11 Fantastic Virtual Visits To The World’s Most Famous Landmarks

Have you been longing to visit some of the world’s landmarks? If you can’t get there in the near future, the next best way to visit is via an awesome virtual tour.

You may find yourself turning to virtual tours to help you plan your travel bucket list. And you may enjoy an online tour of places you have been and want to see again, maybe in more detail than you were able to experience in person.

Along with the visual tours offered by the following landmarks, you can hear or read about the history of the site, which will enrich your “visit.” Read on to learn about the style of tour offered by each place. Explore these landmarks now from the comfort of your home to satisfy your wanderlust and inspire future adventures!

The 360-degree virtual reality tour of the Eiffel Tower. — Eiffel Tower

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, iconic symbol of Paris, is a famous landmark worth visiting. It’s tall, unique, amazingly complicated in structure, and recently turned 130 years old. In honor of this anniversary, a special video tour is now available. This 360-degree virtual reality tour (accessible via the YouTube video) shows you the Eiffel Tower from both outside and inside. In just three minutes, you can “ride” the lift and enjoy the panoramic views of Paris. You will really feel as if you are there, with Parisian-style music playing, too.

Delve deeper into your exploration of the Eiffel Tower with two virtual tours called Explore and The Tower. The first is an experience of the tower, including a visit to its three different levels. The second offers a look at the history of the tower, with details about how it was built, how it is painted, and the illuminations each evening when the tower lights sparkle for five minutes on the hour.

These online tours are enjoyable, whether you’ve never visited the Eiffel Tower in person or have been there many times.

2. Palace Of Versailles And The Hall Of Mirrors

First a palace and then a museum open to the public, the Palace of Versailles houses more than 60,000 pieces of art that span more than five centuries of French history. The palace itself leaves visitors in awe. And the Hall of Mirrors is one of the highlights of a visit to the palace.

At the time of its creation in 1584, the Hall of Mirrors represented status and prosperity. The French lagged behind the Venetians in the manufacturing of mirrors. This room with its 357 large, luxurious mirrors showed the new might of the French economy.

Now you can tour this room virtually and then study the gallery of art one painting or sculpture at a time. Not only is this room beautiful, with light from the garden reflecting off the wall of mirrors, but it is also historic. Here, the Treaty of Versailles was signed at the end of World War I. Court festivities such as weddings took place here, and foreign dignitaries were bedazzled by the sparkling hall.

The 360-degree virtual reality tour of the Colosseum. — The Colosseum

3. The Colosseum In Rome

A world-famous landmark in the middle of Rome, the Colosseum is visited by masses of people year-round. Now you can go on an hour-long virtual tour offered by the Colosseum’s official website.

Construction of the Colosseum started in 70 A.D. and was finished about 20 years later. Today, this grand structure is officially a ruin. Stones, bronze, and bricks were “borrowed” through the years, leaving the Colosseum without some of its top level. The roof over the gladiator dressing area is long gone. The ruined nature of the Colosseum adds to its romance and intrigue.

The virtual tour takes you with a tour group down into the lower levels where the gladiators dressed and prepared for their showdowns. It’s fascinating to look out into the Colosseum and see what they saw as they called on their bravery to enter the ring.

The same website has virtual tours of other amazing sites in Rome, including the Vatican, Capitoline Hill, and the interior of the Pantheon.

4. Schonbrunn Palace

Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna is a top-of-the-list sight to see when you are in this city. The palace showcases the lavish lifestyle of royalty and was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. Visitors to this palace included young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Napoleon Bonaparte. Marie Antoinette of Versailles fame spent her childhood here.

A virtual tour of Schonbrunn Palace allows you to take your time soaking in the elegance and beauty of the different rooms. When I took the audio tour in person, I did feel a bit rushed along. The opportunity to look as long as you please online is welcome.

What began as a hunting lodge in the 1500s grew into the palatial home and extensive gardens you see today. The estate remained a summer country house until Emperor Charles VI gifted it to his daughter Maria Theresa in 1728. Under her reign, Schonbrunn transformed into the center of court life. As many as 1,000 people lived here. The familiar yellow exterior color chosen by her is known as Maria Theresa Yellow.

On the virtual tour, you see 40 rooms of the palace. Be sure to look at the lovely Great Gallery. This served as a ballroom and banquet hall. The extravagant candelabras and chandeliers and the painted ceilings are an unforgettable sight.

The virtual tour of Westminster Abbey. — Westminster Abbey

5. Westminster Abbey

The history and beauty are rich and layered at Westminster Abbey. The church you see today, built in the 1200s, serves as the resting place for kings and queens, poets and statesmen. Royal weddings and funerals have been held here. And Westminster Abbey still serves as a place of worship.

The excellent virtual tour shows you a close-up and detailed look at some of the treasures of the abbey, including the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, the High Altar, and the Coronation Chair. You can also take virtual tours to delve into the history of the building of the abbey and objects related to the monarchy.

These are wonderful tours to take virtually, even if you have visited Westminster Abbey. I have toured the church twice, but photos are strictly forbidden, so I have no visual memories to remind me of my trips. The in-depth virtual tours bring to mind all that I’ve seen and may not remember.

6. Tower Of London

Experience being transported back in time with a tour of the Tower of London, a complex of different towers and a palace. The Tower of London also houses an exhibition of the official Crown Jewels. William the Conqueror built his home here after his military victory in 1066. He considered the tower’s spot on the Thames River ideal for a fortress. The tower expanded through the next five centuries, with kings and queens living in the White Tower and prisoners cast into the forbidding tower just across the walkway. The most famous of all who lost their heads in the courtyard was Anne Boleyn, one of the wives of Henry VIII.

