Help with a spontaneous road trip- where should we go?

[fj62]

Live in Michigan and dh and I want to take just a 3 day road trip with 3yo, 10yo, 13 yo. Need to get away, mostly for fun, but wouldn't mind throwing in something educational(but doesn't have to be) Probably not more than a 5-6 hour drive, but not opposed to more for something great. I personally would like to go to some nice city. I've always wondered about Lexington, KY or Knoxville, TN Anyway, I would appreciate any suggestions!

[Mama Lynx]

The Indianapolis Children's Museum is worth the trip. It's fantastic.

What about Chicago?

[Peek a Boo]

oh, I dunno. I've been known to take road trips where we decide we're going to travel exactly 25 miles then drive home. I let the kids navigate wherever they want till we hit 25 miles. We end up in some interesting and not-so-interesting places, lol.

[strider]

We vacationed in KY seven years ago. The Lexington area was by far the nicest of the places we went. All the "horse stuff" is really cool.

Here is the B&B at which we stayed:

http://www.bbonline.com/ky/canaan/index.html

It's on an absolutely lovely acreage, and it was REALLY cool staying in the log cabin.

[Jennifer in MI]

Where are you in MI? What about someplace within MI? The UP? The Soux Locks are supposed to be wonderful! Or Taquamenon Falls? (I'm sure I messed up the spelling on those BTW!) I'm not sure if Mackinac Island is open yet, but that's really fun too!

Or, the Detroit area? The Science Museum is amazing. Henry Ford Museum is great! The Edsel Ford House is pretty! (And you could visit me!) Cranbrook has some nice museums too.

Or, Toronto? Or Niagara Falls? I'm not sure what part of MI you're in, but those are both a few hours from Detroit.

I LOVE road trips! My family has driven cross country twice, to CO once, FL twice, ME twice, and multiple other shorter trips. We love driving!!

Have fun!

[Ottakee]

Are you going soon or later in the year?

I am near Grand Haven and that has a lot to offer and prices are reasonable. You would want to do it in the summer though to really enjoy the board walk, beach, climbing the dunes, etc.

[HSMom2One]

I've heard great things about The House on the Rock (http://www.thehouseontherock.com/index.htm). Seems like an amazing place to take the family. Be sure to go to the photo gallery if you visit the website -- it's unbelieveable!

Blessings,
Lucinda

[K&Rs Mom]

Chicago - the Field museum is free all February, and the Shedd Aquarium free Mon/Tues. Google "chicago free museum" for more. You can ride the El, visit Navy Pier, or shop downtown.

[Jane in NC]

Last fall I flew up for a girl's weekend, but my Michigan girlfriends traveled by car. Milwaukee proved to be a most enjoyable city. Great art museum, good restaurants, reasonably priced hotels. And I came home with a bag of great cheese and amazing spices from The Spice House.

Mammoth caves might be a place to consider but you probably want more than three days for that adventure.

Cleveland is also worth of visit. The Great Lakes Science Center would be fun for your gang.

Have fun!
Jane