10-Day Midwest USA Road Trip Itinerary: Fun & Unique Stops

Thinking about a road trip through the “middle of America”? Many travelers overlook the Midwest, but it’s full of quirky roadside attractions, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems. My husband and I drove over 2,500 miles across 11 states, and this 10-day Midwest USA road trip itinerary became one of our most memorable adventures.

Whether you want national parks, Route 66 nostalgia, or unusual small-town finds, this itinerary blends must-see attractions with unique local stops.

Our 10-Day Midwest USA Road Trip Overview

Here’s a quick look at our journey:

1	Minneapolis → Fargo, ND	Mario Wall, Fargo Visitor Center, Cozy Stay	4 hrs
2	Fargo → Jamestown, ND	Moorhead Dairy Queen, World’s Largest Buffalo, Frontier Village	2 hrs
3	Jamestown → Black Hills, SD	Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park	5 hrs
4	Black Hills → Omaha, NE	Corn Palace, Sioux Falls, Bob Kerrey Bridge, Gorat’s Steakhouse	6 hrs
5	Omaha → Tulsa, OK	Pizza Hut Museum, Old Cowtown Museum, Route 66, Golden Driller	7 hrs
6	Tulsa → Hot Springs, AR	Crater of Diamonds State Park, Hot Springs National Park	5 hrs
7	Hot Springs → Memphis, TN	Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum	3.5 hrs
8	Memphis → St. Louis, MO	Budweiser Brewery Tour, Gateway Arch, Scenic Park	4.5 hrs
9	St. Louis → Springfield, IL → Dyersville, IA	Lincoln Presidential Museum, Field of Dreams Movie Site	6 hrs
10	Iowa → Minneapolis, MN	Return & Fly Home	5 hrs

*Driving times are approximate.

Day 1: Minneapolis to Fargo, North Dakota

Highlights: Mario Wall, Visitor Center, Cozy Stay

We started our adventure bright and early, driving from Minneapolis to Fargo, North Dakota. Now, I’ll be honest – Fargo wasn’t high on my bucket list. But wow, did this city surprise us!

Mario Wall & Downtown Street Art

We enjoyed posing with this playful mural inspired by Super Mario.

👉 Tip: Downtown Fargo has more murals and art pieces worth walking around to see.

FM Visitor Center

At the FM Visitor Center, we saw the famous Woodchipper from the movie Fargo. It’s small, but fun if you’ve seen the movie!

Our Cozy Stay: Best Western Plus Kelly Inn & Suites

We stayed at the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn & Suites. We felt more like a cozy cabin than a chain hotel, with fireplaces and wooden beams.

Day 2: Fargo → Moorhead → Jamestown, North Dakota

Highlights: Dairy Queen history, giant buffalo, frontier village

Moorhead Dairy Queen

Moorhead Dairy Queen is one of the original DQ locations, with a retro storefront perfect for photos.

World’s Largest Buffalo

World’s Largest Buffalo– A huge roadside statue in Jamestown.

👉 Tip: Jamestown is a good lunch stop before heading west.

Frontier Village

Frontier Village is a small Old West-style area with mini museums and shops. Free to explore.

Day 3: Mount Rushmore & Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Highlights: Iconic monument + otherworldly landscapes

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

• Recommended visit: 1.5–2 hours
• Admission: Free (parking $10 per vehicle)
• Best activity: The Presidential Trail, a short loop with multiple viewpoints of the monument

Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. The massive sculpture features the faces of four American presidents — George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln — carved into the Black Hills of South Dakota. It was completed in 1941 and symbolizes the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the nation.

Seeing the monument in person was more impressive than we expected. We walked the Presidential Trail to get different angles and enjoyed the changing perspectives.

