3 Missouri State Parks in 3 Days

**FREE - Everything on this adventure is FREE except the campsite**

*packed food plus gas($62)*

This trip is planned from Jackson, TN.  It can be revised to fit your location.

Day 1:

8:00am - Leave Home

12:00pm to 2:00pm - Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site - 118 East Maple, Pilot Knob, MO
Visitor Center Hours: 10am to 4pm Daily
Brogan's Trail - 1/2mile/25minutes

2:30pm - Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Camp $15-35

Day 2:

9am - Leave Camp

9:40am to 12:30pm - Taum Sauk Mountain State Park - Hwy 21&State Hwy CC, Ironton, MO
*Highest Point in MO
Mina Sauk Falls Loop - *States tallest waterfall

1:10pm - Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park - 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middlebrook, MO
Hours: 8am to 6pm Daily
Nature's Waterpark
Camp: $15-30
Reservations: 573-546-2450

Day 3:

9:30am - Leave

10:00am to 2pm - Elephant Rocks State Park - 7406 Highway 21, Belleview, MO
Hours: 8am to 8pm
Trails: Braille Trail - 1mile/30minutes
Engine House Ruins - 0.40mile/15minutes

4 Hours to Jackson, TN
6pm - Home
This trip is approx. 520 miles ($62)

Crater of Diamonds State Park - 3 Day Trip

*This trip cost approx. $190 plus gas($85)*

This trip is planned from Jackson, TN.  It can be revised to fit your location.

Day 1:

8:00am - Leave Home

12:00pm to 1:00pm - All Aboard Grill - 6813 Cantrell, Little Rock, AR
Hours: 10:30am to 8:00pm

3:00pm - Crater of Diamonds State Park - 206 State Park Road, Murfreesboro, AR
Campground: Class D Tent $12, Premium $30
2 night minimum
Reservations: 870-285-3113

Day 2:

8:00am to 9:00am - Crater of Diamonds State Park - Diamonds Discovery Center
Hours: 8am to 8pm
Admission: Free

9:00am to 12:00pm - Dig for Diamonds
Hours: 8am to 5pm
Admission: Adults $15, Kids $7
Tool Rental/Deposit: $15/45, $20/70
Tools needed: Shovel, Bucket, Sifter

12:00pm to 1:00pm - Lunch

1:00pm to 1:30pm - Gift Shop

1:30pm - Dig for Diamonds or Trails
Trails: River Trail - 1.2 miles
Prospector - 1.2 miles

Diamond Springs Water Park
Hours: May thru August 12pm to 6pm
Admission: $5.50

Day 3:

5.30 Hours to Jackson, TN

(709Miles)($85)

Gulf Shores - 4 Day Trip

*This adventure cost approx. $225 plus packed food and gas($115)*

This trip is planned from Jackson, TN.  It can be revised to fit your location.

Day 1:

7:00am - Leave Jackson, TN

12:00pm to 1:00pm - Famous Red Water Artesian Well - Station St., Shubuta, MS

3:00pm - Meaher State Park - 5200 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort, AL
Hours: 7am to Sunset
Admission: $3 person
Camping: $45 *2 Night min on weekends and holidays
Reservations: 251-626-5529

Day 2:

8:20am - Leave Camp

8:30am to 9:30am - Gator Alley @ D'Olive Boardwalk Park - N Main St.(near Exxon), Daphne, A
Hours: None Admission: Free

10:00am to 1:00pm - Alligator Alley - 19500 Highway 71, Summerdale, AL
Hours: Thursday thru Tuesday 10am to 5pm
Admission: Adults $12, Kids $10 ($58)
Feedings: 11am, 1pm and 4pm

1:45pm - Gulf State Park - 20115 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores, AL
Hours: 7am to Sundown
Camping: $60-115 night, 2 night minimum
Reservations: 1-800-ALA-PARK or 251-948-7275
Beaches: Florida Point, Pavilion Area, Cotton Bayou, Romar Beach
Pool, Trails, Pier

Other Information:
Alabama Gulf Coast Welcome Centers
3150 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL
23685 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL

Day 3:

Things to do today:

Gulf State Park Trails and Beaches

Bon Secour National Refuge - 12295 State Highway 180. Gulf Shores, AL
Dynamic Dunes Beach Tour - 1mile/1.5 hours

Day 4:

8:30am - Leave Camp

9:00am to 11:00am - Fort Morgan Historic Site - 51 Highway 180 W, Gulf Shores, AL
Hours: 9am to 4:30pm Daily
Admission: Adults $7, Kids $4, Family $21

11:45am to 12:30pm - Mobile Bay Ferry -
Fee: One Way - $21 one driver + $6 each passenger

12:30pm to 1:00pm - Fort Gaines Historic Site - 51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL

5:30pm to 6:00pm - Birthplace of Tennessee Williams - 300 Main St., Columbus, MS
Hours: 8:30am to 5pm
Admission: Free

This trip is approx. 958 miles.

