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Why a Road Trip from Winnipeg to Nashville Should Be on Your Bucket List [Local Gems Revealed!]

I was staring out my window, watching snowflakes dance like they had all the time in the world, while I felt stuck in an ice cube. Netflix has lost its charm, and my friends were all hibernating. 

So, what did any sensible (or maybe slightly stir-crazy) Winnipegger do? I planned an epic road trip to Nashville, of course! 

Because when winter overstays its welcome, you start dreaming of country tunes, hot chicken, and maybe even catching a glimpse of Elvis (or at least someone dressed like him).

But hey, before I digress into the tales of honky-tonk bars and barbecue joints, let me take you on a journey through why this road trip should absolutely make your bucket list. 

From quirky roadside attractions to the best spots to refuel with local flavors, Winnipeg to Nashville isn’t just a drive—it’s a quest for the ultimate adventure playlist, and the tastiest pit stops along the way. 

How long is the drive from Winnipeg to Nashville 

The direct drive from Winnipeg to Nashville covers a distance of 1,374 miles (2,211 km) and usually takes about 20 hours and 33 minutes in normal traffic.

Best Places to Stop on a Drive From Winnipeg to Nashville 

Corn Palace Gift Shop

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Website

Location: 603 N Main St, Mitchell

Contact: 605 996 1191 

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 – 9 pm 

The Corn Palace Gift Shop has exterior murals made from nearly 300,000 ears of corn. These are quite amazing and change every year, so there’s always something new to see.

Inside the gift shop, you’ll find photos that show how the facade has transformed over time—it’s like a mini-history lesson!

Plus, it’s the perfect place to pick up some fun souvenirs. They’ve got everything from T-shirts and hats to, of course, popcorn. 

And if you want to take a taste of South Dakota home, they have local products like corn cob jelly and buffalo jerky.

Nebraska State Capitol

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Location: 1445 K St, Lincoln 

Contact: 402 471 0448

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 8 – 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 – 5 pm
  • Sunday: 1 – 5 pm

The Nebraska State Capitol, completed in 1932, has this stunning 400-foot limestone tower. The design gives you a bit of a castle-like vibe, and the courtyards around it add to that majestic feel. 

Once you’re inside, you’ll be captivated by the artwork. They have these mind-blowing mosaics, murals, and tilework everywhere you look.

It’s like a mini-art gallery in a government building!

And here’s a little insider tip: don’t miss the observation deck on the top floor. The views from up there are absolutely gorgeous—you can see the whole city and the surrounding area.

The Old Market

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Location: Omaha, NE 68102

You’re going to love The Old Market in downtown Omaha! It’s a historic neighborhood that was originally built to sell groceries wholesale and retail, but now it’s a lively hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife.

What’s really neat is that they’ve kept the brick-paved streets from the early 1900s, so it has this old-timey charm that’s hard to resist.

Here, you’ll find all sorts of upscale shops, art galleries, and cozy restaurants. Plus, there are tons of bars and cafes to explore. 

On top of that, the whole place is always buzzing with street performers, artists, and vendors.

Horseshoe Council Bluffs Casino

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Website 

Location: 2701 23rd Ave, Council Bluffs

Contact: 712 323 2500

Horseshoe Council Bluffs Casino is not your typical casino; it’s got over 1,400 slot machines, tons of table games (63, to be exact), and even a poker room if you’re feeling lucky.

And when hunger strikes, they have two kinds of restaurants: Whiskey Roadhouse for a casual bite, and another diner with fancier dining options. 

It’s a nice break on the road, with plenty to keep you entertained before you continue your journey south!

Missouri State Penitentiary

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Website 

Location: 115 Lafayette St, Jefferson City 

Contact: 866 998 6998

If you’re into something intriguing and a bit eerie, swing by the Missouri State Penitentiary, or as locals call it, “The Walls.” 

This place has a wild history—it was the toughest prison west of the Mississippi for over 160 years, housing notorious criminals like Sonny Liston and James Earl Ray.

You know, Time Magazine even dubbed it “the bloodiest 47 acres in America” once, in 1967, due to, well, let’s just say, quite plenty of incidents.