Badlands National Park

• Driving time from Mount Rushmore: ~1.5 hours
• Entrance fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
• Best stops: Pinnacles Overlook, Big Badlands Overlook, Prairie Dog Town

The Badlands is a dramatic landscape of eroded buttes, colorful rock layers, and wide-open prairies. The park covers nearly 250,000 acres and is home to bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. Its name comes from the harsh conditions early travelers faced here — extreme weather, little water, and rugged terrain.

For us, it felt like stepping onto another planet. We stopped at scenic overlooks for photos and loved watching the lively prairie dog town.

This day mixed one of America’s most iconic monuments with one of its most underrated national parks — a highlight of our whole trip.

👉 Travel Tip: Bring water and sunscreen — there’s very little shade, and the sun can be strong even outside summer.

Day 4: Corn Palace, Sioux Falls (South Dakota) & Omaha Steaks, Nebraska

Highlights: Roadside Americana + food experience

Corn Palace, Mitchell, South Dakota

A one-of-a-kind building covered with murals made entirely of corn, grains, and native grasses, and redesigned every year since 1892.

Sioux Falls – South Dakota

Sioux Falls is located right in the middle of town, and at first, it just looks like a regular local park where people come to walk, jog, or relax. But when you get closer, you’ll find a powerful and beautiful waterfall flowing through the center of the park.

We were lucky to visit on a very sunny day, so we took our time walking around the area and just relaxing. The falls were bigger than we expected and the sound of the water was really calming.

If you’re driving through this area, definitely take a break here. It’s a peaceful spot and you might feel the same way we did — refreshed and happy just to sit and enjoy the view.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge – Standing in Two States : Iowa and Nebraska

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge – A 3,000-foot-long pedestrian bridge connecting Iowa and Nebraska, where you can stand in two states at once.

Dinner at Gorat’s Steakhouse (Omaha, NE)

We chose to eat at Gorat’s Steakhouse because it’s famous for being one of Warren Buffett’s favorite restaurants — and we were curious to try it for ourselves!

The restaurant had a warm, classic atmosphere and the staff were very friendly. Our waiter made us feel welcome right away, and the steak was fantastic — juicy, flavorful, and cooked just right.

Inside the restaurant, there’s a life-sized board of Warren Buffett (it’s the same height as him!), and we couldn’t resist asking if we could take a photo with it — even though we felt a little embarrassed. But the waiter smiled and happily took the picture for us. It was a fun moment and made the visit even more memorable.

We really enjoyed our time at Gorat’s — not just for the food, but also for the friendly service and unique Buffett connection.

Day 5: Wichita to Tulsa – Route 66 Fun

Pizza Hut Museum, Wichita, Kansas

This is where the very first Pizza Hut started! The small museum, located at Wichita State University, this small museum is inside the very first Pizza Hut building from 1958.

👉 For more details, check out my post: Fun Factory Tours in the Midwest USA: Food, Machines, Motorcycles & more!

Old Cowtown Museum, Wichita, Kansas

This Old Cowtown Museum is a living history museum with more than 50 historic buildings recreating an 1800s frontier town.

Meadow Gold District & Route 66 Signs – Tulsa, Oklahoma

A Route 66 neighborhood with restored neon signs, murals, and plenty of photo opportunities.

The Golden Driller – Tulsa OK

A 75-foot-tall statue honoring Tulsa’s oil industry, one of the tallest statues in the U.S.

Day 6: Crater of Diamonds State Park & Hot Springs

Highlights: Dig for diamonds + American “onsen”

Crater of Diamonds State Park – Arkansas

Crater of Diamonds State Park was one of the most unique and exciting experiences of the trip — even if we didn’t strike it rich!

We visited Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only diamond mine in the world where the public can search for real diamonds and keep what they find. Of course, we went in dreaming of finding a big one and becoming rich… but life wasn’t that easy 😅

After entering the park, we rented a wooden box screen, a shovel, and a bucket, and headed out to the big open field. We dug up soil, carried it to the washing station, and rinsed it carefully — hoping to spot a shiny diamond. Then we did it again… and again… but no diamonds for us this time.