Other lodging options if not interested in camping:

Best Western on the Beach - 337 E Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL
Holiday Inn Express - 24700 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL
Perdido Beach Resort - 27200 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL


If you have more time on your hands:

Dauphin Island Visitor Center - 1201 Beinville Blvd., Dauphin Island, AL
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10am to 2pm

Surf's Up Dolphin Cruises - 5749 Bay La Launch Ave., Orange Beach, AL
$10-20

National Naval Aviation Museum - 1750 Radford Blvd., Pensacoula, FL
Hours: 9am to 5pm
Admission: Free

USS Alabama Battleship - 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile, AL
Hours: 8am to 6pm
Admission: Adults $18, Kids $6

Historic Blakely State Park - 34745 Stae Hwy 225, Spanish Fort, AL
Admission: $3
Delta Explorer Admission: Adults $25, Kids $15

Amy's Dream Trip #1 - 8 States, 2 Countries, 18 Days

This trip is planned from Milan, TN...

This trip is really just for myself and to share with you one of my "Bucket List" trips.  I will do this trip, I am determined!  Enjoy my crazy!

Tennessee/Missouri/Kansas/Nebraska/Iowa/South Dakota/Wyoming/Minnesota/Canada/Tennessee(again)...

We do go through Kentucky too but we aren't stopping there so I didn't count it.

Day 1: Fri 5/26/17

7:00am - Leave Home

11am-11:15am - BP, 909 Chesterfield Parkway E - Gas/Bathroom Break

11:20am to 12pm - "The Awakening" @ Chesterfield Mall - 444 Chesterfield Ctr, Chesterfield, MO
Hours: None
Admission: Free
Eat a packed lunch

(273miles)

2:30pm to 3pm - Jim the Wonder Dog @ RidgePark Cementery - 780 E Yerby St, Marshall, MO
Hours: 8am to 5pm
Admission: Free

3:05pm to 3:30pm - Jim the Wonder Dog Memorial Garden - 101 S Lafayette Ave, Marshall, MO
Hours: 9am to Dusk
Admission: Free

3:31p-3:45p - Gas/Bathroom Break - 365 W Arrow St, Marshall, MO

5:15pm to 6pm - Lewis and Clark Memorial @ Clark's Point - 611 W 8th St, Kansas City, MO

(252miles)

6:30pm - Hotel in Kansas City, MO

Super 8 Kansas City Airport - 11900 NW Plaza Circle, Kansas City, MO

(17miles)

Day 2: Sat 5/27/17

9:00am - Leave Hotel

9:05am-9:20am - Conoco, 11200 Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO

10am to 11am - Amelia Earhart Museum - 223 North Terrece St., Atchinson, KS
Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 10am to 4pm
Admission: Adults $6, Kids $1 ($25)

11:35am to 12:30pm - Patee House - 1202 Penn St., St. Joseph, MO
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 9am to 4pm, Sunday 1-4
Admission: Adults $6, Kids $4 ($24)

12:35pm to 1:30pm - Jesse James House - 1200 S 12th St, St. Joseph, MO
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 1-4
Admission: Adults $4, Kids $2 ($14)

1:35pm to 2pm - Lunch - Little Ceasers - 2120 Mitchell Ave, St. Joseph, MO

(58miles)

4pm to 4:15pm - Chef Boyardee Statue @ ConAgra Plaza - Conagra Dr., Omaha, NE
Hours: None
Admission: Free

5:45pm - Hotel in South Sioux City, NE

Howard Johnson Sioux City, 707 4th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101

(233 miles)

Day 3: Sun 5/28/17

8:45am - Leave Hotel

9:00am to 12:00pm - Trinity Heights - 2509 33rd St., Sioux City, IA
Hours: 9am to 9pm Daily
Admission: Free
Eat a packed lunch

12p-12:15p - Murphy USA, 3115 Floyd Boulevard, Sioux City, IA 51108

2:30pm to 3:30pm - Corn Palace - 612 N Main St., Mitchell, SD
Hours: 8am to 9pm
Admission: Free

(158miles)

7:30pm - Hotel in Rapid City, SD

Travelodge Rapid City, 2505 Mount Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD

(288 Miles)

Day 4: Mon 5/29/17

8:15am - Leave Hotel

8:15-8:30 - Exxon, 2660 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, SD

9:00am to 11:00am - Bear County USA - 13820 S Highway 16, Rapid City, SD
Hours: 9am to 4pm
Admission: Adults $17, Kids $11 Max Vehicle $65 ($65)

11:10am to 3:00pm - Reptile Gardens - 8955 S Highway 16, Rapid City, SD
Hours: 8am to 6pm
Admission: $17, Kids $11 ($79)
Eat a packed lunch

3:15pm to 4:30pm - City of Presidents - 631 Main St., Rapid City, SD
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 12pm to 9pm

4:35pm to 5:00pm - Little Ceasers - 1601 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, SD

5:05pm - Hotel in Rapid City, SD

Travelodge Rapid City, 2505 Mount Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD

(23 miles)

Day 5: Tues 5/30/17

7:00am - Leave Hotel

8:15am to 9:15am - Crook County Courthouse - 309 E Cleveland St., Sundance, WY
Hours: 8am to 4pm
Admission: Free
Sundance Kid Statue and Jail

10:00am to 12:30pm - Devils Tower National Monument - US Hwy 14, Devils Tower, WY
Hours: 9am to 4pm
Admission: $15 Car
Tower Trail - 1.5 hours/1.3 miles

2:45pm to 4:45pm - Black Hills Institute Museum - 117 Main St., Hill City, SD
Hours: 9am to 7pm
Admission: Adults $7.50, Kids $4 ($29)

