With the Spartans heading to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas and three weeks of free time until then, a road trip might just be the thing to get students’ minds off of school.
The 1,155 mile car ride might not sound appealing, but a trip through the heart of the country with friends or family has plenty of restaurants, museums and sites to make it all memorable.
Whether you have 20 minutes or a few hours to sightsee, The State News found a few places for you to check out on your way to Dallas.
Superman Statue, Metropolis, Illinois
This 15-foot statue is great for comic book fans. The town celebrates Superman with a convention in June every year, so you know you won’t be the only DC Comics fans in the area.
Distance from route: about 50 minutes
Cost: Free
Graceland Mansion, Memphis, Tennessee
Elvis Presley fans won’t want to miss this stop. The Graceland Mansion, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for walk-ups, gives you an iPad tour of Elvis’s home and is narrated by John Stamos.
Distance from route: about one hour and 20 minutes
Cost: starting at $32.40 for college students with ID
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, Little Rock, Arkansas
Most famous for its role in the desegregation of public schools, this historic site is perfect for the history buff. The school is now a national park, open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and offers guided tours with rangers.
Distance from route: about 15 minutes
Cost: Free
Treat yourself to something delicious once you get to Dallas — after all, you made it more than a thousand miles in a car. Rise No. 1 is a French restaurant specializing in sweet and savory soufflés, and is the No. 5 best restaurant in Dallas, according to Tripadvisor. If you’re looking for a unique meal, this is the place to find one.
Distance from route: about 40 minutes
Cost: $9 to $25
