Help me plan an epic road trip!

[IlluminatedAttic]

Hi Friends, 

I'm planning an epic six week road trip this autumn! Beginning in PA and traveling west through Ohio with the major destination goals of Indianapolis, St. Louis and then through Kansas to Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde, before we head south to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Considering a side trip to Flagstaff because we love it and want to go back to Lowell Observatory. Then looking for a great beach (preferably with rv camping) somewhere on the gulf coast before turning back north to head home. Going to be pulling my travel trailer and have at least five kids with me, ages four to eleven. Looking for suggestions of "not to be missed" excursions, historical sites, adventures, etc. all along our route. We like educational but also "quirky" not neccesarily mainstream places as long as they are kid friendly. Also any rv camp recommendations. We will stay at some military campgrounds along the way so if you have any reviews or recommendations for those that would be great also. Thanks for the help!

Warmly,

KM

[Lucy the Valiant]

The Indianapolis downtown library is worth the stop!

[MrsMommy]

You should definitely visit Cahokia Mounds just outside St. Louis in Illinois!

[happi duck]

The Roadside America website can give you ideas for quirky stuff.

[hellen]

Check the National Park website. My kids have fallen in love with collecting junior ranger badges in each park. There should be several along the way.

 

North of Indianapolis is Connor Prairie which we enjoyed.

 

ETA: Kansas has the Cosmonaut museum, Tallgrass Prairie, and salt mine. We couldn't do the salt mine because I had one that was too young but yours should all be old enough.

Edited June 26, 2016 by hellen

[purplejackmama]

We travel the country in our RV fulltime. We have stayed in Sundermeier in St Louis (St. Charles, actually) and really enjoyed it. You can bike into town on the Katy Trail and it's a beautiful path along the river. Our favorites in StL were: the Arch, the Magic House, the City Museum, Grant's Farm, the Science Museum, Forest Park and Cardinals Games.

 

We love Santa Fe. We stayed in ABQ and just drove up for the day. We stayed at the KOA in ABQ and it was fine. We loved the Range Cafe and Iexplora.

 

I'm originally from the Gulf Coast and the best place to stay ON the beach is Camp on the Gulf in Destin. State parks that I would highly recommend are: Grayton Beach, Topsail, St. Andrews and St. Joseph.

 

As you travel east you should plan a few days in Pensacola. The naval aviation museum is excellent and FREE. The lighthouse is a trek to the top, but worth it.

 

I have tons more to say but I'll shut up. If you want more info just let me know. :)

[IlluminatedAttic]

The Indianapolis downtown library is worth the stop!

Not sure we can visit a library and not leave with any books, but I will look into it. Thanks!

 

You should definitely visit Cahokia Mounds just outside St. Louis in Illinois!

This looks cool. We have toured several eastern Native American sites, this would be a great comparison. Thanks!

 

The Roadside America website can give you ideas for quirky stuff.

 

I'll check it out. Thanks!

[IlluminatedAttic]

Check the National Park website. My kids have fallen in love with collecting junior ranger badges in each park. There should be several along the way.

 

North of Indianapolis is Connor Prairie which we enjoyed.

 

ETA: Kansas has the Cosmonaut museum, Tallgrass Prairie, and salt mine. We couldn't do the salt mine because I had one that was too young but yours should all be old enough.

 

Thank you! Yes, we're looking at the Nation Park possibilities. We have collected a few stamps in our passport book but never earned the badges. I will look into it. 

 

The space museum and salt mine both look like they would be a big hit with the younger set! 

[IlluminatedAttic]

We travel the country in our RV fulltime. We have stayed in Sundermeier in St Louis (St. Charles, actually) and really enjoyed it. You can bike into town on the Katy Trail and it's a beautiful path along the river. Our favorites in StL were: the Arch, the Magic House, the City Museum, Grant's Farm, the Science Museum, Forest Park and Cardinals Games.

 

We love Santa Fe. We stayed in ABQ and just drove up for the day. We stayed at the KOA in ABQ and it was fine. We loved the Range Cafe and Iexplora.