The virtual tour of the Tower of London shows you a variety of 360-degree views while a detailed narration talks about what’s happened here. For example, you can see the actual spot of Anne Boleyn’s execution while listening to the story and learning what she did to protect her daughter.

The 360 virtual tour of Giant's Causeway. — National Trust

7. Giant’s Causeway

Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is a natural landmark that draws visitors from around the world. The causeway is made up of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns deposited on the coastline by volcanic eruption. Some of the columns are as high as 39 feet, though many are much shorter. A charming Irish story claims the Giant’s Causeway was built by, yes, a giant.

If you can’t get to Northern Ireland, you can still place yourself right in the middle of the columns of the Giant’s Causeway with this multi-part 360-degree virtual tour. Be sure to turn on the sound so you can hear the gentle ocean waves as you watch.

8. Acropolis

The Acropolis (the commonly shortened reference to the Acropolis of Athens in Greece) is an ancient citadel built on a short, rocky hill and made up of several buildings. The most well-known of its structures is the Parthenon, with its marble Doric columns. The Parthenon is one of the newest parts of the Acropolis and was completed in 432 B.C.

Once built, the Acropolis served as a center for intellectual teaching and theater. According to the Acropolis’s official virtual tour page, today, it is a “global symbol of the human ability to know and understand,” as well as a symbol of beauty and harmony in the world.

The virtual tour is a flowing look at the Acropolis from every angle, both overhead and inside. During the four-minute tour, you’ll see the crumbling columns, weathered sculptures, and the setting of the Acropolis over the city of Athens.

The virtual tour of Taj Mahal via Google Arts and Culture. — Google Arts & Culture

9. Taj Mahal

This white marble building, recognizable far and wide, is the mausoleum commissioned in 1632 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan when his wife Mumtaz Mahal died. It also is the tomb of Shah Jahan. The Taj Mahal complex includes a guest house and formal gardens. Construction employed about 20,000 artisans. This stunning landmark was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, as it is “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.”

You can view the Taj Mahal up close with this Google Arts and Culture tour. Click on the small numbers on the right-hand side of the screen for different viewpoints, then click and drag or click the arrows on the compass to look around each area.

If you want to know more about the Taj Mahal and its history, its official website offers a wealth of information. You will be inspired reading about this “immortal poem in white marble,” also called “the finest expression of love of an emperor for his queen.”

10. Great Wall Of China

Stretching more than 3,000 miles, the Great Wall of China is a wonder of the world. You can tour parts of the wall virtually and imagine what it’s like to walk along this structure that’s more than 2,000 years old. The wall served as defense against invaders, so it features ramparts, trenches, and fortresses. It was also a way to control duties collected for goods transported on the Silk Road. Most of the well-known parts of the wall were constructed of brick from the 1300s to the 1600s, during the Ming dynasty.

A virtual tour of the portion of the wall from Jinshanling to Simatai is free. If you want to go on to tour other parts of the wall, you can pay $5 for access. The wall at Beijing is considered the main entry point, so you may want to pay this small fee to see that area.

The Statue of Liberty virtual tour. — National Park Service

11. Statue Of Liberty

The lady who welcomes people to the U.S. gateway of New York City stands tall as a landmark representing democracy and freedom. The statue of Liberty Enlightening the World came as a gift from France to the U.S., dedicated in 1886. It is now a national monument cared for by the National Park Service.

You have two worthwhile ways to tour this landmark online. The e-tour of the Statue of Liberty (requires Flash and may not cooperate on all computers or devices) presented by the National Park Service is quite impressive. An introduction and 18 sections acquaint you with the history and meaning of the colossal copper lady. And the virtual tour on the official website takes you inside the torch and her face, allowing you to look out on New York Harbor.

You will see nearby Ellis Island, where immigrants were processed into the U.S. for decades, as you look out of the Statue of Liberty. You can also take a virtual tour of Ellis Island and venture inside this historic building.

Which of the landmarks caught your attention? Did any of these tours whet your appetite to visit in person? One I’ve been wanting to visit for years is the Acropolis. Taking the tour online and delving into the history has me more determined than ever to go someday.

How To Spend A Day In The Quaint Village Of Barbizon, France

Travel just a little over an hour from Paris, and you can be transported to an enchanted forest and the charming village alongside it.

Barbizon was once the base for the kings of France as they’d hunt in the nearby Fontainebleau forest. In the 19th century, a group of painters discovered the rural beauty of the Barbizon landscapes, which inspired a school of painting that was dedicated to a new realism portraying everyday life. Field workers and peasants were frequently depicted in the paintings, against backgrounds of open land. Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Theodore Rousseau, Jean-Francois Millet, and Charles-Francis Daubigny were among the leaders of the movement. Van Gogh was a fan of the school and imitated the style in his own paintings. In the latter part of the 19th century, a second generation of artists from the Impressionist era, including Monet, Renoir, and Alfred Sisley, painted in Barbizon.

La Maison Et Atelier De Jean-Francois Millet

Once the home and studio of the most celebrated of the Barbizon school of painters, Jean-Francois Millet, La Maison et Atelier de Jean-François Millet offers an intimate and informative experience of the artist. Millet and his family lived in the compact home consisting of three rooms: the kitchen, the living quarters, and his atelier (a workshop or studio).

The living quarters has a collection of artifacts, photos, objects, self-portraits, and personal possessions. Bright, natural light floods the atelier, where Millet painted two of his iconic masterpieces, The Gleaners and The Angelus, among hundreds of other paintings. Today the atelier features paintings and drawings reflecting the Barbizon style of painting. There’s also a separate gallery where you can purchase authentic 19th-century artwork from the Barbizon school.

