Explore the Natural Beauty and History of Kentucky and Tennessee: A 7-Day Road Trip from Wisconsin

Day 1: Travel to Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave, KY on April 7, 2025

10:00AM

Depart from Wisconsin

Start your journey south, enjoying the scenic drive through the Midwest towards Kentucky.
N/A, All day

3:00PM

Mammoth Cave Visitor Center

Arrive at Mammoth Cave National Park and get oriented by checking out the exhibits and talking with rangers.
USD0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Mammoth Cave Tour

Join a guided tour of the longest cave system in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Choose a tour that suits your interests.
USD15, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Green River Grill

Enjoy local cuisine and casual dining at The Green River Grill, known for its burgers and southern comfort food.
USD20, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Night at Mammoth Cave Campground

Settle in for the night at the campground, surrounded by natural beauty.
USD30, N/A

Day 2: Explore Bowling Green

Bowling Green, KY on April 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Busy Bee Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this hometown favorite known for its giant pancakes and omelets.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

National Corvette Museum

Visit this museum to see rare Corvettes and learn about the history of this American icon.
USD15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Coyote Blues

Savor Tex-Mex cuisine at Coyote Blues, popular for its fresh ingredients and vibrant atmosphere.
USD15, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Bowling Green History Museum

Explore the local history through interesting exhibits and artifacts at this charming museum.
USD10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Nice Park Walk

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through a local park and take in the spring blooms.
USD0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Old Chicago

Dig into some delicious pizza and craft beers at Old Chicago, perfect for a casual dining experience.
USD20, 2 hours

8:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Rest at a local hotel after a day of exploring Bowling Green.
USD100, N/A

Day 3: Vibrant Nashville

Nashville, TN on April 9, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Famous for its gourmet pancakes, this beloved eatery is a must-visit for breakfast in Nashville.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Country Music Hall of Fame

Dive into the rich history of country music through exhibits and artifacts. Don't miss the interactive experiences.
USD25, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hattie B's Hot Chicken

Savor Nashville's famous hot chicken at Hattie B's, a local favorite loved for its spicy flavor.
USD15, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Tour of The Parthenon

Visit this full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens and explore surrounding Centennial Park.
USD10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Broadway

Stroll along the famous Broadway street, filled with live music venues, shops, and bars.
USD0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Pharmacy

Treat yourself to some of the best burgers in Nashville, along with delicious root beer floats!
USD20, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Live Music Show

Catch an evening live music show at one of the iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry.
USD40, 3 hours

11:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Retire for the night at a comfortable hotel in Nashville.
USD100, N/A

Day 4: Nature and History

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN on April 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fall's Market

Start your day with fresh coffee and a hearty breakfast sandwich at Fall's Market.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Great Smoky Mountains Visitor Center

Begin your explorations at the visitor center and enjoy informative exhibits about the park's wildlife and history.
USD0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Hiking in Cades Cove

Embark on a picturesque hike in Cades Cove, a valley surrounded by mountains with historical homesteads.
USD0, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Cades Cove Campground Store

Refuel with simple lunch options available at the campground store, ideal for hikers.
USD10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Wildlife Viewing

Spend the afternoon exploring the park's scenic routes, looking out for deer, black bears, and other wildlife.
USD0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Old Mill Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner at this charming restaurant known for its Southern cuisine and rustic atmosphere.
USD25, 2 hours

8:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Spend the night in a cozy hotel in nearby Gatlinburg.
USD100, N/A

Day 5: Culture in Knoxville

Knoxville, TN on April 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pete's Coffee Shop

Savor a fresh cup of coffee and creative breakfast options in this local favorite eatery.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Knoxville Museum of Art

Discover local and regional art at this contemporary museum, featuring some unique multimedia exhibits.
USD0, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

World's Fair Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this beautiful park, famous for its Sunsphere and fountains.
USD0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Tomato Head

Indulge in fresh sandwiches and pizza made with local ingredients in a welcoming atmosphere.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the East Tennessee History Center

Engage with fascinating exhibits that highlight East Tennessee's rich history.
USD8, 2 hours

4:30PM

Knoxville Botanical Garden

Wander through stunning gardens and enjoy nature at this peaceful site in the city.
USD0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Shrimp Dock

Enjoy fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere, known for its shrimp po'boys and crab cakes.
USD25, 2 hours

8:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle in for a restful evening at your hotel in Knoxville.
USD100, N/A

Day 6: Adventure in Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN on April 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bluegrass Grill

Enjoy farm-fresh breakfast options with Southern flair at this cozy diner.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tennessee Aquarium

Explore freshwater and saltwater exhibits at one of the top aquariums in the U.S.
USD30, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Ice Cream Show

Savor unique ice cream flavors and delicious sandwiches in this whimsical shop.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Lookout Mountain

Experience breathtaking views and outdoor activities at Lookout Mountain, popular for hiking and rock climbing.
USD0, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Tony's Pasta Shop

Indulge in homemade pasta dishes and Italian classics in a charming canal-side setting.
USD25, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Rest up at your hotel after a day of adventure in Chattanooga.
USD100, N/A

Day 7: Return to Wisconsin

Wisconsin on April 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel your drive back home.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Depart for Wisconsin

Start your journey back home with memories and stories from your travels.
N/A, All day