 

I'm originally from the Gulf Coast and the best place to stay ON the beach is Camp on the Gulf in Destin. State parks that I would highly recommend are: Grayton Beach, Topsail, St. Andrews and St. Joseph.

 

As you travel east you should plan a few days in Pensacola. The naval aviation museum is excellent and FREE. The lighthouse is a trek to the top, but worth it.

 

I have tons more to say but I'll shut up. If you want more info just let me know. :)

Going full time is my goal! Still convincing dh. He's only joining for part of this trip, but it may send the kids and I over the edge and hook us for good. i will check-out everything you mentioned. Please keep going, I'll take any info you have to share!

 

PS Thinking to save FL for another trip because I've heard about so many great places there. 

Edited June 26, 2016 by IlluminatedAttic

[Terabith]

City Museum in St. Louis!

[Happygrl]

In Indianapolis, the Children's Museum is WELL worth a visit.  It's spendy (if you have memberships to any other musems, check if they have a reciprocal discount) but it is SO good.  The museum isn't just the type that's geared towards the 5 & under crowd.  They do homeschool classes, too, so you could check if it would coincide with your trip.  

The White River canal is also really nice to walk down, if the weather is right.  The IN State Museum & Eitlejorg Museums are on the canal but I wouldn't really recommend paying to go into either unless the exhibits are really interesting to you.  

[Ottakee]

Tent Rocks north of Albuquerque is one of my top places I have ever been. Take your own water and lots of it as there is t even. Drinking fountain there. Go early morning. Absolutely beautiful.

[hellen]

I just downloaded Eastern National's Park Passport app. It makes it easier to search by state. Junior ranger programs are at National Historic Sites also. An alternative to the app would be goggling junior ranger and the state name.

[purplejackmama]

In Indianapolis, the Children's Museum is WELL worth a visit. It's spendy (if you have memberships to any other musems, check if they have a reciprocal discount) but it is SO good. The museum isn't just the type that's geared towards the 5 & under crowd. They do homeschool classes, too, so you could check if it would coincide with your trip.

 

The White River canal is also really nice to walk down, if the weather is right. The IN State Museum & Eitlejorg Museums are on the canal but I wouldn't really recommend paying to go into either unless the exhibits are really interesting to you.

This is really good info. Join an ASCT museum and you'll have reciprocity throughout the country. Boonshoft in Dayton is the best bet because it includes zoos.

[fdrinca]

A friend is road-tripping and she said a science or children's museum in Denver has the best reciprocal deals. I don't recall which.

 

A HUGE +1 for Conner Prairie near Indianapolis. It is a real treasure.

[IlluminatedAttic]

City Museum in St. Louis!

It's on the list! Thanks!

 

In Indianapolis, the Children's Museum is WELL worth a visit.  It's spendy (if you have memberships to any other musems, check if they have a reciprocal discount) but it is SO good.  The museum isn't just the type that's geared towards the 5 & under crowd.  They do homeschool classes, too, so you could check if it would coincide with your trip.  

 

The White River canal is also really nice to walk down, if the weather is right.  The IN State Museum & Eitlejorg Museums are on the canal but I wouldn't really recommend paying to go into either unless the exhibits are really interesting to you.  

I have a friend in Indianapolis who raves about the Children's Museum! Thank you for the note on what we can probably skip this time around.

 

Tent Rocks north of Albuquerque is one of my top places I have ever been. Take your own water and lots of it as there is t even. Drinking fountain there. Go early morning. Absolutely beautiful.

 

That looks amazing! Thank you!

[IlluminatedAttic]

I just downloaded Eastern National's Park Passport app. It makes it easier to search by state. Junior ranger programs are at National Historic Sites also. An alternative to the app would be goggling junior ranger and the state name.

Thank you! I didn't even think to check for an app!

[IlluminatedAttic]

A friend is road-tripping and she said a science or children's museum in Denver has the best reciprocal deals. I don't recall which.

 

A HUGE +1 for Conner Prairie near Indianapolis. It is a real treasure.

Thank you! This might be a bit far off our route, we were going to stay about 45 minutes south of the city, but with such a positive review I will take a look!

