Start your epic road trip adventure with a hearty breakfast in downtown Denver. Fill up your gas tank, check your vehicle, and capture photos with the stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop before hitting the road.

Make a quick stop at this iconic venue just outside Denver. Walk among the massive red sandstone formations and experience the natural acoustics of this world-famous outdoor concert hall.

Stop in Sterling for lunch and witness the dramatic landscape change from mountains to vast Great Plains. Visit the Overland Trail Museum to learn about pioneer history.

End your first day exploring Buffalo Bill Cody’s historic ranch. Tour the mansion and learn about the Wild West showman’s fascinating life and adventures.

Enjoy hearty Midwestern cuisine at this local favorite. Try the famous Nebraska beef and connect with friendly locals who can share insider tips about the area.

Immerse yourself in pioneer life at this living history museum. Explore authentic 1890s Railroad Town and learn how settlers transformed the Great Plains into farmland.

If traveling in spring, witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles as hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes gather along the Platte River during their migration.

Stroll through Omaha’s historic cobblestone streets filled with unique shops, art galleries, and cafes. This revitalized warehouse district offers a perfect lunch break atmosphere.

If time permits, visit one of the world’s best zoos featuring the largest indoor desert and nocturnal exhibits. Perfect for families or animal lovers.

Tour Iowa’s magnificent gold-domed capitol building. The architecture and interior artwork showcase the state’s rich agricultural heritage and political history.

Explore Des Moines’ trendy East Village for dinner. Sample farm-to-table cuisine that showcases Iowa’s agricultural bounty in creative, modern preparations.

Explore the beautiful University of Iowa campus, home to the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Walk through the historic Pentacrest and visit the iconic Old Capitol building.

Browse this legendary independent bookstore that has hosted readings by famous authors. It’s a literary pilgrimage site for book lovers and aspiring writers.

Step back in time in these seven villages founded by German religious communalists. Tour traditional craft shops, sample authentic German cuisine, and learn about communal living.

Visit Iowa’s oldest brewery and sample traditional German-style beers. The brewery maintains recipes and brewing methods passed down through generations.

Ride the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway for spectacular views of the Mississippi River, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. This cable car has been operating since 1882.

Explore Dubuque’s revitalized warehouse district along the Mississippi River. Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant while watching barges navigate the mighty river.

Tour this elegant Victorian mansion overlooking the Mississippi River. The restored 1870s home showcases the lifestyle of a wealthy fur trading family and offers insights into frontier aristocracy.

Follow this designated scenic byway along the Mississippi River. Stop at overlooks to photograph the river valley’s stunning bluffs, backwaters, and wildlife.

Experience the natural beauty that made Wisconsin Dells famous on an Upper Dells boat tour. Navigate through dramatic sandstone gorges carved by glacial floods thousands of years ago.

Hike to these iconic natural formations. Stand Rock offers incredible photo opportunities, while Witches Gulch provides a mystical walk through narrow sandstone canyons.

If time allows, visit this bizarre and fascinating attraction featuring eclectic collections, the famous Infinity Room cantilevered over the valley, and the world’s largest carousel.

No Wisconsin visit is complete without cheese! Stop at local cheese shops to sample artisanal Wisconsin cheeses and learn about traditional cheese-making processes.

Explore this charming historic river town known as the “Birthplace of Minnesota.” Stroll antique shops, art galleries, and Victorian architecture along the St. Croix River.

Walk or drive across this historic lift bridge connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin. The bridge offers beautiful views of the St. Croix River Valley and serves as a perfect photo spot.

Learn about Minneapolis’ flour milling heritage at this museum built into the ruins of a historic mill. Walk the Stone Arch Bridge for spectacular views of St. Anthony Falls and the city skyline.

Explore the revitalized riverfront with walking paths, parks, and the historic Mill District. The area showcases Minneapolis’ transformation from industrial center to modern metropolis.

Experience Minneapolis’ unique climate-controlled skyway system connecting downtown buildings. This 11-mile network allows you to explore the city center without stepping outside.

End your road trip adventure with dinner in the trendy Northeast Arts District. Choose from craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, or international cuisine to celebrate your successful journey.