There’s always something to do in Milwaukee, but come spring break, it may be time for a change of scenery. Instead of the cliché, over-priced beach vacation, try packing up your car, gathering some friends and doing something a little different. How about breathing in the mountain air of Denver, experiencing the southern hospitality of Dallas, or visiting our northern neighbors in Toronto?
Instead of driving straight to your chosen destination, try exploring some great stops on the way.
Milwaukee to Denver
Estimated distance: 1,260 miles
Estimated time: 22 hrs., 12 min.
1. Field of Dreams (28995 Lansing Road, Dyersville, Iowa 52040)
If you build it, they will come… and they have for over 20 years. Check out the field built for the 1988 film, “Field of Dreams.” You can see this ghost-inhabited baseball diamond free of charge.
Time: 3 hrs., 34 min.
2. Ax Murder House (323 4th Street, Villisca, Iowa, 50864)
100 years ago, an unidentified man snuck into Josiah Moore’s house and murdered his family. Now infamous for the murders, the Moore house holds haunted tours. For about $67 per person for a group of six, guests can even spend the night.
Time: 5 hrs., 10 min.
3. World’s Largest Time Capsule (318 Hillcrest Drive, Seward, Nebraska 68434)
Harold Keith Davisson, local celebrity, wanted his grandchildren to understand what life was like back in 1975. So, he filled his 45-ton vault with items ranging from bikini bottoms to a Chevy Vega. The vault opens in 2025.
Time: 2 hrs., 30 min.
4. Oz Museum (4801 E. Harmony Rd., Fort Collins, Colorado 80525)
Somewhere over the rainbow, you can live the magic of the classic children’s book and movie: “The Wizard of Oz.” The Museum is stuffed with over 2,000 collectibles dating back over 100 years. Admission costs $7.
Time: 2 hrs., 53 min.
Embrace the Rocky Mountain air and enjoy all that Denver has to offer. If you have the taste for a little adventure, try one of Denver’s whitewater rafting at locations like the Arkansas River or Clear Creek River. Catch the tail end of skiing season and check out Echo Mountain Ski Resort, located 40 minutes outside Denver in Idaho Springs. Take a trip to one of the surrounding small mountain towns and tool around in the distinctive shopping districts. Lodging: A mile away from downtown Denver, try staying at the Hotel VQ.
Time: 8 hrs., 5 min.
Five Games to Play in the Car
1. The License Plate Game
Scan the highway for any out-of-state license plate. Each time you spot a new license plate, you are allowed to give the person next to you a friendly tap on the arm.
2. The Alphabet Game
Starting with the letter “A,” each player must find an object outside the car that starts with that letter. The first person to make it through the alphabet wins.
3. Howdy Doody Name Game
Whoever starts the game says the first and last name of a famous person that everyone in the car knows. The next person must come up with a name that starts with the last letter of the previously mentioned person’s last name. The game ends when someone cannot come up with a name.
4. Twenty Questions
One person thinks of an object, person or place. Each of the other players in the game get 20 questions to ask in order to figure out what the mystery object is.
5. Counting Cows
The object of this game is to count more cows on the side of the road than your opponents. Different variations can be added to this game: like time limits, passing a certain car could cause you to lose all your points, etc.
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Milwaukee to Dallas
Estimated distance: 1,070 miles
Estimated time: 21 hrs., 12 min.
1. Lincoln Museum (212 N. Sixth Street, Springfield, Ill. 62701)
Just because it’s spring break doesn’t mean that there isn’t time to learn. Squeeze in a history lesson about Honest Abe in the Lincoln Museum. After the long drive here, you’ll want to refuel at the local Maid-Rite diner with some of its famous sloppy joes.
Time: 5 hrs.
2. Home of the Albino Squirrels (01 E. Chestnut St., Olney, IL, 62450)
Catch a glimpse of these little red-eyed critters in the southern Illinois town. The town acts as a safe haven for the squirrels. Can’t get enough squirrels? Try staying the night in Olney’s Squirrel Cage Bed and Breakfast.
