Harrisburg, PA to Tacoma, WA

[thh844]

First, allow me to express how THRILLED I am to have found this forum! I have already picked up some great tips! :)

I am going to be driving home to Tacoma, WA from Harrisburg, PA with my mother in August and am hoping that you all, in your infinite road-trip wisdom, may have some suggestions as far as routes and things to stop and see along the way.

We have a very flexible schedule. We are leaving Harrisburg on the afternoon of August 17 and have a maximum of 2 1/2 weeks to get to Tacoma. I have done a bit of research as far as people, places and things we might like to see in the larger cities we will be going through, however, it is difficult to find out what might be along the way between stops. I would love your suggestions! Here is a brief outline of where we are planning on stopping thus far:

Harrisburg, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Springfield, IL
St. Louis, MO
Kansas City, MO
Topeka, KS
Wichita, KS (to stay with family friends)
Minneapolis, MN (to stay with another friend)
Moscow, ID (yet another friend!)
Tacoma, WA

Not all of these stops are overnight, but they are places we have found interesting things to see. Again, any suggestions for routes between these places, or interesting destinations between them are VERY welcome!

Cheers!

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA forum!

I'm not sure how committed you are to visiting your friend in Minneapolis, but that stop is a very long way - and in the wrong direction - from the rest of your stops in Kansas. It really sticks out as an odd one. Of course, if you're really looking forward to visiting this person, it certainly is possible with the time you've got.

Otherwise the big question is what sorts of things are you interested in seeing and doing. Some of the examples you've found so far would give us a much better idea of the kinds of things you might like to stop at.

[glc]

I would go from STL to Wichita, then to Topeka and KC, then up to MSP. Otherwise, you will be backtracking.

To get from STL to Wichita, take I-44 to the MO/OK state line, then US-400 to Wichita.

Note that if you take I-35 from Wichita to Topeka, your EZ-Pass doesn't work, you will have to pay cash.

[On2Tucson]

One option would be the Flint Hill Scenic Byway (K-177) on the leg between Wichita and Topeka. It's a beautiful drive with panoramic views of the tallgrass prairie, and you'll pass through some charming little towns.

[thh844]

Thanks, glc and On2Tucson for the route tips!

The out-of-the-way jaunt up to Minneapolis is a necessary one (it is the new home of one of my best friends...and my Mother is really looking forward to the Mall of America haha!).

As far as activities and places we've already discovered, most of them are places of some historical, architectural or artistic importance.
In Pittsburgh we are going to do a walking tour of historic architecture and visit the Frick art and historical center (including the gardens).
Springfield we are visiting a couple Abraham Lincoln points of interest.
St. Louis we are visiting the home of Scott Joplin, the Art Garden, and the Gateway Arch.
Kansas City, more historical architecture.
Topeka, Victorian neighborhood.

Thanks again! :)