Wayside local attractions to go visit; near"ish" to the Nachez Trace

In My Humble Opinion
1

I’m coming down from the Chicago area to drive along the Natchez parkway and visit the historic Trace (whenever it warms up enough). I likely will get to it near Nashville but will probably not get all the way to the other end near Natchez

I’m always interested in local or regional (or even national) spots of interest. Additionally any interesting or spectacular camp sites would be useful.

I’ve been to Metropolis, Mammoth Caves, Cairo (confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi)

What do you got!? what interesting little or big monument, oddity, tourist destination, natural feature etc should I think about and stop for. Also suggested cool campsites would be appreciated.

2

Leiper’s Fork distillery near the top of The Trace. Great whiskey.

3

Elvis’ childhood home in Tupelo.

4

Maybe a bit more context for ideas. I’m planning on going to Casey IL to see the worlds largest Rocking chair, worlds largest wind chimes, largest teeter-totter…etc.

Plus along the Natchez parkway, I’ll be stopping at Meriwether Lewis’ gravesite.

THis is the sort of thing. Any other ideas?

5

Roadside America is useful:

Punch in the names of towns near your route, and it’ll tell you what weird crap is in the area.

6

In Tupelo, the Oren Dunn City Museum / Tupelo Veterans Museum complex is worth a stop.

Windsor Ruins
USS Cairo Museum in the Vicksburg National Military Park