Mobile to Aspen Road Trip Guide

Just 99.2 miles from Mobile is the Hattiesburg Zoo. Hattiesburg Zoo consists of 12 acres, providing RV campers with ample ground to explore during their visit.

The zoo opened to the public in 1950. It has consistently been a popular attraction for both locals and tourists since its inception with many visiting its grounds as often as they can.

Hattiesburg Zoo is kept pristinely clean, a factor believed to contribute to its continuing popularity. The zoo houses many different varieties of animals including such creatures as Prairie dogs, ostriches, zebras, antelopes, and servals. There is also a section reserved for animals from South America where families can enjoy viewing such species as tigers, jaguars, monkeys, llamas, tapirs, and capybaras.

The property is also home to a small train that takes visitors on tours throughout the zoo.

For hours of operation and information regarding any scheduled events, consult the zoo's website.

Need a good night's sleep before the next leg of the journey en route to Aspen? Consider an RV stay at Paul B. Johnson State Park or Big Creek Park.

The next leg of the journey en route to Aspen is 129 miles away. Vicksburg National Military Park is one attraction that students of history will not want to miss. Though the Civil War divided the country into two distinct sides, the one commonality both factions agreed on was that Vicksburg would play a vital role in achieving a final victory.

Confederate President Jefferson Davis believed that Vicksburg was the one city that formed the connection to bind the two divisions together. President Abraham Lincoln also agreed as to the importance of this one great city.

As the Civil War began, the Confederate army had a foothold over the region stretching from the Mississippi River outside Cairo, Illinois as far as the Gulf of Mexico. Vicksburg operated as an important center for commerce and transportation, making it a highly valuable asset since all supplies including weapons and food traveled through the city.

The city was fortified with forts and artillery batteries housing more than 170 cannons in total. These preparations instilled a sense of confidence in the Confederate army who believed they could not be defeated. Coupled with the terrain that included both swamps and bayous, the Confederates were able to keep the Union army at arm's length for a period of 18 months.
President Lincoln wisely identified the capture of Vicksburg as the key to the Union army's success. This became his highest priority.
The Vicksburg National Military Park tells the tale of the battle for this historic city. Among the items found here include more than 1,300 monuments, tablets, and markers.

After a busy day exploring the park grounds, an overnight stay might be just what the doctor ordered. Consider doing some RV camping at Rivertown Rose Campground or Askew's Landing Campground.

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is located 84.9 miles from Vicksburg National Military Park. This popular recreational area offers many different activities for families to enjoy.

The property is home to a lake that measures 1700 acres in total and that is the ideal spot for doing some fishing, canoeing, or kayaking. Also found on the grounds are many different hiking trails that vary in both length and intensity, offering something for every member of the family to enjoy. Other much-loved activities at this beautiful park include wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and picnicking.

Next to the Visitor Center, RV campers will find the Conservation Learning Center which contains many exhibits that feature a wide variety of plant and animal life. The park itself consists of 4,500 acres of property with unique topographical features including rich tree growth, swamplands, and many different natural wildlife habitats. Some of the creatures commonly seen here include alligators, turtles, coyotes, deer, and many different types of birds.

Tuckered out after a day enjoying the beauty of nature at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge? Park your RV for an overnight stay at Russel Sage South Campground or Bayou Boeuf RV and Campgrounds.

One hundred and eight miles away from Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is Shreveport Aquarium. Shreveport Aquarium is an underwater oasis that is alive with aquatic life for families to discover. The tanks are filled with coral reefs in brilliant hues, ancient shipwrecks, deep caves, and humid lagoons. Families can enjoy viewing both fresh and saltwater varieties of fish here.

One of the most interesting attractions is the opportunity to see different creatures that typically hide in the dark. Among the fish on display here are sharks, rays, and jellyfish.

The Salt Cafe found at Shreveport Aquarium offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River coupled with incredible cuisine to complement it. The restaurant's menu includes handmade burgers, sandwiches, local seafood, and much, much more. It is the only restaurant located on the riverfront in the heart of downtown Shreveport.

Parking is free and can be obtained at several different spots including the North Lot, the City Parking Garage, and the El Dorado Resort Casino Parking Garage. Some families may prefer parking at their campground or in a public lot outside town and taking public transit to the aquarium.

Among the best spots for an RV stay in Shreveport are Shreveport/Bossier City KOA Journey or Hilltop Campgrounds.

