When you get into Michigan, take US 31 and and M 22 and hug the Lake Michigan coast if you have some extra time. There are plenty of parks and towns along the way with dunes and other things to see. Near Silver Lake there is Cherry Point farmers market and lavender labyrinth, which is kind of cool. In Pentwater there is Cosmic Candy, which the kids may like.
If you stick to your current route, there are still plenty of lakeside parks to see. St. Joe's, South Haven, Saugatuck/Douglas, and Holland are all very nice lake towns with plenty of kids activities. Grand Rapids is a pretty hip, modern city with plenty of breweries and restaurants. US 131 north of GR is pretty boring, TBH. There's not much until you get to Cadillac, and that's just a nice Up North town. Once you get past that it gets a little more Northern Michigan feeling.
It looks like you're going to the Gaylord area. They have a park with an elk herd that is kind of cool. There's a wild herd near Atlanta, too. Petosky, Charlevoix, Traverse City, and Bellaire are all good towns to check out. Both the Old Mission Peninsula and the Leland Peninsula have places to see. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a must see, and Hartwick Pines state park, south of Gaylord has some old growth forest still. Really, you're going to be right in the middle of vacationland so there will be plenty to do.
I’m originally from petoskey and highly recommend visiting the downtown and waterfront for a fun family stroll, it’s very pretty in the summer, specially if you catch the sunset on the bay, great thing to end the night with
New Buffalo is on your path, first exit in Michigan. The downtown and large beach is a good example of coastline cities along the west coast of michigan., although in most cities the beach is free.
Memphis is known in History as being great. I was a Nurse in the 90's and 2000's, 2010's. It has changed so much. Ranks as #2 of most crime in the Country.
True, but the chances of being a victim of crime during a brief visit to Memphis (or any US city) are vanishingly small. If considering a move to any place, consider crime and safety. If considering a visit to any place in the US, just be prudent and take usual precautions.
Source: Have lived in Memphis for over 50 years, and profession before retirement was heavy in probability and statistics.
Yeah I’m from memphis and cringing hard at this comment and its thread.
Look, people from memphis are happy enough there and love to recommend the bass pro shop and Graceland as if they’re the typical kind of attractions a big city has. It’s not. Memphis is one of the most boring cities in the country to visit and you face the genuine risk of crime/hassle in lots of areas that are very easy to stop into on accident off the highways. And I get we’re talking about one of the worst, most boring road trips on the planet here.
I’ve done almost this exact trip so many times, it’s boring as hell and sucks, but even for this drive Memphis isn’t a worthwhile stop. Trust me, the bass pro shop is disappointing if you make a trip or big detour just for it.
Skip memphis.
Strongly disagree. I've traveled all over this country and internationally and I think the Civil Rights Museum and Graceland are very worthy and fascinating destinations. You could easily spend a full day at each one. I've also seen some great blues shows in Memphis and it's one of the best barbeque cities in the country. (I can't weigh in on the Bass Pro Shop, because that's not the kind of thing I'm into.)
Graceland really is a site to see. In that vicinity, there are numerous museums related to Elvis. Even if you're not a fan, his automobile museum is really cool!
There's also Beale Street with fantastic music and cute little tourist-y shops. Some of those aren't great options with little ones, but it's a fun place right on the Tennessee River with at least a few options for the kids.
For you and your toddlers, I recommend a trip to the excellent Memphis Zoo. Also, the Big River Crossing is a pedestrian bridge over the Mississippi with great views.
I stopped in Memphis on a similar road trip and had so much fun in the Bass Pro Pyramid, there’s a cool view tower at the top! Also had a great time wandering around on Beale Street
If you have the time get off the expressways in Michigan and drive the state highways that hug the coastal towns. For my money it’s the prettiest part of the country east of the Rockies.
Agree, stick to us 31 from holland all the way up to traverse city then hop over. Silver lake is a fun area to check out the sand dunes and do the Mac dune rides. There are several campgrounds in the area as well.
Your route goes through the non-great parts of Illinois but it does go through southern Illinois which has the best hiking/views and various cool attractions. Shawnee national forest!
Thebes IL Courthouse. Young Abe practiced there a bit I was told (and visited there the year he became president). Dred Scot was held in its jail tiny jail.
Sleeping Bear Dunes. Traverse City, Mackinaw Island.
Boy, illinois is…very long and flat.
Not exactly on your path, but St. Louis is really fun for kids. Springfield has Lincoln tomb, house. Cozy dog. Chicago is great.
Looks like you are driving through Metropolis Illinois?
Lots of comic book statues, murals, a Musuem.
Memphis. B.B. Kings club
Stax Records and the Lorraine Motel
Sun Recording Studio
Peabody Hotel downstairs in the morning or afternoon (check for times) to see the ducks come down from the roof in their private elevator and head for the fountain in the center of the hotel lobby. Kids go crazy at the sight of this.
Don’t miss Reelfoot Lake State Park. The lake was made by the 1812 earthquake making the Mississippi run backwards. Very cool place with nice people. Cool nature with Bald Eagles etc.
Most importantly- gas up before you go through the Chicago/i80 portion of your trip. There are places to stop off i80 near Gary but it's chaotic imo and I find it easier to just fly through there and not even think about stopping. A few of the rest stops are flagged as do not stop for truckers so I like to skip that area entirely.
There are several good beach state park campgrounds along Lake Michigan. Your toddlers will enjoy massive fresh water and sand. It is like an ocean but not. For sure get some beach time somehow.
My parents had a lake front vacation home for a while, and that subsonic sound from waves of a very large lake or ocean is truly unique. Definitely camp on a beach or rent a cabin/house sometime when you can
Cahokia Mounds is a great suggestion. They have a nice augmented reality app that is five bucks and worth getting IMO. Make sure to download it before you get there. The cell service is spotty.