[Soror]

Ditto the City Museum in St. Louis, also make sure to ride the rail to the top of the Sandia Mountains at Sunset in Albuquerque. Take the tour up in the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde if you can. I did it w/ my then 2.5 y.o. on my back, well worth it.

[naturegirl]

In Santa Fe, there is this quirky, weird museum called Meow Wolf. I'd definitely recommend spending a few hours there if you have the time. The most unusual, yet cool, museum I have ever been to. 

 

I'd also take some time to explore the Plaza when you are in Santa Fe. It definitely gives you that southwest feel. 

 

 

Tent Rocks north of Albuquerque is one of my top places I have ever been. Take your own water and lots of it as there is t even. Drinking fountain there. Go early morning. Absolutely beautiful.

 

I was going to suggest this hike as well. One of my all time favorite hikes. I take everyone who visits me on this one.

 

If you are coming from Mesa Verde into Santa Fe/Albuquerque, you are probably driving by Aztec, NM. If you are, I would suggest stopping the Aztec Ruins National Monument and having a look around. If you have the time while in the Santa Fe/ Albuquerque area, I would also try to visit one of the pueblos, either in Taos or in Acoma. Both are great.

[cjzimmer1]

City Musuem is a must.  And if you end up near Springfield MO visit Lambert's Home of the Throwed Roll (yes they really throw your bread at you from across the room).  My kids have so much fun and the sides are unlimited and the entrees are HUGE.  There is 2 other locations but I don't know where they are off the top of my head.

[MotherGoose]

City Museum in St. Louis!

But I believe it's only good for older kids in the 6-8 year old range depending on level of adventure tolerance. There's also the Budweiser brewery in STL, and in Mansfield, mo, there's the Laura Ingalls wilder historical sight as well as baker creek heirloom seeds, both worth a visit.

[MotherGoose]

But I believe it's only good for older kids in the 6-8 year old range depending on level of adventure tolerance. There's also the Budweiser brewery in STL, and in Mansfield, mo, there's the Laura Ingalls wilder historical sight as well as baker creek heirloom seeds, both worth a visit.

I mean 6-8 at minimum, not oldest range. My younger kids would def have been terrified and still haven't been. Oh and Mississippi riverboat tours.

[cjzimmer1]

But I believe it's only good for older kids in the 6-8 year old range depending on level of adventure tolerance.

 

Oh that's not true at all. I've seen hoards of teenagers in there as well as a great many adults.  I've been on all the slides there myself.  They also have an area dedicated to younger kids (like 5 and under).  Definitely for all ages.

 

Edit: Crossposted when you were adding your clarifying post.  But I've taken my kids in there as young as 1.  They have a section for the little ones.  Lots of large duplo type building blocks, little slides for toddlers, the train that only small people can go on plus just lots to look at.  My kids love looking at the fish in the tanks etc.

Edited June 27, 2016 by cjzimmer1

[Soror]

City Musuem is a must.  And if you end up near Springfield MO visit Lambert's Home of the Throwed Roll (yes they really throw your bread at you from across the room).  My kids have so much fun and the sides are unlimited and the entrees are HUGE.  There is 2 other locations but I don't know where they are off the top of my head.

The original one is in Sikeston MO and I believe they have one done in Georgia or some other place south.

[Soror]

Oh that's not true at all. I've seen hoards of teenagers in there as well as a great many adults.  I've been on all the slides there myself.  They also have an area dedicated to younger kids (like 5 and under).  Definitely for all ages.

 

Edit: Crossposted when you were adding your clarifying post.  But I've taken my kids in there as young as 1.  They have a section for the little ones.  Lots of large duplo type building blocks, little slides for toddlers, the train that only small people can go on plus just lots to look at.  My kids love looking at the fish in the tanks etc.

Yes, definitely all ages, they keep expanding Toddler Town too. So many cool historic and scientific things to see in there too, not to mention the circus and aquarium and don't skip the roof w/ the cool ferris wheel among other things.

[Lucy the Valiant]

I'm pretty sure the ASTC pass does *NOT* reciprocate in Indianapolis - worth checking, but I think it is totally independent.

