DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE AMERICAN ROAD TRIP
Best of the Midwest
Missouri - Kansas
Stops on this Route:
- Table Rock State Park
- Discovery Center
- Mark Twain National Forest
- The St Louis Walk of Fame
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Bloomington – Constitution Trail
- Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co
- Riverside IA – James T. Kirk’s future birthplace
- Des Moines Art Center
- Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
- Legends Outlets Kansas City
What to drive:
Make the most of your US road trip with something from our American Collection:
Best of the Midwest
Stop 1: Table Rock State Park 1/12
Before you head out on the road, why not spend some time at one of Missouri’s best natural features? Table Rock State Park possesses great trails for both hikers and bikers, while Table Rock Lake offers activities on and under the water. Hire a boat from the marina and take a scenic trip across the water, or enjoy a spot of fishing by the lake. You can even hire SCUBA equipment and take a dive underneath to explore the hidden depths.
Best of the Midwest
Stop 2: Discovery Center 2/12
The Discovery Center touts itself as an exciting learning experience for visitors of all ages, featuring interactive hands-on exhibits and themed attractions. Discover the workings of the human body by strolling through a gigantic eye, or explore the basics of DNA and genetics at the CromoZone Lab. Space fanatics also won't want to miss the astronomy section located on the third-floor.
Best of the Midwest
Stop 3: Mark Twain National Forest 3/12
This National Forest makes up part of the Ozark Highlands - a rocky range known for its spectacular springs and caves. There are several specially-designated Wilderness Areas where nature runs wild and free from man-made modernisations. Hercules Glades is a particular highlight, with over 12,000 acres of unspoilt beauty and breathtaking views of the Ozarks. There are approximately 350 miles of streams within the Forest, which are great for kayaking or inner tubing. (Image credit: Bhanu Tadlnada)
Best of the Midwest
Stop 4: The St Louis Walk of Fame 4/12
The St Louis Walk of Fame pays tribute to its home-grown talent, with Hollywood-style brass plaques paved on the sidewalk in honour of noteable figures like Chuck Berry, John Goodman and William S. Burroughs. The Walk of Fame is situated on the Delmar Loop, which offers six blocks of shopping, entertainment and a variety of restaurants. The Loop gets its name from the old trolley service which previously looped the area, and is hoped to return soon.
Best of the Midwest
Stop 5: Lincoln Home National Historic Site 5/12
By the time Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860, he had been settled with his family for more than 15 years in this Greek Revival-style house. Take a guided tour of the house for a glimise into Lincoln’s life and career, or take a self-guided stroll through the park for a feel of what life was like in the mid-19th century. Lincon Home National Histroic site also runs special events and programmes throughout the year, including living history demonstrations.
Best of the Midwest
Stop 6: Bloomington – Constitution Trail 6/12
In honour of the 200th anniversary of the US Constitution, this bike trail was opened in 1987 and extends through Bloomington towards the town of Normal. A stretch of what used to be the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad line has been expanded upon over time and is now among the area’s very best scenery. Along the way, its regular stops and signs serve to educate riders about the founding forefathers and the Constitution itself.
Best of the Midwest
Stop 7: Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co 7/12
Formerly known as “Not a Secret Agent Supply Shop”, Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co is a quirky store selling spy-related gadgets and gifts. Each item you buy supports 826CHI's free writing program, so why not stop by and shop for unique toys and gadgets, while helping local youngsters unleash their creative skills?
Best of the Midwest
Stop 8: Riverside IA – James T. Kirk’s future birthplace 8/12
This quirky tribute to one of sci-fi’s iconic characters has an equally quirky background. Although James T Kirk was (or will be?) born in Iowa, no exact place was ever mentioned until an eagle-eyed councillor pitched his town to Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. Behind a Riverside barber shop you’ll find a charming plaque dedicated to Kirk, while the town’s annual Trek Fest and motto ‘Where The Trek Begins’ now reflects its permanent place in geek culture. (Image credit: Marshall Astor)
Best of the Midwest
Stop 9: Des Moines Art Center 9/12
Don’t miss out on an awe-inspiring collection of works from artists across the world at the Des Moines Art Center. Here you’ll find a selection of paintings by Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol and Georgia O'Keeffe heading up the permanent collection, plus a revolving programme of exhibitions. And with the chance to make your own masterpiece at one of the regular art classes, plus the magnificent grounds and reflecting pool, Des Moines provides one of the country’s best art experiences. (Image credit: Des Moines Guy)
Best of the Midwest
Stop 10: Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium 10/12
Visit North America’s largest indoor rainforest in Omaha for an unforgettable tropical experience. This 80-feet tall building contains a specially-created jungle habitat, which allows you to explore the real rainforest in search of its native animals and plants. Listen to the call of the wild and walk across a series to rope bridges to see the surroundings brought to life. The rainforest is divided into American, Asian and African sections, each packed with species native to those regions.
Best of the Midwest
Stop 11: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve 11/12
Tallgrass prairie once made up 170 million acres of American soil, but has dramatically declined to such an extent that dedicated preserves are needed as a reminder of the once highly impressive ecosystem. This tallgrass preserve in Kansas spans 44km and has since been given over to a herd of bison who used to roam more freely across the country. Choose from five hiking trails to enjoy the best views of this delicate yet beautiful landscape.
Best of the Midwest
Stop 12: Legends Outlets Kansas City 12/12
Legends is a super-regional shopping mall located in the Village West development near Kanas City. It comprises more than 100 stores, restaurants and leisure facilities. The Kansas Legends theme is reflected in the series of statues dotted throughout the shopping center and dedications to discoverers, creators and other notable names from the area, including Amelia Earhart and former US President Dwight Eisenhower.
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