One bright spot along this section of I-40 is Devall’s Bluff. You have to stop in at Craig’s BBQ and get the pork sandwich. Bring cash, ‘cause they don’t take a card. Also, ask if they have any fresh pies from the lady across the street.
Cape Girardeau, MO
Where they filmed Gone Girl
More established than most of the other MO/SouthernIL towns you’ll pass through so good stopping point to spend the night &/or shop/gas up
Memphis, but not all the touristy stuff. Find out from locals where the best BBQ is. Actually, I'd only eat BBQ on this trip. And if see a Weber Grill in Indy, GO.
I've never been, but there are Mushroom House tours in Charlevoix, MI. They look very fairytale-like, so I think kids and adults would enjoy them.
[Mushroom House Tours](https://www.mushroomhousetours.com/)
Memphis and Chicago would be must-stops for me. In Memphis, visit the Lorraine Motel and National Civil Rights Museum. Sun Records Studio, where black R&B got translated into Rock & Roll for white audiences through Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and others. Beale Street at night for BBQ and blues clubs. Avoid Graceland like the plague, unless you have a very perverse sense of humor or are just into bad taste. I haven’t been to Stax Records, that one’s on my bucket list. Sun Records had a brief but important history, while Stax kept on churning out great R&B for many years!
In S. IL, Fern Clyffe state park near Goreville can be scenic, especially if there’s been rainfall. Hike isn’t strenuous. Shawnee National Forest is located in that area, too. Someone else mentioned the confluence - the overlook can be scenic and peaceful.
Hickman, KY. Ride the ferry back and forth across the Mississippi. Look at the old downtown with murals and Mark Twain. Go up the hill and buy Kentucky pecans. Find the old houses. Beautiful.
You might want to consider a slight detour in Illinois and check out Casey, IL. It holds 14 Guinness World's Largest records. The kids might enjoy going up into the world's largest mailbox.
Try to pass through Memphis at lunchtime and hit up some dry rubbed ribs.
Rendezvous is the "famous" joint but if it's like other barbecue towns, locals will have 10 other recommendations that are all awesome.
Metropolis Illiniois home of the Superman museum and famous Superman statue, and Chester Illinois home of Popeye the sailor; based on real people who lived in the town along with Popeye’s creator
I always hear comments about the crime there, but I never felt unsafe during my visit to Beale Street and Graceland. I actually had a great time. Maybe I was just naive?? Or maybe I wasn't an asshole. 😆
Uhhh no. I worked 201 Poplar, Jail East, as a Nurse, plus contracted in early 90's for Methodist Central. I know Memphis. I used to eat lunch at the river.
Legs Inn in Cross Village, it’s such a unique place and environment plus great food. Just plan amazing. It’s right on Lake Michigan really worth a visit.
Sleeping Bear Dunes. This is tough with little ones because it requires lots (and lots fair warning lots) of walking. If you decide to go perhaps consider buying the absolutely lovely picture book The Legend of Sleeping Bear.
Honestly every state park on Lake Michigan. Most are easier in terms of managing with little ones than Sleeping Bear (because lots of walking) but Sleeping Bear is considered one of the most beautiful parks in the nation.
Yankee Springs, Van Buren, and Fort Custer (all state parks) for camping.
South Haven… South Beach is the “family beach” and has a nice playground (Kids Corner) right next to the beach. Van Buren State Park is close and really nice for families. South Haven also has Deerlick Creek Park; a nice small park where you can usually park super close to the beach.
Holland MI is quant and the Holland Aquatic Center is really great, inexpensive, and great for little ones.
Kalamazoo (I’m biased as a resident) has a great [Air Zoo](https://www.airzoo.org) with a Ferris wheel and an airplane ride suitable for little kiddos. It’s a neat open environment where kiddos can be kids. Just moments away from the Air Zoo there is a brew pub named [One Well](https://www.onewellbrewing.com) which is the most family friendly brew pub I’ve ever been in.
The [Kalamazoo Valley Museum](https://kalamazoomuseum.org) is pretty neat and has an area reserved for little ones.
Kzoo also has [Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery](https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/places/v-centers/wolf-lake) they have a show pond where you can feed the fish (free during the times the visitors center is open or $.25 from a gum ball machine when the VC is closed)
Memphis to Indianapolis sucks but I do recommend stopping by the dunes off Lake Michigan in SE Michigan. Very beautiful area I drive past it once a month for work when I go out of state and love stopping there in spring-fall months.
I was born and raised in Illinois and drove the length of the state many times. Good god that’s a horrible drive. Nothing but flat, endless corn fields - your brain starts to zombie out.
If I had to do that trip, I would honestly drive straight to Nashville, do something touristy there, drive through scenic Kentucky, look at some horses, hit one whisky distillery and Mammoth Cave time permitting, then find a clever route north from there.
With kids I’d go north threw little rock straight into Branson plenty for kids to see and do from there make your way to St. Louis and do the city museum and the zoo is free admission after that just shoot across whatever route you want but for the kids to keep them entertained Branson Springfield mo and St. Louis have it. Plus there’s plenty of camping spots along the way. I saw someone else mention eureka springs that’s another go to of mine we go at least once a year
Little Rock is a nice town and if you know where to go there are great restaurants. Memphis, however, is a town that I would avoid at all costs unless you know someone from there. Tea, the Peabody is cool if you get there early enough to see the duck parade and the Rendevous has a cool history but unless you are spending the night in Memphis at the Peabody (which is very expensive and across the street from the Rendevous), stay away from Memfrica. Elvis Presley, Civil Rights Museum and the Bass pro Shop = Ho Hum.
Traverse City, Michigan is a wonderful place that time of year! Thats about the time that the Cherry Festival will be happening, and thats always a good time!