Musee De Barbizon

The former home and painting studio of the other best-known Barbizon artist, Theodore Rousseau, and the Ganne Auberge, an inn built in the 1820s, now make up Musee de Barbizon, the Barbizon School Museum. The outside of the building constructed of stone has vines and ivy covering it, along with white, painted wood shutters. The trajectory of the museum is based on a guidebook published in 1854, which gave a highly detailed tour of the museum. Eventually, the museum was renovated, and rooms were reconstructed, painted, and wallpapered according to the guide.

In addition to the restored rooms, the museum has three exhibitions focusing on the subject matter of landscapes and animals. Artists in the exhibitions include Jean-Francois Millet, Narcisse Diaz de la Pena, Constant Troyon, and Rosa Bonheur. An audio-visual presentation transports you to the 1800s, when artists fled Paris to Barbizon to paint more realistic paintings and to socialize in the even more bohemian atmosphere.

Attractions Near Barbizon

Chateau De Fontainebleau

Since the nearest train station to Barbizon is Fontainebleau, you can spend a half or full day at the Chateau de Fontainebleau. Less known but just as historically significant as the Palace of Versailles, Chateau de Fontainebleau was the home of 34 kings and two emperors, and the only chateau that was lived in by every French monarch for almost eight centuries. The 1,500-room palace is one of the largest in France and is the most lavishly furnished. Marvel at the unique and historic rooms including Marie Antoinette’s boudoir, the Throne Room of Napoleon, the Apartment of the Pope and the Queen Mothers, the Chinese Museum, the Chapel, and the private theater.

A series of magnificent gardens are spread out over 300 acres of land and include the Queen Diana Garden, a carp pool, an English garden and freshwater spring, a French Renaissance garden, and a French formal garden, kept in the preferred style of King Louis XIV.

Other activities offered at the chateau are rental boats on the pond, horse-drawn carriage rides, a train ride through the gardens, and racquetball in the original indoor court built for the kings.

Fontainebleau Forest

Fontainebleau has the second largest forest in France, sprawling over 66,000 acres, and attracts over 13 million local and international visitors every year. The forest is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Rock climbing, hot air balloon rides, parasailing, biking, horseback riding, hiking, and donkey and sled rides are just a sampling of the wide range of activities available in the forest.

Eating In Barbizon

Hotellerie du Bas-Breau, the main hotel in Barbizon, has a casual bistro and a formal restaurant. The intimate, handsome bistro has only 12 tables and the windows face a lovely view of the village. Since the nearby Fontainebleau is a hunting forest, in the fall, the bistro serves game, including venison, accompanied by autumn vegetables.

Le Restaurant Philosophie is a rustic bistro serving contemporary French cuisine by chef Mikael Briens. The house specialties include whole local lobster, sole meuniere, warm foie gras topped with seasonal fruits, and, for dessert, tarte tatin. A two-course menu is available at lunch, Monday through Friday.

Creperie Barjole offers a more casual menu, consisting of authentic, house-made savory and dessert crepes.

Hotellerie du Bas-Breau in Barbizon, France. — Richard Nahem

Where To Stay In Barbizon

Hotellerie du Bas-Breau is a four-star, family-run hotel in the heart of town, and the owners, Jean-Pierre Fava and his wife Dominique, have owned and managed the hotel for 52 years.

The hotel only has 16 rooms, plus four suites and one villa. They range in size from 300 square feet for a standard room to a generous 600 square feet for the junior suite. Rooms are individually done in distinctive decor, ranging from rustic and cozy with colors of red, rust, yellow, and green, to more formal, French-style rooms that include toile de Jouy prints and canopy beds. The suites have bathrooms with mini-spas and Jacuzzi tubs.

The beautiful grounds of the hotel are set on a three-acre private park that has manicured lawns, squared formal hedges, classic sculptures, and enormous trees. In summer, there’s an outdoor pool with a wood deck.

On a historic note, author Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Treasure Island while staying at Hotellerie du Bas-Breau and also met his future wife there.

How To Get To Barbizon: Pro Tips

The best and most economical way to get to Barbizon from Paris is to take the train from Gare de Lyon station (trains leave almost every hour) to Fontainebleau, which takes about 45 minutes, and then take the #21 bus to Barbizon, which takes about 20 minutes. The cost per person for the train and bus round trip is under 30 euros per person.

Other options include either an Uber or taxi from Paris, which costs between 80 and 100 euros each way and takes about 50 minutes. Or take the train from Paris, then a taxi or Uber from Fontainebleau to Barbizon, which costs approximately 20 to 30 euros each way.

Certain tour companies have one-day packages that include guided visits to Chateau de Fontainebleau and Barbizon.

Classic Texas Road Trip: Dallas To Amarillo

Every time I see the Dallas skyline, the theme song from the long-running nighttime soap opera starring Larry Hagman as the love-to-hate J. R. Ewing plays in my head. And like the Dallas opening, this Texas road trip provides a taste of everything you’d expect from the Lone Star State — a bird’s-eye view of the Big D, cattle drives, oil fields, and more.

Here’s what to see, do, and eat on a road trip from Dallas to Amarillo.

Dallas

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has recently overtaken Houston as the largest metropolitan area in Texas, rising to fourth place in the United States. Plenty of things to see and do in Dallas and nearby Fort Worth await at the start of this Texas road trip.

Like a gigantic electrified dandelion in bloom above the city, the Reunion Tower lets you experience Dallas from 470 feet in the air. Take in panoramic views of the city, enjoy a variety of interactive experiences, or sip a cocktail at sunset from this unique vantage point.

