Best stops on way to Disneyland

[Think Tink]

So a big dream of mine has been to drive cross country (Ohio to California) and end at Disneyland. I love road trips and it’s been on my list of vacations to take for a long time and I think 2022 will be the year. The routes I’m looking at has me going through Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. I have some cities like St. Louis and Amarillo as places to check out, but does anyone have any cool places to check out along the way? Has anyone here done a cross country trip like this and have tips?
I have only flown to California so I’ve never been to most of the states on my route except for TX, IN, and IL.

 

[Stevek]

So a big dream of mine has been to drive cross country (Ohio to California) and end at Disneyland. I love road trips and it’s been on my list of vacations to take for a long time and I think 2022 will be the year. The routes I’m looking at has me going through Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. I have some cities like St. Louis and Amarillo as places to check out, but does anyone have any cool places to check out along the way? Has anyone here done a cross country trip like this and have tips?
I have only flown to California so I’ve never been to most of the states on my route except for TX, IN, and IL.

all depends on which highway you are taking...Vegas, Flagstaff/Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Vail Colorado, Palm Springs...all of these are along the way. We took car trips every other summer ask kids, pretty much hit every state west of the Mississippi River and also Canada. We tended to hit all the cheesy tourist stuff as well as any National park.

 

[Think Tink]

We tended to hit all the cheesy tourist stuff as well as any National park.

Im not above stopping at the biggest ball of yarn or any other cheesy stop! We do want to hit the Grand Canyon on the way back. I have been to Cali multiple times but have always flown so while I’ve been all over the east coast and Midwest, out west it’s only been Cali, I’m excited to check out new states along the way and try regional foods like In and Out or St Louis BBQ.

 

[PiratesMansion]

I highly recommend Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. Probably a touch out of the way, but genuinely one of the best theme parks in the US with great theming, a cave tour, great coasters, and some of the best food you'll ever eat at a theme park. Rest of the town is probably skippable.

As much as it is undoubtedly tempting, I'd skip the Arch. It's an uncomfortable experience in which you are squeezed into pods not designed for 2020 Americans, precariously rise past views of dimly lit staircases, and come out on top to a surface that isn't even level before once again becoming a pod person to get back down. Even worse if you have to wait for it.

As far as other St. Louis attractions goes, there are a lot of free sites in the Forest Park area, including many museums and the St. Louis Zoo. While in the area, you could try St. Louis style pizza at Imo's where the crust is thin and the cheese is this interesting processed curiousity known as provel.

If you're taking I-44 W, you will also literally pass Six Flags St. Louis. Nothing great there, really, but there are a few rides that I like more than they probably deserve and who knows? You could be a coaster person and have a pass already so It'd be free (same applies, but even moreso, to Frontier City in OK City).

And if you're driving through Amarillo, you could also drive past this....erhm...engineering mishap, presented before and after for your viewing pleasure:

 

[1HAPPYGHOSTHOST]

McDonald's

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

I recommend the state of Florida.

 

[PostScott]

Is there any specific type of activity you want to do or really you just want to get a taste of what each state is like (other than driving through them)?

 

[SSG]

It takes some planning, but traveling Route 66 is interesting. Even though many of the heyday businesses and attractions are gone, enough remains to make it worth some detours. There are several websites that list what's out there.

 

[Darkbeer1]

A few things near Disneyland.

At the Arizona/Nevada/California border.

Laughlin is a cheap option to stay and eat.

Laughlin, Nevada | Laughlin Hotels, Events and Things to Do

Planning your vacation in Laughlin, Nevada? Find details and maps for hotels, restaurants, events, shows and things to do in Laughlin from the visitors authority.

www.visitlaughlin.com

Then head Lake Havasu to see the original London Bridge.

How London Bridge Ended Up In Arizona | HISTORY

In 1968, an American tycoon bought London Bridge—all 10,000 tons of it—and moved it brick-by-brick to the desert town of Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

www.history.com

And Oatman, AZ.

Oatman, Arizona

Oatman's "Wild" Burros Text and videos by Jim Bremner. Oatman started life over 100 years ago as a mining tent camp, and quickly became a flourishing

www.desertusa.com

Then on your way west, Mitchell Caverns.

Providence Mountains SRA

Providence Mountains SRA

www.parks.ca.gov

Just outside of Palm Springs is the Morango Casino and Hotel, plus a few fun things.

First is a famous roadside attraction.

CABAZON DINOSAURS

MOVIE FAMOUS DINOSAURS, CABAZON, CA. More than 50 dinosaurs join Mr. Rex and Dinny! Visit Dinny and our museum for a wide selection of dinosaur themed toys.

www.cabazondinosaurs.com

Then a great place to get a Date Shake.

Hadley Fruit Orchards – Commitment to Excellence Since 1931

www.hadleyfruitorchards.com

And Shopping outlets, 2 next to each other. You can park at one and walk to the other.

Cabazon Outlets

Cabazon Outlets offers a unique desert landscape shopping experience features 18 specialty retailers in a relaxed open-air environment.

www.cabazonoutlets.com

Desert Hills Premium Outlets®

A shopping center in Cabazon, CA

www.premiumoutlets.com

 

[shambolicdefending]

If scenery is your thing I'd adjust your route to pass through Denver, central and southern Utah (via I-75), and then south through Las Vegas (via I-15). Much easier drive on the eyes, and tons of random interesting places to stop.

 

[Darkbeer1]

My suggestions match up with SSG's comments of go along the basic Route 66 route.

USA coast to coast on Route 66 tour

USA coast to coast tours including Route 66 from Chicago to LA

www.ridingroute66.us

So I would do it one way, and then the more direct route the other way.

 

[Think Tink]

Thanks everyone! Mapping out some places