This road traverses the center of the US from New Orleans, Louisiana to Chicago, Illinois. Important stops along the way include Memphis, Tennessee and St Louis, Missouri.
Louisiana
New Orleans – This great travel destination blends an interesting culture, a mix of creole, cajun, French, and American, with incredible music, especially the smoothest jazz in the world. The French Quarter is where most tourists spend the bulk of their time, carousing on Bourbon Street until all hours of the morning and simply walking the quaint streets admiring the wrought iron balconies and flower and garden displays. However, also include a Mississippi River cruise and a ride on the St Charles Avenue Streetcar.
Mississippi
Natchez Trace Parkway – There is an opportunity, for those interested, to access this scenic and historic roadway, a combination of buffalo trails used by traders and Indian trails. It can be picked up near Jackson, Mississippi, and runs more-or-less parallel with I-55 for a while (when you reach Eupora, go west on Rte 82). To drive a bit more of the Trace, stay on until Tupelo (the birthplace of Elvis), then take Route 78 northeast to Memphis where I-55 can be accessed again.
Tennessee
Memphis – The home of the "Blues" is a great place to spend a day or two. From Elvis’ Graceland to a stroll through Mud Island Park to a Mississippi Cruise to some of the best barbeque in the country, there is much to do here.
Missouri
St Louis – The Gateway Arch is the big draw here, a tall, gleaming steel parabola symbolizing the Westward Expansion, a historic time featuring rugged pioneers venturing into a section of the country teeming with danger and uncertainty. Take a pod to the top for great views.
Illinois
Cahokia Mounds State Park – Just east of St Louis are the remains of a thriving trade center used by the Missisippians, a pre-Columbian civilization.
Chicago – One of America’s premier cities, Chicago has it all. From beaches on Lake Michigan to its second-to-none skyline to its rich ethnic neighborhoods to beautiful city parks to world-class museums, there is a dizzying variety of things to do for people of all ages.