For floral beauty closer to the ground, visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Offering beautiful blooms and calming green spaces year-round, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the country.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas. — EQRoy / Shutterstock

As Ford’s Theatre will forever be linked to President Abraham Lincoln, Dealey Plaza in Dallas will always call to mind the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Documenting the events of that fateful day and preserving the 35th president’s legacy, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is one of the most-visited places in Dallas. History buffs will also enjoy visiting the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum on the east side of the Southern Methodist University campus.

Offering everything from barbecue to Tex-Mex and cheap eats to James Beard Award-winning restaurants, Dallas is definitely a city for foodies. Enjoy thickly sliced, tender brisket, baked beans accented with burnt ends, and a slice of ooey-gooey buttery crack cake at Cattleack Barbeque. Fill up on Tupy Tacos at Tupinamba Cafe, sip a margarita at Cinco Taco, or slow down and savor contemporary French cuisine at Bullion. And round out your culinary experiences in Dallas with one of these hidden gem restaurants before heading to the next stop.

Fort Worth

Less than 40 miles directly west of Dallas, Fort Worth (“where the West begins”) is the ultimate cattle town. Although the town was founded many years earlier, Fort Worth grew into one of the most important stops along the Chisholm Trail, which connected cattle ranches in Texas to the railroad in Abilene, Kansas, shortly after the Civil War. Today, the Fort Worth Stockyards is a National Historic District, and visitors can watch authentic cattle drives twice a day at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Round out your Wild West adventure in Fort Worth with a visit to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

Stay outdoors and soak up the sunshine by touring the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. It’s one of the oldest botanical gardens in the U.S. and includes a rose garden, Japanese garden, and rain forest conservatory. Or check out the more than 7,000 native and exotic animals at the highly rated Fort Worth Zoo.

If it’s too hot or humid to spend time outside, you can view a wide variety of art inside the air-conditioned Kimbell Art Museum or enjoy an IMAX movie at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.

Bruce-ee's on the northern edge of Forth Worth. — stockphotoworld / Shutterstock

Buc-ee’s

As you leave the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area in your rearview mirror and head northwest to Amarillo, be sure to make a pit stop at Buc-ee’s on the northern edge of Fort Worth. No road trip through eastern Texas would be complete without a stop at this regional chain of convenience stores known for having the world’s cleanest restrooms.

Once you’ve filled your gas tank and seen for yourself that Buc-ee’s restrooms really are that clean, grab your favorite road-trip sips and snacks and drive about an hour and a half to your next stop.

Wichita Falls

Although the 72-story Bank of America Building is the tallest in Dallas, the world’s tallest building is 2.5 times that. In contrast, the four-story, 40-foot-tall Newby-McMahon Building at 701 La Salle in Wichita Falls is known as the world’s smallest skyscraper. Built to the square inch (and not the square foot), the structure is a Texas Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places and stands as a reminder of the rampant greed and gullibility of the oil boom in Texas.

Another great stop in Wichita Falls is the River Bend Nature Center. This 20-acre nonprofit park facility includes a 7,000-square-foot glass butterfly and nature conservatory, an exhibit hall of the creatures who make their home in Central Texas, and a series of nature trails that wind through tree-filled wetlands.

For more outdoor experiences in Wichita Falls, check out Lucy Park. Built around a bend in the Wichita River near the city center, Lucy Park is a great place to hike, bike, or picnic.

Quanah

Continuing toward Amarillo, stop in Quanah, named after Comanche chief Quanah Parker. Although he worked hard to fend off westward expansion into his native land, he was unsuccessful. As the railroads chugged into the region and more and more white settlers planted crops, Quanah redirected his energy to being a prominent Native American voice for peace in the region. Visit the Quanah Parker Monument outside the Hardeman County Courthouse to learn more about his life and accomplishments.

Housed in a beautiful Spanish Colonial building designed as the town’s railroad depot by the Austin-based Page brothers, the Quanah, Acme & Pacific Railway Depot Museum sits just a few blocks north of the courthouse. Stop by to learn more about the town’s past, including its connection to Koch Industries, the nation’s second-largest privately owned company.

Pro Tip: Before you leave, grab a bite at the Old Bank Saloon.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Created by years of tag-team erosion by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River and the strong West Texas winds cutting into the fossil-rich walls of striped sedimentary rock, Palo Duro Canyon is Texas’s grandest canyon; the name loosely translates to “hard wood” or “hard stick.” You can experience the second-largest canyon in the U.S. by car, bike, on foot, or via horseback.

Groom

Rio de Janeiro has Christ the Redeemer, and Groom, Texas, has one of the largest crosses in the western hemisphere.* Rising 190 feet toward the heavens, you can see this next stop as many as 20 miles before you arrive. If you pull off of Interstate 40 for a closer look, you’ll discover that the giant cross is encircled by bronze statues representing the Stations of the Cross.

*In Corpus Christi, the Texas city named for the Catholic feast day, a 230-foot-tall cross is under construction. When it’s completed, it will steal the crown from the cross in Groom, Texas — and be second in height only to the cross located in the Valley of the Fallen in Madrid.

Panhandle

Trace the history of the Texas Panhandle — from the Native American tribes who fought to protect their ancestral land and way of life to the establishment of the cattle ranches, and from the arrival of the railroad to the High Plains oil boom — at the Carson County Square House Museum in Panhandle.

Amarillo

Originally known as Oneida, this Texas town changed its name to the Spanish word for “yellow” in 1887 as a nod to the gold-hued soil along the creek banks and the lemony wildflowers that covered the area in the spring and summer. Today, Amarillo is a road-trip stop where RVs and quirky roadside attractions meet.

Bring back camping memories from your childhood and daydream about the road trips of yesteryear by perusing the vintage trailers and other beautifully restored recreational vehicles at the Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum.

