Table of contents for 2021 Hikes and Roadside Attractions in RV Destinations Magazine

For a couple of years, my husband and I have found ourselves on the same stretch of I-90 crossing Minnesota and South Dakota multiple times. We’ve passed over that stretch of road eight times in fewer than two years. It’s gorgeous country, but as some may know, it’s also very remote. But it’s not devoid of places to stop, stretch your legs, visit iconic sites and even spend the night before heading onto your final destination. For anyone traveling across this stretch of I-90, here are a few fun places to check out. If you’ve ever found yourself on this section of highway, you can’t miss the Wall Drug billboards spanning about 650 miles from Montana to Minnesota. Signs tout free cold water, five-cent cups of coffee, moccasins, apparel, dinosaurs,…

For all the times we have visited Pigeon Forge over the years, we had never visited Dollywood until this trip. Coming into town, I saw billboards advertising reduced rates after 5:00pm and with their LumiNights being in full swing, it seemed like a great time to visit the park. Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, and playing to the terrain, Dollywood is home to a theme park, water park, hotel and even cabins. I have been to my share of theme parks over the years. Growing up in mid-Ohio, I had options just a couple hours to the north and south so a lot of summers were spent at theme parks. I’ve always loved a good roller coaster, fair-style games and over-priced, but delicious, theme park food. There is something nostalgic…

Approximately 38 miles east of Montrose, Colorado, and situated between Gunnison and San Juan National Forests, is a short 2.4-mile out-and-back hike that is both tranquil and beautiful. Although rated moderate by most hiking resources, this easy hike is both children and dog friendly, and on most days, is used more by fly-fishing enthusiasts than hikers. At the beginning of the trail, you descend some 300 feet down a staircase that follows the windy Pine Creek. You will pass several landing platforms before finally reaching the bottom of the canyon. When you arrive at the bottom, you will be impressed with how the Black Canyon opens up and allows the fast-moving waters of the Gunnison River to flow through. The Pine Creek Trail is relatively flat and conveniently follows an…

With over 150 different trails that stretch 800 miles, The Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP) is an absolute hiker’s utopia. It’s one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in all national parks, with over 1,600 species of plants, 100 species of trees, 65 different mammals and over 200 birds. The park is one of nature’s incredible paradises. With such diversity, you can imagine that there are some fantastic hikes within the park. Whether you take a short hour stroll or you spend several days hiking on the wildly popular Appalachian Trail, GSMNP won’t disappoint. While there is an over-abundance of spectacular hikes in the park for you to choose from, Abrams Fall Trail is one of our favorites. Getting to the trailhead’s parking lot, located off of Cades Cove Loop…

Suppose your travels take you near San Antonio, Texas, and you have the slightest interest in American history. The Alamo is a perfect place for your next RV destination. Situated directly in the city center, just a few blocks away from the famous San Antonio Riverwalk sits the San Antonio de Valero mission. Later renamed the Alamo and Long Barracks, the old Spanish mission can trace its origins back to the early 1700s. The Alamo is rich in history and two of the still standing structures, the church and Long Barracks, are the oldest buildings in Texas. One of the bloodiest battles of the Texas Revolution occured here and the Alamo became a story of heroism and courage under fire in the face of incredible odds. The conflict’s horrific conclusion…

Key West, FL Nestled amongst the swaying palm trees and southern sun on Front Street in Key West, Florida is the Harry S. Truman Little White House. Though originally built on a submarine naval base as housing for naval officers in the late 1800’s, the home was later used by a few well-known others, including Thomas Edison, Edward Hayden and six U.S. Presidents: Taft, Eisenhower, Truman, Kennedy, Carter and Clinton. Truman “lived” in the house the longest, spending 175 days of his presidency there from 1946 to 1952. After finishing 19 months in office, an exhausted Truman was ordered to take a warm vacation, and Key West was the perfect location. Truman, like so many others who have visited the area, fell in love with the warm breezes and constant…

There are many breathtaking scenic drives in North America; the Overseas Highway in Florida, Pacific Coast Highway in California and U.S. Route 101 in Oregon are a few that quickly come to mind. However, it’s rumored that one of Colorado’s scenic drives cost one million dollars per mile to painfully forge its way through the most remote, mountainous and stunning landscape the Rocky Mountains have to offer. This short stretch of road might top the list for the most scenic drive in North America and should be on every RVer’s bucket list: Million Dollar Highway. A 25-mile section of U.S. Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton, Colorado, the Million Dollar Highway winds and curves through the San Juan Mountains, offering motorists some of the most breathtaking views of gorges, mountains…

