From St. Louis, we continued our journey into Kentucky to visit our final two destinations of this trip.
Our first stop was Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the longest cave system in the world. Unlike our visit to Waco Mammoth National Monument on last year’s road trip—which featured actual mammoth fossils—Mammoth Cave has nothing to do with prehistoric animals. Instead, the name refers to the massive size of the underground cave network, which stretches for over 400 miles!
We took one of the guided tours and got to experience the otherworldly beauty of the caves in person. Walking through the underground passageways, we marveled at the incredible rock formations, vast chambers, and intricate tunnels carved by nature over millions of years. The cool air, dim lighting, and eerie silence made for an unforgettable adventure.
Unfortunately, due to the darkness inside the caves, we weren’t able to capture many good photos—but the experience itself was something we’ll never forget. If you’re ever in Kentucky, Mammoth Cave is a must-visit!
Of course, we have to stop at any Buc-ee’s that’s on our way.
From Mammoth Cave, we continued our journey to a unique and historic stop—the Harland Sanders Café and Museum.
If the name doesn’t sound familiar, this is the very place where Colonel Harland Sanders started his restaurant, which would eventually grow into the world-famous Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Located in Corbin, Kentucky, the café has been preserved as a museum, showcasing the origins of one of the most iconic fast-food chains in history.
Walking through the restaurant, we got to see where it all began—from the original kitchen setup to memorabilia from the early days of KFC. One of the highlights was learning about Colonel Sanders’ journey, his dedication to perfecting his “secret blend of 11 herbs and spices,” and how his small roadside diner transformed into a global franchise.
It was a fun and nostalgic visit, especially for anyone who loves KFC or food history in general. Standing in the very spot where the fast-food revolution started was a great way to wrap up our road trip through Kentucky!
And that’s it, folks! Our winter road trip has come to an end, and we already miss it.
From the majestic landscapes of the Badlands and Grand Teton to the historic streets of Tombstone, the stunning caves of Kentucky, and the iconic landmarks in between, this journey was truly unforgettable. We experienced breathtaking natural wonders, delicious regional foods, and fascinating pieces of American history, making every mile worth it.
We can’t wait to embark on another cross-country road trip in the near future. Until then, we’ll be reminiscing about the incredible memories we made on this adventure. See you on the next one! 🚗✨