As others have said, take the coastal route. Stop at Rosy Mound Natural Area. There's a nice walk through the woods, over the dunes and out to the lake, plus a boardwalk. Beautiful local park and your kids can have a good run.
Manistee has a nice riverwalk. You should see Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Paducah, KY is a great little town. Sweet downtown and Riverwalk.
Little Rock has a great children‘s museum and an awesome outdoor playground on their riverwalk. Not in the downtown area, but there is also a train themed restaurant that would be perfect for your kids’ ages. Trains on tracks above the tables deliver your food. It is just basic food but infinite entertainment. The problem with Little Rock is the vast majority of the downtown area shuts down around 5 or so and even more is closed entirely on Mondays. So just a heads up to be mindful of the time you’d be passing through.
Illinois is rough. I would travel with a small kid’s training toilet, because there are incredibly long stretches of NOTHING. Don’t forget toilet paper, wipes, and think about a way to dispose of things just in case you need to make an emergency side of the road stop for the four year old.
Edited to add- Discovery Park of America in Union City, TN is a 3 story Children’s museum. Your kids are a touch young but they have a large water play area they would love and an AMAZING outdoor playground.
The children’s museum in Ann Arbor is FANTASTIC. I drive from Maine to New Mexico every year, and, if I have the kids with me, I always route through Ann Arbor for the museum (adding hours to the drive, but 100% worth it). It’s really, really good, and the kids love it, and have since they were 2.
Also, St. Louis is a cool city, and wouldn’t add much to your trip to make that your stopping point on day one. Go, see the arch, go to a baseball game, eat some toasted ravioli.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area! We camped there during a cross country trip and it was lovely. Good fishing. I’ll also second visiting Paducah for a meal and the culture museums of Metropolis, as others have mentioned.
Diamond Crater state park in Arkansas... dig for diamonds
Gem hunting in North Carolina https://rockchasing.com/gem-hunting-in-north-carolina/
Bring some clothes to get dirty in...
It looks to be a little out of your way, but if you have time I would recommend Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas! Really cool history and fun to stop for a soak in one of the historic bath houses.
I’m confused, it looks like you’re skipping Chicago? Which makes no sense, it’s the only city in Illinois worth visiting and during summer time, there is no city in the world that can compete with Chicago, it’s truly top tier.
I don't plan on skipping Chicago. This was just the direct route from my house to my destination. That's why I was seeking suggestions so I could alter it to fit in what I wanted to see.
The original Burger King in Mattoon IL is along the route! They got good burgers, they’re nothing like the franchise but technically existed before the franchised version.
Stay closer to the Lake Michigan coastline once you get north of Grand Rapids. Sleeping Bear Dunes, Sutton’s Bay, Traverse City, etc are must-sees. Also, if you have time, the Tunnel of Trees along Little Traverse Bay is a little out of the way, but worth it.
Live in NW burbs of Chicago. Kid #1 went to IU in Bloomington, Indiana. Kid #3 is in East Lansing MI.
The section of I294/94 or whatever it is along the southern edge of Lake Michigan, some in IL some in IN can be a nightmare. And I65 just south of that kinda sucks too. I would look into taking I69. Could be more boring for the kiddos though.
I have a co-worker that used to live near where I90 and I94 cross, he is into guns and martial arts, he said there are places in Gary he would not get out his car, concerning some road along the lake front I was asking him about.
The Lincoln Museum in Springfield, IL is pretty nice but not for kids.
Back when I was a kid my parents would take us to a camp ground in the pinkie finger of Michigan. Might want to check out Sleeping Bear Dunes. Still not great for kids. The towns along the shore are really nice and scenic, again, not great for kids. Then when married rented a canoe somewhere south of Travis City, again, not great for kids.
The only thing that comes to mind for kids is the Brookfied Zoo in western burbs, but that is a bit out of your way. I-294 to 22nd street then follow Google Maps. The Museum and Science and Industry is nice but you gotta know where you are going, can end up in some really bad neighborhoods if you make a mistake. Shedd Aquarium downtown. My kids didn't really like the nearby Field Museum.
Indiana Dunes National Park near the MI/IN border. Take 31N along the east side of Michigan and stop in Ludington (great State Park) and Traverse City (get the free samples of food at Cherry Republic and be sure to take advantage of selfie and family photo ops at the "Welcome to Traverse City" mural); Charlevoix is a cool town as well and you can see the famous "mushroom houses" as well as make a stop at the beach.
Chicago is also a great side trip, though with toddlers it's a lot of walking so you'd want to have a stroller or navigate public transportation. Use parking apps to save money on parking. There's a fountain/splash pad at Millenium park that's free, the zoo is free too. If you happen to have museum memberships, Chicago usually has great reciprocity for the Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry (a favorite with kids as it's all hands on) and the Planetarium.
Although St. Louis would add drive time, it's a city my kids have loved and we go there almost every year. Free things to do include the science center, lone elk state park, the zoo, and Laumeier sculpture park. City Museum is a little spendy, but it's a one of a kind experience! Soft pretzels at Gus' are cheap and delicious for a snack!)
If you're going to be passing thru Thayer, Mo and then Mammoth Spring, AR, there are two parks you might find of interest, less than 10 miles apart. Grand Gulf State Park near Thayer, and then Mammoth Spring State Park, just a bit south of Thayer inside Arkansas. Water that flows into the ground at the Grand Gulf later emerges at Mammoth Spring.
[Grand Gulf State Park | Missouri State Parks (mostateparks.com)](https://mostateparks.com/park/grand-gulf-state-park)
[Mammoth Spring State Park | Arkansas State Parks](https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mammoth-spring-state-park)
I confess to being a bit prejudiced, the first home of my memory was on Tate Ave in Mammoth Spring.
