Points of Interest between China Grove, North Carolina to Clovis, New Mexico

picture of China Grove, North Carolina

Road Trip: Discovering Cultural Treasures from China Grove, North Carolina to Clovis, New Mexico

Are you looking for a great summer road trip adventure that you can embark on with your friends or family? Consider going on a scenic drive from China Grove, North Carolina to the beautiful city of Clovis, New Mexico! This six-state, over 1,400 miles adventure offers history buffs, nature lovers, culture seekers, and anyone in between a chance to make lasting memories.

Did you know that the first road trip in history dates back to 1888 when Bertha Benz took the very first long-distance car trip with her children in a car invented by her husband Carl Benz? Over a century later, you can follow in her footsteps; while your ride may be markedly different (with sleek engines and life conveniences) -- you’ll cover some of the same grounds she did in the world’s first car!

At the halfway point of North Little Rock, AR, you can stretch your legs and check out the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. This fantastic museum hosts the USS Razorback, which was commissioned during World War II, and has various hands-on exhibits and interactive activities that the whole family will enjoy.

Driving between China Grove and Clovis can take you around 20 hours of driving depending on the route taken and any detours. For this journey, we suggest taking US-70 W and, along the way, you can explore various museums, parks, and landmarks to break up the driving. Here are the top five locations to check out in this ultimate road trip:

  1. Guggenheim Museum, Biloxi, Mississippi

A stop worth taking is at the Guggenheim Museum, which houses a fantastic collection of contemporary art. There is even the added bonus of the beauty of the building designed by Frank Gehry. You'll find a collection of works from various artists, as well as interactive exhibitions that will fascinate art lovers.

One point of interest to check out is Biloxi's Historic Lighthouse, a towering, beacon structure at the edge of the Mississippi Sound. Built in 1848, the lighthouse is one of the oldest in the region and the sole lighthouse in the US situated in the middle of a highway.

  1. The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, Johnson City, Texas

The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park was established in 1969, when President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, "Lady Bird", donated their ranch to the American people. The park's attractions include the LBJ Ranch, the "Texas White House," and several historic structures related to the former president's life.

A stop worth making is to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. There, visitors can marvel at the impressive granite dome, nature hikes, brilliant stargazing, and even camping for those who want to spend an overnight stay.

  1. White Sands National Park, Alamogordo, New Mexico

A must-visit destination is the White Sands National Park in Alamogordo, New Mexico, which boasts fields of snowy-white sand dunes in the middle of the desert landscape, creating an otherworldly and serene atmosphere.

After spending some time feeling the soft, fine sands, head to the New Mexico Museum of Space History. The museum has fantastic exhibitions that will transport visitors back through time to the space race of the atomic age.

  1. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is an adventure into America's Western frontier heritage with a vast collection of Western art, artifacts, firearms, and memorabilia. A must-see is the "End of the Trail" sculpture, which captures a Native American who defeated spirit wonderfully.

A suggestion to divert your route is to drive through the Talimena National Scenic Byway Drive, which offers 54 miles of scenic vistas on Highway 88 between Oklahoma and Arkansas and sight of the highest peak in Arkansas called The Queen Wilhelmina State Park.

  1. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

This national park is a treasure trove of scenic treasures and endless wonders. Petrified Forest National Park in Apache County, Arizona, offers various hikes, superb park views, and attractions such as Blue Mesa, Painted Desert, and Crystal Forest.

Spend some time marveling at the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark, a 1937 Pueblo Deco-style building designed by Lyle Bennett, that once served as a restaurant, gas station, and inn for visitors to the national park.

In conclusion, this road trip is an excellent adventure that offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, take detours, and stop in small towns and cities along the way. The journey from China Grove, North Carolina, to Clovis, New Mexico, offers stunning landscapes, historic sites, and cultural treasures. You will undoubtedly make lasting memories, and the experience is worth it.