5:00pm to 9:00pm - Crazy Horse Mountain Memorial - 12151 Ave of the Chiefs, Crazy Hourse, SD
Hours: 8am to Dark
Admission: $28 car
Museums
Laser Light Show at Dark

9:45pm - Hotel in Rapid City, SD

Travelodge Rapid City, 2505 Mount Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD

(Daily Miles: 272 Miles)

Day 6: Wed 5/31/17

7:30am - Leave Hotel

8:35am to 10:00am - Jewel Cave National Monument - 11149 US Hwy 16 B-12, Custer, SD
Visitor Center Hours: 8:30am to 5:30pm
Cave Tour: Discovery Tour - 9:35am (20 minutes) Adults $4, Kids Free ($8)

10:30am to 11:00am - Custer State Park - Gordon Stockyard - Stockyard Lake Dr, Custer, SD

11:15am to 11:45am - Custer State Park - Mt. Coolidge FireTower - Off SD-897 S, Custer, SD

12:15pm to 1:00pm - Wind Cave National Park - Rankin Ridge Trail - SD-87 S & Rankin Ridge Rd.
1 Mile Loop Trail - 14 Interpretive Stops

1:15pm - 3:15pm - Wind Cave National Park - 26611 US 385, Hot Springs, SD
Hours: 8am to 6pm
Admission: Free
Cave Tour: Fairgrounds Cave Tour - 1:40pm (1.50 hours) Adults $12, Kids $6 ($42)
Junior Ranger Program

3:30pm to 5:30pm - Mammoth Site - 1800 US 18 Bypass, Hot Springs, SD
Hours: 8am to 8pm
Admission: Adults $10, Kids $8 ($50)

6:30pm - Hotel in Rapid City, SD

Travelodge Rapid City, 2505 Mount Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD

(Daily Miles: 163 Miles)

Day 7:

8:00am - Leave Hotel

8:40am to 12pm - Custer State Park

• 8:40-9:10 - Peter Norbeck Visitor Center - 30 minutes
• 9:40-9:55 - Buffalo Corrals - 15 minutes
• 10:15-Drive By- Entrance Station - SD-87 N & Wildlife Loop Rd, Custer, SD
• 10:30-11 - Badger Hole - 30 minutes
• 11:20 - Tunnel 6
• 11:40-11:55 - Tunnel 5 and Needles Eye - 15 minutes
• 12- Tunnel 4

12:30pm to 1:45pm - Mount Rushmore National Monument - 12000 S Dakota 244, Keystone, SD
Hours: 8am to 10pm
Admission: $10 Car
Junior Ranger Program

2:00pm to 3:00pm - Cosmos Mystery Area - 24040 Cosmos Rd, Rapids City, SD
Hours: 8am to Dusk
Admission: 12+ $11, Under 12 Free ($55)

3:30pm to 5:30pm - South Dakota Air & Space Museum - 2890 Davis Dr., Ellsworth AFB, SD
Hours: 8:30am to 6pm
Admission: Free

6:00pm - Hotel in Rapid City, SD

Travelodge Rapid City

(Daily Miles: 136 Miles)

Day 8:

9:00am - Leave Hotel

10:00am to 1:00pm - Wall Drug - 510 Main St., Wall, SD
Hours: 7am to 10pm
Admission: Free + Lunch Cost

1:30pm to 2:30pm - Minuteman Missle National Historic Site - 21280 SD Hwy 240, Phillip, SD
Hours: 8am to 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Guided Delta-01 Tour
Self Guided Delta-09 Tour

3:45pm to 6:00pm - Badlands National Park - 25216 Ben Reifel Rd, Interior, SD
Hours: 7am to 7pm
Admission: $20 Car
GPS Adventure Activity Book
1-Notch Trail - 1.5 miles - 2 hours RT
2-Cliff Shelf Nature Trail - 0.5 miles - 30 minutes RT
3-Saber Site
4-Erosion Study
5-Sea of Grass

6-8:15 - Scenic Drive Back

8:15pm - Hotel in Wall, SD
Americas Best Value Inn, 201 S Blvd, Wall, SD

(Daily Miles: 187 Miles)

Day 9:

8:30am - Leave Hotel

10:00am to 11:00am - Badlands Petrified Garden - 23104 SD Hwy 248, Kadoka, SD
Hours: 7am to 7pm
Admission: Adults $6, Kids $3 ($21)

11:30am to 11:45am - Skeleton Man Walking Dino - I-90 at Exit 170, Murdo, SD

2:45pm to 5:00pm - Falls Park - 131 E Falls Park Dr., Sioux Falls, SD
Hours: 5am to 10pm
Admission: Free

5:15pm - Hotel in Sioux Falls, SD
Microtel Inn and Suites, 2901 S Carolyn Ave, Sioux Falls, SD

(Daily Miles: 357 Miles)

Day 10:

9:30am - Leave Hotel

9:45am to 11:00am - USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial - 2705 12th St., Sioux Falls, SD
Hours: 10am to 6pm
Admission: Free

11:30pm to 1:30pm - Devils Gulch Park - Devils Gulch Park Rd., Garretson, SD
(5th St) Near Split Rock Park

2:00pm to 4:00pm - Pipestone National Monument - 36 North Reservation Ave, Pipestone, MN
Hours: 8am to 5pm
Admission: $7(16+) ($21)
Junior Ranger Program
The Circle Trail/The Old Stone Face

7:45pm - Arrive at Moms - New Brighton, MN

(Daily Miles: 263 Miles)

