Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Rocky Mountain National Parks - 9 Day Trip

This trip is planned from Jackson, TN.  It can be revised to fit your location.  It can also be shortened by eliminating Grand Teton and Rocky Mountain National Park detours.

Day 1:

7:30am - Leave Jackson, TN

1030am to 11am - Gas/Rest Stop
2pm to 230pm - Gas/Rest Stop
530pm to 6pm - Gas/Rest Stop

730pm - Hotel near Lincoln, NE

Howard Johnson Lincoln 

3400 Nw 12th St, Lincoln, NE ($60 as of 8/23/15)

*Packed Lunch/Drive-Thru Dinner
(698 Miles)

Day 2:

8:00am - Leave Hotel

11am to 1130am - Gas/Rest Stop
230pm to 3pm - Gas/Rest Stop

700pm - Hotel in Rock Springs, WY

Motel 6 Rock Springs 

2615 Commercial Way, Rock Springs, WY ($55 as of 8/23/15)

*Packed Lunch/Drive-Thru Dinner
(700 Miles)

Day 3:

7:30am - Leave Hotel

1030am to 1130am - Grand Teton National Park
$25 Car
You will want to pick up a park map at the information center.

Picnic Lunch @ Albright View Turnout

Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center
Open 8-5

1130pm to 1pm - Teton Park Road Scenic Drive
Stops: 10 Minutes Each
*Teton Glacier Turnout
*Cascade Canyon Turnout
*Mt Moran Turnout
*Potholes Turnout

115pm to 130pm - Jackson Lake Overlook - John D Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway

145pm to 200pm - Flagg Ranch Info Center - John D Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway
Hours: 9am to 3:30pm June 4 - September 3
*Junior Ranger Program

2:40pm - Yellowstone National Park
Best time to visit is late May to mid August - visiting at other times my mean road closures due to snow.
Admission: $25 per vehicle
Most Visitor Centers are open 9am to 5pm - seasonally
*Junior Ranger Program

You will need to pick up a park map at a visitor center or printing one from the website...stops inside the park do not have addresses.
There are also many books available at your local book store.  I recommend Rough Guides to Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail - Grant Village/West Thumb Area
3.8 mile Round Trip

Grant Village Campground - $26

Day 4:

1015pm to 1030pm- Craig Pass/Continental Divide - Grand Loop Rd(between Old Faithful & West Thumb Areas)

1045pm to 1145pm - Observation Point Trail - Old Faithful Area
1.1 mile loop

12pm to 1pm - Geyser Hill Loop Trail - Old Faithful Area
1/3 mile loop

130pm to 3pm - Madison Campground - Set up/Dinner

Day 5:

9:00am - Leave Camp

930am to 1030am - Black Sand Basin - Old Faithful Area
1/2 mile Round Trip

1030am to 1130am - Biscuit Basin - Old Faithful Area
1/2 mile Round Trip

1145am to 1230pm - Midway Geyser Basin - Old Faithful Area
1/2 mile Round Trip
Grand Prismatic Spring - Fairy Falls Trail

1235pm to 115pm - Lower Geyser Basin - Old Faithful Area
1/2 mile loop

*Fountain Paint Pots

140pm to 230pm - Artists Paintpots Trail

1 mile Round Trip - Easy

240pm to 340pm - Norris Geyser Basin and Norris Geyser Basin Museum - Norris Area

4:15pm - Canyon Village Campground - - Canyon Village Visitor Center
Open May 31 to September 8
Reservations Required
Fee: $25 plus taxes

Setup/Dinner until 545pm

Glacier Boulder and Inspiration Point until 645pm

Day 6:

8:30am to 11:00am -Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - Canyon Village - 30 Minutes Each
* Artist Point
*Upper Falls Viewpoint
*Brink of Upper Falls
*Brink of Lower Falls
*Lookout Point

1130am to 1145am - Roaring Mountain - Norris Area

12pm to 1215pm - Sheepeater Cliff - Grand Loop Road (between Mammoth and Norris)

1230pm to 3pm - Lower and Upper Terraces - Mammoth Hot Springs Area

315pm to 5pm - 45th Parallel & Boiling River - Wyoming/Montana State Line (N Entrance Road)
Walk 1/2 mile upstream from parking lot where footpath reaches river.  Bathers allowed only during daylight hours. Bathing Suits are required.

