Albuquerque to Buffalo

My family is planning to drive from Albuquerque NM to Buffalo NY in late May and early June. We plan to stop at a friend's in the DFW area, but other than that we have no fixed itinerary. We would like to drive no more than 6 hours/day at most. We plan to camp most nights, but can stay in hotels once or twice to take advantage of facilities. Our total trip time (round trip) is 14 days including a day at Niagra Falls Canada. We are looking for overnight stops that our 12 and 14 year old kids will enjoy. We are interested in civil war era museums/battle fields. We are considering at least one night along the Mississippi.

Thanks in advance for any ideas that you may have!:)

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a stop the kids would enjoy. St. Louis also has a wonderful zoo and it is free!!

Gettysburg is undoubtedly the premier Civil War destination. With a little homework about the battle, it is easy to envision what took place there because the land is pretty much the same as it was in 1863. The movie Gettysburg starring Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee is a good place to start. It would also increase your enjoyment of the battlefield if you first stopped at the marvelous new Visitor Center and learned as much as possible before driving the field. You can also rent a CD that allows you to take a narrated. self-guided tour of the field. This would add about 400 miles to your trip but would also give you the chance to see a little of Pennsylvania Dutch Country in the Lancaster area. This route would also take you through Williamsport, PA where the Little League World Series is played. A stop at the beautiful facility is well worth the while.

You probably are aware of this but just in case, a Passport is required to go to Niagara Falls, Canada.

While in the Buffalo area, you might consider a trip to Lockport, NY where you can take a boat tour on the Erie Canal.

On the way back, you might consider taking I-80 and stopping at Indiana Dunes Nat'l Seashore and Indiana Dunes State Park. The kids would have a grand old time climbing on the dunes and taking a dip in Lake Michigan. They are both located on the southern tip of Lake Michigan near Michigan City, IN. This route would also take you close to South Bend, IN and a visit to the Notre Dame Campus is well worth the time.

Have A Great Trip!!