Day 11 and Day 12:

Hang out with family

Day 13:

8:00am - Leave Moms

10:15am to 11:30pm - Lake Superior Maritime - 600 South Lake Dr., Duluth, MN
Hours: 10am to 9pm
Admission: Free

11:30am to 12pm - Aeriel Lift Bridge - 601 South Lake Ave., Duluth, MN
Hours: No Hours
Admission: Free

12pm to 1pm - Canal Park - South Lake Ave., Duluth, MN
Hours: No Hours
Admission: Free

1pm to 2pm - The Lake Walk - 60th Ave East to Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, MN
Hours: No Hours
Admission: Free

2:10pm to 3:30am - SS William A Irvin - 350 Harbor Dr., Duluth, MN
Hours: 9am to 6pm
Admission: Adults $12, Kids $8 ($48)

7:30pm - Hotel in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Super 8, 439 Memorial Ave, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

(Daily Miles: 340 Miles)

Day 14:

8:00am - Leave Hotel

9:30am to 2:30pm - Sleeping Giant Provincial Park - Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

5:30pm - Hotel in Silver  Bay, MN
AmericInn, 150 Mensing Dr., Silver Bay, MN

(Daily Miles: 220 Miles)

Day 15:

9:30am - Leave Hotel

10:00am to 12:00pm - Split Rock State Park - 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd., Two Harbors, MN
Split Rock Lighthouse Hours: 10am to 6pm
Admission: Adults $9, Kids $6, $5 Car ($36)

12:15pm to  2:15pm - Gooseberry Falls State Park - 3206 Highway 61 E, Two Harbors, MN
Hours: 9am to 4pm
Admission: $5 Car

2:45pm to 3:00pm - Flood Bay State Wayside - US 61

3:30pm to 4:00pm - Bob Dylan Home - 519 N 3rd Ave E, Duluth, MN

6:15pm - Arrive at Moms

(Daily Miles: 205 Miles)

Day 16 and Day 17: 

Hang out with family

Day 18:

8:00am - Leave Moms

30 Minute Gas/Rest Stop

1:30pm to 2:30pm - Future Birthplace of James T Kirk - 361 E 1st., Riverside, IA
Hours: Sunday 1pm to 4pm, Thursday thru Saturday 10am to 4pm
Admission: Free

2 - 30 Minute Gas/Rest Stop

11:00pm - Home

(Daily Miles: 820 Miles)

This trip is approx. 4,075 Miles.

I figured the cost for this trip for 2 adults and the 3 kids (15, 14, 11) with my car (23mpg) @ $2.75gallon, souvenirs, hotels, admissions, food...

Gas $488
Hotel $630
Food $680 - mostly packed lunches, plus continental breakfasts, a few drive thrus and diners
Souviners $700
Admissions $535
Total $3,033

Natchez Trace Parkway #3 - 3 Day Trip

*Total Cost $96 for 2 adults, 2 teens, 1 child and 2 nights camp**packed food plus gas*

Natchez Trace Parkway - Mile Post 180 to Mile Post 330.2

This trip is planned from Jackson, TN.  It can be revised to fit your location.

For this trip it is imperative that you get yourself a Natchez Trace Parkway brochure/map.

One you learn how to navigate it, this is a really helpful site: Natchez Trace Travel

Day One:

7am - Leave Jackson, TN

9:30am to 10:30am - Rock Spring - MP 330.2
Nature Trail: 20 min walk one way

11:00am to 11:30am - WC Handy Birthplace Museum - 620 West College St, Florence, AL
Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 10am to 4pm
Admission: Adults $2, Kids $0.50

11:35am to 12pm - Indian Mound and Museum - 1028 South Court St, Florence, AL
Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 10am to 4pm
Admission: Adults $2, Kids $0.50

12:15pm to 1:45pm - Helen Keller Birthplace - 300 North Commons St W, Tuscumbia, AL
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 8:30am to 4pm
Admission: Adults $6, Kids $2

1:50pm to 3pm - Spring Park - Spring Park Rd, Tuscumbia, AL
Have lunch and watch the Cold Water Falls

3:25pm to 4:15pm - Buzzard Roost Spring - MP 320.3
Short Trail

4:30pm to 5pm - Cave Spring - MP 308.4

5:20pm - Tishmingo State Park -105 State Park Road, Tishmingo, MS
Camping: $13-$18

Day 2:

8:00am - Leave Camp

8:30am to 9am - Tenn-Tom Waterway - MP 293.2
VC - 82 Bay Springs Resource Rd

9:10am to 9:20am - Pharr Mounds - MP 286.7

9:25am to 10:00am - Donivan Slough - MP 283.3
Trail: 20 minute one way

10:10am to 10:40am - Dogwood Valley - MP 275.2
Trail: 15 minute one way

11:00am to 11:20am - Brices Crossroads Visitor Center - 607 Grisham St, Baldwyn, MS
Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 9am to 5pm
Admission: Small fee

11:30am to 12pm - Brices Crossroads National Historic Site - Hwy 370/Bethany Road, Baldwyn, MS

12:30pm to 12:45pm - Confederate Graves - MP 269.4

12:55pm to 1:30pm - Natchez Trace Pkwy Visitor Center - 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo, MS
Hours: 8am to 5pm