Then leave your mark on the ever-changing canvas of 10 Cadillacs buried nose-first into a cow pasture along Interstate 40 at Cadillac Ranch. For additional tips and tricks on creating a memorable masterpiece, including where to purchase spray paint, check out this article.

From the skyline of Dallas to the smallest skyscraper in the world, and from cattle drives to an art installation in a cow pasture, you’re sure to find plenty of surprises and delights on this Texas road trip from the heart of Texas in Dallas to the Texas Panhandle in Amarillo.

6 Reasons To Visit Beautiful Leadville, Colorado

Altitude, gorgeous scenery, and some of the deepest Wild West roots in the country can all be found in the small but still-thriving town of Leadville, Colorado. Once the state’s most booming mining town, Leadville had quite the reputation for lawlessness and debauchery, featuring an all-star cast of outrageous characters.

Today, that past is celebrated and shared with the thousands of tourists who come to this mountain town each year to revel in its history and take advantage of its many outdoor recreation opportunities.

Here are some of our favorite reasons to visit Leadville at any time of year — and why you should consider visiting, too!

Rocky Mountain views in Leadville, Colorado. — HPH-media / Shutterstock

1. It’s In The Heart Of The High Country

Leadville sits at 10,152 feet above sea level, making it the highest incorporated city in North America. This means that the views are incredible no matter where you look or roam during your visit. The 14,000-foot Mount Elbert and Mount Massive are nearby, and a drive along the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway is a terrific way to get your majestic mountain fix — and your selfies — in.

The Tabor Opera House in Leadville. — Sandra Foyt / Shutterstock

2. You Can Experience The Wild West

Back in 1860, gold was discovered just a mile away from the sleepy mountain settlement that’s now known as Leadville. The rush was on, and prospectors flooded the area, hoping to strike it rich. A few years later, after the gold was gone, residents discovered trace amounts of silver in their town’s soil and sand, kicking off a second mining boom.

In time, as the town expanded, so did its roster of famous residents. “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” moved here when she was 19, met a mining engineer, and got married. They became rich, moved to Denver, and Molly went on to survive the sinking of the Titanic. Doc Holliday, who became famous for his involvement with the shootout at the O.K. Corral, made Leadville his home for a while after that infamous event with Wyatt Earp.

Today, there are many well-preserved places in Leadville that bring back its colorful past. In fact, Leadville has more museums per capita than any other spot in the state!

Start your history tour at the Dexter Cabin and Healy House Museum. The nine-bedroom home and its adjacent cabin have been lovingly restored and give visitors a sense of what life was like for the prominent miners who made Leadville their home. The Tabor Opera House, built by the town’s richest mining magnate in the 1880s, still hosts concerts, cultural events, and tours. Leadville’s Heritage Museum tells the story of the town’s wild past with artifacts, documents, and photographs. And the gorgeously preserved Temple Israel Synagogue and Museum shares the story of how Judaism made it all the way up to the mountains during the gold rush. Finally, to get a feel for what took place to make Leadville a boomtown, head to the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum to learn more about the people who risked it all to bring rare and valuable minerals up to the Earth’s surface, putting Leadville on the map.

A saloon and other preserved buildings in Leadville. — Sandra Foyt / Shutterstock

3. You Can Explore Historic Harrison Avenue

Leadville has done a fantastic job preserving its wild, rollicking past, and that fact isn’t just evidenced in its fabulous museums. The downtown district, radiating out from Harrison Avenue, is full of mining-era buildings and homes, many of which have been converted into galleries, boutiques, and shops. Harrison Avenue is a terrific place to spend a few hours strolling along to get a sense of the town.

A fishing boat on Turquoise Lake near Leadville, Colorado. — SNEHIT PHOTO / Shutterstock

4. It’s An Angler’s Paradise

Leadville is an angler’s paradise. The Arkansas River, which flows through town, is chock-full of fish, mostly brown and rainbow trout. Nearby Turquoise Lake is another fishing hot spot — it’s also a gorgeous place to hike or picnic for any non-anglers in the group!

Consider booking a fly-fishing guide. They are easy to arrange, and many travelers find their expertise worth the expense. They’ll share their favorite fishing spots and techniques to hook that perfect catch.

The Leadville Railroad in Coloardo. — Marcela Abrach / Shutterstock

5. The Leadville Railroad Offers A Leisurely Trip

As with many other Colorado high country towns, the railroad played a huge role in Leadville’s development, allowing prospectors to get to the mining mecca and magnates to ship out their bounty to Denver and beyond.

Today, trains provide the perfect way to enjoy Leadville’s mountain vistas. Consider a trip on the Leadville Railroad for a leisurely time you won’t forget. It’s a great opportunity for high-altitude photos, too!

Twin Lakes, Colorado. — Brian Wolski / Shutterstock.com

6. It’s A Great Place To Spend Time Outdoors

The natural wonders in and around Leadville are incredible, and there’s no shortage of ways to get out there and enjoy them.

The hike around the aforementioned Turquoise Lake in the San Isabel National Forest is a flat, easy stroll that many visitors enjoy. For more of a challenge, take the trails that wind their way up into the surrounding mountains for incredible lake views. The Mineral Belt Trail is an 11-mile loop in and around Leadville that offers plenty of places to hop on and off, no matter whether you’re on bike or foot. In the winter, cross-country skiing opportunities abound, and downhill enthusiasts can head to nearby Ski Cooper, where the mountain’s high altitude provides light and fluffy powder perfect for speed.

Where To Shop In Leadville

Downtown Leadville is the place for treasure hunters to pick up souvenirs, with many unique shops to explore.

