Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Champaign, Illinois to Fort Smith, Arkansas
Introduction
Stretching over 500 miles, a road trip from Champaign, Illinois, to Fort Smith, Arkansas, can be a tedious journey when traversed without any notable stops. However, by making a few unexpected stops along the way, travelers can easily break the monotony and enjoy some hidden gems that often go overlooked. After completing a recent trip between these two cities, this article outlines five unexpected places worth stopovers along the route to break up the drive.
The Halfway Point: Saint Robert, MO
At about halfway between the starting point and the destination lies Saint Robert, MO. This small city with a population of just over 5,000 is essentially the gateway to the Ozarks. Saint Robert offers a perfect midpoint break in the journey where travelers can rest a while or even spend a night before continuing the trip the following day.
1. Uranus Missouri
Although at first sight, the name of this city may be off-putting, Uranus Missouri has several fun and interesting stops for road-trippers. For instance, Visitors can take a tour of the Uranus Fudge Factory and try some of their delicious homemade fudge. Another favorite stop among visitors is the Uranus General Store that sells a wide variety of quirky souvenirs, including clothing, homemade sauces, and spices. Additionally, visitors can stop by the Uranus escape rooms, where they can test their escape skills and enjoy a fun family experience.
Favorite Food to Eat in Uranus: Handmade Fudge from Uranus Fudge Factory
2. Branson, MO
While it is not much of a hidden gem, Branson, MO, still offers an incredible break to travelers. Known as the Las Vegas of Missouri, Branson is full of widely known and popular tourist attractions. Some must-visit attractions include the Titanic Museum, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Silver Dollar City Theme Park, where visitors can enjoy thrilling rollercoasters, live music, delicious food, and so much more.
Favorite Food to Eat in Branson: Smoked Brisket at Gettin' Basted
3. Bentonville, AR
As the home of Walmart, the city of Bentonville, AR, has transforming into a must-stop destination among road travelers. Even for those who are not into shopping, there is still a variety of things to see and do in Bentonville. One must visit spot is the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which offers free admission and houses an extensive collection of audio tours, breathtaking trails, and stunning temporary exhibitions.
Favorite Food to Eat in Bentonville: Mussels and Fries at Pressroom
4. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
The Ozark National Forest is over 1.2 million acres of natural beauty and offers several exciting activities for adventure seekers. The Forest is an excellent stop for visitors looking for a peaceful escape from the busy interstate highways. There are several guided tours, hiking trails, and recreational areas in the park. One popular trail is the Whitaker Point Trail that leads hikers to picturesque Hawksbill Crag, which provides fantastic views of the forest.
Favorite Food to Eat in the Ozark National Forest: BBQ Ribs at Catfish Hole
5. Devil's Den State Park
Located a short drive from Fort Smith, AR, the Devil's Den State Park offers breathtaking scenery for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Devil's Den consists of 2,500 acres of breathtaking beauty, miles of hiking trails, adventure sports, playgrounds, and campsites. Moreover, visitors can tour the historic park CCC Pavilion, which has entertained millions of visitors for over 70 years, making Devil's Den a must-stop destination.
Favorite Food to Eat in Devil's Den State Park: S'mores while Camping
Conclusion
There's no reason why one should travel between Champaign, Illinois, and Fort Smith, Arkansas, without disrupting the journey with some refreshing and exciting stops. The five destinations highlighted above offer a range of activities and experiences and provide an excellent opportunity for road trippers to create memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack the car, buckle up, and hit the road to discover the gems located on the oft-overlooked stops that make cross-country travel a truly incredible adventure.