1:45pm to 2:15pm - Tupelo National Battlefield - Monument Dr & Hwy 6, Tupelo, MS

2:50pm to 3:15pm - Tupelo Hardware - 114 W Main St, Tupelo, MS
Hours: Monday thru Friday 7am to 5:30pm, Saturday 7am to 12pm
See Elvis' first guitar

3:45pm - Tombigbee State Park - 264 Cabin Drive, Tupelo, MS
Camping: $20

Day 3:

8:00am - Leave Camp

8:45am to 9:00am- Owl Creek Mounds - MP 243

Tombigbee National Forest

9:20am to 9:40am - Witch Dance - MP 233.2

9:40am to 10:15am - Byrum Mounds - MP 232.4
6 mounds and interactive exhibits

11:30.am to 2:30pm - French Camp - MP 180.7
Gift Shop and Museum Hours: Monday thru Saturday 9am to 4pm
Cafe Hours: 10:30am to 7:00pm
Info Station and Huffman Log Cabin

8:30pm - Jackson, TN

Natchez Trace Parkway #1 - 3 Day Trip

*Total Cost $106 for 2 adults, 1 kid, 2 nights camping*
*packed food plus gas($90)*

Natchez Trace Parkway - Mile Post 0 to Mile Post 107.9

This trip is planned from Jackson, TN.  It can be revised to fit your location.

For this trip it is imperative that you get yourself a Natchez Trace Parkway brochure/map.

One you learn how to navigate it, this is a really helpful site: Natchez Trace Travel

All places are open Dawn to Dusk and Free unless otherwise noted.

Day One:

7am - Leave Jackson, TN

30 minute Gas/ Rest Stop

1:00pm to 230pm - Bob M Dearing Natchez State Park - 230 B Wickcliff Road, Natchez, MS
Tent Camping - $40 night

$81 2 nights

245pm to 3pm - Old Trace Exhibit - MP 8.7

305pm to 315pm - - Elizabeth Female Academy Site - MP 5.1

320pm to 330pm - Southern Terminus - MP 0

340pm - back to camp

Day Two:

830am - Leave camp

9am to 11am - Natchez National Historical Park - 1 Melrose-Montebello Parkway, Natchez, MS
Visitor Center Hours: 9am to 4pm
Melrose Estate - Admission: Adults $10, Kids $5
Melrose Gardens - Hours 8:30am to 5pm, FREE
William Johnson House, 210 State St., Natchez, MS
Hours: 9am to 5pm, FREE
$25 2 adults, 1 kid

If you haven't already gotten a Natchez Trace Parkway brochure/map, you can obtain one at the:
Natchez Visitor Center
640 S Canal Street, Natchez, MS

12:00pm to 12:30pm - Emerald Mound - MP 10.3
Allow 30 Minutes

1245pm to 130pm - Church Hill Loop, refer to your Natchez Trace Parkway map
Allow 45 Minutes
*Springfield Plantation
*Christ Church
*Wagners Grocery

215pm to 3pm - Windsor Ruins Loop, 15095 Rodney Road, Port Gibson, MS
Hours: Daily Dawn - Dusk
Admission: Free
Allow 45 Minutes
*A.K. Shaifer House - N of Windsor

340pm - back to camp

Day 3:

9am - Leave Camp

915am to 10am - Mount Locust Inn/Visitor Center - MP 15.5, Ranger Road
Hours: 9am to 4:30pm

10:40am to 11:00am - Sunken Trace - MP 41.5

11:15am to 11:45am - Owens Creek Waterfall - MP 52.4

12:15am to 1:00pm - Dean Stand Site - MP 73.5

1:15pm to 2:00pm - Raymond Military Park - Hwy 18 & Old Port Gibson Rd, Raymond, MS-MP78.3

2:20pm to 2:40pm - Cowles Mead Cementery - MP 88.1

3:05pm to 3:20pm - Parkway Info Cabin - MP 102.4, Ridgeland, MS
Wed-Sun 9-430
or
Clinton Visitor Center - 1300 Pinehaven Road, Clinton, MS
M-Sat 9-5, Sun 1-5

3:30pm to 4pm - West Florida Boundary - MP 107.9
Nature Trail: short loop

420pm to 445pm - Cypress Swamp - MP 122

Home - 4.5 hours away - one 30 minute pit stop

9:45pm - Jackson, TN

This trip is approx.965 miles

Memphis to Dallas - 4 Days of Fun

**FREE - Everything on this adventure was FREE except the hotel**
*packed food plus gas*

This trip is planned from about an hour north of Memphis, TN but it can be tweaked to work from other locations. If you want help with that, let me know. I find a lot of my fun places along the way at RoadsideAmerica.com

Day One:

7am - Leave Point A

11am - Old Mill Park - 3800 Lakeshore Dr, North Little Rock, AR more information
Hours are Sunrise to Sunset.  This attraction is Free.
I have allowed 2 hours to enjoy a packed lunch and time to stretch our legs while exploring this replica of an old water-powered grist mill dedicated to the memory of Arkansas' pioneers.  The park is decorated with sculptures of toadstools, tree stumps and has a tree entwined wooden bridge that takes you across the water to the mill.

Old Mill Park - November 1 2012

330pm - Half & Half Post Office - 500 Woods St., Texarkana, AR more information
The Post Office is Open Monday thru Friday 830am to 430pm.  However, you don't need it to be open to have a photo-op at the Arkansas/Texas State Line. This attraction is Free.
This is the only US Post Office that sits in 2 states.

