Do you ever get the spontaneous urge to go on a road trip? I certainly do, but as a college student time is not something I have a lot of. During my time as a student at Louisiana Tech University, I have taken many one-day road trips. Check out the list below for my three favorite towns to take a day trip to and some fun activities they have to offer.Â
Broken Bow, located in southeast Oklahoma is an absolute gem. This town is centrally located by Broken Bow Lake, Beaver’s Bend State Park. If you are looking for somewhere to get your feet in the water Broken Bow is the place. There are plenty of rental outfitters for kayaks and other non-motorized watercraft, a ton of fun restaurants and sand beaches, and riverside fishing spots. The terrain is beautiful and it is worth the trip for a day in the sun!Â
Hot Springs is almost directly north of Ruston, LA in central Arkansas. You may have guessed it by the name, but yes, there are hot springs. If you want to feel the heat, there are a few different bathhouses downtown with different hot springs experiences to choose from. You can also choose from a few different hikes to view the springs in a natural setting. Bring a water bottle or two and you can even bottle potable spring water for free in the fountains downtown to take back as a souvenir!
Natchez is southeast of La Tech in west Mississippi. On a perfect day for a slow drive, you will not regret taking in the views of the Natchez Trace. Driving east on 1-20 to meet the trace and then coming back south to Natchez is the long route, but so worth it! Once you arrive in Natchez expect to take in the rich history of the town, including historical mansions, the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, and the Natchez Historical Trace Park.Â
With a little planning and a nice Saturday, any of these locations make for a perfect day trip. Remember to stay safe and communicate with someone you trust about where you’ll be going. I hope you enjoy these towns as much as I have and make some memories of your own!