Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Champaign, Illinois and Longmont, Colorado

Are you planning a road trip from Champaign, Illinois to Longmont, Colorado? If so, buckle up and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. This journey, spanning over 1,100 miles, promises some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes that the United States has to offer. Along the way, you'll experience small-town charm, rocky mountain ranges, breath-taking national parks, and more. The halfway point of the trip is Lincoln, Nebraska. Here are the top five things to do on this epic journey for an unforgettable experience.

Visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis

One of the most iconic structures in the Midwest is the Gateway Arch, standing at 630 feet tall. Located on the Mississippi River, it was a symbol of westward expansion in the United States in the 19th century. A visit to the Arch offers a chance to take a ride to the top, 630 feet high, on unique tram-like elevators for an incredible view of the city. For history buffs, the Arch has a museum that recounts how the West was won.

Interesting Fact: It is the tallest arch in the world and was built as a monument to honor the American West.

Stopover at the Kansas City Plaza

The historic shopping and entertainment district of Kansas City's Country Club Plaza offers numerous attractions to travellers. The plaza has Seville-inspired architecture and lots of parks and fountains, making it one of the must-visit sites in the area. On a hot day, taking a boat ride on the Country Club Plaza's Brush Creek Waterway Park is a great way to chill out. Alternatively, ice skating over the winter in the open-air ice rink is also popular.

Interesting Fact: The design of the plaza was inspired during a trip to Seville, Spain, in the early 1900s by a local businessman.

Bask in the beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a natural wonder spread out over 415 square miles of breathtaking alpine landscapes. The park offers a myriad of hiking trails, wildlife, and views that will take your breath away. For an awe-inspiring scenic drive, visitors should consider taking the Trail Ridge Road, which reaches up to 12,183 feet and offers a spectacular view of the mountains.

Interesting Fact: The Rocky Mountain National Park was established in 1915 and the highest peak in the park is Longs Peak, at an elevation of over 14,000 feet.

Visit the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

The Garden of the Gods is a unique geological park in Colorado Springs. The park is home to some of the most unique rock formations in the world, including the famous Balanced Rock and Kissing Camels rock formations. The park's hiking trails offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The Garden of the Gods Visitors' Center offers informative exhibits about the park's history, nature, and geology.

Interesting Fact: The towering rock formations at the Garden of the Gods Park were formed approximately 300 million years ago through a geological upheaval known as the uplift.

Soak and Relax at the Glenwood Hot Springs

Stopover for a relaxing soak at the Glenwood Hot Springs, where mineral springs have flowed since the 1880s. The Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has two mineral spring pools for your enjoyment. The larger pool is the size of two football fields and is one of the largest in the world. The water is odorless, and it ranges in temperatures from 90 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The spa is also available for personalized massages, and the health club offers weight training machines and cardio equipment.

Interesting Fact: The water that feeds the Glenwood Hot Springs comes from the Yampah spring and underground mining tunnels with a temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

Conclusion

This road trip from Champaign, Illinois to Longmont, Colorado, is an unforgettable experience. From the Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the Glenwood Hot Springs in Colorado, the road trip will give you the opportunity to explore all the gorgeous landscapes the United States has to offer. This journey takes approximately 16 hours and is best done in multiple days. In between the long drives, pause at one of these must-visit sites and make cherished memories.