Little Rock to Grand Junction Road Trip Guide

Introduction

As the home to one of the largest presidential libraries in the world, Little Rock in Arkansas is definitely on the map thanks to its most famous son. This capital city of Arkansas that also doubles as the city with the highest number of people, is known to be a major economic center that perfectly blends history and contemporary animation.

Little Rock, with great weather all year round, draws an influx of visitors as it features a variety of recreation centers and activities for outdoor and indoor enthusiasts alike. The city also has a deep cultural heritage that’s well represented through art, historic centers, and several other major attractions.

It’s also an ideal location to begin a road trip should you decide to embark on one. Taking a trip west across four states and into Colorado, journeying through various landscapes and sceneries, is something that you should embark on at least once in your lifetime.

Leaving Arkansas will take you through several different cities and towns where you can explore various historical spots, natural and man-made attractions, food and culture. Remember, the journey starts when you start your engine!

Just so you know, Grand Junction is not just a destination, but a recreation hotspot in itself.

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Details

60'
Max RV length
60'
Max trailer Length
Road trip length: 7+ days
Recommend rig: any
audience: family

Point of Interest

Glenwood Cavern Adventure Park

Glenwood Cavern Adventure Park is a popular amusement park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, that attracts a lot of tourists every year. You definitely have to make a stop here before finally heading to Grand Junction. With its hot springs and rocky terrain, you get to enjoy activities such as hiking, rafting, swimming and fishing in the crystal-clear waters.

In addition, you can tour caves in the park, share meals with your family in the beautiful restaurant here, watch a movie at the theatre in 4D, or take a zip ride to explore the picturesque landscape from high above. The uniqueness of this park lies in the fact that it is the only mountain top park in the country.

After you’ve worn yourself out, get accommodation at the resort less a few miles from the park. You’ll find modern campsites that accommodate RVs here, as well as well-equipped cabins. All of this is to make sure you have a splendid time in Colorado’s water city.


Kit Carson County Carousel and Museum

With its long stretch of plains, the sleepy town of Burlington in Colorado has something fun and deeply historical about it. The Kit County Carousel has been in existence for about a century and has been carefully preserved and managed since then.

Several animals, all gorgeously wood carved and hand-painted in the animal’s original color, can be ridden at a ridiculously cheap price. The museum also contains interesting art pieces that speak volumes about the history and culture of the people in the region. This carousel is kid-friendly and suitable for families. In essence, it offers the perfect bucket list experience.

By the time you’re done here and wish to continue your road trip, you’ll find it almost impossible to believe that such a quiet and calm town as Burlington could offer so much adventure.


Wheat Jesus

Driving three hours may make you feel like you have left the hub of civilization. So, this attraction is definitely something to look out for in the middle of nowhere. Don’t blink or you may miss it!

This roadside attraction is a billboard that stands tall on Interstate 70 from both sides near the border of Colorado. Portraying Jesus standing in a seemingly endless field of wheat, it makes for a great stop to stretch your legs and take some cool pictures with the family. The billboard is known to be lit at night.

The billboard is also next to a store where you can shop for some interesting souvenirs and stock up on supplies in preparation for the last leg of your trip. Though the road seems endless, do not be fooled; in less than an hour, you’ll be in Colorado.


Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park

If you’re tempted to just drive through Salina, think again! The city might not be as famous as some of the other cities you’ve visited but it does have its own share of exciting leisure activities.

Can you ever have too much fun? If you don’t think so, then Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park is a great place to experience fun with your traveling team. Additionally, there are several activities including swimming and water sports, bowling or golfing and other collective games that can be enjoyed as a family.

The resort also provides a restaurant for fine dining and you could organize an event or a picnic if you book a reservation. If you wish to extend your stay, the resort provides shelters in form of suites for accommodation, but if you’d rather camp, there are a variety of campsites near the resort.