6pm - Canyon Village Campground

Day 7:

930am to 10am - Tower Fall - Tower-Roosevelt Area
Picnic Lunch
General Store

1015am to 1030am - Petrified Tree

1130am to 1215pm - Mud Volcano and Sulphur Caldron- Grand Loop Rd(10mins. N of Lake Village)
Mud Volcano - 1/2 mile loop

1230pm to 1pm - Fishing Bridge Visitor Center

4pm to 430pm - Gas/Rest Stop

730pm - Hotel in Rawlins' WY
1st Chioce Inn - 1904 E Cedar St.

Day 8:

9:00am - Leave Hotel

12pm to 1pm - Rocky Mountain National Park - Kawuneeche Visitor Center
$20 Car
Hours: 8am to 4:30pm
20 minute informational video, maps, souviners
(Picnic Lunch)
*Junior Ranger Program

1:15pm to 1:45pm - Holzwarth Historic Site

2:15pm to 4:3pm - Trail Ridge Road Scenic Drive
Stops:
Fall River Pass
Alpine Visitor Center 
Highest Point on Road
Lava Cliffs
Rock Cut
Many Parks Curve

5:00pm to 6:00pm - Molly B Restaurant - 200 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, CO

9:30pm - Hotel in Burlington, CO
Sloan's Motel Burlington, 1901  Rose Ave, Burlington, CO

Day 9:

8:00am - Leave Hotel

11am to 1130am - Gas/Rest Stop
230pm to 3pm - Gas/Rest Stop
6pm to 630pm - Gas/Rest Stop
930pm to 10pm - Gas/Rest Stop

11:30pm - Arrive Jackson, TN

Abraham Lincoln - 2 Day Trip - Springfield, Illinios

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

Day 1:

7:30am - Leave Jackson, TN

11:30am to 12:00pm - 30 minute Pit Stop

1:30pm to 2:00pm - Union Station Visitor Center - 500 E Madison St., Springfield, IL
Hours: Daily 9am to 5pm
Admission: Free

2:05pm to 5:00pm - Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum - Library is 112 N 6th St and Museum is212 N 6th St., Springfield, IL
Hours: Daily 9am to 5pm
Admission: Adults $15, Seniors or Students $12, Military or Kids $10

Library is free

5:00pm to 6:00pm - Union Square Park - 212 N 6th St., Springfield, IL
Hours: Daily 8am to 10pm
Admission: Free

6:10pm - Cozy Dog Drive-In - 2935 S 6th St, Springfield, IL
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 8am to 8pm

After Dinner - Hotel in Springfield
Super 8, 1330 S Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL
(343 Miles)

Day 2:

8:15am - Leave Hotel

8:30am to 10:00am - Lincoln Home National Historic Site - 426 S 7th St., Springfield, IL
Visitor Center Hours: Daily 8:30am to 5pm
Admission: Free
*need ticket for tour*

10:10am to 11:00am - Lincoln Depot - 930 E Monroe, Springfield, IL
Hours: May thru August 10am to 4pm
Admission: Free

11:10am to 11:30am - Lincoln Family Pew @ 1st Presbyterian Church - 321 S 7th St., Springfield, IL
Hours: June thru Aug - Monday thru Friday 10am to 4pm, Sept - Monday thru Friday 11am to 2pm
Admission: Free

11:40am to 12:25pm - Jimmy John's - Lunch - 219 S 6th St., Springfield, IL

12:30pm to 1:15pm - Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices - 6th and Adams, Springfield, IL
Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 9am to 4pm
Admission: Donation

