Top 5 Great Plains Car Tours: Road Trip Reviews

Planning a road trip across the Great Plains? You know, it’s almost one of the best ways to experience the heartland of America, with its seemingly endless skies, rolling hills, and unique attractions that definitely create memories. These five car tours rather promise an unforgettable adventure, with a bit for everybody. From historical landmarks and natural wonders to quirky roadside stops and small-town charm, the Great Plains have seemingly a lot to offer. Ready to roll? Let’s get started!

1. The Historic Route 66 Ramble (Illinois to Oklahoma)

Of course, everyone knows about Route 66, that is almost a quintessential American road trip! This section, really that bit that runs from Illinois to Oklahoma, offers a hefty dose of nostalgia and Americana that really doesn’t disappoint. Is that your thing? Then you’re set! Route 66 kinda gives us classic diners, vintage motels, and loads of photo opportunities that totally scream road trip fun. As I was saying, you might find that you’re instantly thrown back into time.

What to See: First, in Illinois, you will discover the Gemini Giant in Wilmington and the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge that’s almost surreal. And then in Missouri, St. Louis beckons with its Gateway Arch and tasty barbeque joints, seriously good stuff!. That done, in Oklahoma, beeline for the quirky Blue Whale of Catoosa and the Route 66 Museum in Clinton; very Instagrammable spots!
Read our full review: Historic Route 66 Ramble Full Review and Details

Why It’s Great: You might find that it offers a feel of a true Americana experience with landmarks and tons of retro vibes, seriously so many memories there!. In other words, it’s perfect for those who love a bit of history and iconic stops that give those vibes.

Tips for the Tour: That said, try to plan stops, as some attractions can get crowded, which is only natural! So, too it’s almost better to drive during off-peak seasons like spring or fall for more comfortable weather that makes the drive totally pleasing. By the way, make sure your playlist is packed with some road trip anthems, those songs we love so much, really will get you in the mood! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Route 66 Adventure)

2. South Dakota’s Badlands and Black Hills Exploration

Visiting South Dakota? I’m sure you’ve heard about the trip that passes from the rugged beauty of the Badlands that apparently turns into the pine-clad Black Hills. By the way, this car tour has got contrasting landscapes, outdoor adventures, and some pretty interesting historical sites to learn about! As a matter of fact, it really makes this loop so worth the time!. This trip features famous landmarks that speak volumes, like Mount Rushmore, just a short drive away.

What to See: Did you know that Badlands National Park is amazing at sunrise and sunset? So too it’s almost a must. Wall Drug Store is also an eccentric roadside stop that is seriously like a one of a kind experience. That done, the Black Hills, discover Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park are rather unforgettable experiences.
Read our full review: South Dakota’s Badlands and Black Hills Exploration Full Review and Details

Why It’s Great: You may want to try its diverse landscapes and outdoor activities, as I was saying, hiking trails to scenic drives, make it rather a dream for nature lovers. That is why it is a cool trip for those seeking some outdoors stuff!

Tips for the Tour: In fact, wildlife is literally active during dawn and dusk. You know, I think it’s perfect for some really great viewing. Beeline for the scenic drives like Needles Highway and Wildlife Loop Road for a bit of some very impressive vistas! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Explore South Dakota)

3. Nebraska’s Sandhills Scenic Byway

Okay, so get off the beaten path and really, tour Nebraska’s Sandhills Scenic Byway, which I think is seemingly a hidden gem. Now, did you know that this route travels through one of the biggest grass-stabilized dune areas across the world? And the surprising scenery might be a totally unique driving experience! As a matter of fact, it seems like endless grasslands and cool wildlife all around!

What to See: Anyway, don’t miss the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest which has tons of scenic trails that make you feel happy and light, by the way!. Then, that bit about Valentine, Nebraska, that might be your chance to soak up small-town charm that screams the American Heartland vibes, of course! Then you can relax at Merritt Reservoir. Really, that spot for boating and fishing is very therapeutic.
Read our full review: Nebraska’s Sandhills Scenic Byway Full Review and Details

Why It’s Great: That said, nature enthusiasts might find that its quiet, vast landscapes very calming, that’s almost one of the most stunning features for this tour!. You know, really this drive is definitely an idyllic trip for people seeking quiet.

Tips for the Tour: Make sure you take extra supplies. Sometimes services will be miles away from town, so prepare the provisions well in advance! Now remember, the Sandhills stretch miles! By the way, you could pack binoculars so you can scope out tons of birds and wildlife. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Discover Sandhills)

4. Kansas’ Flint Hills National Scenic Byway

Exploring the biggest remaining tallgrass prairie is Kansas’ Flint Hills that really offers a great experience! By the way, this national scenic byway will really let you experience sweeping views and charming historic towns with their small local culture that’s full of passion and history. Now it’s a big adventure and a way to get immersed in true Midwestern charm, which is what some people love.

What to See: Firstly, make a stop in Strong City and Cottonwood Falls so you will take tons of pictures of the Chase County Courthouse which has some fantastic architecture, wow! By the way, take your binoculars to Konza Prairie Biological Station so you can spot grassland birds and see some super interesting research projects!. Then, you have to visit Council Grove which had some significant spots that will teach you about the Santa Fe Trail.
Read our full review: Kansas’ Flint Hills National Scenic Byway Full Review and Details

Why It’s Great: Do you like wide open spaces and being with nature? That said, conservationists might appreciate that it allows a chance to see some of the very unique ecosystems in the US and enjoy how lovely nature can really be.

Tips for the Tour: Alright, when is the best time? So too it’s almost recommended to hit this tour in the spring or during the fall. The temperatures have more or less cooled down and that makes walking around very satisfying. And always check event calendars. Why? You might be able to enjoy some regional festivals that put on display the local heritage of the areas. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Flint Hills Adventure)

5. Oklahoma’s Talimena National Scenic Byway

Okay, so this byway winds across the crests of the Ouachita Mountains and travels between Talihina, Oklahoma, and Mena, Arkansas, so there’s more to see, too. Very stunning panoramic vistas are quite abundant, notably during the fall season while the forests turn beautiful colors that could easily make you cry of joy, literally! Of course this one is one of the most fabulous ones there is! Now did you know that this journey could be the most remarkable experience for photographers?

What to See: As I was saying, beeline for several lookout points as the panorama shots here are gorgeous and great for selfies and pictures of your vacation! So, too it’s almost worthy visiting Queen Wilhelmina State Park that includes trails and the “Castle in the Clouds.” Don’t you just want to relax under the Arkansas sky? Finally, Talihina which can offer us some insightful sights and local eats to make our tummy’s happier.
Read our full review: Oklahoma’s Talimena National Scenic Byway Full Review and Details

Why It’s Great: If you like to do photography then this trip is right up your street and probably a solid way for those to see landscapes by car.

Tips for the Tour: I would suggest that you double-check the weather, because roads may be closed due to dangerous weather circumstances especially during the colder months. Take your camera gear but that bit about spare batteries should be right up there because the last thing anyone likes is missing a very nice picture opportunity. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Talimena Byway)

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