Road Trip from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Dayton, Ohio: A Nonfiction Adventure
Cheyenne, Wyoming and Dayton, Ohio are two cities separated by almost 1,400 miles of glorious American landscape. This epic journey takes you through eight states, and offers some of the most scenic drives in the country. The trip has many highlights, but one of the most exciting aspects is the halfway point in Stewartsville, MO. From the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains to the flatlands of Missouri, the trip offers something for everyone.
The Top Five Things to Do
1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a must-visit destination for anyone taking a road trip through the United States. Carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota are the faces of four of the most iconic American Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. This monument is an incredible feat of engineering, taking over 14 years to complete, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Interesting Fact: Sculptor Gutzon Borglum died before the project was completed, and his son Lincoln finished the work.
2. Badlands National Park
The Badlands National Park in South Dakota is a rugged and surreal landscape that is truly breathtaking. The rock formations, eroded by the forces of water and wind, take on a myriad of shapes and colors making this park one of the most fascinating natural wonders in the country. Visitors can explore the park by car or by foot, with a number of hiking trails that offer jaw-dropping vistas of the surrounding area.
Interesting Fact: The Badlands are home to one of the largest fossil beds in the world!
3. Gateway Arch National Park
The Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri is a tribute to the westward expansion of the United States. The arch is a 630-foot stainless steel structure that symbolizes the completion of the Gateway Arch, a route for early pioneers traveling out West. Visitors can ascend to the top of the arch in a unique tram ride that offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding city.
Interesting Fact: The Gateway Arch is not only the world's tallest arch, but it's also the tallest man-made monument in the United States.
4. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
For music lovers, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio is an absolute must-visit destination. The museum is a colorful celebration of rock and roll history, with exhibits and artifacts that pay tribute to the greatest bands and musicians to have ever hit the stage. Visitors can view everything from Elvis Presley's jumpsuit to Michael Jackson's glitter gloves.
Interesting Fact: The museum was designed by architect I.M. Pei, who also created the famous glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris.
5. National Museum of the United States Air Force
The National Museum of the United States Air Force, located near Dayton, Ohio, is the largest and oldest military aviation museum in the world. The museum boasts an incredible collection of aircraft, including historic planes, helicopters, and space capsules. Visitors can take a tour of the museum, or even sit in the cockpit of some of the planes on display.
Interesting Fact: The museum has over 360 aircraft on display, including a number of one-of-a-kind prototypes.
Route Conclusion
The road trip from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Dayton, Ohio takes approximately 22 hours of driving time, covers almost 1,400 miles, and takes you through eight states. With so much to see and do, this journey is an unforgettable adventure that will appeal to anyone who wants to explore the beauty of the United States. Whether you visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial or the National Museum of the United States Air Force, this road trip offers something for everyone. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the best that America has to offer!