Time: 3 hrs.
3. Graceland (3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tenn. 38109)
Pay your respects to the “King” and visit the mansion where he resided. Enjoy a self-guided audio tour with commentary by Elvis and his daughter Lisa Marie, with stops including the famous Jungle Room.
Time: 5 hrs., 40 min.
4. The Peabody Hotel (3 Statehouse Plaza, Little Rock, Ark. 72201)
You don’t have to be a guest to attend the hotel’s Duck March, an almost 70-year-old tradition. Twice a day a red carpet is rolled out in the hotel’s lobby and The Peabody Little Rock ducks waddle their way past guests and visitors.
Time: 2 hrs., 24 min.
Welcome to Dallas, Texas (1933 Main St, Dallas, Texas, 75201)
Welcome to the “Big D,” where there is something for everyone to enjoy. Spend a day shopping in the West End Historic District or check out a band at the trendy Deep Ellum district. If you’re looking for something a little faster paced, check out a Dallas Cowboys football game or a rodeo. But, whatever you do, make sure to try some famous Texas barbecue from Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse before you leave. For a nice stay, try the Hotel Indigo located in downtown Dallas.
Time: 5 hrs., 8 min.
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5 Ways to Save Money on a Road Trip
- Fill up your tank at a truck stop – they are usually cheaper than regular gas stations.
- Avoid the drive-thru and pack some food in a cooler.
- Try staying at modestly priced hotels. There is no need for style when you are on the road.
- Find an app on your phone that shows traffic. If you are able to avoid traffic, it will minimize frequent stopping and going.
- Use gasbuddy.com to find the cheapest gas stations in the area.
Milwaukee to Toronto
Estimated distance: 611 miles
Estimated time: 11 hrs., 41 min.
1. Hot Doug’s (3324 North California Avenue, Chicago, Ill. 60618)
Stop for a lunch break at this famous hot dog joint. You can even download the restaurant’s theme song from iTunes before you stop by.
Time: 1 hr., 39 min.
2. The Indiana Dunes State Park (1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, Ind. 46304)
It may be too cold to swim in March, but you can still climb one of the park’s sand dunes. Check out the hiking trails, as well.
Time: 1 hr., 6 min.
3. American Museum of Magic (107 E. Michigan Avenue, Marshall, Mich. 49068)
Explore the museum’s half-million pieces of magic memorabilia. The collection includes unique props and magic related books. Lodging: Stay the night at the Holiday Inn Express (17252 Sam Hill Dr.)
Time: 2 hrs., 6 min.
4. Scream’s Ice Cream (4045 Patterson Lake Road, Hell, Mich. 48169)
This ice cream parlor, featured on “The Today Show,” “Good Morning America” and the Travel Channel, has been considered one of the top three ice cream parlors in the country. Along with ice cream, it features year-round Halloween shopping.
Time: 1 hr., 15 min.
Welcome to Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Canada’s most populated city is always bustling with activity. Be sure to check out one of its most popular attractions — Niagara Falls. Or, climb up the CN tower for a breathtaking view of the city. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum, with the Stair of Wonders — a staircase that features more than 1,000 artifacts along its edges. Sports fans, take a gander at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Lodging: stay at the Clarion Hotel & Suites Selby (592 Sherbourne St.)
Time: 5 hrs., 35 min.
5 Songs For Your Playlist (Milwaukee to Toronto)
1. “This City” by Patrick Stump
Listen to the former Fall Out Boy front man sing about his hometown Chicago while you pass through.
2. “Beat It” by Michael Jackson
Be sure to play this hit from Jackson’s “Thriller” album while passing through his hometown of Gary on the way to Porter.
3. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
Eminem made it big in Detroit, so his mega-hit is only appropriate to play while driving through Michigan.
4. “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC
No explanation needed.
5. “I’m Gonna Getcha Good!” by Shania Twain
When crossing over the Canadian border, crank up this hit by this Canadian country crooner.