The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chesterfield, Missouri to Evansville, Indiana

Planning a road trip from Chesterfield, Missouri to Evansville, Indiana can be an exciting journey through history, nature, and culture. The trip covers approximately 237 miles and takes around four and a half hours without any stops. However, the true beauty of a road trip lies in the journey, not just the destination. The best way to experience this trip is by taking the I-64 route that travels through some of the most thrilling destinations in the heart of America.

The halfway point of this trip is Mt. Vernon, IL, which offers some interesting attractions and activities. Without further ado, let's dive into the top five things to do on a road trip from Chesterfield, Missouri to Evansville, Indiana.

1. Visit the Gateway Arch, St Louis

The Gateway Arch is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting St. Louis. The arch stands tall at 630 feet, making it the tallest arch and the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can ride in small capsules up to the top of the arch, where they can experience a breathtaking view of the city and the Mississippi River.

Interesting Fact: The Gateway Arch was built as a symbol of America's westward expansion, and its unique shape was designed by architect Eero Saarinen. The arch was completed in 1965 and was designated as a national historic landmark in 1987.

2. Enjoy the Lincoln Heritage Trail, Springfield

The Lincoln Heritage Trail is a great way to learn about the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln. The trail spans across 42 Illinois counties, including Springfield, where Lincoln lived for many years. Visitors can explore several historic sites, including the Old State Capitol, Lincoln's Home, Lincoln's Tomb, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum.

Interesting Fact: The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum houses more than 52,000 books, 1,500 linear feet of archives, and over 12 million manuscripts, making it the largest collection of Lincoln-related materials in the world.

3. Hike the Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest

If you're looking for a nature-filled adventure, the Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest is the perfect spot. The Garden of the Gods is known for its unique rock formations that were formed over 320 million years ago. The park offers several hiking trails that cater to hikers of all levels. It is also a great spot for camping, fishing, and picnicking.

Interesting Fact: The Garden of the Gods' unique rock formations is made up of sandstone, which gets its reddish color from the iron oxide in the rock.

4. Explore the Indiana Military Museum, Vincennes

The Indiana Military Museum is a must-visit attraction for history buffs. The museum features over 50,000 artifacts that showcase the history of the military in Indiana. The collection includes vehicles, weapons, uniforms, and other military memorabilia, including an F-14 Tomcat fighter jet and a UH-1H Huey helicopter.

Interesting Fact: The Indiana Military Museum was founded by Jim Osborne, a veteran who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

5. Indulge in Local Flavors at the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival, Evansville

Cap off your road trip with an epic food experience at the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival. This 5-day festival is one of the largest street festivals in the USA and features over 100 food vendors serving up local delicacies such as brain sandwiches, corn dogs, and funnel cakes. The festival is held every October and attracts over 150,000 visitors annually.

Interesting Fact: The West Side Nut Club Fall Festival has been a tradition in Evansville for over 100 years and is a major fundraising event for local charities.

Conclusion

The road trip from Chesterfield, Missouri, to Evansville, Indiana, is an adventure that takes you through the heart of America's history, culture, and nature. From the Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival in Evansville, there is never a dull moment on this trip. With stops at Springfield, Shawnee National Forest, and Vincennes, visitors can learn about Abraham Lincoln, hike breathtaking trails, and explore military history. With so many exciting destinations to visit, this road trip is worth embarking on.