Best Places to Visit on a Trip Between Chattanooga, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana
If you're planning a road trip between Chattanooga and New Orleans, you're in for a treat. The journey will take you through beautiful scenery, clear waterways, and picturesque towns that will capture your heart. Here are the top five places to visit on your trip.
Halfway Point: Eutaw, AL
Eutaw is a charming small town that lies exactly halfway between Chattanooga and New Orleans. Drive through gorgeous bales of cotton and farmland as you head to the heart of town. Visit the historic Greene County Courthouse, which was built in 1838 and restored in 1977. Take a stroll around the courthouse square, soak up the historic architecture, and capture some great photos for your Insta feed.
1. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
Located 44 miles southwest of Birmingham, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park is a beautiful spot to visit and a must-see attraction during your road trip. The park was once a hub of iron and steel production and now stands as a beautiful and peaceful park with a museum and plenty of tourist attractions. Explore the rebuilt old village, hike the many trails around the park or buy some of the handmade goods from the local artisans.
2. Vicksburg National Military Park
Get your Civil War history fix at Vicksburg National Military Park. Located just outside the charming southern city of Vicksburg, Mississippi, the military park occupies almost 1,800 acres and stands as a memorial to the Union and Confederate soldiers who fought in the famous Battle of Vicksburg. Take a guided tour to learn more about the Civil War, or explore the park on your own. Make sure to stop by the USS Cairo Museum to learn about the first armored ship in naval history runs by steam and captured by the Union army.
3. The French Quarter in New Orleans
No trip to New Orleans would be complete without a visit to the French Quarter, known as one of the city's most colorful and lively neighborhoods. The French Quarter dates back to the 1700s, and the streets are lined with Spanish-style architecture, music, and the most delicious food in the world. Taste french toast, seafood gumbo, and shrimp creole. Drop by Cafe Du Monde to try their home-made beignets and fresh-roasted coffee. Catch some live music, sip on a Hurricane at the infamous Pat O'Brien's, enjoy the vibrant markets of Jackson Square, and take in the hustle and bustle of the Big Easy.
4. The Lost Sea Adventure
The Lost Sea Adventure in Sweetwater, Tennessee, is the largest underground lake in the United States. The caverns were discovered in 1905 by Ben Sands, and since then, they have become a stunning tourist attraction full of adventure. Take a guided tour and marvel at the beautiful underground lake, which stretches over 4 acres. You'll learn about the history of the caverns and even get to take a boat ride on the famous underground lake.
5. U.S. Space and Rocket Center
If you're a space junkie, you'll want to stop by the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The center is home to the famous Saturn V rocket, which was used during the Apollo Moon landings and was, and still remains, the most powerful rocket ever built. Here, you'll find several interactive exhibits, including the "Moon Shot" simulator where visitors can experience what it was like to blast off in a rocket and the G-Force Accelerator, a replica rocket which will test your sudden acceleration's impact.
With so many incredible attractions and beautiful towns to visit between Chattanooga and New Orleans, you'll be sure to create memorable experiences along the way.
Wrap-up
Your trip along the route from Chattanooga to New Orleans will take you to some of the most beautiful places in the United States. From the charming small town of Eutaw, AL to the vibrant culture of the French Quarter in New Orleans, every stop has its unique charm. Explore the parks, taste the great food, learn the history, and enjoy all the fun that awaits you along the route!