 

We have reciprocated our way across Chicago with an ASTC pass, though, and had a BALL! (Field Museum, Science & Industry, planetarium, etc.) One thing to note: The ASTC reciprocity often has a 90-mile radius exception clause; so, for example, if you buy your family pass in Chicago, you're limited to that 1 museum in Chicago, but can go anywhere else outside of a 90-mile radius. So if you buy it in, say, Boston, you can get in to *ALL* the Chicago museums free.

 

If you happen to go through Dayton, OH, the Air Force Museum is huge, and also free; very impressive for young military enthusiasts.

 

And I know it's farther north than you're going, but the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, MI is definitely worth a day stop for the ages of the kids you have. (They have an SR-71 Blackbird!)

 

Kids might enjoy a tour of the Indy 500 / Speedway race track, too (it's quick, not a whole day).

[IlluminatedAttic]

Ditto the City Museum in St. Louis, also make sure to ride the rail to the top of the Sandia Mountains at Sunset in Albuquerque. Take the tour up in the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde if you can. I did it w/ my then 2.5 y.o. on my back, well worth it.

We sound like kindred spirits, I climbed Diamond Head with my two year old on my back!  We were talking and wondering yesterday if the four year olds will be able to climb up to the dwellings easily enough, or if we'll have to make an alternate plan.

 

In Santa Fe, there is this quirky, weird museum called Meow Wolf. I'd definitely recommend spending a few hours there if you have the time. The most unusual, yet cool, museum I have ever been to. 

 

I'd also take some time to explore the Plaza when you are in Santa Fe. It definitely gives you that southwest feel. 

 

 

 

I was going to suggest this hike as well. One of my all time favorite hikes. I take everyone who visits me on this one.

 

If you are coming from Mesa Verde into Santa Fe/Albuquerque, you are probably driving by Aztec, NM. If you are, I would suggest stopping the Aztec Ruins National Monument and having a look around. If you have the time while in the Santa Fe/ Albuquerque area, I would also try to visit one of the pueblos, either in Taos or in Acoma. Both are great.

Meow Wolf looks so cool! Thank you! Not sure of our route yet, some really want to go to Four Corners and others want to visit Flagstaff again because we love it. Decisions, decisions! 

 

City Musuem is a must.  And if you end up near Springfield MO visit Lambert's Home of the Throwed Roll (yes they really throw your bread at you from across the room).  My kids have so much fun and the sides are unlimited and the entrees are HUGE.  There is 2 other locations but I don't know where they are off the top of my head.

 

I wonder if they have gluten free rolls to throw? ;)

[IlluminatedAttic]

But I believe it's only good for older kids in the 6-8 year old range depending on level of adventure tolerance. There's also the Budweiser brewery in STL, and in Mansfield, mo, there's the Laura Ingalls wilder historical sight as well as baker creek heirloom seeds, both worth a visit.

Thanks for the info. I will research further. We've thought about the Ingalls sites, might make that a whole other trip. The seed company village looks great! We haven't decided which route to take from St. Louis to CO so info like this is exactly what I need to help us make the decision!

 

I mean 6-8 at minimum, not oldest range. My younger kids would def have been terrified and still haven't been. Oh and Mississippi riverboat tours.

A riverboat tour is on the list!

 

Yes, definitely all ages, they keep expanding Toddler Town too. So many cool historic and scientific things to see in there too, not to mention the circus and aquarium and don't skip the roof w/ the cool ferris wheel among other things.

 

Good to know. Will keep researching. Thanks!

[IlluminatedAttic]

I'm pretty sure the ASTC pass does *NOT* reciprocate in Indianapolis - worth checking, but I think it is totally independent.

 

We have reciprocated our way across Chicago with an ASTC pass, though, and had a BALL! (Field Museum, Science & Industry, planetarium, etc.) One thing to note: The ASTC reciprocity often has a 90-mile radius exception clause; so, for example, if you buy your family pass in Chicago, you're limited to that 1 museum in Chicago, but can go anywhere else outside of a 90-mile radius. So if you buy it in, say, Boston, you can get in to *ALL* the Chicago museums free.

 

If you happen to go through Dayton, OH, the Air Force Museum is huge, and also free; very impressive for young military enthusiasts.

