4. Biltmore Estate - Asheville, NC
When driving to Cary, you cannot miss visiting Biltmore Estates, one of the largest private homes in the United States. Built by George Vanderbilt II from 1889 to 1895, the chateau-style mansion features beautiful gardens, luxurious rooms, and amazing architectural details that will leave you mesmerized. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the house, visit the winery, enjoy some of the restaurants located on the property, or shop for souvenirs.
5. Duke University - Durham, NC
Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is another must-visit attraction on your trip to Cary. The university is known for its Gothic architecture and beautiful campus. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the campus, visit the Nasher Museum of Art, or watch a sports game at one of Duke's prominent venues, such as Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Conclusion
There you have it! A list of the top five places to see on your road trip from Champaign, Illinois to Cary, North Carolina. The best route for this trip is to take the I-74 E and the I-40 E, which takes about 11 hours and 30 minutes. Along the way, be sure to make stops in Point Pleasant, WV, and enjoy the fascinating attractions this charming town has to offer. Safe travels!