Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chenoa, Illinois to Little Rock, Arkansas

Chenoa, Illinois, and Little Rock, Arkansas may not be the most popular cities, but they offer some of the most incredible experiences for road trip enthusiasts. With a distance of about 428 miles, this road trip presents the perfect opportunity to take in the picturesque scenery of the Midwest while exploring some of the country's hidden gems. The journey from Chenoa to Little Rock takes about 7 hours and 10 minutes with a halfway point in Fredericktown, MO, which is known for its historic downtown area and the Elephant Rocks State Park.

Top 5 Things To Do on the Road Trip

1. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is one of the largest and most fascinating archaeological sites in North America. It was the center of the ancient civilization of Cahokia and contains more than 80 ceremonial, residential, and monumental mounds. Travelers can explore the stunningly well-preserved ruins of the grand plaza, reconstructed mounds, and interact with interpretive exhibits in the Cahokia Interpretive Center. It is a must-visit destination to learn about North America's fascinating pre-Columbian history.

Interesting Fact: The site was home to the most complicated Native American civilization north of Mexico and was directly linked to nearly all the largest settlements across the United States.

2. Gateway Arch National Park

The Gateway Arch, standing at an impressive 630 feet, is one of the most iconic landmarks in St. Louis. Erected in 1967, the Arch commemorates Thomas Jefferson and the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the Arch to experience sweeping panoramic views of the city. There are also other attractions like the Museum of Westward Expansion and the Old Courthouse, which is a historical landmark in its own right.

Interesting Fact: The Gateway Arch is both the tallest arch construction and the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere.

3. Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park is home to a rich concentration of natural springs that have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries. The park offers visitors the chance to explore the fascinating history of hot springs' development, starting from the arrival of European settlers to the golden age of the bathhouse era. The geologically dynamic park is also a favorite destination for hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the fresh mountain air.

Interesting Fact: The hot springs in Hot Springs National Park are some of the hottest in the United States, with the average temperature of 143 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean State Park is a stunning park hidden away in the Ouachita Mountains near Little Rock. The park offers visitors a great way to experience Arkansas's natural beauty, with unique rock formations and stunning views across the Arkansas River Valley. Visitors can also hike to the Cedar Falls, one of the state's biggest waterfalls in the region, or hike to the stunning outlooks like the Bear Cave Trail or the Seven Hollows Trail.

Interesting Fact: The park was named after Petit Jean, reportedly a French girl who dressed as a boy to accompany her lover, a recruit at the court of King Henry IV to the New World, in the early 1700s. She purportedly remained in the area and lived out her life in secret.

5. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is a noteworthy landmark in the civil rights movement and an emblem of bravery. The site commemorates the struggle for racial equality and integration in public schools as a result of the Brown v. Board of Education U.S. Supreme Court decision. Visitors can take a walking tour through the school, including the restored classrooms, auditoriums, and a museum to learn about the Little Rock Nine, the African-American students who integrated Central High School in 1957.

Interesting Fact: Little Rock Central High School is one of nine high schools named in a case that reached the Supreme Court as Cooper v. Aaron, decided on September 12, 1958.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the road trip from Chenoa, Illinois, to Little Rock, Arkansas, is an unforgettable experience. Whether you are fascinated by archaeology, architecture, or the outdoors, this trip offers something for everyone. Along the way, travelers can visit some of the most unique and fascinating destinations, including the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Gateway Arch National Park, Hot Springs National Park, Petit Jean State Park, and Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. The journey takes about 7 hours and 10 minutes, but the memories and experiences will be cherished forever.