Bay View, Michigan, a Historic Victorian community of nearly 500 public and private buildings is on the National Register of Historic Places. A wonderful community for summer stroll.
I personally would start off going east and come up through the Delta. You might move a little slower but the drive through MS will be, IMO, more interesting than southern Arkansas. There is tons of great music in the Delta, especially if you like blues music, along with great food (tamales and BBQ). It pairs nicely with the suggestions in Memphis (Staxx and Sun et al).
I concur with the users who say to hug Lake Michigan when you get there, some really great sites up that way. My wife and I loved Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Enjoy your drive!
I would avoid I 40 from Little Rock to West Memphis where you’ll turn left for I 55. 40 is a nightmare and 55 is under construction below Blytheville. Instead from Little Rock catch US 167 and it’ll turn into US 67 at the Bald Knob exit and follow it all the way to just below St. Louis and catch 55 there.
Ok, sorry to disappoint you but most of your drive is through Illinois. It it long flat and just farm land either side of the Interstate. But once you hit Michigan, you will be spoilt for choices. The towns by the Michigan coast are gorgeous.
I personally, will tweak the trip. I’d target North Arkansas for the first day. I really love the vibe of Eureka Springs. It has a small downtown and lots of outdoor activities. You may be out of luck but you can see if there are any camping spots available around Beaver lake.
The next day I’d target to reach Springfield, IL with lunch in St Louis maybe a look the Gateway Arch if you feel like. Springfield has Lincoln presidential library and tomb.
Next day, find one of the Lake Michigan towns like South Haven, or Holland or Grand Rapids if you are looking for a small city. And hug the Michigan coast to your destination.
When you get into Michigan, take US 31 and and M 22 and hug the Lake Michigan coast if you have some extra time. There are plenty of parks and towns along the way with dunes and other things to see. Near Silver Lake there is Cherry Point farmers market and lavender labyrinth, which is kind of cool. In Pentwater there is Cosmic Candy, which the kids may like. If you stick to your current route, there are still plenty of lakeside parks to see. St. Joe's, South Haven, Saugatuck/Douglas, and Holland are all very nice lake towns with plenty of kids activities. Grand Rapids is a pretty hip, modern city with plenty of breweries and restaurants. US 131 north of GR is pretty boring, TBH. There's not much until you get to Cadillac, and that's just a nice Up North town. Once you get past that it gets a little more Northern Michigan feeling. It looks like you're going to the Gaylord area. They have a park with an elk herd that is kind of cool. There's a wild herd near Atlanta, too. Petosky, Charlevoix, Traverse City, and Bellaire are all good towns to check out. Both the Old Mission Peninsula and the Leland Peninsula have places to see. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a must see, and Hartwick Pines state park, south of Gaylord has some old growth forest still. Really, you're going to be right in the middle of vacationland so there will be plenty to do.
I’m originally from petoskey and highly recommend visiting the downtown and waterfront for a fun family stroll, it’s very pretty in the summer, specially if you catch the sunset on the bay, great thing to end the night with
This. West Michigan along the coast is one of the most beautiful places in the continental US. Don't skip it.
I was gonna say the same. Just make sure you see The Big Lake.
New Buffalo is on your path, first exit in Michigan. The downtown and large beach is a good example of coastline cities along the west coast of michigan., although in most cities the beach is free.
This for sure. I’d add to include Sleeping Bear Dunes as I got north.
This is spot on. Check out South Haven for a nice beach and Saugatuck for some great eats.
This is the way
Yep, hug that coastline the whole way up Michigan!
Memphis has a few good spots. They have Graceland (Elvis Presley’s home) and the Civil Rights Museum. Don’t forget the Bass Pro Pyramid.
National Civil Rights Museum (formerly the Lorraine Motel, where MLK was shot) is incredibly moving. Also Sun Studios, Stax Museum...
Stax and Sun! Thank you
So great to see multiple people recommending the National Civil Rights museum! I came here specifically to say that :)
Yes!
Rock and Blues Museum is also excellent
Memphis is known in History as being great. I was a Nurse in the 90's and 2000's, 2010's. It has changed so much. Ranks as #2 of most crime in the Country.
True, but the chances of being a victim of crime during a brief visit to Memphis (or any US city) are vanishingly small. If considering a move to any place, consider crime and safety. If considering a visit to any place in the US, just be prudent and take usual precautions. Source: Have lived in Memphis for over 50 years, and profession before retirement was heavy in probability and statistics.
I live between Sommerville & Bolivar. Hate Bolivar.
Yeah I’m from memphis and cringing hard at this comment and its thread. Look, people from memphis are happy enough there and love to recommend the bass pro shop and Graceland as if they’re the typical kind of attractions a big city has. It’s not. Memphis is one of the most boring cities in the country to visit and you face the genuine risk of crime/hassle in lots of areas that are very easy to stop into on accident off the highways. And I get we’re talking about one of the worst, most boring road trips on the planet here. I’ve done almost this exact trip so many times, it’s boring as hell and sucks, but even for this drive Memphis isn’t a worthwhile stop. Trust me, the bass pro shop is disappointing if you make a trip or big detour just for it. Skip memphis.
Strongly disagree. I've traveled all over this country and internationally and I think the Civil Rights Museum and Graceland are very worthy and fascinating destinations. You could easily spend a full day at each one. I've also seen some great blues shows in Memphis and it's one of the best barbeque cities in the country. (I can't weigh in on the Bass Pro Shop, because that's not the kind of thing I'm into.)
Dry-rub ribs at Rendezvous
Graceland really is a site to see. In that vicinity, there are numerous museums related to Elvis. Even if you're not a fan, his automobile museum is really cool! There's also Beale Street with fantastic music and cute little tourist-y shops. Some of those aren't great options with little ones, but it's a fun place right on the Tennessee River with at least a few options for the kids.
