Plan ahead, but stay flexible. I had our route mapped out with military precision, but some of our best memories came from the unexpected detours. Like when we got “lost” (okay, I missed a turn) and ended up in this tiny town having their annual corn festival. Lucy entered the corn shucking contest and came in second place – she was so proud, and it cost us nothing but time.
The car becomes your home. After day two, I realized our Honda Pilot wasn’t just transportation – it was our mobile command center. I got strategic about where everything went. Snacks in the console, first aid kit in the glove compartment, entertainment supplies in the seat pockets. Organization is key when you’re living out of a vehicle.
Kids are more adaptable than you think. I was worried about Emma complaining about sleeping in tents and using camp bathrooms, but she actually embraced the adventure. Jack became our camp expert, and Lucy treated the whole thing like an extended sleepover. Sometimes we sell our kids short.
👨👩👧👦 QUICK FACT: Studies show that children who go on family road trips develop better problem-solving skills, increased independence, and stronger family bonds. Plus, they’re 40% more likely to become lifelong travelers as adults.
**# How I Took My Kids on a $200 Midwest Road Trip (And You Can Too!)
Oh honey, let me tell you something – the Midwest gets a bad rap. People think we’re all just cornfields and Casey’s pizza (though, let’s be honest, Casey’s breakfast pizza is pretty darn good). But after 20 years of living here and raising three kids – Emma (16), Jack (13), and little Lucy (9) – I’ve discovered some absolute gems that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Last summer was one of those summers where everything seemed to be going wrong. My husband Dave’s hours got cut at the plant, we had to replace the water heater (of course it died right before the hottest week of the year), and the kids were driving me absolutely bonkers. Emma was moping around because she couldn’t afford to go to camp with her friends, Jack was glued to his video games, and Lucy was bouncing off the walls with nowhere to channel all that energy.
I was scrolling through Facebook one evening, seeing all these families posting pictures from their fancy vacations in Colorado or Florida, and I’ll be honest – I got a little jealous. Here I was, feeling like a failure because I couldn’t afford to take my kids anywhere special. But then I remembered what my own mama used to say: “It’s not about how much money you spend, it’s about the memories you make.”
So I put on my thinking cap and figured out how to do a real honest-to-goodness road trip for under $200. I spent two weeks planning, researching, and calling my sister-in-law who knows every free camping spot in three states. And you know what? It was one of the best trips we’ve ever taken.
🚗 QUICK FACT: The average American family spends $1,145 on summer vacation. Our entire 6-day Midwest road trip cost less than what most families spend on a single night at a resort!
The Reality Check: Why $200 Works for Real Families
Now, I’m not gonna sugarcoat this – we’re not talking about staying at the Holiday Inn Express with their fancy continental breakfast and swimming pool. This is pack-your-own-sandwiches, sleep-in-the-minivan-if-you-have-to kind of traveling. But if you’re like me and think the best adventures happen when you’re a little outside your comfort zone, then buckle up, buttercup.
The thing is, most families think they need thousands of dollars for a “real” vacation. But here’s what I’ve learned after years of stretching every dollar: kids don’t care if you’re staying at a resort or camping under the stars. They care about having your undivided attention, trying new things, and feeling like they’re part of an adventure.
My kids still talk about the time we got “lost” (okay, I took a wrong turn) and ended up at this tiny town festival where they were having a pie-eating contest. Lucy entered and came in third place – she was so proud, and it didn’t cost us a thing except the price of getting her shirt clean afterward.
Here’s the Real Talk on $200
Now, I’m not gonna sugarcoat this – we’re not talking about staying at the Holiday Inn Express with their fancy continental breakfast. This is pack-your-own-sandwiches, sleep-in-the-minivan-if-you-have-to kind of traveling. But if you’re like me and think the best adventures happen when you’re a little outside your comfort zone, then buckle up, buttercup.
Here’s how I broke down our $200 – and trust me, I tracked every penny:
Gas: $80 (and that was with my lead foot and the kids asking “Are we there yet?” every five minutes)
Food: $50 (lots of PB&J, but we survived – and actually enjoyed it!)
Places to sleep: $30 (camping mostly, with one splurge night)
Fun stuff: $20 (ice cream counts as fun, right? Plus a few souvenirs)
Oh-shoot money: $20 (because something always happens – and it did!)