Check out the Delaware Hotel Mercantile for a large assortment of art, antiques, and Western Americana. Mountain Top Quilt is a crafter’s paradise, with patterns, squares, and finished tops ready for purchase. The Mule Kick is a funky thrift and consignment shop full of curiosities, and The Rock Hut, which has been in business for more than 45 years, sells a variety of gems, crystals, and minerals perfect for collecting and jewelry-making.

Where To Eat In Leadville

Most of Leadville’s eateries are also located downtown.

Treeline Kitchen is a rustic, charming cafe that serves up delicious American comfort food. High Mountain Pies has got your carb cravings covered with terrific pizzas, calzones, wings, and ribs. If you’re looking for a protein fix after a day out on the trails, Quincy’s Steakhouse might be the perfect place for dinner. And for a craft brew or two enjoyed over board games and good company, Periodic Brewery is the place to go.

Where To Stay In Leadville

To take a trip back in time, consider home-basing at the Delaware Hotel, a historic spot that dates to Leadville’s boomtown days. All of the rooms are furnished with period pieces, and it’s said to be haunted — by 23 ghosts! The Colorado Trail House is a charming eight-bedroom Victorian-era bed and breakfast featuring suites and bunk rooms; it’s perfect for larger groups or families. If you’re looking for a bit more privacy — perhaps outside of town — a homesharing site such as Airbnb or Vrbo could very well have the perfect cottage or mountain chalet for you.

What To Know Before You Go

At more than 10,000 feet above sea level, Leadville proudly claims the title of the highest incorporated city in North America. This place is gorgeous, but it’s important to keep in mind that it’s extremely sunny, dry, and definitely at high altitude! As in any mountain spot, take any physical activity slow, drink lots of water, and use sunscreen daily, reapplying it often. Also, keep a small stash of Advil or Tylenol at the ready in case an altitude headache sets in.

While it’s important to take precautions, the payoff is worth it. Leadville, perched high in the Rockies, is a natural marvel. You’ll be awed daily by the incredible views and the authentic feel of this special spot.

Why Cedar City, Utah Is A Must-Visit

About 250 miles south of Salt Lake City, Cedar City, Utah, is home to fewer than 30,000 people, but it has more than its share of attractions, adventures, and activities.

It’s just 58 miles north of Zion National Park and 75 miles west of Bryce Canyon National Park, making it the perfect base for anyone exploring the natural beauty of the American Southwest. But Cedar City is much more than a base for road-trippers. It’s a lively university town, and there’s always something happening there, from festivals and artistic events to great food experiences.

What To Do In Cedar City

Cedar City is sometimes nicknamed the Festival City, owing to its year-round list of fun events. As you’ll see, there’s one festival in particular that’s a must for anyone coming to the area — and there’s plenty to keep you busy in between the official schedule of events!

Enjoy The Utah Shakespeare Festival

One of the finest Shakespeare festivals in the world, the Utah Shakespeare Festival at Southern Utah University is a Tony Award-winning production running through the summer and into early fall. Three Shakespeare productions are staged each season, as well as modern plays.

Taking in a show is much more than a simple night at the theater. Set in a playhouse modeled on Shakespeare’s original Globe Theatre in London, the preshow activities are half the fun. The Green Show features puppet shows, strolling minstrels, vendors selling various treats, and more. Visitors can also enjoy backstage tours, special literary lectures, and seminars on props and costumes. The adjacent Shakespeare Character Garden is filled with sculptures of Shakespearean characters.

Utah isn’t the first place people think of when they think of Shakespearean destinations — and that is exactly what first attracted me to the area. It’s unexpected and unique and provides a welcome dose of art and culture in a region most famous for its natural attractions and adventures.

Visit The Southern Utah Museum Of Art

Completed in 2016, the Southern Utah Museum of Art has won rave reviews for its amazing architecture — the building resembles a slot canyon! The museum features the work of regional artists known for their landscapes, the work of student and faculty artists, and the work of emerging artists from across the United States.

Admission is free, and there are frequent exhibitions.

An old ore shovel at the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum. — Traveller70 / Shutterstock

Explore The Frontier Homestead State Park Museum

Step back in time to discover the early history of Cedar City and the surrounding area at the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum. An extensive horse-drawn wagon collection tells the story of the hardships the settlers endured as they crossed the country in pursuit of a better life. A sawmill and replica blast furnace pay tribute to the industries that further developed the area.

Hands-on activities like Christmas at the Homestead, Sheep-to-Shawl, and Archaeology Days offer fun and interactive learning for every member of the family.

Stop By The IG Winery

Sourcing grapes from Utah, California, Oregon, and Washington, the IG Winery brings a note of sophistication to Cedar City and has some great options for wine lovers who are looking for something just a little bit different. The Tempest red blend is named for the city’s Shakespeare Festival.

Cedar Breaks National Monument in Utah. — Oscity / Shutterstock

Marvel At Cedar Breaks National Monument

About 25 miles away from Cedar City is Cedar Breaks National Monument. National monuments are often overshadowed by national parks, but Cedar Breaks is stunning and holds its own against Zion and Bryce Canyon.

Cedar Breaks sits at 10,000 feet and overlooks a geologic amphitheater half a mile deep filled with hoodoo rock formations, bristlecone pine trees (the oldest is an estimated 1,600 years old!), and some of the most beautiful wildflowers in the state.

Visitors can enjoy “star parties” (telescopes are provided), hikes, guided ranger talks and tours, and the services of the Zion Natural History Association’s bookstore. A four-season destination, Cedar Breaks offers a wildflower festival in July, incredible views of the fall colors in autumn (Cedar Breaks is considered one of the top leaf-peeping spots in the U.S.), and snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in winter.

