The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Charleston, SC to Springfield, MO

Charleston, South Carolina and Springfield, Missouri may seem like two destinations that are far apart from each other. However, with the right planning and an adventurous spirit, a road trip connecting these two beautiful cities can be an exciting journey. On this particular road trip, there is a halfway point located in Gordonsville, Tennessee, full of hidden gems. Here are some of the top things to do on this road trip.

Top 5 Things to Do

Visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC

The Biltmore Estate is a 250-room mansion built in 1895 that still stands tall in Asheville, North Carolina. It was built by George Washington Vanderbilt II and is surrounded by acres of beautiful gardens and parks. The Biltmore Estate is a must-visit location on this road trip as it provides visitors with a glimpse of the Gilded Age, an era of American history that is full of elegance, wealth, and sophistication.

Interesting Fact: The Biltmore Estate is America's largest private home and it consists of 178,926 square feet of floor space, 35 bedrooms, and 43 bathrooms.

Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee

Located in the southern Appalachian Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers over 522,000 acres of land and is renowned for its natural beauty. Visitors can choose to hike through the mountains, raft down the rivers, fish in the streams, or simply drive through the park and enjoy the picturesque views. The stunning fall foliage and colorful wildflowers make it a popular destination in the fall.

Interesting Fact: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, with over 11 million visitors annually.

Experience Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN

Experience country music's rich history at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee. The museum features an extensive collection of recordings, photographs, and memorabilia, showcasing the pioneers of the famous genre of music. The state-of-the-art building also hosts performances and has an interactive learning center, making it an ideal stop for visitors of all ages.

Interesting Fact: The Country Music Hall of Fame opened its doors in 1967 and was considered the first country music museum worldwide.

Visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO

One of the most iconic landmarks in St. Louis, Missouri is the Gateway Arch. This 630-foot monument is the tallest arch in the world and an impressive feat of engineering. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch and enjoy panoramic views of the city's skyline. The museum at the Gateway Arch also tells the story of the westward expansion of the United States.

Interesting Fact: The Gateway Arch is made up of over 43,000 tons of concrete and steel, and is designed to withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes and high winds.

Stop by the Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, MO

In Springfield, Missouri, visitors can explore Fantastic Caverns, a massive underground cave system discovered in 1862. The cave is located just outside of the city and offers guided tours that showcase intricate mineral formations and underground lakes. The temperature in the cave is a cool 60 degrees year-round, making it a perfect spot to escape the summer heat.

Interesting Fact: Fantastic Caverns is one of the only caves in North America that offers a completely ride-through experience. Visitors can sit comfortably in a tram as it passes through the caverns.

Conclusion

This road trip covers over 1,200 miles of scenic and historical sites. Along the way, there are various highlights and unique experiences that are worth checking out. Starting in Charleston, South Carolina and ending in Springfield, Missouri, this road trip can take approximately 18 hours to complete. However, travelers can take their time and explore different towns and cities along the way, making this a trip worth extending.