The key to making this work is planning ahead and being realistic about what you actually need versus what you want. Do you need to eat out every meal? Nope. Do you need to stay in hotels every night? Definitely not. Do you need to buy every souvenir your kids point at? Well, that’s between you and your sanity.
I actually found that having a strict budget made the trip more fun, not less. The kids got involved in finding free activities, and we turned it into a game to see how much we could do without spending money. Emma became our official “deal finder,” Jack was in charge of our route planning, and Lucy was our “fun police” – making sure we didn’t skip anything just because it cost a few dollars.
💰 QUICK FACT: There are over 6,000 free camping spots across the United States, with the Midwest having some of the most accessible and family-friendly options through state conservation areas and wildlife management areas.
Our Route: The “Please Don’t Fight in the Backseat” Loop
Starting from Des Moines (because that’s where we live), we made a big circle through Missouri, Illinois, and Nebraska. About 700 miles total – perfect for a long weekend when you need to be back for Monday morning soccer practice and Emma’s part-time job at the ice cream shop.
Our stops:
Des Moines → Kansas City, MO → Hannibal, MO → Springfield, IL → Starved Rock State Park → Omaha, NE → Home
I chose this route for several reasons. First, it’s a nice loop that doesn’t require backtracking (nothing kills a road trip budget like driving the same miles twice). Second, each stop offers something different – big city vibes, small-town charm, history, and nature. Third, and most importantly, it’s designed to keep three kids with very different interests engaged.
🗺️ QUICK FACT: Loop routes are 23% more fuel-efficient than linear routes because they eliminate backtracking. Our 700-mile loop saved us approximately $15 in gas compared to a traditional there-and-back route.
Emma, being 16, is all about the Instagram-worthy moments and cool city stuff. Jack is our history buff who can tell you more about the Civil War than most adults. And Lucy just wants to run around and explore everything. This route had something for everyone.
Pre-Trip Planning: The Secret Sauce
Let me tell you, the success of this trip was 70% planning and 30% winging it. I spent about two weeks beforehand researching free activities, cheap eats, and safe places to sleep. Here’s what I did:
Research Phase:
- I joined every local Facebook group for the towns we were visiting
- I called visitor centers (yes, actually called – these folks are goldmines of information)
- I downloaded apps like GasBuddy, iOverlander, and Roadtrippers
- I made a backup plan for every single day in case of weather or other issues
Packing Phase: I cannot stress this enough – pack like you’re going to be stuck in the car for hours with three kids, because you will be. Here’s what saved our sanity:
- Individual snack bags for each kid (prevents fighting over the last granola bar)
- A first aid kit (Jack managed to scrape his knee on literally the first day)
- Portable phone chargers (multiple ones – these kids go through battery like crazy)
- Offline maps downloaded on my phone
- A physical road atlas (because technology fails when you need it most)
- Games, books, and activities that don’t require WiFi
- Blankets and pillows for everyone
- A small cooler that actually fits in our car
- Way more baby wipes than you think you need (trust me on this one)
Gas: How to Not Go Broke at the Pump
Listen, I drive a 2015 Honda Pilot that’s seen better days – it’s got 180,000 miles on it, a dent in the back from when Jack was learning to ride his bike, and the air conditioning makes a weird noise. But she gets about 30 miles to the gallon on the highway, which is pretty decent for hauling around three kids and all their stuff.
With gas at $3.50 per gallon (and Lord willing it doesn’t go higher), I calculated we’d need about 23 gallons for the whole trip. That’s about $80, which was the biggest chunk of our budget but totally manageable.
My gas-saving mama tricks:
- I set the cruise control and told the kids if they made me speed up or slow down with their shenanigans, we were turning around (this threat worked exactly once)
- Downloaded GasBuddy on my phone – saved us $8 just by driving two blocks out of the way for cheaper gas
- Packed enough snacks to feed a small army so we didn’t have to stop every five minutes
- Drove through cities during off-peak hours (learned that one the hard way after sitting in Kansas City rush hour traffic for 45 minutes)
- Kept the windows up and A/C on when driving highway speeds (contrary to popular belief, it’s actually more fuel-efficient than windows down at high speeds)
The Great Gas Station Debate: Here’s something I learned on this trip – not all gas stations are created equal, especially when you’re traveling with kids. Casey’s became our go-to because they have clean bathrooms (crucial when Lucy announces she needs to go RIGHT NOW), decent prices, and those pizza slices that the kids love.