 

And I know it's farther north than you're going, but the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, MI is definitely worth a day stop for the ages of the kids you have. (They have an SR-71 Blackbird!)

 

Kids might enjoy a tour of the Indy 500 / Speedway race track, too (it's quick, not a whole day).

 

Thank you! We tried the pass one year and found it frustrating. We bought it in AZ because we were there visiting and there were several places listed to use it near our home on the east coast, but when we tried to use it here they told us the 90 mile clause was from your permanent address, not the place you purchased it. Frustrating! I will look into it again though to see if it is worth the expense for this trip. 

 

DH is an Air Force vet and wants us to save the museum and Air Zoo for another trip when he is with us. He won't join this adventure until we are already out west. 

[mbaker120681]

We really enjoyed Cuyahoga Valley National Park (just south of Cleveland) when we were passing through Ohio. https://www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm

[momof4inco]

If you are staying 45 minutes south of Denver, then you'll be near Colorado Springs :)

 

Garden of the Gods is beautiful, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is great. Pikes Peak has some awesome views. Peterson AFB has an Air and Space Museum that we'll be doing this week. There is also a WWII Aviation Museum that gets really good reviews. Painted Mines is east of the city and really pretty. Cheyenne Canon has some good trails and waterfalls. The Firefighter's Memorial is here. I hear the Olympic Training Center does tours, we've never done it. So many things to do here :)

[whitestavern]

Hi Friends, 

I'm planning an epic six week road trip this autumn! Beginning in PA and traveling west through Ohio with the major destination goals of Indianapolis, St. Louis and then through Kansas to Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde, before we head south to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Considering a side trip to Flagstaff because we love it and want to go back to Lowell Observatory. Then looking for a great beach (preferably with rv camping) somewhere on the gulf coast before turning back north to head home. Going to be pulling my travel trailer and have at least five kids with me, ages four to eleven. Looking for suggestions of "not to be missed" excursions, historical sites, adventures, etc. all along our route. We like educational but also "quirky" not neccesarily mainstream places as long as they are kid friendly. Also any rv camp recommendations. We will stay at some military campgrounds along the way so if you have any reviews or recommendations for those that would be great also. Thanks for the help!

Warmly,

KM

 

We did this three years ago - so much fun!!!  Definitely do the ranger badges and the passports at the National Parks. Great Sand Dunes was fabulous. We got there near closing time so unfortunately we didn't get to spend much time there. The signage isn't great, in fact we passed right by and went miles past. There is (or was) just a small arrow sign. But very cool. If you go through Alamosa and want a good place to eat, we enjoyed Cavillos. It's a Mexican restaurant where you can eat off a buffet or a menu. There is a pair of guitar players there. We thought the prices were very reasonable and the food was good.

 

Mesa Verde was one of our favorite places! The road in is not for the faint of heart! Very narrow and high up, no railings. I think it took 20-30 minutes to drive to the park. We toured the Cliff House, Balcony House, and Spruce Tree House. Spruce was our least favorite; I wouldn't recommend it if you do the others. It's a self guided tour, while the others have park rangers leading. They are fabulous and make things so interesting. The restaurant there, Metate, was also good, though a bit expensive.

 

I was so looking forward to Santa Fe but was disappointed. YMMV. We stayed with friends there for a few days and toured the downtown area and the old town. There was a lot of shopping. We did go to Loretta Chapel, which was interesting. And the Georgia O'Keefe museum. We actually drove by her home, Ghost Ranch, on the way to Santa Fe from Mesa Verde. If you go to Flagstaff and you enjoy hiking, you might want to visit Sedona. We did some fantastic hiking at Red Rock Park. One our way into Sedona we passed quite a few sweet looking campgrounds, but unfortunately I don't have the names of any of them. We went to a chuckwagon supper show at Blazin' M Ranch, just outside Sedona, which was a hoot and unlike anything we'd ever done before. The food was surprisingly good and the show was just fabulous. There is a lot to do here before dinner too. Very hands on, very kid friendly.

 

On the way to Sedona we also visited the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert. Not sure I'd recommend those; my kids thought they were just okay compared to some of the other NPs we saw on our trip.

 

Have fun! It was one of the best things we've ever done :)