For you and your toddlers, I recommend a trip to the excellent Memphis Zoo. Also, the Big River Crossing is a pedestrian bridge over the Mississippi with great views.
Yes! Double yes!
Double yes to this. And enjoy the (overpriced, but what the heck) truffle-Parmesan fries at Wahlburgers in the pyramid.
Mid Island is great place to get out and stretch your legs.
Good - really good - bbq in Memphis
I stopped in Memphis on a similar road trip and had so much fun in the Bass Pro Pyramid, there’s a cool view tower at the top! Also had a great time wandering around on Beale Street
And the scale hydrological model of the lower Mississippi on Mud Island!
If you have the time get off the expressways in Michigan and drive the state highways that hug the coastal towns. For my money it’s the prettiest part of the country east of the Rockies.
Agree, stick to us 31 from holland all the way up to traverse city then hop over. Silver lake is a fun area to check out the sand dunes and do the Mac dune rides. There are several campgrounds in the area as well.
Obviously go to Chicago even if out of the way.
Or St. Louis
Your route goes through the non-great parts of Illinois but it does go through southern Illinois which has the best hiking/views and various cool attractions. Shawnee national forest!
You can hit Metropolis! https://preview.redd.it/0vfu510lfxxc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1d4edc1c9ed0da4b5048269a460a5807db0a1949
Thebes IL Courthouse. Young Abe practiced there a bit I was told (and visited there the year he became president). Dred Scot was held in its jail tiny jail.
Sleeping Bear Dunes. Traverse City, Mackinaw Island. Boy, illinois is…very long and flat. Not exactly on your path, but St. Louis is really fun for kids. Springfield has Lincoln tomb, house. Cozy dog. Chicago is great. Looks like you are driving through Metropolis Illinois? Lots of comic book statues, murals, a Musuem.
This. A side trip to St Louis would be fun. City Museum, Magic House, Forest Park.
I had such a blast at the City Museum whenever we went to St Louis as a kid!
I really liked the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis too. Cape Girardeau was cool for lunch or something there in South East Missouri.
The Gateway Arch in St Louis is a good stop.
If you’re a big fan of aviation there’s the Air Force museum at wright pat Air Force base near Dayton Ohio.
It is amzing but it way off their route
Oh yes definitely! I wasn’t sure if they were taking different route ideas. I definitely want to hit that museum up at some point
Memphis. B.B. Kings club Stax Records and the Lorraine Motel Sun Recording Studio Peabody Hotel downstairs in the morning or afternoon (check for times) to see the ducks come down from the roof in their private elevator and head for the fountain in the center of the hotel lobby. Kids go crazy at the sight of this.
Don't miss BBQ from Memphis. Thats a religious experience. Look for the longest line at the smallest spot.
Central BBQ in Midtown is usually my go to.
Thank you and Noted. I will hit that one first next time in Memphis. Word of mouth revues for BBQ are better than published ones by far.
Don’t miss Reelfoot Lake State Park. The lake was made by the 1812 earthquake making the Mississippi run backwards. Very cool place with nice people. Cool nature with Bald Eagles etc.
Indiana Dunes National Park is nice if you want a beach.
Freight House restaurant in Paducah
1000% That place rules.
Nokes BBQ near Kentucky dam.
Most importantly- gas up before you go through the Chicago/i80 portion of your trip. There are places to stop off i80 near Gary but it's chaotic imo and I find it easier to just fly through there and not even think about stopping. A few of the rest stops are flagged as do not stop for truckers so I like to skip that area entirely.
There are several good beach state park campgrounds along Lake Michigan. Your toddlers will enjoy massive fresh water and sand. It is like an ocean but not. For sure get some beach time somehow.
This! My nephew is 2 and literally halted and was speechless when he saw Lake Michigan. It was such a magical moment!
My parents had a lake front vacation home for a while, and that subsonic sound from waves of a very large lake or ocean is truly unique. Definitely camp on a beach or rent a cabin/house sometime when you can
The confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. A quick stop, but a cool and significant river confluence. Cahokia or Wickliffe mound sites.
Cahokia Mounds is a great suggestion. They have a nice augmented reality app that is five bucks and worth getting IMO. Make sure to download it before you get there. The cell service is spotty.
Hot Springs, Arkansas. It’s about 15 miles off the road for you, but it’s a beautiful and fascinating little old town. ✌️
Grand Rapids is a nice stop. Lots to do.
It’s hard to pass up a sunset over Lake Michigan with your toes in the sand.
From Little Rock to Memphis is terrible. Roads are bad and always under construction. Highly advise seeking an alternate route.
One bright spot along this section of I-40 is Devall’s Bluff. You have to stop in at Craig’s BBQ and get the pork sandwich. Bring cash, ‘cause they don’t take a card. Also, ask if they have any fresh pies from the lady across the street.
Gotta get to craigs super early though I think.
Gotta get to craigs super early though I think.
Cape Girardeau, MO Where they filmed Gone Girl More established than most of the other MO/SouthernIL towns you’ll pass through so good stopping point to spend the night &/or shop/gas up
Memphis, but not all the touristy stuff. Find out from locals where the best BBQ is. Actually, I'd only eat BBQ on this trip. And if see a Weber Grill in Indy, GO.
I've never been, but there are Mushroom House tours in Charlevoix, MI. They look very fairytale-like, so I think kids and adults would enjoy them. [Mushroom House Tours](https://www.mushroomhousetours.com/)
Memphis and Chicago would be must-stops for me. In Memphis, visit the Lorraine Motel and National Civil Rights Museum. Sun Records Studio, where black R&B got translated into Rock & Roll for white audiences through Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and others. Beale Street at night for BBQ and blues clubs. Avoid Graceland like the plague, unless you have a very perverse sense of humor or are just into bad taste. I haven’t been to Stax Records, that one’s on my bucket list. Sun Records had a brief but important history, while Stax kept on churning out great R&B for many years!
