If you’re a history enthusiast with a love for the open road, there’s no better way to explore the past than by embarking on a road trip. From historic landmarks to charming old towns, these 20 must-drive routes offer a journey through time, bringing history to life with every mile. Buckle up and get ready to discover the stories that shaped our world.
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Route 66, USA
Dubbed the “Mother Road,” Route 66 is a historic journey that traces America’s westward expansion in the 20th century. Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, this iconic highway passes through small towns, vintage motels, and roadside attractions that harken back to a bygone era. The route also offers glimpses into the cultural shifts of the Dust Bowl migration and the post-war boom, making it a living museum of American history.
Blue Ridge Parkway, USA
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that winds through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains. Along the way, history buffs can explore Civil War battlefields, early American settlements, and historic towns like Asheville. The parkway is also home to preserved sections of the Appalachian Trail and numerous overlooks that offer stunning views of the region’s rich natural and cultural history.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
Australia’s Great Ocean Road is not only a breathtaking coastal drive but also a journey through the ancient history of the Aboriginal people. The route takes you past the Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks that have stood for thousands of years, and the Otway Rainforest, home to some of the oldest plant species on Earth. This drive offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, making it a must for history enthusiasts.
The Inca Trail, Peru
Though not a traditional road, the Inca Trail is one of the most famous historical routes in the world, leading to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. The trail is a testament to the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization, with its well-preserved stone paths, tunnels, and stairways that traverse rugged Andean terrain. For history lovers, trekking this trail is a pilgrimage to one of the greatest archaeological sites of the ancient world.
Hadrian’s Wall, UK
Hadrian’s Wall was once the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, stretching across the width of Northern England. Today, you can drive along this ancient boundary, exploring Roman forts, milecastles, and museums that tell the story of Roman Britain. The route offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Roman soldiers and the local tribes they sought to control, all set against the stunning backdrop of the English countryside.
Normandy D-Day Route, France
The Normandy D-Day Route takes you through the beaches and towns where the Allied forces launched the pivotal invasion of Nazi-occupied France on June 6, 1944. Starting from the beaches of Omaha and Utah, this route includes memorials, cemeteries, and museums that honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in World War II. For history enthusiasts, this drive offers a powerful and moving exploration of one of the most significant events in modern history.
The Silk Road, Central Asia
The ancient Silk Road was a network of trade routes that connected the East and West for centuries, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. Today, driving along sections of the Silk Road in Central Asia offers a journey through ancient cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Kashgar, where you can explore stunning architecture, bustling bazaars, and historic caravanserais. This route is a treasure trove for those interested in the history of global trade and cultural exchange.
The Alamo to San Antonio Missions, USA
This historic route in Texas takes you from the Alamo, a symbol of Texas independence, to the San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The missions, built by Spanish settlers in the 18th century, are some of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in the United States. This drive offers a deep dive into the history of Spanish colonization and the fight for Texas independence, making it a must-visit for history buffs.
The Oregon Trail, USA
The Oregon Trail was the route taken by thousands of pioneers in the 19th century as they journeyed westward to settle new lands. Today, you can follow this historic trail across the American West, exploring landmarks like Chimney Rock, Fort Laramie, and the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. The trail offers a glimpse into the hardships and triumphs of the pioneers, making it a must-drive for those interested in American history.
Pacific Coast Highway, USA
California’s Pacific Coast Highway is famous for its stunning ocean views, but it also offers a rich history, from the early Spanish missions to the Gold Rush era. As you drive along the coast, you can visit historic towns like Monterey, home to Cannery Row, and San Juan Capistrano, known for its mission. This route offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a must-drive for history buffs.
Via Dolorosa, Israel
The Via Dolorosa is a historic route in Jerusalem that is believed to be the path that Jesus walked on his way to crucifixion. This sacred road passes through the heart of the Old City, leading to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Whether you walk or drive parts of this route, it offers a deeply spiritual journey through some of the most significant sites in Christian history, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
The Ring of Kerry is a circular route in southwestern Ireland that takes you through some of the country’s most historic sites, including ancient forts, castles, and stone circles. The drive offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, mountains, and lakes, along with opportunities to explore the rich history and culture of the region. For history buffs, this route is a scenic and informative journey through Ireland’s past.
The Trans-Siberian Highway, Russia
The Trans-Siberian Highway is one of the longest roads in the world, connecting Moscow to the Russian Far East. This epic journey takes you through historic cities like Yekaterinburg, where the Romanov family was executed, and Irkutsk, a key center of the Siberian exile system. The highway offers a unique opportunity to explore Russia’s vast and varied history, from the Tsars to the Soviet era.
National Military Park, USA
Gettysburg is the site of the most famous battle of the American Civil War, and driving through this national military park offers a sobering and educational experience. The park is home to numerous monuments, markers, and museums that tell the story of the battle and its significance in American history. For history enthusiasts, a drive through Gettysburg is a journey through one of the most pivotal moments in the nation’s past.
The Roman Empire Route, Italy
The Roman Empire Route takes you from the heart of Rome to the Adriatic Sea, passing through some of the most important sites of the ancient empire. Along the way, you can explore Roman ruins, aqueducts, and roads that have stood for millennia, including the Via Appia and the Colosseum. This drive offers a deep dive into the history of one of the world’s greatest civilizations, making it a must for history lovers.
Lewis and Clark Trail, USA
The Lewis and Clark Trail follows the route of the famous explorers as they journeyed westward across the American continent. The trail stretches from St. Louis to the Pacific Coast, passing through historic sites like Fort Mandan and the Great Falls of the Missouri River. This drive offers a chance to retrace the steps of these pioneering explorers and learn about the early exploration of the American West.
The Freedom Trail, USA
The Freedom Trail in Boston is a 2.5-mile route that takes you through some of the most important sites of the American Revolution. From the Boston Common to the Paul Revere House, this trail offers a walk through history, with stops at key landmarks that played a role in the fight for independence. For history enthusiasts, the Freedom Trail is a must-visit route that brings the story of America’s founding to life.
Napoleon’s Route, France
Napoleon’s Route, also known as the Route Napoleon, traces the path that Napoleon Bonaparte took during his return from exile in Elba in 1815. The route runs from the French Riviera to Grenoble, passing through picturesque villages and historic sites that played a role in Napoleon’s dramatic comeback. This drive offers a fascinating journey through the history of one of Europe’s most famous leaders.
Berlin Wall Route, Germany
The Berlin Wall Route follows the path of the Berlin Wall, which once divided East and West Berlin during the Cold War. This drive takes you through sites where the wall once stood, including the East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Berlin Wall Memorial. For history enthusiasts, this route offers a powerful journey through the history of the Cold War and the division of Germany.
Mongol Empire Route, Mongolia
The Mongol Empire Route takes you through the heart of the Mongol Empire, founded by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. This drive offers a chance to explore the historic sites of Mongolia, including the ancient capital of Karakorum and the vast steppes where the Mongol horsemen once roamed. For history lovers, this route offers a unique journey through the history of one of the world’s largest empires.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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