After it shut down in 2004, they started offering tours, believe it or not. You can stroll through where the old gas chamber was and where they did the executions.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

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Location: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha

Contact: 402 733 8400

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 – 5 pm

For all the animal lovers out there, you’ve got to check out Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium! This 160-acre zoo is home to thousands of creatures from all over the globe—lions, tigers, bears, elephants, giraffes, you name it. 

And their aquarium? It’s world-famous, featuring aquatic habitats from the polar regions to the coral reefs.

The way they’ve set everything up here is worth mentioning too! Imagine walking through the Lied Jungle—it’s like being in a Southeast Asian rainforest with birds flying around and lush greenery everywhere. 

Then there’s the Desert Dome, North America’s largest indoor rainforest, filled with desert critters like camels and meerkats.

But I believe (well, for me) their conservation efforts are the main reason why this place is truly a worthwhile visit. It’s admirable that they’re working hard to protect endangered species and have programs to help them out in the wild. 

Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace

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Website 

Location: 4540 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach

Contact: 573 348 2065

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Wednesday: 10 – 6 pm
  • Thursday: 11 – 6 pm 
  • Friday and Saturday: 10 – 7 pm
  • Sunday: 12 – 6 pm

Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace is an outdoor mall with over 110 stores, so it’s like a treasure trove for bargain hunters.

You can snag deals from 25% to 65% off on all your favorite brands, like Polo Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger. And if you’re into sportswear, Under Armour and Adidas have you covered.

It’s not just about clothes, either. You’ll find accessories, shoes, and even home goods. 

Plus, there are a few restaurants and a popcorn store to fuel your shopping spree.

Stone Hill Winery

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Location: 1110 Stone Hill Hwy, Hermann

Contact: 573 486 2221 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 10 – 5 pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 10 – 5:30 pm
  • Sunday: 11 – 4 pm

Founded by German immigrants in 1847, Stone Hill Winery was once the second-largest winery in the U.S., making over a million gallons of wine each year in the 1870s.

Their wines even took home gold medals at international fairs in Vienna and Philadelphia. But then Prohibition came along in 1920, and they had to close the shop.

They got creative, though, using their cellars to grow mushrooms until 1965. Talk about resourcefulness!

Today, Stone Hill is back and better than ever, producing around 300,000 gallons of wine annually. They are Missouri’s most awarded winery, and their Norton grape, the official state grape, is a real standout. 

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

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Website 

Location: 212 N 6th St, Springfield 

Contact: 217 558 8844 

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 – 5 pm 

This place is dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, who, as you probably know, was the 16th president of the United States.

When you walk in here, the museum has these fascinating exhibits that really bring Lincoln’s life and times to life. You’ll see his early days, his political career, and the Civil War all laid out in a way that’s both educational and entertaining. 

Don’t miss the section about his assassination, either; it’s gripping!

And the library? It’s a gold mine for history buffs. 

It’s packed with Lincoln-related goodies—his papers, books, artifacts, you name it—plus a huge collection from the Illinois State Historical Library. Researchers from around the globe flock here to dive deep into his legacy and the Civil War.

Meramec Caverns

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Website 

Location: 1135 Hwy W, Sullivan 

Contact: 573 468 2283 

Meramec Caverns is a 4.6-mile-long cave system that’s a big hit with tourists—about 150,000 people visit each year! These caverns are pretty ancient, formed by the erosion of limestone deposits over millions of years. 

Here, you’ll see a variety of speleothems, or cave formations, like stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstone. 

And when you take the guided tour, you’ll wander through various chambers and hear all about the caverns’ fascinating history. 

You’ll learn about everything from Native American use to saltpeter mining and even how outlaws used the caves as hideouts. It’s like a journey through time!

But the fun doesn’t stop with the caves. Meramec Caverns has plenty of other activities to keep you busy. 

You can go on riverboat rides, rent a canoe, try out ziplining, or even camp out if you want to stay overnight. And if you need a break, there’s a gift shop, a restaurant, and a motel right on site.

Saint Louis Zoo

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Website 

Location: 1 Government Dr, St. Louis 

Contact: 314 781 0900 

Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Thursday: 8 – 5 pm 
  • Friday and Saturday: 8 – 6:30 pm 

The Saint Louis Zoo, officially known as the Saint Louis Zoological Park, is renowned for its exceptional work in animal care, research, and conservation. 