Are you searching for a hike similar to the trails in Grand Teton National Park but without the crowds? Lake Louise Trail could be just the ticket. Lake Louise is a glacial lake tucked away in the Wind River Mountain Range. At 8,600 feet, getting to Lake Louise takes a bit of effort, but the payoff is worth it. The trailhead is 9 miles back off a well-maintained dirt-and-gravel road that winds through the gorgeous countryside, lakeshores and private farmlands. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a grizzly bear, bighorn sheep or a Canadian lynx during your drive, which are just a few of the animals that frequent the area. Lake Louise trail is an out-and-back, dog-friendly hike on the eastern edge of Dubois, Wyoming. The…

One of the most popular hikes in the Grand Tetons National Park is the Jenny Lake hike—and for many reasons. Located south of Colter Bay Village and north of Teton Village off Teton Park Road, Jenny Lake is a 1,191-acre lake formed by glaciers, which gives the lake crystal clear, icy cold waters. This pristine lake is nestled at the foot of the Teton Range, providing visitors an exquisite view of the often snowcapped Teewinot Mountain, Mount Saint John and Cascade Canyon. The Jenny Lake hike begins behind the Jenny Lake visitor center. It circumvents the lake for about 7 miles through gorgeous pine forests offering hikers genuinely stunning views of the lake, mountains and waterfalls. Hikers beware; this is a heavily trafficked trail, so don’t expect much quiet and…

There must be something in the water, or perhaps an over-abundance of artists yearning to create their next masterpiece. Whatever the case, Amarillo, Texas, features two unique urban decay art displays on Route 66 that are worth visiting and snapping a few pictures. Cadillac Ranch is the first of these odd roadside attractions. According to RoadsideAmerica.com, a group of art-hippies from San Francisco came to Amarillo when Amarillo billionaire Stanley Marsh III commissioned them to create “a piece of public art that baffled the locals”, and the hippies came up with the tribute to the evolution of the Cadillac tail fin. The art display consists of 10 Cadillacs from many years buried nose down and tails high in the air to showcase their tail fins. Shortly after completion of the…

The tune of an old western theme song fills your head as you stroll through the center of town. You kick a rock, and a tumbleweed rolls through the dust-laden street in front of you. A horse and wagon pass by, kicking up a cloud of dust. This is when you decide if you want to follow the sound of laughter and music to see some cancan dancers or head over to the mercantile to pick up a few necessities. A passer-by tips his hat at you—a common wordless greeting in this old town. You haven’t traveled back through time into the old west, although that’s what it feels like when visiting Old Tucson Theme Park. Located near Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona, Old Tucson is a wild west…

Despite being a convenient, jam-packed roadside attraction, the town of Glenwood Springs is also one of my very favorite places to visit. It is a historic yet amenity-filled town, absolutely stuffed with family-friendly activities. It’s not as busy, or as expensive, as other mountain towns, yet is located right along I-70. It’s the perfect place for a quick stop on a road trip through the Rocky Mountains, or somewhere you can spend an entire week. I return to Glenwood Springs at least twice a year, and always stop when I’m traveling through. It’s a place rich in history, hiking, thrills and relaxation, all in one. The entire town is the perfect roadside attraction. LOCATION & HISTORY Glenwood Springs is conveniently located directly off I-70, the only major East-West interstate through…

Situated on the eastern flank of Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs, Colorado, lies the Manitou Incline: a hike that’s a staple amongst Coloradans and tourists alike. Most commonly referred to as “The Incline,” this hike is unique, challenging and guaranteed to check your fitness level. Rated as hard to extreme, the Incline gains more than 2,000 feet of elevation in just 0.88 miles by way of old railroad ties—2,744 of them. Think of it as an outdoor stair master. With an average grade of 41% (and 68% at its steepest), your heart rate is sure to spike. The summit sits at 8,590 feet above sea level and provides stunning views of Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs and the Eastern Plains. And if you start early enough, a spectacular sunrise awaits you.…