Top Five Attractions to See on a Trip between Chicago and Sulphur
Are you planning a road trip from Chicago, Illinois, to Sulphur, Louisiana, and wondering what are the must-see attractions in between? Look no more! As a travel writer, I have explored this route and have put together a list of the top five popular places to see. From history to nature, this route offers a diversity of sites that will make your trip exciting and memorable. So, fasten your seatbelt, and let's hit the road!
Memphis, TN - the Gateway to the South
As you embark on this road trip, Memphis, Tennessee, is the halfway point between Chicago and Sulphur, and an ideal stop to stretch your legs, grab some food, and explore a vibrant city rich in history and culture. Memphis, also known as the gateway to the south, is renowned for its role in music history, with legendary musicians like Elvis Presley, B.B. King and Johnny Cash who made their mark here. Downtown Memphis offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, while nearby Beale Street, famed for its live music and blues clubs, will keep music enthusiasts entertained. In addition, The National Civil Rights Museum is a must-visit, located at the Lorraine Motel, which is where civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.
Top Five Places to See
- Indiana Dunes National Park - Chesterton, IN.
Our first stop on this journey is Indiana Dunes National Park, located in Chesterton, Indiana. This park is an explorer's dream, covering over 15,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands, prairies, and sand dunes that stretch along the southern shores of Lake Michigan. Visitors can take a hike or bike trail that runs for 50 miles, bird watch, fishing, or swim on the beach. Thrill-seekers can rent a sandboard and slide down one of the tallest sand dunes near the lake.
- Mammoth Cave National Park - Mammoth Cave, KY.
Our second stop takes us to Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest-known cave system in the world, located in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. The park covers over 52,000 acres and offers more than 80 miles of trails, with 14 known hiking trails to accommodate every level of hiker. Visitors can explore hundreds of miles of underground caves, view underground rivers and lakes, and witness awe-inspiring cave formations. Nature enthusiasts will love the variety of flora and fauna found in the park, including wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, black bears, and other wildlife species.
- Natchez Trace Parkway - Tupelo, MS.
Our third stop is located in Tupelo, Mississippi, offering visitors a scenic drive through 444 miles of national parkway, running through beautiful forests, waterfalls, and historical sites. Natchez Trace Parkway offers various historical sites, including The Chickasaw Village Site where Chickasaw Indians prepared for their journey to Indian Territory in the 1800s. Visitors can get a glimpse of the world around the early settlers from the many interpretive exhibits and educational programs found along the way.
- Vicksburg National Military Park - Vicksburg, MS.
Our fourth stop takes us to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where we will visit the Vicksburg National Military Park, covering over 1,800 acres and recognized as one of the largest remaining Civil War battlefields in the United States. Visitors can tour the Vicksburg battlefield and learn about the events surrounding the Siege of Vicksburg and their impact on the state of Mississippi and the country. The park features over 1,300 monuments, markers, and plaques, and with the Battle of Vicksburg Memorial Arch at the entrance of the park. History buffs will love this stop, and make sure to check out the USS Cairo, an ironclad warship that sank in the Yazoo River in 1862.
- Avery Island - Iberia Parish, LA.
Our final stop is located in Iberia Parish, Louisiana, where we will explore Avery Island. This island is famous for being the birthplace of Tabasco sauce and is still where the company produces all its hot sauce products. Visitors can tour the Tabasco Museum and Factory, learn about the history of the sauce, and participate in a guided tour of the gardens and a bird sanctuary. The island also offers hiking trails and other outdoor activities, with a Jungle Garden covering around 170 acres and featuring beautiful flora and fauna, as well as a 900-year-old Buddha statue.
Conclusion
This road trip takes approximately 16 hours and covers over 1,000 miles, with exciting stops in between that offer a combination of history, nature, and cultural immersion. I recommend starting from Chicago and heading south on I-65 towards Indiana Dunes National Park, then following the route mentioned above through Memphis, TN, before heading further south to Avery Island. On the return trip, I suggest going through different cities or exploring other attractions. Plan your trip with these top five attractions in mind, and you are sure to have an unforgettable experience!