Participate In The Southwest Astronomy Festival

This annual festival, which takes place in late September, occurs at multiple locations between Cedar Breaks National Monument and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. The Southwest Astronomy Festival events include star parties, sun parties, night hikes, and much more.

Where To Eat In Cedar City

Cedar City might just be the next hot foodie town, since the food is an attraction in and of itself. In Cedar City, you’ll find students from across the country, literary lovers from around the world, plus adventurous locals. As such, the food scene is diverse, affordable, and constantly evolving.

Here are some of my favorite places to eat in the area.

Centro Woodfired Pizzeria

There are plenty of chain pizzerias in Cedar City, but for something unique (and incredibly tasty), give Centro Woodfired Pizzeria a try. Some of their quirky varieties include fennel and sausage, pancetta and grape, and prosciutto and apricot. There are plenty of vegetarian options, too, plus salads and sandwiches.

Rusty’s Ranch House

Rusty’s Ranch House is a ranch-themed restaurant surrounded by great mountain views and a touch of ’80s-esque decor (but not in a bad way!). This is the place to go for laid-back steak, seafood, barbecue, burgers, and pasta.

All American Diner

Inexpensive, down to earth, and offering quick service, the All American Diner is where you go when you want breakfast, lunch, or dinner for under $10. For breakfast, try the French toast with a choice of breakfast meat and two eggs. The patty melt lunch platter is both tasting and filling, and the pepper steak sirloin with mushrooms, onions, and brown gravy makes a great dinner.

Perks

Perks will satisfy even the most discerning of coffee lovers. They have a great selection of classic coffee-shop drinks, a long list of specialty syrups (including year-round pumpkin spice!), and a nice mix of smoothies, wraps, and sandwiches. There are lots of good coffee houses in town, but this is my personal favorite.

The Soda Nerd

The Soda Nerd offers specialty sodas, shaved ice, smoothies, cookies, and cotton candy. It’s the perfect place for a treat after a long day of hiking — or a long evening of Shakespeare!

The French Spot

The last thing you’d expect to find in a small city in the American Southwest is a French chef with a Michelin star. But The French Spot’s chef is still cooking like he’s in Lyon, turning out light French bistro fare. If you want to buy a small gift for a Cedar City local, pop in for a package of their elegant macarons or bring them breakfast in the form of airy croissants and takeout cafe au laits.

Where To Shop In Cedar City

Cedar City’s celebrated downtown is famous for its small, independent shops, tempting coffee houses, and historic public buildings.

Special spots to look out for include The Candy Factory (just as tempting as the name suggests), which shares a spot with the Boomer’s Bloomers flower shop. At the Artisans Gallery, you can buy fine art by local artists (or just happily browse if the prices are out of range). At Main Street Books, Cedar City’s only independent bookstore, you can pick up new, used, and collectible reading material. And if you’re planning for mega adventures, Outdoor Vitals is one of the best stores in the state for ultralight camping gear.

Where To Stay In Cedar City

Cedar City has a strong selection of hotel and motel accommodations, ranging from inexpensive chains like Knights Inn, Super 8, and Motel 6 to business properties like Marriott, Best Western, and La Quinta Inn & Suites. There are also several independent bed and breakfasts that are perfect for Shakespeare fans.

Big Yellow Inn Bed And Breakfast

My favorite place to stay in Cedar City, the Big Yellow Inn is a Georgian Revival bed and breakfast with 12 beautifully decorated rooms, many with access to a balcony (the English Room is my favorite). There are also eight fireplaces, three sitting rooms, a great room, a library, and a full breakfast served in an elegant breakfast room. Prices start at just over $100, and it’s a short walk to the Shakespeare Festival.

Bard’s Inn Bed And Breakfast

A sister property to the Big Yellow Inn, the Bard’s Inn dates to 1912 and has rooms named after Shakespearean characters. Some of the rooms feature balconies with private entrances, while others have small kitchens.

Ozark Mountains Road Trip: Osage Beach To Eureka Springs

Take a meandering route through Missouri and into northern Arkansas to enjoy scenery that changes with the seasons. The Ozark Mountains span four states and consist of a plateau that covers 50,000 square miles. There’s plenty of hiking, rivers, lakes, and caves interspaced amongst the wilderness areas, making for a great road trip adventure with both scenery and historical destinations.

Years ago, I traveled this route as part of an assignment that involved researching why people live in particular areas. Life in these parts is slow-paced, almost reflective. What I found during the road trip was that a good many people choose to live in this area for the lifestyle; they value the slower pace and the access to nature and its outdoor activities. It’s a pleasant drive through a peaceful and scenic area when you follow the rolling hills from Osage Beach, Missouri, to Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Osage Beach

Start your road trip in Osage Beach, located along the shores of the Lake of the Ozarks. Lake of the Ozarks, made notorious by the Netflix series Ozark, boasts more than 1,150 miles of scenic shoreline. Known for its miles of gorgeous coastline and a multitude of water activities, Osage Beach is an ideal starting point to explore the lake and nearby towns.

Spend a few days on the water with a rented pontoon boat or jet ski from The Getaway, take a camera and visit the swinging bridge, or tour the oldest legal distillery in the county, Ozark Distillery. Just two miles from Osage Beach is Lake of the Ozarks State Park, located on an undeveloped cove, hidden along the shorelines of the lake. There are boat rentals at the park so you can spend time fishing, take a historic site tour, or try one of the park’s two swimming beaches. For indoor water fun, visit the Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park with its 600 feet of water slides. Then check out Lee Mace’s Ozark Opry museum and learn about this once-sold-out country show, or watch a live performance at the Main Street Music Hall.