Sedgwick County Zoo

Sedgwick County Zoo lies in Wichita, a part of Kansas that is very famous and commonly referred to as the ‘air capital of the world’, thanks to the presence of aircraft manufacturing companies. This city is home to several amazing attractions. There is no limit to the ways you will enjoy being in this city.

The zoo is just one of the places to start from. Home to several hundred species of animals - both native and exotic species, the zoo offers family fun and is budget-friendly, so you can be sure you and your children will have as much fun as you can. The zoo also offers a boat tour and specific animal feeding at select times.

Apart from the zoo visit, you get to sightsee the city with organized tours that give the opportunity to explore its beautiful parts.


Myriad Botanical Gardens

After the two-hour drive from Ozark, you should reach Oklahoma City. The city flourishes with arts and culture, sports and entertainment. This is a landscape of varied terrain, meaning you will encounter hills, sturdy mountains, and flat ground.

If you’re enthusiastic about gardening, eco-friendliness or climate change, there’s something for you here. From lessons about how to grow your food to tours around the botanical gardens, you get to learn about plants and conservation. Spot the architectural masterpiece that attracts visitors from all over the world: the Crystal Bridge Conservatory that houses several plants in distinct climates and also features a waterfall!

Check out other places in the city while you’re here. Explore the terrain, talk with the locals, enjoy the local cuisine and immerse yourself in the beauty of this city. There’s a lot for you to see and when you’re done, you can find suitable camping accommodations around the city.


Fort Smith National Historic Site

After a splendid time at the National Forest in Ozark, it could be time for some history lessons at the Fort Smith National Historic Site. This place holds a lot of stories of the people that helped to shape Fort Smith into the community it is today.

You get to enjoy the sight and scenery of two rivers, learn about the fascinating history of the natives that lived in the city in the past, walk the Trail of Tears and see the antiquities that helped to maintain law and order in time past.

The tours are mostly self-guided as there is easy public access to the area. A visit to this place is suitable for the whole family as there is something to do and learn for everyone who visits the site. There are several restaurants around where you can grab a bite to eat. If you are in the area, it is worth a stop!


Ozark National Forest

Just outside of Little Rock, about 120 miles away, lies Ozark National Forest. This national park is indeed a natural wonder for guests and tourists to see. The landscape and trees that decorate this park’s corridors are unforgettably colorful and enchanting.

There are plenty of activities that you could indulge in during your time here. Trails are available for mountain bikers, hikers, backpackers and equestrians who wish to explore the remote areas of the Forest. Besides, many other activities that will keep you here for several hours or days are present depending on how you want it.

Should you decide to spend the night here, camping options include primitive and dispersed campsites, cabins, and modern sites with RV hookups. Opportunities for single and group camping are also available. Feel free to bring your pets along too.


Esse Purse Museum and Store

If you’re not in too much of a hurry to leave Little Rock and hit the road, then perhaps you should check out Esse Purse Museum and Store, a unique museum that’s centered around and showcases the evolution and transformation of different types of handbags and purses that American women used and wore over the course of the 20th century.

The museum features different exhibits and artifacts that can serve as an educational experience or a trip down memory lane. Either way, spare a moment to check out this museum. A store is available where you can buy souvenirs of this unique and quirky museum.

The trip to this museum may make you feel like staying back in Little Rock, but remember, there’s still a lot of good things to expect as you make your way out of this city. So, set out on your trip and see what the country has to offer!


Summary

With a trip so extraordinary, Grand Junction awaits. This beautiful city, famous for its fruits and the confluence between Colorado and Gunnison Rivers, is definitely packed with lots of places to visit and sights to see.

The city beautifully blends history with modern energy to create a vibe you can’t get elsewhere. There is more to Grand Junction than its landscape. The metro area is filled with restaurants that serve the best cuisines and art galleries that exhibit some of the largest sculptures in the state.

If you have time on your hands, don't miss out on visiting Colorado National Monument.

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