Make the Plains states EXCITING for us!!
 

My family and I are continuing our goal of seeing all 50 capitols. This August we plan on taking about 2 1/2 weeks to see Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska,Kansas and Missouri. If time allows we could also go into Oklahoma and Arkansas. We plan on flying to Minneapolis from Seattle and renting a RV to drive the rest of the way.I would really appreciate any must see advice about any of the states. Make the plains states exciting for us!! Any suggestions on a good RV rental place in Minneapolis? Thanks.

Mpls/St. Paul has many trails around the lakes and along the Mississippi. You might want to rent some bikes or rollerblades and go around some of them. Or consider renting a canoe. There is a great children's museum and the science museum in St. Paul is very good. Como Park Zoo in St. Paul is a great free zoo. The sculpture garden at the Walker Art Center can be fun for kids too. And there is a terrific farmers market in Minneapolis for fresh fruit and baked goods for breakfast. There really is a lot to do in the area. Have fun.

The capital building in Nebraska is wonderful. Tells a lot of their history-great view. But, you will find the real treasure - the people. Welcome to the Plains!

in Iowa, stop at the Amana Colonies--good German food there and cute little shops + some history of the colonies. For something out of the ordinary & hokey, stop in Mitchell SD and see the Corn Palace. They redo it every year in real corn/sorgum etc. Missouri--how about Hannibal? And of course the Arch in St. Louis, maybe a stop in Branson? If I think of more, I'll add them. Have a good trip.

When you are in Minnesota, after you visit all the attractions in Mpls. and St. Paul Area, head up to Duluth and the North Shore. They are beautiful and Duluth has a lot to see at the lakefront with the museums and the Aerial Lift Bridge, etc. When going up the shore stop at Two Harbors and look around and then at Split Rock Lighthouse which is very interesting. Then head up the shore to Grand Marais. It is an interesting and pretty town on Lake Superior with shops, restaurants and a wonderful Art Colony. The Tourist Park in Grand Marais is right downtown and on Lake Superior and a great place to stay and park your R.V. Can walk all over town from there and have a great time. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me.

The current AAA magazine has a piece on traveling I-80 across Nebraska and some of your other destination states(with interesting/off-beat things to do). If you are not a member, perhaps some of this info can be accessed at their internet site.

Sounds like a great adventure! <BR> I second the note about the Amana Colonies in mid-state Iowa. Wonderful place to visit, but an even better place to dine. Stay for breakfast and dinner. You will not regret it. I also recommend a stop in Iowa City where the first capitol of Iowa was. Have fun.Let us know how your trip goes upon your return...I look forward to it.

For info on Topeka, see the website: www.topekacvb.org. The Kansas Museum of History is worth a stop in addition to the capital. I can recommend the Blind Tiger brewery for great steaks! Have fun

What great information! Thanks for all the great suggestions.

My best advice would be to get off the interstate and explore Nebraska via Hwy. 2 though the Sand Hills. Hills, pine trees, endless horizons, winding rivers--it's as if God created it yesterday. If you have time, visit the panhandle--Chimney Rock, Scottsbluff National Monument, etc. You can still the ruts in the earth made by the covered wagons. It gives you a real sense of our nation's history. Have fun!