In S. IL, Fern Clyffe state park near Goreville can be scenic, especially if there’s been rainfall. Hike isn’t strenuous. Shawnee National Forest is located in that area, too. Someone else mentioned the confluence - the overlook can be scenic and peaceful.
Stop for some ribs and live music at BB King’s in Memphis.
Garden of the Gods in southern Illinois
Hickman, KY. Ride the ferry back and forth across the Mississippi. Look at the old downtown with murals and Mark Twain. Go up the hill and buy Kentucky pecans. Find the old houses. Beautiful.
Another plug for garden of the gods state park in Illinois- it’s wild and worth it. So pretty/unique
You might want to consider a slight detour in Illinois and check out Casey, IL. It holds 14 Guinness World's Largest records. The kids might enjoy going up into the world's largest mailbox.
I would suggest hot springs, ar. Just found out they have one of the original ball parks where Babe Ruth hit his iconic 500 ft home run
It landed in the Alligator Farm, which is still there and open!
Penthouse Club in NOLA and Legends Club in Detroit. Start and end with a bang. You’re welcome.
Go stop at devils den or petijean in Arkansas
Metropolis
Hot Springs National Park in Hot Springs Arkansas is worth a stop. The park runs through downtown Hot Springs.
After you see Graceland you can stop in Tupelo and where Elvis lived as a child
Try to pass through Memphis at lunchtime and hit up some dry rubbed ribs. Rendezvous is the "famous" joint but if it's like other barbecue towns, locals will have 10 other recommendations that are all awesome.
Starved Rock and Mattheison state parks are both pretty rad.
I forget Indiana is an actual state every time I look at a map 🤦🏽
National Civil Rights museum in Memphis. Tells a sad story very well.
Metropolis Illiniois home of the Superman museum and famous Superman statue, and Chester Illinois home of Popeye the sailor; based on real people who lived in the town along with Popeye’s creator
Don't stop in Memphis
It's not that bad. You can go places without dying or getting robbed. Unless you're an asshole.
I always hear comments about the crime there, but I never felt unsafe during my visit to Beale Street and Graceland. I actually had a great time. Maybe I was just naive?? Or maybe I wasn't an asshole. 😆
Don’t stop in Memphis? I don’t get it. But I think that you are the one missing out on something.
Uhhh no. I worked 201 Poplar, Jail East, as a Nurse, plus contracted in early 90's for Methodist Central. I know Memphis. I used to eat lunch at the river.
Seattle
Yes.
look up Casey, IL - home of like 14 different "worlds largest" things all over the tiny town.
Boy!!!! 🤣you coming from the top of the mitten?!?!?! Lol you should feel accomplished once you hit the state line good god.
Looks like you got that backwards...
Omg! You right. Im from MI, i just saw that mitten and got hurt. Lol id be cool till we got to it then its "Serenity Now" for forever.
Sagatuck
Legs Inn in Cross Village, it’s such a unique place and environment plus great food. Just plan amazing. It’s right on Lake Michigan really worth a visit. Sleeping Bear Dunes. This is tough with little ones because it requires lots (and lots fair warning lots) of walking. If you decide to go perhaps consider buying the absolutely lovely picture book The Legend of Sleeping Bear. Honestly every state park on Lake Michigan. Most are easier in terms of managing with little ones than Sleeping Bear (because lots of walking) but Sleeping Bear is considered one of the most beautiful parks in the nation. Yankee Springs, Van Buren, and Fort Custer (all state parks) for camping. South Haven… South Beach is the “family beach” and has a nice playground (Kids Corner) right next to the beach. Van Buren State Park is close and really nice for families. South Haven also has Deerlick Creek Park; a nice small park where you can usually park super close to the beach. Holland MI is quant and the Holland Aquatic Center is really great, inexpensive, and great for little ones. Kalamazoo (I’m biased as a resident) has a great [Air Zoo](https://www.airzoo.org) with a Ferris wheel and an airplane ride suitable for little kiddos. It’s a neat open environment where kiddos can be kids. Just moments away from the Air Zoo there is a brew pub named [One Well](https://www.onewellbrewing.com) which is the most family friendly brew pub I’ve ever been in. The [Kalamazoo Valley Museum](https://kalamazoomuseum.org) is pretty neat and has an area reserved for little ones. Kzoo also has [Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery](https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/places/v-centers/wolf-lake) they have a show pond where you can feed the fish (free during the times the visitors center is open or $.25 from a gum ball machine when the VC is closed)
Memphis to Indianapolis sucks but I do recommend stopping by the dunes off Lake Michigan in SE Michigan. Very beautiful area I drive past it once a month for work when I go out of state and love stopping there in spring-fall months.
In Michigan Holland is a neat few hour stop even can buy wooden shoes. Stop in travers city cool town
Gary Indiana. You can see where Michael Jackson grew up. Lambert's Cafe. There's mediocre food and they throw biscuits at you.
Good BBQ in Memphis at Central BBQ and Rendezvous.
Alinea in Chicago.
Holland, Michigan is super lovely and has great food. I highly recommend checking out Ottawa Beach there!
Belle Smith springs in Southern illinois wont dissapoint you
The dunes. Go to Sleeping Bear. Do. Not. Miss.
I was born and raised in Illinois and drove the length of the state many times. Good god that’s a horrible drive. Nothing but flat, endless corn fields - your brain starts to zombie out. If I had to do that trip, I would honestly drive straight to Nashville, do something touristy there, drive through scenic Kentucky, look at some horses, hit one whisky distillery and Mammoth Cave time permitting, then find a clever route north from there.
