Road Trip DAL-OSH suggestions?

[RyanShort1]

I may have the opportunity to drive out with my kids with the goal of being there for the whole day on Friday. Any suggestions for kid-friendly stops / activities on the way from Dallas (any route) to break up the 17 hours of driving?

(And yes, I wish I had a plane to take up instead!)

 

[SixPapaCharlie]

St Louis Arch is right along the way

 

[Ed Haywood]

World's Largest Ball of Twine - Cawker City, Kansas

 

[Dave Theisen]

Both are on my bucket list.

 

[murphey]

Camping or hotel or what? Two days on the road for one day at the show doesn't sound like much of a fun time.

 

[455 Bravo Uniform]

If you like outdoors, Elephant Rocks State Park is about half way. Been there twice. My kids enjoyed climbing the huge boulders, nice photo ops for mama.

 

[Jim K]

There are some interesting spots in IL. Mostly in the southern third, south of STL where you'll be entering the state, or Chicago which you'll also be bypassing unless you go out of your way. Springfield has some interesting stuff... the Dana Thomas house is unbelievable if you're into architecture... depends how old your kids are. The Lincoln museum and house are... places you can go. You'll be on rte 66 for that portion, so there's a few attractions based on that. Cozy Dog in Springfield is worth a stop... birthplace of the corn dog. The Ariston Cafe in Litchfield is a largely unchanged since the 30's and is a great rt 66 stop.

The Arch is... kinda cool. The view from the top is neat if you've never been in a small airplane. Worth seeing up close at least anyway. The kids would like the novelty of going up.

You'll go through Rochelle, IL. The restaurant on the airport there is really good. Ditto Janesville and Madison.

My best suggestion for places to go would be DFW. There's direct flights to Appleton...

 

[nauga]

Kids being kids, make sure you point out the signs for Uranus (even if you don't stop), not coincidentally near Fort Leonard Wood MO.

Nauga,
and a giant thermometer

 

[sourdough44]

Age of kids? The very easiest way is download a movie or 3 on the iPad, let them watch with earphones. I know, not the ‘normal’ way to do a family trip.

I’d beeline, break it up with a 2 day drive if able.

The wildfire smoke is crazy today, worse yet up near Oshkosh. It’s to the point of hampering VFR flight.

 

[Bill]

Kids being kids, make sure you point out the signs for Uranus (even if you don't stop), not coincidentally near Fort Leonard Wood MO.

Nauga,
and a giant thermometer

BTDT, tourist trap of the highest level.