Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee and Boulder, Colorado
A road trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Boulder, Colorado covers a distance of approximately 1,300 miles, taking you through seven states. The journey offers travelers incredible sights to see, adventures to embark upon, and a taste of different cultures as you make your way through Southern and Midwestern states before reaching the beautiful mountainous terrain of the western United States.
As you make your way through the journey, Blue Springs, Missouri, serves as the halfway point, offering numerous sites, activities, and places to stay.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
St Louis is one of the major stops on the route, and the Gateway Arch stands as its iconic landmark. The Gateway Arch, built-in 1965, stands at 630 feet tall, and visitors would have the opportunity to ascend to the top by using the tram system from inside the Arch.
Fun fact: The Gateway Arch is the tallest arch in the world, and it is Missouri state's official monument.
2. White River State Park, Indianapolis, Indiana
White River State Park, Indiana, is another excellent spot to stretch your legs as you follow this route. With several walking trails, water sports, golfing, and bird watching activities, the park offers visitors a chance to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. There are also several museums in the park, including the NCAA Hall of Champions and the Indiana State Museum, each offering a unique learning experience.
Fun fact: White River State Park spreads over 250 acres of land and receives over a million people visiting annually.
3. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois
A trip to Springfield, Illinois, won't be complete without visiting this Presidential Library and Museum, featuring exhibits on Abraham Lincoln. The museum has well-curated displays, including rare artifacts, reenactments of the Civil War battle, and interactive exhibits, with the Library offering a vast collection of presidential records.
Fun fact: Abraham Lincoln's presidential library and museum has over 52,000 square feet of exhibit space and 12 million documents within its underground storage area.
4. The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas
The Cosmosphere is an out-of-this-world experience for kids, families, and space enthusiasts. The museum features an extensive display of space-related artifacts, simulations, and educational materials, including the actual Apollo 13 command module, the Gemini 10 spacecraft, and a German V-1 flying bomb.
Fun fact: The Cosmosphere houses the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Russia, including a genuine Sputnik satellite.
5. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater in Denver, Colorado
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater near Denver, provides the perfect setting for campers, picnickers, and nature enthusiasts. The park offers visitors hiking and biking trails, wildlife, and panoramic views of the scenic Rocky Mountain foothills. Besides being a natural wonder, it's also a concert venue hosting world-renowned performers in a serene outdoor atmosphere.
Fun fact: Red Rocks Park is over 600 acres, with many unique geological features, including a natural rock amphitheater that can accommodate up to 9,500 people.
Conclusion
Overall the route from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Boulder, Colorado offer travelers plenty of amazing experiences and some fantastic sites to visit. The combination of nature, culture, and attractions make for wonderful stops on the way. Depending on stops and sightseeing detours, the trip could take nine days to complete, leaving memories that will last a lifetime.