I'm planning a road trip starting in Austin, TX. I need to go through Kansas but I'm not sure where to go from there. Would like to head somewhere unconventional, and camera friendly so I can share my experience. I was thinking about heading through the Mark Twain forest or maybe up to Chicago, would appreciate any tips or suggestions!

You need to post on the US Forum. Hardly anyone reads this "Travel Tips" branch. Tag the thread for Texas, Kansas, and others you might want to drive thru.

It appears your thread was moved to the US board by the editors.

When and how many days?

Why do you need to go through Kansas? The Mark Twain NF is mostly in Missouri. Go through the Arkansas Ozarks to get to Missouri. Check out the Buffalo National River in Arkansas.
There are some Mark Twain things to see in Hannibal MO along the Mississippi River.