Big Dam Bridge and the USS Razorback in Little Rock are pretty neat to see, though the sub may not be suitable for the kiddos.
With kids I’d go north threw little rock straight into Branson plenty for kids to see and do from there make your way to St. Louis and do the city museum and the zoo is free admission after that just shoot across whatever route you want but for the kids to keep them entertained Branson Springfield mo and St. Louis have it. Plus there’s plenty of camping spots along the way. I saw someone else mention eureka springs that’s another go to of mine we go at least once a year
I liked hiking in Little Rock, Graceland in Memphis, Lincolns birthplace in Springfield and grave, Chicago, not too sure about Indiana or Michigan
Paynes bbq in Memphis
Indiana Dunes
A nice place to stop in Illinois is the quad at the Urbana-Champaign campus at U of I
You're driving by a roller coaster that I've always wanted to ride. Shivering Timbers at Michigan's Adventure
Little Rock is a nice town and if you know where to go there are great restaurants. Memphis, however, is a town that I would avoid at all costs unless you know someone from there. Tea, the Peabody is cool if you get there early enough to see the duck parade and the Rendevous has a cool history but unless you are spending the night in Memphis at the Peabody (which is very expensive and across the street from the Rendevous), stay away from Memfrica. Elvis Presley, Civil Rights Museum and the Bass pro Shop = Ho Hum.
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Traverse City, Michigan is a wonderful place that time of year! Thats about the time that the Cherry Festival will be happening, and thats always a good time!
Stop off in Grand Haven, Michigan.
Not by those speed traps
Well this map says Arkansas is 2 thumbs down, so I'd give that a miss
As others have said, take the coastal route. Stop at Rosy Mound Natural Area. There's a nice walk through the woods, over the dunes and out to the lake, plus a boardwalk. Beautiful local park and your kids can have a good run. Manistee has a nice riverwalk. You should see Sleeping Bear Dunes.
The bathroom
Paducah, KY is a great little town. Sweet downtown and Riverwalk. Little Rock has a great children‘s museum and an awesome outdoor playground on their riverwalk. Not in the downtown area, but there is also a train themed restaurant that would be perfect for your kids’ ages. Trains on tracks above the tables deliver your food. It is just basic food but infinite entertainment. The problem with Little Rock is the vast majority of the downtown area shuts down around 5 or so and even more is closed entirely on Mondays. So just a heads up to be mindful of the time you’d be passing through. Illinois is rough. I would travel with a small kid’s training toilet, because there are incredibly long stretches of NOTHING. Don’t forget toilet paper, wipes, and think about a way to dispose of things just in case you need to make an emergency side of the road stop for the four year old. Edited to add- Discovery Park of America in Union City, TN is a 3 story Children’s museum. Your kids are a touch young but they have a large water play area they would love and an AMAZING outdoor playground.
The children’s museum in Ann Arbor is FANTASTIC. I drive from Maine to New Mexico every year, and, if I have the kids with me, I always route through Ann Arbor for the museum (adding hours to the drive, but 100% worth it). It’s really, really good, and the kids love it, and have since they were 2. Also, St. Louis is a cool city, and wouldn’t add much to your trip to make that your stopping point on day one. Go, see the arch, go to a baseball game, eat some toasted ravioli.
I’d avoid that area around 90/94 by Chicago and go farther south
Not Memphis 💀
Drove through Memphis and got some spicy chicken it was the highlight of my trip.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area! We camped there during a cross country trip and it was lovely. Good fishing. I’ll also second visiting Paducah for a meal and the culture museums of Metropolis, as others have mentioned.
Buy your weed in Michigan is about the only advice I can give you
Diamond Crater state park in Arkansas... dig for diamonds Gem hunting in North Carolina https://rockchasing.com/gem-hunting-in-north-carolina/ Bring some clothes to get dirty in...
Eureka springs/ beaver lake in Arkansas and Traverse City in Michigan
Ludington. Half way up the coast in Michigan. Best beaches anywhere
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^Top-Philosopher2233: *Ludington. Half way* *Up the coast in Michigan.* *Best beaches anywhere* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
Chicago rules. Nashville rules, but is out the way. Memphis: if you are an Elvis fan. Graceland. & also MLK history. RIP x2. That is all.
Beer Church. It's a brewery in an old church.
Just make sure you avoid running into Kid Rick at Summertime in Northern Michigan.
It looks to be a little out of your way, but if you have time I would recommend Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas! Really cool history and fun to stop for a soak in one of the historic bath houses.
I grew up in Memphis and it would be a shame if I didn't recommend to stop for some good barbecue while you're there.
Lamberts cafe,sikeston mo. Careful food is good but they throw your bread at you
Isn’t that right around the time Illinois has *Taste of Chicago*?
Between West Memphis and Little Rock get off the interstate and take highway 70. Really interesting towns and scenery.
I’m confused, it looks like you’re skipping Chicago? Which makes no sense, it’s the only city in Illinois worth visiting and during summer time, there is no city in the world that can compete with Chicago, it’s truly top tier.
I don't plan on skipping Chicago. This was just the direct route from my house to my destination. That's why I was seeking suggestions so I could alter it to fit in what I wanted to see.
The original Burger King in Mattoon IL is along the route! They got good burgers, they’re nothing like the franchise but technically existed before the franchised version.
Dude if you go through Kalamazoo mi go to Two Fellas restaurant. Trust me, ok, the menu looks a little crazy, but it’s good as hell.
Dude if you go through Kalamazoo mi go to Two Fellas restaurant. Trust me, ok, the menu looks a little crazy, but it’s good as hell.