1:20pm to 1:45pm - Lincoln Ledger @ Chase Bank - 1 E Old State Capitol Plaza
Hours: Monday thru Friday 9am to 5:30pm, Saturday 8am to 12pm
Admission: Free

1:50pm to 3:00pm - Old State Capitol - 1 Old State Capitol Plaza
Admission: Tuesday thru Saturday 9am to 5pm
Admission: Donation

3:30pm to 4:30pm - Lincoln's Tomb @ Oak Ridge Cemetery - 1500 Monument Ave, Springfield, IL
Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 9am to 5pm
Admission: Free

10:30pm - Arrive Jackson, TN
(342 Miles)

Total Miles: 685 Miles


Other Places of Interest:

Lincoln Memorial Garden - 2301 E Lake Dr, Springfiels, IL
Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 1pm to 4pm
Admission: Free

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site - 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, IL
Hours: Wednesday thru Sunday 9am to 5pm
Camp: $10B, $20A, $30H
Admission: Donation

Niagara Falls - 5 Day Trip

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

Day 1:

7:00am - Leave Jackson, TN

11:00am to 11:30am - Pit Stop

1:30pm to 3:00pm - William Howard Taft National Historic Site - 2038 Auburn Ave, Cincinnati, OH
Hours: 9am to 4pm
Admission: Free

7:00pm - Hotel in North Ridgeville, OH

Super 8 Cleveland 32801 Lorain Road, North Ridgeville, OH
(644 Miles)

Day 2:

10:00am to 11:30am - James A Garfield National Historic Site - 8095 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH
Visitor Center Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm
House Tour: $5 person

2:30pm to 3:00pm - Hotel Check-In (Kenmore, NY)

3:15pm to 9:30pm - Niagara Falls State Park - 24 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY
Visitor Center Hours: 8am to 6pm
Lot Parking: $10-15

Niagara Gorge Discover Center - 701 Whirlpool St., Niagara Falls, NY
Hours: 9am to 9pm Daily
Admission: Adults $3, Kids $2

Observation Tower
Admission $1

Hard Rock Cafe - 333 Prospect St., Niagara Falls, NY

Illumination
Hours: 9pm to Midnight

10:00pm - Hotel

(252 Miles)

Day 3:

8:00am - Leave Hotel

8:30am to 11:30am - Table Rock Welcome Centre - 6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, Ontario, CA
Journey Behind the Falls
Hours: 9am to 10:30pm
Admission: Adults $28, Kids $18.50

11:30am to 2:30pm - Skylon Tower - 5200 Robinson St., Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Observation Ride to the Top Admission: Adults $20, Kids $10

2:30pm - Queen Victoria Park - 6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Maid of the Mist
Hours: 9am to 6pm
Admission: Adults $30.25, Kids $19.74

Hotel

(37 Miles)

Day 4:

9:30am to 11:30am - Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site - 641 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY
Hours: 9:30am to 3:30pm
Admission: Adults $12, Kids $7, Family $30

3:30pm to 7:00pm - Cuyohoga Valley National Park - map
Bridal Veil Falls - 1/2 mile RT
Brandywine Falls - 1/5 mile RT

7:30pm - Hotel in Richfield, OH

(217 Miles)

Day 5:

8:00am - Cuyohoga Valley National Park

Boston Store Visitor Center - 1550 Boston Mills Rd, Peninsula, OH
Hours: 8am to 6pm Daily

Peninsula Depot Visitor Center - 1630 Mill St, Peninsula, OH
Hours 10am to 4pm

Ledges Overlook - 701 Truxell Rd, Peninsula, OH
200 yeard trail to overlook

Hunt Farm Visitor Center - 2054 Bolanz Rd, Cuyohoga Falls, OH
Hours: 10am to 4pm

Everett Road Covered Bridge

Depending on time spent above: Arrive in Jackson, TN

(652 Miles)

Total Miles: 1802 Miles

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