70’s road trips remain a nostalgic American pastime thanks to the affordability of gas, and a sense of adventure that came from exploring the unknown and untraveled. Paper maps and big, gas-guzzling vehicles gave a sense of freedom to the open road unlike technological devices available today. Here I will take you on an American classic trip on the open road to destinations loved from the 70’s.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. South of the Border, South Carolina
- 2 2. Rock City, Lookout Mountain
- 3 3. Wall Drug, South Dakota
- 4 4. Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
- 5 5. Marineland of Florida
- 6 6. Wisconsin Dells
- 7 7. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- 8 8. Santa’s Land, Cherokee, NC
- 9 9. Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida
- 10 10. Frontier City, Oklahoma City
- 11 11. Mystery Hill, North Carolina
- 12 12. Dinosaur Land, Virginia
1. South of the Border, South Carolina
The giant Pedro advertising billboards for I-95 stretched hundreds of miles in every direction enticing you to visit this roadside American classic. Sparkling towers, Fireworks sheds, and cheap souvenirs Mexican themed rest stops were all the rage. Today’s political views could hold a different view for this stop on family trips to Florida.
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2. Rock City, Lookout Mountain
Another stop on family road trips in the South was Lookout Mountain with a magical garden at the top. Blacklight faery caverns, and views of 7 states from Lovers Leap lookout all provided family entertainment and made for great photo ops in the 70’s at the Swing-A-Long bridge.
3. Wall Drug, South Dakota
Long distance family trips were filled with waiting and anticipation, especially when approaching places like Wall Drug with the promise of free ice water and 5 cent coffee. More than a few family road trips to Mt. Rushmore included stops at the giant Brontosaurus, Jackalope photo op, and Western Cowboy stores along the way.
4. Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
For years Cedar Point was considered the roller coaster capital of the U.S. and then Disney World opened. They had the Gemini racing coaster and Corkscrew which came out in \`76 and was the first coaster to have 3 inversions. We spent summer days driving from Michigan to Ohio to ride the coasters.
5. Marineland of Florida
Thru the ’70s before SeaWorld took over the marine park world, Marineland opened as the first ocean attraction in Florida. As we started seeing animals through the circular oceanarium windows, we realized the dolphins and sharks were below. The shows were a lot more intimate than the shows we have today.
6. Wisconsin Dells
While the ’70s Waterpark Capital of the World was a more simplistic place, it eventually became the Waterpark Capital of the World. From scenic tours through rock formations to Tommy Bartlett’s Water Show and the Original Wisconsin Ducks, we loved the movement. Those little motels and pools were paradise.
7. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Now the Space Needle and Hillbilly Golf have taken over the Smoky Mountains. Taffy pulled in windows was replaced by shopping and rides. The mountain views were better than Santa’s workshop and rides combined.
8. Santa’s Land, Cherokee, NC
Christmas in July became a theme and Santa’s workshop and the deer train made it a family favorite stop. The Cherokee Indian Reservation made it an unforgettable weekend.
9. Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida
The mermaid live shows were unique. It was even magical to witness the performers through the windows of the underwater theater. The spring was clear, and the river boat rides provided us with the real view of Florida, rather than the artificial view of Florida from theme parks.
10. Frontier City, Oklahoma City
The western themed park was the highlight of a trip from coast to coast. We were able to fulfil our dreams of living in the wild west through staged shootouts, can-can performances and photo studios. I believe the wooden roller coaster used to be the roughest of them all, but to us it was the ride in the entire universe.
11. Mystery Hill, North Carolina
At the mountain attraction, there was something inexplicable about the place as if the laws of gravity were being suspended. Water would flow up instead of down, we were able to balance on walls and walk at impossible angles. We had fun for the entire day without all of the modern technologies that kids today have.
12. Dinosaur Land, Virginia
We were blown away with the giant dinosaurs made of fiberglass. Long before Jurassic park we had to make the drive to the east coast to see the king kong statue and the gift shop full of plastic dinosaurs. The giant dinosaurs combined with the theatrical scenes of dinosaurs made it feel like a Jurassic park.
