DC -> Boulder
 

Hi, folks!

Planning to take a cross-country trip with my wife and pup in a few weeks. We're mapping out the first leg of the trip and wanted to ask the community for some advice. Have any of you driven from the east coast to Boulder before? If so, any suggestions for stops along the way - or what scenic routes are best to take? I'm told KC is a must as far as stops go. We're budgeting 4-5 days for this leg of our trip, and would appreciate any advice.

Cheers!
d

As far as scenic, my advice would be once you get out to the big western states (Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado), I'd opt for a 2-lane State or US route over the Interstate. It only takes a little longer, going through a town every 10 miles helps keep you awake, and the scenery is much nicer, which I know is surprising since a farm field is a farm field, but for some reason the landscape is more interesting when it's close up.

From KC west (I-70) to Colorado is pretty boring with min scenery except for rolling hills. I-80 across Iowa, Nebraska is a bit more interesting but neither is outstanding.

Have done it a lot in the past and Fmpden is correct about 70.
Not sure why in particular KC is a must. St. Louis would be for the arch.
In Lawrence there is an Indian university with an art gallery/library.
One good thing is there are motels along the way that allow dogs.
I was introduced to audio books on the first time I did it.

The National World War I Museum in Kansas City is excellent followed by lunch at Jack Stack BBQ. I'm not sure what you'd do with the dog though.