Half & Half Post Office - November 1 2012

730pm - Entering Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

Lodging Options
Hotel - Priceline.com
Cedar Hill State Park Campground website
Camping - TexasOutside.com
Bed and Breakfast Inns - BedandBreakfast.com

We stayed at Super 8 Farmers Branch - 14040 North Stemmons Freeway, Farmers Branch, TX
It wasn't the best but it wasn't bad either.  We didn't spend much time at the hotel so it suited or needs.  And I only paid just over $160 for 3 nights.

Day Two:

Free Things to See/Do in Dallas/Ft. Worth Area:
Mustangs of Las Colinas - 5205 North O Connor Blvd #155  Irving, TX
Chromosaurs - 601 East Palace Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX
US Bureau of Engraving and Printing - 9000 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth, TX

November 2 2012 - You can not bring cameras (and many other things) in the building so this is the only picture we got.  The BEP is really worth the visit, it was really interesting to watch the money making process.

Fire Station No. 1 - 203 Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX
Heritage Trails Walking Tour - Map available at 508 Main St, Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth Water Gardens - 1502 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, TX
Public ArtWalk Dallas - Starts at Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St., Dallas, TX
Adrian E Flatt Hand Exhibit - Baylor University Medical Center, Truett Building(1st Fl), 3500 Gaston Ave, Dallas, TX
Mary Kay Cosmetics Museum - 16251 N Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX
Founder's Plaza Observation Area - Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), E Airfield Dr, Grapevine, TX
The African-American Museum - 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas, TX 
Cedar Ridge Park Reserve - 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX
Fort Worth Botanical Garden - 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX

November 3 2012

Day Three:

Stockyards Station - 130 East Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX more information

November 2 2012

Historic Walking Tours more information
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm
$12 per family to rent GPS Ranger

Rodeo Zone more information
Hours: Monday-Thurs 10am to 6pm, Friday-Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sunday 1230pm to 6pm
$6 per ride

Fort Worth Herd more information
1130am and 430pm Daily, weather permitting
Free

November 2 2012

Cowtown Cattlepen Maze more information
Hours: Open Daily
$5 per person

Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame more information
Hours: Monday-Thurs 10am to 6pm, Friday-Saturday 10am to 7pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm
Family Package $15 for 2 adults and 4 children
Adults $5, Children(4-12) $3, Children 13-17 and Seniors $4, Military Free

Texas Trail of Fame more information
No Hours
Free

November 2 2012

Stockyard Stables and Horseback Riding more information
Hours: Open Daily 1030am to 530pm
Arena Rides $20 for 15 minutes  All Ages
Trail Rides $30 for 30 minutes, $50 for 60 minutes  Must be 12 or Older

Jersey Lilly Photo Parlor more information
Hours: Monday-Thurs 10am to 5pm, Friday-Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm
Basic Picture Package is $27.95 plus tax-One Person.  Each additional person is $5.95
Additional photo prints and CDs cost extra.
Photo slots fill up fast so book in advance.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad more information
February-May, September-November Train runs Saturday and Sunday Only
June-August Train runs Friday-Sunday
Train Departs from Grapevine Station at 1pm arriving at Stockyards Station at 215pm
Train Departs from Stockyards Station at 415pm arriving at Grapevine Station at 545pm
Round Trip $28 adults, $26 Seniors, $18 Children
One Way $20 adults, $18 Seniors, $13 Children
Trinity River Run - 1 hour round trip - Departs Stockyards at 245pm and returns at 345pm

Billy Bob's Texas - The World's Largest Honky Tonk more information
2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164-8208
Restaurant Hours: Monday-Wednesday 11am to 9pm, Thursday 11-10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 1am, Sunday 12pm to 9pm Closed on Friday and Saturday 5pm-6pm
Concert Ticket Prices Vary By Performer
Rodeo Every Friday and Saturday Night 9pm and 10pm $3

Day Four:

8am - Leave Lodging Option

930am to 10am - Audie Murphy Statue - America's Most Dedicated Solider
600 Interstate 30 East, Greenville, TX
The statue is located outside the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum.  I chose not to go the museum in lieu of another destination but feel free to if you are interested.
The Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 5pm
Admission is $6 adults, $4 Seniors, Veterans, Students, $2 Ages 6-18, Free Under 6

November 4 2012

1230pm to 1pm - President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace - 117 S Hervey St., Hope, AR
Hours: 9am to 430pm
Admission: Free

Standing in President Clinton's living room - November 4 2012

330pm to 4pm - Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site - 2120 Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr., Little Rock, AR
Visitor Center Hours: 9am to 430pm
Admission: Free

November 4 2012

4pm to 530pm - Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum - 120 Riverfront Park Drive, North Little Rock, AR
Hours Wednesday-Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 1pm to 6pm
Admission: $6 adults, $4 Children, Seniors, Military

Inside the submarine - November 4 2012

4pm - Head for Point A

Natchez Trace Parkway #4 - 2 Day Trip

**FREE - Everything on this adventure is FREE**
*Packed food plus gas*

Natchez Trace Parkway - Mile Post 341.8 to Mile Post 444

This trip is planned from Jackson, TN.  It can be revised to fit your location.

For this trip it is imperative that you get yourself a Natchez Trace Parkway brochure/map.