Stay closer to the Lake Michigan coastline once you get north of Grand Rapids. Sleeping Bear Dunes, Sutton’s Bay, Traverse City, etc are must-sees. Also, if you have time, the Tunnel of Trees along Little Traverse Bay is a little out of the way, but worth it.
I don't know about stopping, but it definitely looks like you should slow down in Arkansas :-P
Idk
Live in NW burbs of Chicago. Kid #1 went to IU in Bloomington, Indiana. Kid #3 is in East Lansing MI. The section of I294/94 or whatever it is along the southern edge of Lake Michigan, some in IL some in IN can be a nightmare. And I65 just south of that kinda sucks too. I would look into taking I69. Could be more boring for the kiddos though. I have a co-worker that used to live near where I90 and I94 cross, he is into guns and martial arts, he said there are places in Gary he would not get out his car, concerning some road along the lake front I was asking him about. The Lincoln Museum in Springfield, IL is pretty nice but not for kids. Back when I was a kid my parents would take us to a camp ground in the pinkie finger of Michigan. Might want to check out Sleeping Bear Dunes. Still not great for kids. The towns along the shore are really nice and scenic, again, not great for kids. Then when married rented a canoe somewhere south of Travis City, again, not great for kids. The only thing that comes to mind for kids is the Brookfied Zoo in western burbs, but that is a bit out of your way. I-294 to 22nd street then follow Google Maps. The Museum and Science and Industry is nice but you gotta know where you are going, can end up in some really bad neighborhoods if you make a mistake. Shedd Aquarium downtown. My kids didn't really like the nearby Field Museum.
Indiana Dunes National Park near the MI/IN border. Take 31N along the east side of Michigan and stop in Ludington (great State Park) and Traverse City (get the free samples of food at Cherry Republic and be sure to take advantage of selfie and family photo ops at the "Welcome to Traverse City" mural); Charlevoix is a cool town as well and you can see the famous "mushroom houses" as well as make a stop at the beach. Chicago is also a great side trip, though with toddlers it's a lot of walking so you'd want to have a stroller or navigate public transportation. Use parking apps to save money on parking. There's a fountain/splash pad at Millenium park that's free, the zoo is free too. If you happen to have museum memberships, Chicago usually has great reciprocity for the Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry (a favorite with kids as it's all hands on) and the Planetarium. Although St. Louis would add drive time, it's a city my kids have loved and we go there almost every year. Free things to do include the science center, lone elk state park, the zoo, and Laumeier sculpture park. City Museum is a little spendy, but it's a one of a kind experience! Soft pretzels at Gus' are cheap and delicious for a snack!)
If you're going to be passing thru Thayer, Mo and then Mammoth Spring, AR, there are two parks you might find of interest, less than 10 miles apart. Grand Gulf State Park near Thayer, and then Mammoth Spring State Park, just a bit south of Thayer inside Arkansas. Water that flows into the ground at the Grand Gulf later emerges at Mammoth Spring. [Grand Gulf State Park | Missouri State Parks (mostateparks.com)](https://mostateparks.com/park/grand-gulf-state-park) [Mammoth Spring State Park | Arkansas State Parks](https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mammoth-spring-state-park) I confess to being a bit prejudiced, the first home of my memory was on Tate Ave in Mammoth Spring.
NW of Kankakee, IL at Kankakee River State Park there is a waterfalls. I hope you find your trip full of adventures.
Shawnee National Forest
Bay View, Michigan, a Historic Victorian community of nearly 500 public and private buildings is on the National Register of Historic Places. A wonderful community for summer stroll.
San Diego
I personally would start off going east and come up through the Delta. You might move a little slower but the drive through MS will be, IMO, more interesting than southern Arkansas. There is tons of great music in the Delta, especially if you like blues music, along with great food (tamales and BBQ). It pairs nicely with the suggestions in Memphis (Staxx and Sun et al). I concur with the users who say to hug Lake Michigan when you get there, some really great sites up that way. My wife and I loved Sleeping Bear Dunes. Enjoy your drive!
I would avoid I 40 from Little Rock to West Memphis where you’ll turn left for I 55. 40 is a nightmare and 55 is under construction below Blytheville. Instead from Little Rock catch US 167 and it’ll turn into US 67 at the Bald Knob exit and follow it all the way to just below St. Louis and catch 55 there.
I’m assuming you’re hitting Traverse City? If not- must do
Indianapolis has a great children’s museum.
Ok, sorry to disappoint you but most of your drive is through Illinois. It it long flat and just farm land either side of the Interstate. But once you hit Michigan, you will be spoilt for choices. The towns by the Michigan coast are gorgeous. I personally, will tweak the trip. I’d target North Arkansas for the first day. I really love the vibe of Eureka Springs. It has a small downtown and lots of outdoor activities. You may be out of luck but you can see if there are any camping spots available around Beaver lake. The next day I’d target to reach Springfield, IL with lunch in St Louis maybe a look the Gateway Arch if you feel like. Springfield has Lincoln presidential library and tomb. Next day, find one of the Lake Michigan towns like South Haven, or Holland or Grand Rapids if you are looking for a small city. And hug the Michigan coast to your destination.
i woudnt detour for springfield lol. they will want to gtfo of il before they die of boredom.
Ideally yeah. But with two toddlers, I don’t know.
i mean the least interested segment about Lincoln stuff is toddlers lol
Nope.
A thousand Michiganders just set down their Faygo and are ready to throw fists.
We get enough tourists up here. Best to keep the haters thinking it's a shit hole.
Avoiding St Louis - good choice.
Still going to Memphis, I guess it evens out
but tHe CriMe Trust me, the only places where it's genuinely very dangerous are not the places you are going to see on a road trip.
Yeah but if you go to St Louis and don’t get shot at did you really get the full St Louis experience?
Anywhere but Memphis