We also discovered that some rest stops have picnic areas where you can let the kids burn off energy while you’re stopped anyway. It’s like a free playground break that doesn’t add miles to your trip.
⛽ QUICK FACT: Using cruise control on highway drives can improve gas mileage by 7-14%. Over our 700-mile trip, this simple trick saved us about $6 in fuel costs.
Where We Slept: Creative Solutions for Tired Families
Now, this is where some people might judge me, but I’m past caring what people think. When you’re working with a tight budget and three kids, you get creative about sleeping arrangements.
Night 1: Walmart parking lot in Overland Park, KS Don’t judge me! I called ahead and confirmed that this particular Walmart allows overnight parking. The kids thought it was hilarious – like we were rebels camping in the “concrete wilderness” as Jack called it. We cracked the windows, used beach towels as curtains, and called it “urban camping.”
The trick is to park away from the lights, keep quiet, and be respectful. We weren’t the only ones there – there were a couple of RVs and another family doing the same thing we were. It’s actually a pretty common practice among budget travelers.
Night 2: Ted Shanks Conservation Area, Missouri This was our first “real” camping experience of the trip, and it was completely free! The kids loved being able to run around, and there were actual bathrooms (with running water, even). We set up our little camp, cooked hot dogs over the fire pit, and told ghost stories.
Lucy was convinced she heard a bear, but it was just another camper’s dog. Still, she insisted on sleeping between Emma and me in the tent. Conservation areas are honestly some of the best-kept secrets for budget camping.
Night 3: Jim Edgar Panther Creek, Illinois Another free camping spot, and by this point, the kids were getting into the rhythm of setting up camp. Jack actually became quite good at getting the tent stakes in the ground, and Emma appointed herself as the camp chef (which mostly meant she was in charge of the camp stove).
The beauty of these conservation areas is that they’re usually well-maintained, have basic facilities, and are safe. Plus, the kids were learning about nature and getting exercise without even realizing it.
🏕️ QUICK FACT: Missouri has over 1,000 conservation areas offering free camping, while Illinois has 62 state fish and wildlife areas. These spots are often cleaner and safer than commercial campgrounds, with the added bonus of being completely free!
Night 4: Matthiessen State Park, Illinois This was our splurge night – $10 for a real campsite with showers! After three days of baby wipes and dry shampoo, that shower felt like the most luxurious thing in the world. The kids were thrilled to be clean, and honestly, so was I.
This campsite also had a camp store where we could buy ice and a few supplies we’d forgotten. Sometimes that $10 is worth it for the peace of mind and the actual facilities.
Night 5: Lake Manawa State Park, Nebraska Back to free camping, but by this point, we were pros at our little camping routine. The kids had their jobs, I had my system down, and we could set up camp in about 20 minutes.
Food: Feeding the Crew Without Breaking the Bank
Y’all, this is where my meal planning skills really came in handy. I’ve been stretching grocery budgets for years, so I knew exactly how to feed four people for five days on $50.
The key is planning every single meal and snack in advance. I made a detailed list, shopped at Aldi (because their prices are unbeatable), and packed everything in a cooler with plenty of ice.
Daily menu (under $10 for all four of us):
- Breakfast: Oatmeal packets with bananas or peanut butter toast – the kids could make it themselves, which was a blessing and meant I could have my coffee in peace
- Lunch: PB&J sandwiches, apples, and those little bags of goldfish crackers (because apparently no road trip is complete without goldfish)
- Dinner: Whatever I could heat up on our little camp stove – chili, ramen with added vegetables, or those frozen burritos from Aldi that actually taste pretty good
- Snacks: Popcorn, granola bars, fruit snacks for emergencies, and apples because I needed them to eat something healthy
My secret weapons:
- A small camp stove that runs on those little propane canisters
- A cooler that actually keeps things cold (worth the investment)
- Aluminum foil for wrapping food to cook over campfires
- Paper plates and cups (I know, I know, not environmentally friendly, but I was prioritizing sanity over sustainability this time)
- Wet wipes for cleanup (seriously, pack way more than you think you need)
The splurge meals: I budgeted about $10 for eating out during the whole trip. We used this for:
- $1 tacos in Kansas City (the kids thought they were in heaven)
- Corn dogs at the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield (a Route 66 classic)
- Ice cream in Omaha (because sometimes you just need ice cream)
What worked and what didn’t: The PB&J sandwiches were a huge hit and so easy to make. The camp stove was a lifesaver for heating up food. The one thing I wish I’d done differently was pack more fresh fruit – the kids were getting tired of apples by day three.