One you learn how to navigate it, this is a really helpful site: Natchez Trace Travel

Day One:

7am - Leave Jackson, TN

9:30am to 10:30am - Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall - County Road 8, Lauderdale, AL

Hours: No hours are listed but this is on private property (Tom leaves on the property). I imagine it's a 7am to Sundown timeframe. We got there at about a quarter after 9am and he was out there working on the wall.

Admission: Free but donations are greatly appreciated.  All he really wants is your respect and time.

This memorial is really worth the trip.  It's not just bricks and stones, it is truely a piece of art.

On this trip, we started a new family adventure of Geocaching...this was our first find ever...

Micro Cache

The stops from here on do not have any hours or admission unless otherwise stated...however, most are trails are varying distance into wooded areas and wouldn't be much to see in the dark.

These stops all have turn offs or parking areas so you are not stopping in the road to see the attractions closer.

10:35am to 10:40am - Alabama-Tennessee State Line - MP 341.8

September 2 2012

There are a few other stops along the way that we chose to past for lack of time and interest. I will add those stops throughout this post in RED.

Mile Post 343. 5 - Cypress Creek

Mile Post 346.2 - Holly

Mile Post 350.5 - Sunken Trace

Mile Post 352.9 - McGlamery Stand

11:00am to 11:30am - Wayne County Visitor Center - 219 East Broadway St, Collinwood, TN

11:45am to 12:15pm - Sweetwater Branch - MP 363

We ate a packed lunch in the parking area before heading out on this trail.

The kids had a great time playing in this little creek and then we walked the short trail reading all the signs as we went.

12:20pm to 12:35pm - Glenrock Branch - MP 264.5

The photos of all these places don't really do justice to the surroundings.

MP 367.3 - Dogwood Mudhole

12:50pm to 1:00pm - Old Trace Drive - MP 375.8

This is a 2.5 mile drive on the original route.  The ride is a bit rough but the view is beautiful.

It was a bit rainy and dreary out today.

1:05pm to 1:20pm - Jacks Branch - MP 377.8

This place was really pretty and a great place to take pictures.

 

Mile Post 381.8 - Napier Mine

1:35pm to 2:30pm - Metal Ford and Buffalo River - MP 382.8

McLish Stand Exhibit and Steele's Iron Works

  

The kids could have stayed at this stop all day...because we had never been to any of the places on our trip I wasn't sure of the time to allow so we only stayed an hour but the kids were mad when I pulled them out.

This location also had a little trail but we didn't take it.  We got out of the car and they saw the water and were gone.  By the time they got out, they were too cold to walk a trail and there shoes were all wet anyway.













2:45pm - Meriwether Lewis National Monument - MP 385.9
Visitor Center Hours: Wednesday thru Friday 1pm to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm
Admission: Free

This is the actual gravesite of Meriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark.

Meriwether Lewis Campground - Free - First Come First Serve
This was our first time ever camping. I was all kinds of prepared though...even with the weather calling for a crazy storm coming.  I had a list of hotels that were within 30 minutes and another campground in case this one was full.  We were also only about 2 hours from home at this point so we weren't worried.

We set up our campsite, had dinner...


Then we headed out on what we thought was going to be a short hike...
 
But we let the 7 year old be in charge of the map and lead the way, then it started to rain and our map was virtually unreadable...and we ended up getting lost and it ended up to be a bit longer than we thought.  It was really only about an hour but an hour seems like a lot longer when you are lost in the woods in the rain and it's starting to get dark out.  But we soon found the road and walked back to our campsite to roast marshmallows and make S'mores.

Other Lodging Options:
Fall Hollow Village Campground -MP 391 - privately owned - 931-796-1480

Day 2:

8:00am - Leave Campground

8:05am to 8:20am - Phosphate Mine - MP 390.7

8:30am to 9:30am - Fall Hollow Waterfall - MP 391.9
There are actually more than one waterfalls here...2 bigger ones and a couple small ones.  The kids had a super fun time getting all wet right away in the morning.
 
Parts of the trail are sheets of limestone you have to walk on and limestone 'stairs'...some of which are really slippery so use caution.

MP 392.5 - Swan View Overlook
MP 394 - Devil's Backbone State Natural Area
MP 397.4 - Old Trace
MP 400.2 - Sheboss Stand

9:40am to 9:50am - Tobacco Farm - MP 401.4

  This is an currently working tobacco farm.  There is a small patch of tobacco plant growing and a barn used to dry out the tobacco once it is harvested.  There is also a 2 mile Old Trace Drive but we did not take it.

MP 403.7 - Old Trace Walk

10:00am to 11:00am - Jackson Falls - MP 404.7

This was our favorite stop of the weekend...at least it was mine.  It was way better than I imagines.  We would have stayed longer but a man came down with camera equipment and the kids kept getting in his way and we'd been there an hour already so we decided to continue on our adventures.

   

MP 405.1 - Baker Bluff Overlook

11:10am to 11:40am - Gordon House and Duck River Ferry Site - MP 407.7


You can't go in the Gordon House...this is all there is. A short walk will take you to the Duck River Ferry Site...where we learned to skip rocks.