Only 189 miles away from the Shreveport Aquarium is the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas. This historic property is found within the former Texas School Depository. It is here that evidence was uncovered that indicates the presence of the sniper responsible for the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

The museum is dedicated not just to the assassination of the former president but also to the culture that existed during the 1960s and includes such important information as events leading up to the president's death and what ensued in the aftermath. It also evaluates the late president's role in shaping both the culture and history of the United States as well as the world at large.
The museum is open year-round for families to enjoy. The price of admission affords families the opportunity to enjoy an audio guide to provide an informative tour through the facility.

There is a cafe housed on the grounds where families can enjoy snacks and drinks and also purchase souvenirs.

Thinking a longer stay in Dallas is in order? Spend the night doing some RV camping at Dallas Northeast Campground or Dallas/Arlington KOA Holiday.

A truly unique experience, it is well worth traveling the 141 miles to visit the World's Little Skyscraper. The Newby-McMahon building finds its home in Wichita Falls.

Though the Newby-McMahon building has been given the title of the World's Smallest Skyscraper, it doesn't actually fit the criteria to be considered a skyscraper at all. The building is comprised of four stories and stands 12 meters in total height. The facility was first constructed in 1919 when skyscrapers fell far beneath the standards by which we judge them today.

The building was constructed by J.D. McMahon, the prosperous owner of an oil corporation in the region. Prior to building his skyscraper, the oil company was located in a small brick building that was comprised of only a single story. Since the lot directly next door was unoccupied, the decision was made to purchase the land and expand the offices. To help facilitate the need for more office space, the decision was made to construct a skyscraper on the newly acquired lot.

With blueprints in hand, Mr. McMahon began the process of recruiting investors. Many were impressed with the plans, and no time, Mr. McMahon had $200,000 in funds to begin work on his masterpiece. To save money, Mr. McMahon used the construction company that he owned to facilitate all building.

In time, it became clear that McMahon had duped his investors. His plans were to construct a building that was 480 inches in height not 480 feet as they had been led to believe. The construction was completed in 1919, yielding a building that was 12 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 40 feet tall. Since the elevator company had refused to continue work on the project, there was no way to travel from floor to floor. Worse still, Mr. McMahon had failed to obtain permission to build on the lot.

After Mr. McMahon left town, the building became the property of the city who then had to decide what to do with it. The building was largely unused for most of its life until it fell into such poor condition it was slated for demolition. A historical society fought to have the facility preserved as an important historical site. It has since been restored to its original glory.

Among the best places for an RV stay in Wichita Falls are Burkburnett/Wichita Falls KOA Journey or Lake Arrowhead State Park.

The next day's journey en route to Aspen is a lengthy one at 225 miles, but the time will fly by with a visit to Palo Duro Canyon State Park in the day ahead. This beautiful recreational facility is often called the Grand Canyon of Texas. The property is home to the second biggest canyon in the United States.

There are many things to see and do during a visit to Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The canyon itself can be experienced on foot, by bike, by horse, or by car. The property is home to over 30 miles of trails that are ripe for exploration. Other popular outdoor activities here include camping, geocaching, photography, and bird watching. In the summer months, the facility hosts a performance of an event known as the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.

The campsites found here vary with some offering power and water hookups, some equipped for camping with horses, and others reserved for primitive style camping conditions. There are also several cabins that can be rented.

The onsite Visitor Center provides valuable information about the park itself as well as other area attractions. The Trading Post is a popular store where families can purchase snacks and souvenirs and even enjoy a hot meal.

The final destination en route to Aspen is 232 miles and lands RV campers at Trinidad Lake State Park. Trinidad Lake State Park has lots to commend it to visitors. The area enjoys a moderate climate year-round, making it a fantastic place for exploring the great outdoors. Also found on the grounds is a large body of water that is the perfect locale for enjoying water sports.

Trinidad Lake is a fisherman's paradise. The lake is kept stocked with such fish species as rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, crappie, and bluegill.

There are many trails found on the grounds, making this an excellent spot for doing some hiking. Each of the paths traverses through areas of local historical significance and provides breathtaking views. This is one trip that should not be undertaken without a camera in hand. Many species of wildlife make this area their home, treating visitors to the opportunity to spot some unusual creatures during their visit.

Trinidad Lake State Park is relatively secluded, providing families with a quiet getaway from the busyness of the highway and city life. There are other local attractions to visit nearby including the town of Trinidad itself, a place renowned as a formerly prosperous mining region.

Before the final leg of the journey into Aspen, an overnight stay might be the perfect ending to the perfect day. Park the RV to do some camping at Cedar Rail Campground or Purgatoire Campground.