Also, pro tip: bring a sharp knife and a cutting board. I thought I could get by without them, but trying to cut an apple with a plastic knife is an exercise in frustration.
🍎 QUICK FACT: Families can save 60-70% on food costs by packing their own meals instead of eating out. Our $50 food budget would have been $150-200 if we’d eaten restaurant meals for every meal.
Packing Like a Pro: What We Actually Needed
After years of overpacking for family trips, I finally learned to pack smart instead of pack everything. Here’s what actually made it into our Honda Pilot:
Clothing (kept to a minimum):
- Three outfits per person (wear one, pack two)
- Extra socks and underwear (because wet feet make cranky kids)
- One warm layer each (Midwest weather is unpredictable)
- Pajamas (or just clean t-shirts)
- Flip-flops for everyone (easier for camping and shower facilities)
Camping gear:
- One big tent that fits all four of us (cheaper than two smaller tents)
- Sleeping bags for everyone
- Pillows (or pillowcases we could stuff with clothes)
- Flashlights and lanterns
- Our trusty camp stove and fuel
- Basic cookware (one pot, one pan, utensils)
- Cooler with ice packs
Entertainment and comfort:
- Tablets loaded with downloaded movies and games
- Books and coloring supplies
- Travel games (card games, travel-sized board games)
- Portable phone chargers
- Bluetooth speaker for music around the campfire
The “just in case” stuff:
- First aid kit (used it twice)
- Duct tape (used it once)
- Bungee cords (used them constantly)
- Trash bags (multipurpose!)
- Towels (more than you think you need)
- Toiletries and medications
- Laundry detergent pods (for washing clothes in sinks if needed)
What I wish I’d left at home:
- The extra pair of shoes for each kid (they never changed out of their sneakers)
- The “nice” clothes for dinners out (we didn’t have any fancy dinners)
- The portable camp chairs (the picnic tables were fine)
- Three different kinds of sunscreen (one would have been plenty)
Our Adventure Day by Day: The Real Story
Day 1: Des Moines to Kansas City (195 miles)
The Morning: We left at 6 AM sharp, which meant I was up at 5 AM packing the car while the kids were still sleeping. There’s something magical about hitting the road while the world is still quiet – it felt like we were sneaking away on a grand adventure.
The kids were SO excited to be going somewhere new, even if Emma pretended she was too cool for a family road trip. Jack had mapped out our route the night before and was our official navigator, while Lucy was just bouncing with excitement.
Kansas City Adventures: We hit up the Art Alley first – it’s this incredible collection of murals and street art that’s completely free to walk through. The kids loved taking pictures in front of all the colorful walls, and even Emma admitted some of them were “pretty cool.” Jack was fascinated by the history of some of the older murals, and Lucy just wanted to touch everything (I spent most of the time saying “look with your eyes, not your hands”).
The Nelson-Atkins Museum was our next stop, and I was worried the kids would be bored. Boy, was I wrong! Those giant shuttlecock sculptures outside were like a jungle gym to Lucy, and the museum itself was fascinating. The best part? Completely free admission. The kids were running around saying “It’s like a treasure hunt!” as they tried to find different types of art.
Real Talk Moment: Emma had a bit of a meltdown around lunch time because she saw some friends posting pictures from their expensive summer camp on Instagram. I had to remind her (and myself) that this trip was about making our own memories, not competing with other people’s highlight reels.
Food Adventures: For lunch, we found this little place called El Camino Real with $1 tacos. The kids thought they were in heaven, and my wallet was happy too. We spent $6 total for lunch for all four of us, and the kids were talking about how “authentic” the food was (they’ve been watching too much Food Network).
Evening: We drove around the West Bottoms area, which has this really cool industrial vibe with vintage shops and food trucks. The kids loved looking at all the old buildings, and I managed to find a food truck selling $2 slices of pizza for dinner.
