This park is perfect for a stop while on a road trip. It is literally right off the freeway and next to a gas station. Complete with covered picnic tables and a beautiful lake. Attendant at the gate to help and place was clean. I will admit I was just wanting a quick stop and so I didn't get to enjoy the park as it was $12 just to enter and I wasn't planning on spending much time there however, I could see most of the park from the freeway/entrance and could tell that it was a beautiful place to enjoy. Still gets 5 stars from me!
I stopped here while on my move from Minneapolis to Tucson to take a break from the road and get some nature time. THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!! It was $10 for 1 adult however well worth it!! Clean bathrooms, a place to fill water bottles, a cute gift shop. AND a beautiful Arboretum and another smaller indoor garden with beautiful plants as well as a large outdoor walking space complete with pond, lotus flowers, large water fountain, and large waterfall! I spent about an hour here and spent some time just walking around in the grass with my shoes off. You also pass some great art sculptures on the way to the garden and get some great views of the city.
I stopped here while moving from Minneapolis to Tucson to stretch my legs and get some nature time. The park is about a 20 minute drive from the freeway but well worth it. The greenery was popping as well as beautiful purple flowers. There is a shelter with picnic tables to sit, relax, and eat and further down is the observation tower that is a short hike from the parking lot with an amazing 360 degree view of Iowa. From what I could tell the park does not have a gate, is open 24/7, free, and has bathrooms. Wonderful little stop!
I stopped here on my way out of town during my road trip from Gatlinburg to Minneapolis. I had never been to a horse track and it was fun to see the area mostly empty other than employees. The track is open to the public for free when races are not going on and you are able to just walk around the arena at your leisure, the gift shop was open and there are bathrooms and water fountains and the grounds are beautiful. When leaving here I took the scenic route to Midway, KY and got a chance to see more of the amazing countryside and houses/farms of KY, definitely recommend this stop and route!!
I chose this park as a waypoint because I was trying to stop every couple of hours to stretch my legs and rest while on my way from Gatlinburg, TN to Minneapolis, MN. This park is in a very small, quiet town where lots of the stores are permanently closed however, the park itself is very cute and peaceful. There is an RV campground on the other side of the pond/lake, picnic tables on site, frisbee golf course, and bathrooms/water fountain at the very first small building on the L when entering the park. The area has a large population of resident geese. I took my shoes off and started walking in the grass and suddenly came upon TONS of goose feathers everywhere. I LOVE collecting bones/horns/feathers etc for crafting and decorating so I ended up leaving this cute spot with a large bouquet of goose feathers. Getting to the park only takes about 5 minutes from the freeway. Perfect 30-40 minute resting point!!
I stopped here on my trip from Gatlinburg, TN to Minneapolis, MN as a stopping point to stretch my legs and see some sites. The dam and views of the lake were beautiful! Free bathrooms and plenty of shade and grass to take a break. There were several other travelers hanging out just taking a break from the road. I didn't go into the actual park as I made this a quick stop, it was a very hot and humid day and I didn't feel like being in the heat, and I wanted to keep on my journeys as I had a goal in mind by the end of the day, but what I did get to experience was well worth the detour. Roadtrippers helped me get back to the freeway by continuing through the countryside for just a little longer and getting to see more beautiful nature sites. Definitely worth the scenic drive.
I LOVE the Smokey Mountains and Gatlinburg, so before leaving town I took a VERY LONG scenic drive through Cades Cove and back down to Gatlinburg before heading back north to Minneapolis. Of course, I had days to complete this trip, so taking the time was in my schedule AND so worth it. I wish I had had more time to be able to stop and hike as there are so many magical places to experience however, the drive was perfect. It took me about 4 hours total to complete the round trip, once you get to Cades Cove traffic builds up a bit as many tourists drive this scenic route and it's only one way and everyone is going slow and taking their time, so plan to be patient. I ended up seeing a mama bear with 2 cubs in the WILD! Cherry on top! The drive from Cades Cove back down to Gatlinburg was also breathtaking! I will be back again and next time it will be a camping/hiking trip!
I made this stop while on my long road trip from Minneapolis to Gatlinburg and it was perfect. With Knoxville being about an hour from my destination and being on the road all day it was a perfect way to get some walking and nature time in. They have bathrooms and a large gift shop and you can use the nature center for free. I bought some snacks, used the bathroom, filled up on water, and took about a 45 minute hike down the Tower Trail and along the Riverwalk shortly before sunset, which was so nice. Wear your tennis shoes or hiking shoes and it is a dirt and rock trail that does go up and down. Google states that it closes at 5pm however, the sign at the gate says the gate closes at sunset and when I left at 6pm they were still open. They also have a zipline or something of that nature there for you to enjoy for $$ if you want. I really enjoyed this stop and would stop again in the future. Thank you Ijams Nature Center!
I added this stop while on a road trip from Minneapolis to Gatlinburg. The drive from the freeway to the state park is about 15 miles AND it was well worth it. The waterfall is big and beautiful, there are several lookout/photo opportunity points, bathrooms, small concession, and a gift shop. It was a great way to stop, walk, stretch, bathroom break and get some beautiful nature time in! Definitely worth the detour!
I added this waypoint because I wanted to stop every couple of hours to walk and stretch during my trip from Minneapolis to Gatlinburg and I did drive to this cave and did see a big sign about the cave however, the gate was closed and there was no info posted about times or what not to see the cave. I am giving this waypoint a 3/5 though because this detour took me on some very beautiful back country Kentucky roads, through residential country farms and I got to drive on some fun country mountain roads which is always a good time. I had never seen Kentucky and it is so beautiful and I always enjoy a little scenic drive. The detour was approx 30-45 min and I was able to keep driving and get back on the freeway instead of backtracking so all in all I enjoyed it very much!!