They’re even accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, so rest assured, they are top-notch. 

While general admission is free, you might want to bring a little cash for some of the special attractions, such as parking, the Emerson Zooline Railroad, sea lion shows, and feeding experiences.

Now, let’s talk about what you’ll see here. This place is huge and divided into six different zones: Lakeside Crossing, River’s Edge, Discovery Corner, The Wild, Historic Hill, and Red Rocks. 

With over 14,000 animals, representing nearly 600 species, there’s a lot to see. Some of my personal favorites are the Jungle of the Apes, Penguin and Puffin Coast, the Insectarium, and the Children’s Zoo.

Where to Eat During the Winnipeg to Nashville Road Trip 

Piedmont Bistro by Venue 

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Website 

Location: 1265 S Cotner Blvd Ste 38, Lincoln

Contact: 402 975 2816

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 11 – 9 pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 8 – 10 pm
  • Sunday: 8 – 3 pm

Must-order menu items: 

  • Spinach Gouda Dip
  • Bistro Steak Burger
  • Balance: Apple Pecan Chicken Bowl

Price range: $ – $$ (cheap to average)

When you’re road-tripping from Winnipeg to Nashville, make sure Lincoln’s Piedmont Bistro by Venue is on your dining radar. This cozy neighborhood diner is all about Midwestern comfort with a creative twist. 

They’re big on using locally sourced ingredients, so you know everything’s fresh and tasty.

And speaking of eats, you can’t go wrong with their Apple Pecan Chicken Bowl—it’s got diced chicken, quinoa, toasted pecans, apple, and a mix of red onion and red pepper that just hits the spot.

But if you’re into seafood, their Blue Lump Crab Cakes are a must-try, served up with arugula and a tangy caper dill remoulade.

Bison Witches Bar & Deli

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Location: 1320 P St #100, Lincoln 

Contact: 402 474 3366

Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Wednesday: 7 – 9 pm
  • Thursday to Saturday: 9 – 10 pm

Must-order menu items: 

  • Pastrami
  • Beef & Brie
  • The Hawaiian

Price range: $ – $$ (cheap to average)

Bison Witches Bar & Deli isn’t your average joint; it’s one of those laid-back places where you can go for a killer deli sandwich and wash it down with a top-notch Bloody Mary or maybe a refreshing Mule. 

One dish people keep raving about here is their Pastrami—a lean, thinly sliced pastrami on rye with spicy deli mustard and melted Swiss. 

And if that doesn’t tempt you, how about their Beef & Brie? It’s smoked beef, gooey Brie, tomatoes, sprouts, and a hint of house honey mustard on top. Oh, just thinking about it makes my mouth water! 

Where to Stay During the Winnipeg to Nashville Road Trip

Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown Old Market

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Location: 555 S 10th St, Omaha

Contact: 402 346 9000

Operating hours: 

  • Check-in time: 4 pm 
  • Check-out time: 11 am 

The Embassy Suites by Hilton in Omaha’s Downtown Old Market is a cozy inn with warm, welcoming suites that’ll make you feel right at home.

After a long day of driving, you’ll appreciate their indoor pool, where you can take a relaxing dip, and a fitness center if you want to get in a quick workout. 

Mornings are easy too with their free breakfast, and they also have this complimentary evening reception that’s ideal for unwinding.

For dining, you have an on-site restaurant and an atrium bar, but if you’re too tired to head out, there’s room service available. 

And just when you thought it could get any better, the hotel has these modern conveniences like a digital key and self-parking, which make things really convenient. 

Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your furry friend behind, and there’s WiFi to keep you connected.

The Kindler Hotel 

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Website 

Location: 216 N 11th St, Lincoln

Contact: 402 261 7800

Operating hours: 

  • Check-in time: 4 pm 
  • Check-out time: 12 pm 

The Kindler Hotel in Lincoln is the city’s first boutique inn, blending modern design with a nod to local heritage. It’s a real gem here, offering a homey atmosphere and personalized service.

The hotel’s got this amusing mix of West Coast style with Lincoln’s own neo-classical architecture. And each room has a bit of local history, inspired by the old Commercial Building. 

Plus, there are all the comforts you could want—like a fitness center, a stylish bar, and a lovely restaurant.