Still, it was super fun, and we felt like kids playing in the dirt. The whole experience was more about the excitement and challenge than the results!

🔎 Travel Tips for visiting:

• Make a reservation in advance (it can get busy)
• Wear casual clothes — you’ll definitely get dirty
• It was very hot when we visited in May, so bring ;
• Plenty of water
• A towel
• A hat or sun protection
• Sunscreen and maybe gloves

Even though we didn’t find any treasure, we laughed a lot and really enjoyed the adventure!

Hot Springs National Park – Arkansas

As travelers from Japan, we were especially excited to visit Hot Springs National Park, because we wanted to see what the American version of an onsen (hot spring) is like!

This park is located right in the middle of Hot Springs town, and it’s known for its historic bathhouses that use naturally heated, mineral-rich water. While it’s very different from the onsen culture in Japan, the idea of using natural hot water for health and healing is something we could really relate to.

We didn’t take a bath, but we walked around the historic Bathhouse Row and looked inside some of the beautiful old buildings. The facilities are well preserved, and we were able to see many old-style bathtubs, treatment rooms, and steam cabinets. It felt like stepping into the past.

Although the style and rules are different from Japanese onsen, the purpose is similar — using special mineral water for human wellness. That made us feel a nice connection between cultures.

This is a peaceful and interesting stop, especially for visitors who enjoy history, wellness, or just something a little different during their road trip.

Day 7: Elvis & Civil Rights in Memphis

Graceland – Home of Elvis Presley, Memphis, Tennessee

We visited Graceland because, of course, we know who Elvis Presley is — he’s so famous around the world. Even though we don’t know much about his music or history, we were curious to see his home and feel the Elvis spirit.

The museum looked very impressive and professional, with lots of exhibits and things to explore. But to be honest, the ticket price felt a little too expensive for someone like us who isn’t a big fan or doesn’t know his songs very well. It seemed like a better experience for true Elvis fans — and there were many! We saw a lot of happy American visitors who clearly loved him and enjoyed the exhibits.

Instead of joining the full tour, we just walked around the Graceland museum shop, which was huge and filled with tons of Elvis goods — from clothes and posters to snacks and souvenirs. Even just browsing there was fun!

So if you’re not a big fan, it might be enough to just visit the outside and shop. But if you are an Elvis lover, this place will be like a dream!

National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, Tennessee

Before this trip, I only knew about the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from textbooks. But visiting the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel made the story feel very real.

The museum is built around the actual motel where Dr. King was killed in 1968. You can see the real motel room where he stayed and the exact balcony where he was shot. Everything is preserved just as it was, and it gave us chills to stand in front of it.

Inside the museum, we saw many powerful exhibits that tell the story of the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. — from slavery and segregation to peaceful protests and leaders like Dr. King. There were photos, videos, and real items from history.

It’s not a light or easy place to visit, but it’s a very important one. You can really feel the real story and the emotions of the people who lived through it.

If you are visiting Memphis, I highly recommend spending time here. It helped us understand American history on a much deeper level.

Day 8: St. Louis – Gateway to the West

Budweiser Brewery Tour– St. Louis, Missouri

In St. Louis, we joined the Budweiser “Day Fresh” Brewery Tour, and it was such a fun and interesting experience — even for someone like me who doesn’t drink alcohol!

The tour takes you inside the historic Budweiser facilities, where a guide walks you through how the beer is made. The buildings were impressive — we even saw the beautiful stables and horses that Budweiser uses to carry the beer in parades. Everything was clean, grand, and full of history.

At the end of the tour, you get to taste a fresh Budweiser beer straight from the source. I don’t drink alcohol, so I chose a soft drink instead, but my husband really enjoyed the beer and said it was crisp and delicious.

If you’re visiting St. Louis, this is a great stop — even if you’re not a big drinker, the tour itself is educational and fun. And if you do enjoy beer, it’s even better!