We ended the day at a Walmart parking lot in Overland Park, which sounds horrible but was actually kind of fun. The kids thought we were rebels, and we played card games in the car before settling in for the night.
🏪 QUICK FACT: Over 4,000 Walmart locations across the US allow overnight parking for travelers. It’s a common practice among RVers and budget travelers, and most locations are well-lit and safe.
Day 2: Kansas City to Hannibal (160 miles)
The Drive: This was one of those perfect road trip mornings – beautiful weather, good music, and the kids were actually getting along. We drove through some gorgeous Missouri countryside, and I realized how much of our own region we’d never really explored.
Hannibal Magic: Mark Twain’s hometown was absolutely perfect for our family. Jack had been excited about this stop for weeks since he’d been reading Tom Sawyer for school. Walking through the historic downtown felt like stepping back in time.
We did the self-guided tour of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home area, which was only $5 for adults (kids were free). The kids were actually engaged, asking questions about what life was like in the 1800s. Lucy was convinced she could paint the fence faster than Tom Sawyer.
The Real Highlight: Lover’s Leap was incredible – this dramatic overlook of the Mississippi River with panoramic views. The kids were amazed by how wide the river was, and it was perfect for those family photos I post on Facebook that make it look like we have our lives together.
🏞️ QUICK FACT: The Mississippi River is 2,340 miles long and drains 31 states. At Hannibal, MO, it’s about 1,200 feet wide – that’s longer than three football fields!
Unexpected Fun: We stumbled upon this little ice cream shop that had been there since the 1950s. I splurged $10 on ice cream for everyone, and it was worth every penny. The kids were covered in sticky goodness, but they were happy.
Evening: We drove to Ted Shanks Conservation Area for our first real camping experience. The kids were nervous about sleeping in a tent, but they ended up loving it. We made s’mores over the fire pit (I packed the supplies), and told stories until way past their usual bedtime.
Day 3: Hannibal to Springfield (115 miles)
Springfield Surprises: I’ll be honest – I wasn’t expecting much from Springfield, but it turned out to be one of our favorite stops. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site was absolutely fascinating, and the free guided tours were perfect for the kids’ attention spans.
Real History: Seeing where Abraham Lincoln actually lived made history feel real to the kids. The tour guide was fantastic – she told stories that kept everyone engaged, and the kids were asking thoughtful questions. Jack was in his element, and even Emma was taking notes for her history class.
🏛️ QUICK FACT: The Lincoln Home National Historic Site welcomes over 750,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most visited free attractions in Illinois. The home has been preserved exactly as it was when the Lincoln family lived there from 1844-1861.
Route 66 Fun: We drove down part of the original Route 66, which was like traveling through time. The kids loved seeing the old signs and vintage motels. We stopped at the Cozy Dog Drive-In, which claims to be the birthplace of the corn dog on a stick. I splurged on corn dogs for everyone because sometimes you just have to embrace the kitsch.
The Old State Capitol: Another free attraction that was surprisingly interesting. The kids learned about Illinois history, and Lucy was fascinated by the architecture. She kept saying “It’s like a castle!”
Food Strategy: We restocked our supplies at the Aldi in Springfield, which was crucial for keeping our food budget on track. The kids helped pick out snacks and meals for the next few days.
Evening: We stayed at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area, which was another free camping spot. The kids were becoming pros at setting up camp, and we had a routine down. Jack was in charge of the tent, Emma handled the camp stove, and Lucy was our official “stick gatherer” for the fire.
Day 4: Springfield to Starved Rock State Park (95 miles)
The Drive: This was our shortest driving day, which was perfect because we were all getting a little tired of being in the car. The kids were excited about spending a full day hiking and exploring.
Starved Rock Magic: This was the day that made the whole trip worth it. Starved Rock State Park is absolutely stunning – waterfalls, hiking trails, and canyons that look like they belong in a national park. The kids actually put their phones away (mostly) to look at nature.
We hiked to several waterfalls, including St. Louis Canyon, which was breathtaking. The kids were amazed that something so beautiful was just a few hours from home. Lucy collected rocks the entire day, and Jack was taking pictures of everything.
🏔️ QUICK FACT: Starved Rock State Park attracts over 2 million visitors annually, making it Illinois’ most popular state park. It features 13 miles of hiking trails and 18 canyons, most formed by glacial meltwater over 12,000 years ago.
