[EnviroBecca]

We are planning a trip to Omaha. The first day we'll drive to Indianapolis, which we've done before. The second day we'll take I-74 across Illinois to Davenport, Iowa, and then I-80 to Omaha. It's a long way to drive in one day, so we can't stop for very long times or go anywhere far from the road, but with a 4-year-old we know we'll need to make a stop of at least 45 minutes at least every 200 miles or so.

What are some things to see/do that are not so fascinating and/or expensive we'd want to stay all day? Things like a great playground, a hiking trail, or a small museum?

Are there any interesting places to eat? We are mostly vegetarian, so very meat-focused restaurants are not for us.

My mental image of driving all the way across Iowa is A Lot of Corn. Please tell me there's something else to look forward to!

 

[_betsy_]

Check out this site:
http://www.allstays.com/Special/interstate-exits.htm

Being a ChaCha Guide leaves me with the strangest bookmarks!

 

[smokeylo]

There's not much off I-74 and be aware that there are big gaps -- esp. in western Illinois -- with no places to stop (like between Peoria and Galesburg). Once you're in Iowa there's lots to do. There are scenic stops by the Mississippi River. All of the rest areas in Iowa are really nice! Downtown Iowa City is a nice place to eat and play -- there's a playground in a pedestrian mall with restaurants surrounding, and that's only about 5 minutes off the highyway (exit 244 for Dodge St).

 

[smokeylo]

Oh -- in Bettendorf there's a "family museum" that's nice and not too big, nor is it too far off from the hwy.