The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chester, Virginia to Manhattan, Kansas
Chester, Virginia, and Manhattan, Kansas may be two cities separated by approximately 1,000 miles, but there is a lot to explore and discover while driving this route. The drive from coast to coast will take around 17 hours without any stops. The halfway mark of the trip is in Ferdinand, IN. There may be many things to do in the towns along the way but here are the top five things to do that are worth stepping out of the car for.
Stop 1: Columbus, OH - The Ohio Statehouse
Visitors to Columbus should not miss the opportunity to visit The Ohio Statehouse. Completed in 1861, this building is a beautiful reminder of the city's history during and after the American Civil War. The building holds regular guided tours that showcase the architectural beauty and the state’s political history.
Interesting fact: The Ohio Statehouse is 238 feet long, 184 feet deep, and the foundation stone was laid on July 4, 1839.
Stop 2: St. Louis, MO - The Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch is a famous structure located in St. Louis, Missouri. The arch honors “St. Louis' role as the Gateway to the West”. Visitors can view the beauty of the arch from dozens of outdoor locations surrounding the structure. Those interested in a more in-depth experience can venture up inside of the arch itself.
Interesting fact: The Gateway arch stands at 630 feet as the tallest structure in Missouri.
Stop 3: Kansas City, MO - The National WWI Museum and Memorial
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is a significant place to visit in Kansas City, Missouri. Both educational and highly emotional, visitors will learn about the global conflict that was World War I. The museum is self-guided and has a large exhibit with everything from interactive maps, videos, and many historical artifacts.
Interesting fact: The National WWI Museum and Memorial has the world's most extensive collection of World War I-related documents, photographs, and artifacts.
Stop 4: Topeka, KS - The Kansas State Capitol
The Kansas State Capitol is a beautifully constructed building with incredible historical significance. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to view its majestic design and see the legislative chambers, governors’ reception rooms, and other historical areas.
Interesting fact: The Kansas State Capitol witnessed the rise of the Ku Klux Klan in Kansas politics in the 1920s.
Stop 5: Manhattan, KS - Konza Prairie Biological Station
The Konza Prairie Biological Station is an ecological research center that offers an outdoor adventure like no other stop on the trip. Visitors can walk the trails, enjoy the wildlife and fields of wildflowers. The buildings in the park are a unique blend of education and preservation efforts that celebrate the flora and fauna of the region.
Interesting fact: The Konza Prairie has never been plowed or grazed and is a significant model for the preservation of native tallgrass prairie.
From the East Coast to the Midwest, this trip can take a week's worth of exploring or just a couple of days of adventurous road travel. The stops mentioned in this road trip have something to offer everyone and provide a glimpse into a mix of US history, culture, and environmental preservation. As diverse as they are, they blend to form a fascinating experience.