The Southern
United States is truly one of the most incredible parts of the country. The
coastal states of Louisiana and Mississippi are known for their delicious
seafood cuisine and rich musical history. The city of New Orleans is one of
the most desired places to visit in the country due to its vibrant nightlife
and rich history. The three inland states each offer something unique, from
historical battlefields to incredible natural wonders. There is no doubt that
a trip through the Southern United States is sure to be a memorable one, so
pack your bags and hit the road. Here are the top 12 unusual destinations to
visit along the way.

Arkansas

1.) Snake
World-Most reptile enthusiasts in Arkansas choose to
visit the Little Rock Zoo to see the cold blooded animals up close, but for a
more adventurous (and a little scarier) experience, head to Snake World in
Berryville, northern Arkansas. Snake World is owned and operated by Dale
Ertel, a reptile lover with over 70 snakes on display. Visitors here are
given a tour of the facility and are taught about the various
serpents.

2.) Hot Springs
City– Hot Springs is undoubtedly one of the most
interesting cities to visit in Arkansas. From the unusual attractions like
alligator farms and wax museums, to the beautiful scenery of Lake Ouachita
and Lake Catherine State Park, it is no surprise that Hot Springs is at the
top of many peoples list of places to see in Arkansas. The city is located in
central Arkansas, about an hour drive west of Little
Rock.

(Hot Springs City, https://www.flickr.com/photos/betchel/)

Louisiana

3.) Louisiana
State Penitentiary House– While slightly off the
beaten path, the Louisiana State Penitentiary House is worth a visit for its
fascinating history. The prison is still used to hold inmates today, but the
museum in front is the best place to learn about how the prison has
functioned since 1901. Numerous exhibits are on display, revealing how
prisoners made weapons out of everyday utensils, and how the prison has
changed since its violent beginnings. The prison is located in Angola, next
to the Mississippi River and directly adjacent to the Mississippi State
Line.

4.) Musee Conti, Wax
Museum of New Orleans– The history of New Orleans is
uniquely presented through wax sculptures here at the Musee Conti Wax Museum.
Unlike most wax museums, the Musee Conti has remained virtually the same as
it was when it first opened, displaying sculptures of many important people
responsible for the founding of New Orleans, and the normal citizens that
helped make the city what it is today. The Museum is located in the French
Quarter of New Orleans, southern Louisiana.

(French Quarter, New Orleans. https://www.flickr.com/photos/romtomtom/)

Kentucky

5.) Oscar Getz Museum of
Whiskey History– Kentucky and Whiskey are synonymous
with each other. The state has a long and proud history of creating some of
the best whiskey in the country. One of the best places to learn about this
history is at the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History. This museum, located
in Bardstown, central Kentucky, explains how whiskey was created since the
founding of the United States, and the impact it had on the country. Many
historical artifacts are on display, including a still owned by George
Washington.

6.) Lousiville Mega
Cavern– For a cave tour unlike any other in the
country, head to Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville. This man made cavern
attracts visitors from all over the country due to its convenient location
and distinction of having the world’s only fully underground zip-line course.
If zip-lining through this massive cave isn’t enticing enough, they also
offer a full obstacle course, jeep tours, a BMX course, and the occasional
music concert.

7.) Kentucky
Derby Museum– The Kentucky Derby is described by
some as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Whether or not
you agree with that statement, the famous horse race never fails to attract
millions of spectators to watch the some of the fastest horses in the world
compete. The best place to learn about the history and significance of this
race is at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville.

(Kentucky Derby Race. https://www.flickr.com/photos/8099556@N08/)

Tennessee

8.) X-10
Nuclear Reactor– There are currently 99 active
nuclear reactors throughout the United States. To see the oldest reactor
built in the U.S., head to Oak Ridge, eastern Tennessee. The X-10 Reactor
went into operation in 1943 to convert uranium into plutonium for nuclear
weapons. After World War Two ended, the X-10 was used to create radioactive
isotopes until it was shut down in 1963. Today the reactor is a historical
landmark, offering tours to visitors that educate about the nuclear weapons
that were created and their effects.

9.)
Graceland–
Elvis Presley moved to Memphis in 1948. It was here that he began his career
as a musician, and quickly ascended to superstar status. When Presley was 22
he bought a mansion called Graceland, a home that signified his journey from
a poor boy to a global icon. After his death in 1977, the home was turned
into a tourist attraction where Elvis fans can pay homage and learn more
about how he lived.

10.) American
Museum of Science and Energy– Once known as the
“American Museum of Atomic Energy,” the AMSE has gradually shifted
to displaying America’s advancements in renewable energy. The various
exhibits on display include information on Earth’s energy resources,
activities and games to explore light and color, and a model of a nuclear
reactor. The museum has gained high reviews from visitors and was rated the
number one thing to see in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

(Inside the Graceland Mansion. https://www.flickr.com/photos/pedaal/)

Mississippi

11.)
The
Windsor Ruins– What appears to be the remains of an
ancient Greek temple is actually the last remaining pillars of the Windsor
Mansion. Completion of the mansion was finished in April of 1861 by Smith
Daniell, who died just a few weeks later. After Daniell’s death, the home
served as a hospital for Union soldiers during the Civil War. In 1890 the
mansion was destroyed when a party guest left a cigar on the balcony, leaving
only the supporting pillars behind. The Windsor Ruins have since become a
tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the country to take photos
and gain knowledge about the mansions fascinating
history.

12.) Vicksburg
National Military Park– One of the most extensive
Civil War tours in the United States is at the Vicksburg National Military
Park in Vicksburg, western Mississippi. The park contains 1,325 historic
monuments, 20 miles of war trenches, and a large collection of Civil War
weapons. Visitors here can drive the 16 mile road and walk the 12.5 mile
trail to see first hand the location of one of the most important battles in
the Civil War.

(Vicksburg National Military Park. https://www.flickr.com/photos/44534236@N00/)