The Real Win: Emma, my teenager who usually complains about everything, actually said this was “pretty awesome.” That’s high praise from a 16-year-old.
Matthiessen State Park: We also visited nearby Matthiessen State Park, which had fewer crowds and was equally beautiful. The kids loved exploring the different trails, and we had a picnic lunch by one of the waterfalls.
Evening: We splurged $10 for a real campsite at Matthiessen, which included access to showers. After three days of camping, that shower felt like the most luxurious thing in the world. The kids were thrilled to be clean, and honestly, so was I.
Day 5: Starved Rock to Omaha (330 miles)
The Long Haul: This was our longest driving day, and I was worried about keeping the kids entertained. But they were actually great – we played road trip games, listened to podcasts, and had some really good conversations.
Omaha Surprises: I wasn’t sure what to expect from Omaha, but it turned out to be a really fun city. The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge was cool – you can literally stand in two states at once! The kids thought this was the most amazing thing ever.
🌉 QUICK FACT: The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is 3,000 feet long and is the longest pedestrian bridge in the United States. At its midpoint, you’re standing in both Nebraska and Iowa simultaneously!
The Old Market: This area had such a great vibe – street performers, unique shops, and this cool urban energy. The kids loved watching the street musicians, and we found some really interesting thrift stores where Emma picked up a vintage band t-shirt for $3.
Joslyn Art Museum: Another free museum that was fantastic. The kids were getting good at appreciating art, and they had some great interactive exhibits. Lucy was particularly fascinated by the contemporary sculptures.
Food Discovery: We found this little bakery called Olsen’s where you can get amazing donuts and coffee for $3 total. The kids declared it the best breakfast of the trip, and I had to agree.
Evening: We camped at Lake Manawa State Park, which was free and had beautiful lake views. The kids were tired but happy, and we spent the evening playing cards and planning what we’d tell their friends about the trip.
Day 6: Omaha to Des Moines (140 miles)
The Journey Home: The kids were getting antsy to get home, but they were also sad that our adventure was ending. We took our time driving back, making a few last stops along the way.
Final Stops: We visited the Freedom Rock in Greenfield, Iowa – this huge painted rock with patriotic scenes that’s become a local landmark. The kids thought it was pretty cool, and it was a nice way to end our trip with some Iowa pride.
We also made a quick detour to see the Bridges of Madison County near Winterset. The kids had never seen the movie, but they thought the covered bridges were “Instagram-worthy.”
Home Sweet Home: We pulled into our driveway at about 4 PM, tired but happy. The kids were already planning our next adventure before we even got the bags out of the car.
What I Learned (The Hard Way)
Plan ahead, but stay flexible. I had our route mapped out, but we ended up taking some detours that turned into the best parts of our trip.
Pack more snacks than you think you need. Hangry kids in a car for hours is nobody’s idea of fun.
Bring entertainment. I downloaded podcasts, made playlists, and packed coloring books. Whatever keeps the peace in the backseat.
Check your car first. I learned this one the hard way when we had a flat tire outside Hannibal. Thank goodness for that emergency fund!
Embrace the chaos. Not everything went according to plan, but that’s what made it an adventure.
Was It Worth It?
Absolutely. My kids still talk about that trip all the time. They learned that you don’t need a lot of money to have a lot of fun, and honestly, that’s a lesson I want them to remember forever.
We saw parts of our own backyard that we’d never explored. We made memories that didn’t cost a fortune. And most importantly, we proved that the best family adventures happen when you’re willing to be a little creative and a lot brave.
Final Tally:
- Gas: $82 (close enough!)
- Food: $47 (we ate well)
- Lodging: $32 (that shower was worth it)
- Fun money: $23 (corn dogs and ice cream)
- Emergency fund: $16 (flat tire, but AAA covered most of it)
- Total: $200 on the nose
Ready for Your Own Adventure?
The Midwest is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. You don’t need a fancy RV or a huge budget – just a sense of adventure and maybe a really good playlist for the car.
If you try this trip, I’d love to hear about it! Tag me on Facebook or drop me a line. And if you have any favorite budget-friendly spots in the Midwest, please share them. Us moms need to stick together!
Safe travels, and remember – the best adventures are the ones you never expected to have.
P.S. – If you want a printable version of this itinerary with all the details, just let me know. I’m happy to share the wealth!
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