👉 Want more fun factory tour ideas? Check out my blog post:
Fun Factory Tours in the Midwest USA: Food, Machines, Motorcycles & more!

Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park -St. Louis, Missouri

Before heading to the Gateway Arch itself, we stopped by Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, which is located just across the river from downtown St. Louis.

We visited this park because we heard it’s one of the best spots to see the Arch with the city skyline — and it really was! After climbing up the observation platform stairs, we were rewarded with a beautiful, clear view of the Arch and the buildings of St. Louis behind it.

The best part? There was no one else there when we visited, so we could enjoy the view quietly and peacefully. It felt like a little hidden gem, perfect for taking photos or just sitting and relaxing for a moment.

If you want a great photo of the Arch from a distance, or just want to enjoy the view without the crowds, this park is definitely worth a quick stop.

Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, Missouri

The Gateway Arch is one of the most famous landmarks in the U.S., and when we got close, we realized just how huge it really is! It stands 630 feet tall — and yes, it’s even more impressive in person.

What surprised us was that you can actually go to the top of the Arch. There’s a small tram that takes visitors up to the top for a view of the city from above. At first, I thought I should try it… but as someone with acrophobia (fear of heights), I decided not to go. The Arch looked so thin and so high, and honestly, that made me too nervous.

Still, even without going to the top, just standing under the Arch and walking around the park was a great experience. It’s a beautiful place, and you really feel how special it is when you’re standing right next to it.

So if you’re not afraid of heights, you might enjoy the ride to the top — and if you are, you can still enjoy the Arch from the ground like I did!

Day 9: Springfield and Field of Dreams – Baseball and Nostalgia

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum – Springfield, Illinois

In Springfield, we visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, and it turned out to be one of the most interesting museums of the trip.

The building itself was large, modern, and beautifully designed. Just like the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, this museum helped us feel the real history — this time, about the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln.

The exhibits were full of stories, personal items, and displays that helped us learn more about who Lincoln was, the time he lived in, and how he shaped the United States. We especially enjoyed the way the museum used lights, sounds, and even life-size scenes to tell his story. It made the experience more engaging.

It was so interesting that we didn’t notice how fast time passed. If you’re traveling nearby, this museum is definitely worth a visit — even if you don’t know a lot about American history, it’s easy to follow and very meaningful.

Field of Dreams Movie Site, Dyersville, Iowa

After Springfield, we drove to Dyersville to visit the Field of Dreams Movie Site, where the famous 1989 baseball movie was filmed.

We walked around the real baseball field used in the movie. It’s a peaceful and nostalgic place, surrounded by cornfields, just like in the film. If you’re a fan of the movie, this place will feel very special — you can even bring a ball and glove and play catch on the field.

My husband bought a baseball as a souvenir, which made this visit more fun for him. I haven’t seen the movie, so I didn’t feel a big connection, but I still enjoyed walking around and relaxing in the open space. It’s a quiet and simple stop — great for photos or just taking a break during your road trip.

Day 10: Drive Back to Minneapolis & Fly Home

After nine days full of fun, history, nature, and unique roadside stops, it was time to head back. We drove back to Minneapolis and returned our rental car at the airport. Then, we flew home, still thinking about all the places we had visited.

It was a long drive — but also a quiet time to look back on the adventure.

Final Thoughts

This 10-day road trip through the middle of the USA was a journey we’ll never forget. Every stop had something special — from the quirky Mario Wall in Fargo to the powerful Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, from digging for diamonds in Arkansas to seeing the Gateway Arch up close.

We saw famous landmarks, learned real American history, met friendly people, and had fun trying new things (even without finding a diamond!).

If you’re looking for a trip that mixes big-name attractions with hidden gems, this route is perfect. You don’t have to rush — just enjoy the journey, one stop at a time.

We hope our experience inspires you to plan your own adventure through the heart of America.

Safe travels!