redshoe

Anything fun to do or see between IL and Oklahoma via Kansas I35-S. WE will have to spend the night somewhere along the journey- are there any recomendations?

Keith

What do you like to do?

Wichita has many good restaurants, museums and one of the country's best zoos. Hutchinson (about 60 miles out of your way near Wichita) has the Cosmosphere, a world class Space museum. Many of the smaller towns have interesting stops depending on your interests.

Keith

redshoe

I'll have my mom and 3 yr old son with me...so anything that both would like. We have a bit of pressure to get to OKC in two days so not a lot of time to sight see but enjoy pretty drives, good food, nature, scenic beauty, neat shops etc.

Pumpy

Not sure what Keith's smoking but avoid Wichita like the flu. I'd stop in KC for some Barbeque (Bryants or Gates).

Keith

Pumpy, have you been to Wichita in the last few years? The Old Town area has really come on, and there is a lot going on all over town. The Wichita Zoo puts KC's to shame (though Omaha still beats them both). And IMO, B & C Barbeque beats Gates or Bryants, and I live in metro KC.

So redshoe, You have three generations to entertain. Are you coming west from Illinois on I-70, or on I-80?

Along I-35 in Kansas, about 40 miles southwest of metro KC, stop at Pome on the Range Orchard and Winery, right off the freeway near Williamsburg. They have a country store with produce, fruits, cider, their own wine, products from Kansas producers such as, nuts, jams, and Alma Cheese. Also a play and picnic area, wagon rides and pick your own fruits & vegetables.

At Emporia, take a break at their small, free zoo. Just the right size to get everyone out of the car for a brief stretch.

Passing though Wichita, stop at the original 1930 Nu-Way Cafe. All of their food is good, particularly their own root beer. You don't have time on this trip for a big attraction, but how about the Great Plains Nature Center with its 2,200 gallon aquarium, birds of prey and paved nature trails – free.

If you aren't wined out, continuing south on I-35, stop at the Mulvane exit, where you and your mom can sample wine at Wylde Wood Cellars. They are particularly known for their elderberry wine.

Keith

Cali

I don't know how much time you will have for stopping but if you do have time, do stop in Kansas City. It is a wonderful city and really worth seeing. I love the Country Club Plaza Area but there are other nice areas too. You also could tour the Truman Library in Independence which is right outside KC. There are nice hotels, restaurants and shops in the Plaza. Lots of good BBQ in KC too. Have fun!!

Keith

My list of the best unique things in KC would include the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Steamboat Arabia Museum, and the Negro Leagues & Jazz Museums. But I'm not sure any of those would appeal to a 3 year old.

The Arabia probably has the best chance, but there is no sense into putting you through KC downtown traffic on this type of trip.

Keith

redshoe

I'll be traveling on 1-80- then hit I-35s all the way to OKC. I'm going to print this out for the recomendations....keep em coming, these are just what I'm looking for.

Pappy

I second the 'avaod Witchita' post. Do KC.

Pappy

I second the 'avoid Witchita' post. Do KC.

Keith

Coming across I-80 in Iowa, I think the coolest stop is the Amana Colonies. Working woolen mill, restaurants with German food served family style, handcrafted furniture factory, smokehouse (wonderful bacon!), wineries, bakeries, gift shops.

Closer to Des Moines is Newton with the Maytag Dairy. They have a small shop, short video and wonderful blue cheese.

Coming out of Des Moines heading south, you are passing just east of Madison County (as in "The Bridges of"). On this trip you probably don't want to leave I-35 long enough to do the group, but the Imes Covered Bridge is just a mile off the Interstate at St. Charles, Iowa. The oldest of the surviving Madison County covered bridges, it was built in 1870 and moved to its current location in 1977.

When you get to KC, if it is a weekday between 7:30-9:30AM or 3:30-6PM, take I-435 around the city. Otherwise, from that direction you are probably better off staying on I-35 through town.

If you come through at meal time, consider Stroud's just off I-35 at 5410 NE Oak Ridge Drive in KC, MO. Family style food (they are known for their chicken and pork chops) served in a lovely house, portions of which date from the early 1800s.

Arthur Bryants (mention by Pumpy) is just a short distance down I-70 from I-35, then south a few blocks to 18th & Brooklyn. Huge servings of BBQ & lard cooked French fries. Strouds would be easier to visit.

Keith

redshoe

Hey, Just wanted to give a road update. Thumbs upto the zoo in Emporia KS. That was fantastic. The zoo is super small but it's so cute and the landscaping is beautiful. It's the perfect little stop for a long road travel. We also had lunch at Bad Berns barbque. They had the best baked beans. The ribs were not that good but the turkey sandwich was delish.

Amana colonies was also a neat stop ( Iowa)-Cute shops and I bought some wonderful bread from the Amana bakery.

Avoid at all cost the Best Western conference center in Kansas City, KS. That place was a dump and I researched all the reviews that swore the place was clean and wonderful. It was so filthy. We found muffin wrapers and opened Reses peanut butter cups on the floor. The furniture was worn, carpet filthy and just overall grossness.

YUck--

Thanks for all the suggestions- NOw I just need to figure out a fun drive back to IL at the end of the week.

Norden1

Warning do not speed on the Kansas Turnpike ( I-35). Time is recorded on the ticket and your speed can be determined at exit. So stop at a rest stop or for coffee if you have a heavy foot. Have a good trip.

Keith

Bad Burns BBQ? This is the first I have heard of it. I will check it out. Thank you.

Did you find the large animal area at the zoo? They are are behind the main area and across a street. If the Eelk hadn't been calling the day I was there, I might have missed that area.

Keith

Curt

Norden as a frequent Turnpike driver I just wish they would enforce that rule about checking the times. They do not but should. Bottom line, speed limit is 70, if you are not driving at least 80 you will be passed by everyone, and the typical speed seems to increase with size of the vehicle - thus the huge SUVS and Dodge RAMS (they always seem to be the worse) are easily cruising at 90-100. I seldom see anyone pulled over by the state police. Kansas really needs to crack down on the speed track that is the turnpike - it is downright dangerous!