MP 411.8 - Water Valley Overlook
MP 423.9 - Tennessee Valley Divide
MP 425.4 - Burns Branch

12:05pm to 2:00pm - Old Trace - MP 426.3

September 3 2012

Here we had a packed lunch in the parking area before heading out on the trail.  This trail seemed longer than I had anticipated and there is no maps to follow so we weren't real sure we were going the right way.  There is a worn patch but as it crosses under the road and through a stream, it was hard to be sure we were still on the path.  We ended up at Garrison Creek (MP 427.6) and walked the parkway back to our car (almost 2 miles).  By the end the kids were pretty tired and miserable but this was our 2nd to last stop anyway so it turned out fine.



2:20pm to 2:30pm - Birdsong Hollow and Highway 96 Double-Arched Bridge - MP 438

MP 444  - Northern Terminus

This was the end of our trip. We had originally planned on stopping at the Loveless Cafe (8400 TN Hwy 100, Nashville, TN) but we had not planned on it raining all weekend and being as wet and dirty as we were. So we went to McDonalds instead...then headed the 2 hours home.

Metropolis, Illinios

COMING SOON...

Mark Twain 2 Day Trip Hannibal, MO

*Trip Cost: $261 for 2 adults, 1 kid plus approx. $70 gas and food

This trip costs a bit of money...But if you like Mark Twain like my other half does, it's well worth the cash and the memories.

This trip works for anyone within 6 1/2 hours(approx 360 miles) from Hannibal, MO. Some major cities include: Memphis, TN; Jonesboro, AR; St. Louis, MO; Springfield, MO; Kansas City, MO; Des Moines, IA; Cedar Rapids, IA; Chicago, IL; Rockford, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Madison, WI; Lincoln, NE; Omaha, NE; Topeka, KS; Wichita, KS; Rochester, MN; Indianapolis, IN; Evansville, IN; South Bend, IN; Louisville, KY; Owensboro, KY.

*Arrival times will vary depending on when you leave Point A, bathroom or gas breaks along the way and driving speed. This trip is planned based on 360 miles at 6 1/2 hours.

Day One:Friday May 8

7am - Leave Point A

30 min gas/rest stop

1pm - Mark Twain Cave Campground - website
300 Cave Hollow Road, Hannibal, MO
Reservations 1-800-527-0304 or on website
Electric Tent Site $ 40 night (other options available)

3pm - Mark Twain Cave - 300 Cave Hollow Road, Hannibal, MO website 

Hours: January – March: 10:00am – 4:00pm, April – May: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Memorial Day – Labor Day: 9:00am – 7:00pm (Sun – Thu), 9:00am – 8:00pm (Fri – Sat)
September – October: 10:00am – 5:00pm, November – December: 10:00am – 4:00pm 

Admission varies according to age and tour choice. Basic Tour is $28.99 plus tax for adults, $16.99 plus tax for children 8-12 and $3.50 plus tax for children 7 and under.

The tour is approximately 1 hour.

($88 2 adults, 1 kid)

430pm - Camp/Dinner

Lodging Options other than camping

Hotel - Priceline.com

Bed and Breakfast Inns - BedandBreakfast.com

Day Two: Saturday May 9

9am to 1145am - Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum - 120 N Main St., Hannibal, MO website

Hours are 9am to 5pm Seven Days a Week

Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for Seniors 60+ and Veterans, $6 for children 6-17, Free 5 and Under

Allow at least 1 1/2 hours

$50 2 adults, 1 kid

Admission includes: Interpretive Center, Mark Twain's Boyhood Home & Garden, Boyhood Home Gift Shop, Huckleberry Finn House, Becky Thatcher House, J.M. Clemens Justice of the Peace Office, Grant's Drug Store, Museum Gallery, and Tom & Huck Statue.

*Tom's Fence

12pm to 1245pm - Mark Twain Family Restuarant - 400 N 3rd St., Hannibal, MO website

Open 7 Days a Week from 6am to 8pm

1pm - Mark Twain Riverboat - 100 Center St., Hannibal, MO website

One Hour Sightseeing at 1:30pm everyday from April 1 to November 1

Admission: $26.99 plus tax for adults and $15.99 plus tax for children 7-13

The tour includes commentary on river history, legends, and sights.
There is a concession stand on board with sandwiches, snacks, and beverages.
($83 2 adults, 1 kid)

3pm - Riverview Park - 2000 Harrison Hill Road, Hannibal, MO website

This park is free and has a statue of Mark Twain and a beautiful view of the Mississippi River. Amenities include shelters, picnic tables, a playground, restrooms, paved and natural trails.

4pm - Cardiff Hill Overlook - 505 N 3rd St., Hannibal, MO
Free
*Lighthouse
*Tom & Huck Statues

1030p - Home
728 miles total

or

Alternate Day 3

530pm - Mark Twain State Park - 37352 Shrine Road, Florida, MO
VC 8-430
*Trails
Campground: Badger $15+, Puma $28+
*Historic Birthplace Site, Daily 10-5, Free

Day 3:
 Explore

1pm - Leave park

7pm - Home


Other Hannibal Attractions: 

Molly Brown Birthplace & Museum - 600 Butler St, Hannibal, MO

Open 10-4
*Titanic Survivor

Hannibal History Museum - 217 North Main Street HannibalHistoryMuseum.com

Rockcliffe Mansion - 1000 Bird Street RockCliffeMansion.com

Sawyer's Creek Fun Park - 11011 HWY 79 South   sawyerscreek.com

Haunted Hannibal Ghost Tours -  217 North Main Street hauntedhannibal.com

Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor & Emporium - 318 North Main Street beckythatcher.com

visithannibal.com