For dinner, try Michael’s Steak Chalet, located on a cliff overlooking the lake at the 28-mile marker. The restaurant is known for its prime rib, but you’ll also find generous cuts of filets and strip steak aged 28 days and hand trimmed. Plus, you can pair a steak with a cold-water lobster tail, grilled salmon, or blackened tuna.

Stay at one of the many resorts in the area. Or, if you want the amenities of a resort but prefer a home environment instead of a hotel room, Tan-Tar-A-Estates is just minutes from the Margaritaville Lake Resort. Utilize the amenities of the resort such as the Fin’s Up indoor pool and fitness center, but stay in a standalone home with views of the Lake of the Ozarks or Hidden Lakes Golf course. Each house contains two-to-three hotel rooms with private entrances. Rent the entire house or one or two units, depending on your needs. If you prefer not to drive, a shuttle service will take you from your unit to the Margaritaville activities.

The ruins of Ha Ha Tonka near Camdenton. — Chuck W Walker / Shutterstock

Stop In Camdenton

Just 15 minutes from Osage Beach you’ll arrive in Camdenton, known as The Hub City of the Ozarks.

Spend the day discovering nature and history at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. There, you can see the ruins of Ha Ha Tonka, a stone mansion that was modeled after European castles of the 16th century, and wander a geologic wonderland that features sinkholes, caves, a huge natural bridge, sheer bluffs, and Missouri’s 12th largest spring. There are a series of trails and boardwalks that make it easy to discover the historic castle, wooded areas, and open rocky glades.

You can also tour Bridal Cave before heading to Lebanon. Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain Park is a family favorite with guided tours that take you through the cave to discover incredible mineral deposits, giant columns, and delicate soda straws. The struggle between water and rock created the cavern, which contains more onyx formations than any other known cave or cavern.

Before leaving for Lebanon, stop for dinner at The Trophy Room at Old Kinderhook (or, if you’re not ready to move on, stay a night at their resort). The wild mushroom flatbread is a delicious starter of herbed cream cheese, wild mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, chopped greens, and truffle oil. For dinner, try the osso buco, a braised veal shank served with jalapeno cheddar grits, asparagus, and veal demi-glace.

Lebanon

Twenty-five miles south of Camdenton, you’ll arrive in Lebanon. The historic downtown has unique shops, antique stores, and an outlet mall. Antique enthusiasts will enjoy the Heartland Antique Mall, the largest of its kind between Joplin and St. Louis, home to 250 dealers.

An important stop along Historic Route 66, Boswell Park recognizes the location with murals featuring historic images of the route. There’s also an annual Route 66 Festival in June with a parade, live entertainment, family games, and more. The Route 66 Museum and Research Center is located in the Lebanon-Laclede County Library.

For me, nearby Bennett Spring State Park holds many memories of annual float trips along the Niangua River, plus time spent at the park watching the fly fishermen stand in the waters to fish. There are plenty of hiking options, too, with 12 miles of hiking trails. Stop by the interpretive center, spend the night in one of the cabins, eat at the rustic dining lodge, and take a hatchery tour while there.

Springfield

This Ozark city is known as the Pulse of the Ozarks. The city has a small-town feel and its activities are rooted in history and place. To learn more about Springfield, be sure to visit its points of interest along Historical Route 66. For more historical references, visit the site of the “Wild Bill” Hickok shootout, take the Battle of Springfield Tour, see the History Museum on the Square, or visit Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.

Local restaurants are a great way to experience the culture of a city, and Springfield has a variety of options. Sample authentic Italian cuisine at Archie’s Italian Eatery, get smoky barbecue at Buckingham’s BBQ, or enjoy wine pairings at Cellar + Plate, a communal wine house.

Stay for a night or more at the rustic Bass Pro Shops Angler’s Lodge. Across the street you can visit the Bass Pro Shop, a Springfield draw in its own right. Also across the street is the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.

Branson

A little less than an hour drive takes you to Branson. There’s plenty to do, but you definitely won’t want to miss the live entertainment; 76 Country Boulevard is lined with theatres putting on country music as well as diverse entertainment choices. You can also consider these 10 things to do in Branson besides seeing shows. Shop and eat at Branson Landing, brave a zipline adventure, or spend time on the water at Table Rock Lake.

A ride in Silver Dollar City. — Silver Dollar City Press

Spend A Day At Silver Dollar City

Step back in time at this one-of-a-kind 1800s theme park. Attend a show and watch a gunfight, dress up in period clothing for an old-time photoshoot, explore a log cabin to learn about pioneer life, ride the rides, and, of course, enjoy live music. If you need more than a day to explore Silver Dollar City, camp or rent a cabin and a shuttle will transport you back and forth.

Eureka Springs

This road trip ends in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, a city settled in the late 1800s after stories got out that it had healing springs. The city later became renowned as an artist’s colony, attracting writers, musicians, and visual artists. The scenery is spectacular. Lush trees and hills make it a top fall foliage destination. Between the Victorian architecture, a vibrant arts community, the springs, and outdoor activities, Eureka Springs is a favorite destination.

This funky town has a vibrant food scene as well. Have an affordable and immersive fine-dining experience at Le Stick Nouveau. Enjoy the lobster mac and cheese pot pie. Or try the artichoke appetizer and a bowl of pasta at Ermilio’s Italian Home Cooking, winner, for four years in a row, of the Arkansas Times’ Reader’s Choice award for Best Restaurant in Eureka Springs and Best Italian Restaurant in Arkansas.

Lodging options are as varied as this delightful city. Stay in the majestic 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa, a Historic Hotel of America, or rent a unique cottage through Eureka Zen.

Pro Tips

To extend your scenic drive, take the HWY 187 Loop, a 20-mile loop that crosses three bodies of water, or, for more healing waters, head south and enjoy the best things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas.