12 STATES TOTALING
|
ILLINOIS
[IL] The Prairie State |
State Capital is Springfield. Admitted to the Union on December 3, 1818 as the 21st state. |
Visited | Location |
---|---|
Pullman National Historical Park | |
Cahokia Mounds (1 of only 19 World Heritage Sites in the Lower 48) | |
- MUST TASTE - Deep-Dish Pizza | |
MUST TASTE - Green River Soda | |
MUST TASTE - Blueberry Breese Soda | |
MUST TASTE - Popcorn (Official State Snack) | |
Border Crossings - ✅IL2WI • ✅IL2IN • ✅IL2KY • ✅IL2MO • ✅IL2IA | |
W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination - | |
L OCATE a geocache - GC2NXFB | |
O VERNIGHT in the TOP FIVE State Parks -
Eldon Hazlet
West Loop
|
|
V ISIT the National Forest -
🌲
and the National Grassland -
Shawnee Pounds Hollow Pine Ridge Campground $5.00 - 09/2021
🚫
Midewin National NO CAMPING
|
|
E NJOY a nighttime campfire | |
D INE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
I NTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor | |
T AKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
• CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park | |
• OVERNIGHT in a Walmart Parking Lot -
Walmart Supercenter Store #199 Lincoln, IL (217) 735-2314 |
INDIANA[IN] The Hoosier State |
State Capital is Indianapolis. Admitted to the Union on December 11, 1816 as the 19th state. |
Visited | Location |
---|---|
Indiana Dunes National Park | |
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial | |
CAVE TOUR - Bluespring Caverns | |
CAVE TOUR - Twin Caves | |
CAVE TOUR - Indiana Caverns | |
CAVE TOUR - Squire Boone Caverns | |
CAVE TOUR - Marengo Cave National Landmark | |
CAVE TOUR - Wyandotte Cave | |
- MUST TASTE - Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | |
MUST TASTE - Ski Soda - lemon/orange flavored drink | |
MUST TASTE - Sugar Cream Pie (Official State Pie) | |
Border Crossings - ❌IN2MI • ✅IN2OH • ✅IN2KY • ✅IN2IL | |
W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination - | |
L OCATE a geocache - GC1W0EQ | |
O VERNIGHT in the TOP FOUR State Parks (VEP) -
Spring Mill
Buffalo Ridge Loop $23.00 - 09/2021
| |
THE NATIONAL FOREST |
V ISIT the National Forest -
🌲
Hoosier Indian Celina South Slope Loop
Tipsaw Lake Jackpine Loop
|
E NJOY a nighttime campfire | |
D INE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
I NTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor | |
T AKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
• OVERNIGHT in a Walmart Parking Lot -
Walmart Supercenter Store #1329 Logansport, IN 46947 (574) 722-3264 |
(VEP) = Vehicle Entrance Pass is required in addition to camping fee at all State Parks - $9-$12 Daily or $70 Annually as of 2024.
IOWA
[IA] The Hawkeye State |
State Capital is Des Moines. Admitted to the Union on December 28, 1846 as the 29th state. |
Visited | Location |
---|---|
Effigy Mounds National Monument - (2021) (2024) | |
CAVE TOUR - Spook Cave | |
CAVE TOUR - Crystal Lake Cave | |
- MUST TASTE - Sweet Corn | |
MUST TASTE - S'mores (Official State Snack) | |
Border Crossings - ✅IA2MN • ✅IA2WI • ✅IA2IL • ✅IA2MO • ✅IA2NE • ✅IA2SD | |
W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination - | |
L OCATE a geocache - GC66903 | |
|
O VERNIGHT in the TOP FIVE State Parks -
Maquoketa Caves
South Lake Campground
$20.00 - 05/2024
|
V ENTURE OUT on a hike | |
E NJOY a nighttime campfire | |
D INE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
I NTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor | |
T AKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
• CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park | |
• OVERNIGHT in a Walmart Parking Lot -
Walmart Supercenter Store #1361 Sioux City, IA 51106 (712) 252-0210 Walmart Supercenter Store #797 West Burlington, IA 52655 (319) 752-6526 |
KANSAS[KS] The Sunflower State |
State Capital is Topeka. Admitted to the Union on January 29, 1861 as the 34th state. |
Visited | Location |
---|---|
Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark - (2021) | |
Hike the overlook trails in Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park | |
Tour the underground [Cold War Era] Atlas F Missile Silo outside of Wilson, KS | |
- MUST TASTE - Barbecue Ribs | |
MUST TASTE - Cinnamon Rolls | |
Border Crossings - ✅KS2NE • ✅KS2MO • ✅KS2OK • ✅KS2CO | |
W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination - | |
L OCATE a geocache - GC99F0P | |
|
O VERNIGHT in the TOP FIVE State Parks (VEP) -
Lake View Campground
Cottonwood Campground
Glen Elder Cheyenne Campground
Bluffton Area Campground Wagon Rut Loop $21.00 - 04/2022
Wilson Hell Creek Area Grama Loop $19.00 - 04/2022
|
THE |
V ISIT the National Grassland -
🌲
Cimarron Cimarron $3.50 - 04/2022
|
E NJOY a nighttime campfire | |
D INE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
I NTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor | |
T AKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
• CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park -
Mill Creek $10.00 - 05/2022
| |
• OVERNIGHT in a Walmart Parking Lot -
Walmart Supercenter Store #799 Liberal, KS 67901 (620) 624-0106 |
(VEP) = Vehicle Entrance Pass is required in addition to camping fee at all State Parks - $5 Daily or $25 Annually as of 2024.
MICHIGAN[MI] The Great Lakes State |
State Capital is Lansing. Admitted to the Union on January 26, 1837 as the 26th state. |
Visited | Location |
---|---|
Isle Royale National Park | |
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | |
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore | |
Automotive Heritage Trail [All American Road] | |
Copper Country Trail - 47 miles [National Scenic Byway] | |
Ride upon the Quincy and Torch Lake Cog Railway | |
- MUST TASTE - Pasty | |
MUST TASTE - Boston Cooler (vanilla ice cream and Vernors) | |
MUST TASTE - Vernors | |
MUST TASTE - Faygo | |
MUST TASTE - Coney Dog | |
Border Crossings - ❌MI2WI • ❌MI2IN • ❌MI2OH | |
W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination | |
L OCATE a geocache | |
O VERNIGHT in the TOP FOUR State Parks (VEP) - | |
V ISIT the 4 National Forests -
❌
Hiawatha ❌
Huron ❌
Manistee ❌
Ottawa |
|
E NJOY a nighttime campfire | |
D INE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
I NTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor | |
T AKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
• OVERNIGHT in a Walmart Parking Lot |
(SUR) = Surcharge in addition to camping fee at all State Parks is $3 for Weekends and Holidays
(VEP) = Vehicle Entrance Pass in addition to camping fee at all State Parks - $11 Daily or $40 Annually
MINNESOTA
[MN] Land of 10,000 Lakes |
State Capital is Saint Paul. Admitted to the Union on May 11, 1858 as the 32nd state. |
Visited | Location |
---|---|
Voyageurs National Park | |
Pipestone National Monument - (2021) | |
Grand Portage National Monument | |
North Shore Scenic Drive [All American Road] | |
Northernmost Point of the Continental United States (Angle Inlet) | |
CAVE TOUR - Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park | |
CAVE TOUR - Niagara Cave | |
- MUST TASTE - Hot Dish | |
MUST TASTE - The "Original" Jucy Lucy Burger at Matt's Bar in Minneapolis | |
MUST TASTE - A Morel Mushroom | |
MUST TASTE - Spring Grove Soda (since 1895) - RhuBerry & Black Cherry | |
Border Crossings - ✅MN2WI • ✅MN2IA • ✅MN2SD • ✅MN2ND | |
W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination - | |
L OCATE a geocache - GC3NZ53 | |
O VERNIGHT in the TOP FOUR State Parks (VEP) -
Blue Mounds
Sibley State Park Lakeview Campground $35.00 - 07/2021
Forestville/Mystery Cave
Minneiska Campground
|
|
V ISIT the 2 National Forests -
❌
Chippewa ❌
Superior | |
E NJOY a nighttime campfire | |
D INE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
I NTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor | |
T AKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
• CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park | |
• OVERNIGHT in a Walmart Parking Lot |
(VEP) = Vehicle Entrance Pass is required in addition to camping fee at all State Parks - $7 Daily or $35 Annually
MISSOURI
[MO] The Show Me State |
State Capital is Jefferson City. Admitted to the Union on August 10, 1821 as the 24th state. |
Visited | Location |
---|---|
Gateway Arch National Park - (2019) | |
George Washington Carver National Monument | |
Ozark National Scenic Riverways (2021) -
Alley Spring
|
|
Visit Ha Ha Tonka State Park | |
Visit Elephant Rocks State Park | |
CAVE TOUR - Meramec Caverns | |
CAVE TOUR - Onondaga Cave & Cathedral Cave | |
CAVE TOUR - Jacob's Cave | |
CAVE TOUR - Stark Caverns | |
CAVE TOUR - Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park | |
CAVE TOUR - Mark Twain Cave | |
CAVE TOUR - Fantastic Caverns | |
CAVE TOUR - Talking Rocks Cavern | |
CAVE TOUR - Marvel Cave | |
CAVE TOUR - Bluff Dwellers Cave | |
- MUST TASTE - Toasted Ravioli | |
MUST TASTE - Sun Drop Soda | |
MUST TASTE - Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis | |
MUST TASTE - Ice Cream Cone (Official State Desert) | |
Border Crossings - ✅MO2IA • ✅MO2IL • ✅MO2KY • ✅MO2TN • ✅MO2AR • ✅MO2OK • ✅MO2KS • ✅MO2NE | |
W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination - | |
L OCATE a geocache - GC35HVD | |
|
O VERNIGHT in the TOP TWO State Parks -
Meramec
Section 4
Section 1
$23.00 - 04/2024
|
THE NATIONAL FOREST |
V ISIT the National Forest -
🌲
Mark Twain Silver Mines Rec Area Riverside Campground $15.00 - 09/2021
|
E NJOY a nighttime campfire | |
D INE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
I NTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor | |
T AKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
• CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park -
Mill Creek $10.50 - 10/2019
Old Highway 86 $10.50 - 10/2021
| |
• OVERNIGHT in a Walmart Parking Lot |
NEBRASKA[NE] The Cornhusker State |
State Capital is Lincoln. Admitted to the Union on March 1, 1867 as the 37th state. |
Visited | Location |
---|---|
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument | |
Scotts Bluff National Monument | |
Chimney Rock National Historic Site | |
Homestead National Historical Park - (2021) | |
- MUST TASTE - Tin Roof Sundae in Potter, NE | |
MUST TASTE - Butter Brickle Ice Cream | |
MUST TASTE - Omaha Steaks | |
MUST TASTE - Rueben Sandwich | |
MUST TASTE - Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing | |
MUST TASTE - Kool-Aid while visiting Hastings, NE | |
MUST TASTE - Anything with Corn | |
MUST TASTE - A Runza Sandwich | |
Border Crossings - ✅NE2SD • ✅NE2IA • ✅NE2MO • ✅NE2KS • ❌NE2CO • ❌NE2WY | |
W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination - | |
L OCATE a geocache - GC4BJVT | |
|
O VERNIGHT in the TOP FIVE State Parks (VEP) -
Eugene T. Mahoney Lakeside Campground
Red Cloud Campground
|
BOTH |
V ISIT both of the 2 National Forests -
🌲
Nebraska Bessey Rec Complex Cedar Loop
🌲
and the National Grassland -
Samuel R. McKelvie Steer Creek Campground $7.50 - 09/2023
🌲
Oglala Toadstool Geoglogical $7.50 - 09/2023
|
E NJOY a nighttime campfire | |
D INE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
I NTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor | |
T AKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
• CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park -
Nebraska Tailwaters $8.00 - 05/2021
| |
• OVERNIGHT in a Walmart Parking Lot -
Walmart Supercenter Store #4209 Nebraska City, NE 68410 (402) 874-9080 |
(VEP) = Vehicle Entrance Pass is required in addition to camping fee at all State Parks - $14 Daily or $70 Annually as of 2024.
NORTH DAKOTA[ND] The Peace Garden State |
State Capital is Bismarck. Admitted to the Union on November 2, 1889 as the 39th state. |
Visited | Location |
---|---|
Theodore Roosevelt National Park (2023) -
Cottonwood South Unit $7.00 - 08/2023
Juniper North Unit $7.00 - 08/2023
|
|
The Geographical Center of North America in Rugby, ND | |
Drive the Enchanted Highway | |
- MUST TASTE - Knoephla Soup | |
MUST TASTE - Dot's Homestyle Pretzels | |
MUST TASTE - Chokecherry Jelly (Official State Fruit) | |
MUST TASTE - Fleischkuekle | |
MUST TASTE - Cheese Buttons/Kase Knepfla | |
MUST TASTE - Hot Beef Sandwich | |
MUST TASTE - Hotdish Casserole | |
Border Crossings - ✅ND2MN • ✅ND2SD • ✅ND2MT | |
W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination - | |
L OCATE a geocache - GC79176 | |
O VERNIGHT in the TOP FOUR State Parks (VEP) -
Fort Abraham Lincoln
Cross Ranch
Fort Ransom State Park Westside Campground
|
|
V ISIT all 3 National Grasslands -
🚫Cedar River
National Grassland DISPERSED CAMPING ONLY
🌲
Little Missouri Buffalo Gap Mandan Loop
🌲
Sheyenne Jorgen's Hollow $5.00 - 07/2021
Hankinson Hills $5.00 - 07/2021
|
|
E NJOY a nighttime campfire | |
D INE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
I NTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor | |
T AKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
• CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park | |
• OVERNIGHT in a Walmart Parking Lot -
Walmart Supercenter Store #4352 Fargo, ND 58104 (701) 526-1167 |
(VEP) = Vehicle Entrance Pass is required in addition to camping fee at all State Parks - $7 Daily or $35 Annually as of 2024.
OHIO[OH] The Buckeye State |
State Capital is Columbus. Admitted to the Union on March 1, 1803 as the 17th state. |
Visited | Location |
---|---|
Cuyahoga Valley National Park | |
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument | |
Perry's Victory and International Peace National Memorial | |
Tour the Airstream Factory in Jackson Center, OH (2019) | |
Attend the Alumapalooza Rally in Jackson Center, OH (2021) | |
Tour the "NEW" Airstream Factory in Jackson Center, OH (2023) | |
CAVE TOUR - Ohio Caverns | |
CAVE TOUR - Seneca Caverns | |
MUST TASTE - Tomatoes (Official State Fruit) | |
- MUST TASTE - Cincinnati Chili at a Skyline Chili Restaurant | |
Border Crossings - ❌OH2MI • ✅OH2PA • ✅OH2WV • ✅OH2KY • ✅OH2IN | |
W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination - | |
L OCATE a geocache - GC7DJAP | |
|
O VERNIGHT in the TOP FIVE State Parks -
Barkcamp
Buck Creek
$33.00 - 09/2023
$33.00 - 09/2023
|
BOTH |
V ISIT the National Forest -
🌲
Wayne Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area Oak Hill Post Oak Loop
|
E NJOY a nighttime campfire | |
D INE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
I NTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor | |
T AKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
• CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park | |
• OVERNIGHT in a Walmart Parking Lot |
SOUTH DAKOTA[SD] Mount Rushmore State |
State Capital is Pierre. Admitted to the Union on November 2, 1889 as the 40th state. |
Visited | Location |
---|---|
Badlands National Park (2023) -
Cedar Pass Agate Loop
RESERVATIONS:
|
|
Wind Cave National Park | |
Jewel Cave National Monument (2023) | |
Crazy Horse Memorial (2023) | |
Mount Rushmore National Memorial (2023) | |
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (2023) | |
Drive the - ✅ Needles Highway - ✅ Iron Mountain Road - ✅ Wildlife Loop Road - inside of Custer State Park | |
Visit the Geographic Center of the Nation Monument in Belle Fourche, SD | |
Visit "The World's Only Corn Palace" in Mitchell, SD | |
Visit the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, SD | |
CAVE TOUR - Black Hills Caverns | |
CAVE TOUR - Jewel Cave National Monument | |
CAVE TOUR - Rushmore Cave | |
CAVE TOUR - Wind Cave National Park | |
- MUST TASTE - Lefse | |
MUST TASTE - Cactus Bread from Pizza Ranch | |
MUST TASTE - Kolaches | |
MUST TASTE - Wojapi | |
MUST TASTE - Buffalo Chislic | |
MUST TASTE - Pheasant | |
MUST TASTE - Kuchen (Official State Desert) | |
MUST TASTE - Walleye | |
Border Crossings - ✅SD2ND • ✅SD2MN • ✅SD2IA • ✅SD2NE • ✅SD2WY • ✅SD2MT | |
W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination - | |
L OCATE a geocache - GC5G914 | |
|
O VERNIGHT in the TOP FIVE State Parks (VEP) -
Newton Hills
Indian Creek
Game Lodge Campground
Blue Bell Campground
RESERVATIONS
|
V ISIT the National Forest -
🌲
and 3 National Grasslands -
Black Hills Oreville Campground $12.00 - 08/2023
Comanche Park $9.50 - 08/2023
🌲
Buffalo Gap Nomad View
🌲
Fort Pierre Richland Dam
🚫
Grand River NO CAMPING |
|
E NJOY a nighttime campfire | |
D INE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
I NTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor | |
T AKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
• CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park -
Left Tailrace $9.00 - 06/2021
| |
• OVERNIGHT in a Walmart Parking Lot -
Walmart Supercenter Store #1543 Spearfish, SD 57783 (605) 642-2460 Walmart Supercenter Store #3872 Rapid City, SD 57701 (605) 877-3291 |
(VEP) = Vehicle Entrance Pass is required in addition to camping fee at all State Parks - $8 Daily or $36 Annually as of 2024.
WISCONSIN
[WI] The Badger State |
State Capital is Madison. Admitted to the Union on May 29, 1848 as the 30th state. |
Visited | Location |
---|---|
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore | |
Visit the Natural Bridge State Park | |
CAVE TOUR - Crystal Cave (WI) | |
CAVE TOUR - Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark | |
- MUST TASTE - Fried Cheese Curds | |
MUST TASTE - Bratwurst | |
MUST TASTE - Broasted Chicken | |
MUST TASTE - Kringle while in Racine, WI | |
Border Crossings - ❌WI2MI • ✅WI2IL • ✅WI2IA • ✅WI2MN | |
W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination - | |
L OCATE a geocache - GC8DHG9 | |
|
O VERNIGHT in the TOP FIVE State Parks (NRS) (VEP) -
Quartzite Campground $40.00 - 08/2021
Blue Mound
300 Loop Campground
|
V ISIT the 2 National Forests -
❌
Chequamegon ❌
Nicolet |
|
E NJOY a nighttime campfire | |
D INE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
I NTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor | |
T AKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
• CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park -
Highland Ridge $12.00 - 07/2021
Blackhawk Park $13.00 - 08/2021
| |
• OVERNIGHT in a Walmart Parking Lot |
(NRS) = Non-Resident Surcharge is $5 per night for camping as of 2024.
(VEP) = Vehicle Entrance Pass is required in addition to camping fee at all State Parks - $11-$16 Daily or $38 Annually as of 2024.