West Virginia to Washington state
 

Hi! In a couple weeks I will be travelling from West Virginia to Washington state. I will be doing the trip in the fastest possible way but would still like to see some of the sights that are conveniently located along the way. I will be travelling the I 90 route via Google maps because it is the fastest but I still want to see what I can and am willing to make minor detours! I would LOVE some help from all of you out there. I have currently planned to run through the Badlands of South Dakota, stop at Mt. Rushmore, to see the House on the Rock in Wisconsin, and well, that's pretty much it. I love anything visually stunning and as well as just kind of fun silly stops. I'm an English teacher travelling with a Biology teacher and a 19 year old little brother so anything that can interest any one of us is a win! I appreciate any help!

It would definitely be worthwhile to go a little out of your way to visit Yellowstone NP and Grand Tetons NP. HTTY

One of your first stops could be Shipshewana Indiana - a neat Amish community. We like to stay overnight there and enjoy the Amish food.

Coeur d'Alene Idaho is a beautiful area. There is a large beautiful lake there. The drive from Missoula Montana to Coeur d'Alene is great - if you like high places. :)

The House On The Rock is really fun - you will like it.
There is the Corn Palace in Mitchell SD. Don't miss Wall DRug.

I have traveled that road so many times and there is a lot to see along the way but there are lots of stretches of road that can be boring. Have a good trip.

Almost forgot the Wisconsin Dells. Fantastic water parks there if you can plan an overnight in the Dells.

The Spam Museum is in Austin Minnesota.

Since you're traveling with a Biology teacher, Wind Cave (1/2 hr from Mt Rushmore) would be interesting. Mt Rushmore only takes an hour or two, so Wind Cave could easily be done in the afternoon. http://www.nps.gov/wica/index.htm

Personal "don't miss" places on this route -

Mitchell SD for the Corn Palace. Corny but fun;

Badlands NP;

Deadwood and Lead, SD, especially the Mt. Moriah cemetery (Wild Bill and Calamity Jane side-by-side);

Mt. Rushmore;

Devil's Tower WY, not a long detour to see if the friendly aliens have returned;

Sheridan WY - very cute downtown area, lots of history;

Little Big Horn battlefield, MT - remarkably atmospheric;

Helena MT - well worth the detour - some of the best architecture in the state;

Missoula MT - very attractive college town, great for the last night before the push;

Coeur d'Alene ID - another attractive downtown area;

Roslyn WA - a short detour off I-90 near Cle Elum - old town used as the setting of Cicely, Alaska in the old TV series "Northern Exposure." Very nice old west feel.

I did a high speed XC trip from Philly to Seattle a couple of years ago, documented here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...back-ford.html

Have fun and happy travels!

Oh, don't forget... http://www.roadsideamerica.com/