Chicago to Columbus: Top Five Popular Attractions
Are you ready for a road trip? Start packing your bags and filling up the gas tank! This adventure will take you from the Windy City to the Magnolia State. Along the way, there are many incredible attractions to see and explore. Here are the top five places to visit on your journey from Chicago, Illinois to Columbus, Mississippi.
Halfway Point: Anna, IL
Before we get started with our top five list, let's take a moment to highlight the halfway point on this journey. Anna, IL is a small town located in Southern Illinois. It's a great place to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. The town boasts many historical sites to explore, such as the Anna State Hospital, which served as a psychiatric facility during the Civil War. You'll also find plenty of antique shops, art galleries, and local restaurants to enjoy.
Top Five Places to See List
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark Sloss Furnaces is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history or industry. This National Historic Landmark was once a pig iron-producing facility that operated from the late 1800s to the 1970s. Today, visitors can tour the site and learn about the workers who toiled in the hot, dangerous conditions of the furnace.
Mammoth Cave National Park If you're looking for natural wonders, Mammoth Cave National Park is the place to go. Located in central Kentucky, this park is home to the world's longest known system of caves. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves, explore the vast network of trails, or even go horseback riding. With over 400 miles of caves to explore, Mammoth Cave National Park is a true wonder of nature.
The Jack Daniel Distillery Located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, the Jack Daniel Distillery is a historic site and a great place to learn about the whiskey-making process. Visitors can take a guided tour of the distillery and see how the famous Tennessee whiskey is made. The site also includes a museum, gift shop, and a tasting room.
Vicksburg National Military Park Vicksburg National Military Park is a must-see destination for history buffs. This park preserves the site of the American Civil War Battle of Vicksburg, fought in 1863. Visitors can tour the site and learn about the soldiers who fought and died in this important battle. The park also includes the USS Cairo Museum, which houses the remains of a Civil War-era ship.
Natchez Trace Parkway The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic drive that stretches over 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. This historic road follows the path of an ancient trail used by Native Americans and early settlers. Along the way, visitors can explore historic landmarks, scenic overlooks, and hiking trails. The Natchez Trace Parkway is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty and rich history of the region.
Conclusion
If you're embarking on a road trip from Chicago to Columbus, be sure to include these top five attractions on your itinerary. From historic landmarks to natural wonders, there's something for everyone along the way. And if you're looking for the best route, we recommend taking I-57 South to Anna, IL, then hopping on the I-24 West towards Nashville. From there, take the I-65 South towards Birmingham, then the I-22 West towards Tupelo. Finally, take the US-45 South to Columbus, Mississippi. Happy travels!