NY-Niagra Falls-Grand Rapids-SD-WY and back

[luckyigol]

It has been a real joy reading the many threads provided by new and experienced travellers. You have all helped inspire me, and my kids, 14, 12, 9, to push forward with our adventure. We are not hikers and adventurers by nature but we are willing to change our sedentary ways. I want to do it while they are still young enough to appreciate it. And me.
We are traveling from NYC and back again from Aug 1-24. We have looked into some of the things we would like to do along the way but still need a lot of advice about taking a major road trip like this. Mainly cheap hotels or camping spots along the way and in the places we are going to.
We are taking others advice and getting a propane burner to make some meals cheaper too, but have concerns about leaving the tank in the car while sightseeing on hot summer days, is it safe?
Right now out itinerary looks like - but will take adive and make adjustments.
Day one travel to Niagara Falls- Canadian side?
Day 2 Visit Cave of the Winds/ Maid of the Mist
Day 3 Leave the Falls toward Chicago? Maybe instead we can head to Grand Rapids and take a ferry across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee Day 4 Leave IL/WI ? area
Day 5 Travel to ?
Day 6 Arrive in SD
Day 7-9 Mt Rushmore/ Badlands, August 4-10 Motor cross rally in the Mt R. area, Jewel & Wind Caves
Day 10 Travel to Yellowstone
I looked into a place called Flagg Ranch Resort for a place to camp while in WY. We can pitch our tent there and see both Yellowstone and Grand Tetons on our own or through packages they offer. Has anybody had any experience withis this place?
Day 11 -16 Yellowstone & Grand Tetons
Day 17 Drive toward Salt Lake City
Day 18 Drive ?
Day 19 Drive ?
Day 20 Drive ?
Day 21 Drive ?
Day 22 Drive ?
Day 23 Hershey Park?
Day 24 Hershey Park? Home
On that long drive home we have only Hershey planned. I am looking at Rt 80 for most of the trip. We are open to seeing different things along the way, but mostly we want natural wonder, not cities and museums.
We appreciate any ideas and advice you can give us. We are still working out the kinks, obviously.
We have begun long walks nightly and daily to increase our stamina and strength. We are trying to learn to enjoy to journey as much as the destination. We are having fun just planning and anitcipating the possiblities.
Thanks for any help ideas or advice.

[PNW Judy]

It has been a real joy reading the many threads provided by new and experienced travellers. You have all helped inspire me, and my kids, 14, 12, 9, to push forward with our adventure. We are not hikers and adventurers by nature but we are willing to change our sedentary ways. I want to do it while they are still young enough to appreciate it. And me.

I'm thrilled these forums have inspired you. Welcome to the RTA forums.

We are taking others advice and getting a propane burner to make some meals cheaper too, but have concerns about leaving the tank in the car while sightseeing on hot summer days, is it safe?

I've had mine in my car in 100+ degree heat and haven't had a problem. My understanding is that propane canisters are only filled about 80% full so that if the canister gets hot, there is plenty of room for the propane to expand without exploding or leaking. And, of course, they are pressurized, too. I wouldn't worry about it. I would, however, have them in a box or other container so that they aren't in direct sunlight.

Right now out itinerary looks like - but will take adive and make adjustments.
Day one travel to Niagara Falls- Canadian side?
Day 2 Visit Cave of the Winds/ Maid of the Mist
Day 3 Leave the Falls toward Chicago? Maybe instead we can head to Grand Rapids and take a ferry across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee Day 4 Leave IL/WI ? area
Day 5 Travel to ?
Day 6 Arrive in SD
Day 7-9 Mt Rushmore/ Badlands, August 4-10 Motor cross rally in the Mt R. area, Jewel & Wind Caves
Day 10 Travel to Yellowstone
I looked into a place called Flagg Ranch Resort for a place to camp while in WY. We can pitch our tent there and see both Yellowstone and Grand Tetons on our own or through packages they offer. Has anybody had any experience withis this place?
Day 11 -16 Yellowstone & Grand Tetons
Day 17 Drive toward Salt Lake City
Day 18 Drive ?
Day 19 Drive ?
Day 20 Drive ?
Day 21 Drive ?
Day 22 Drive ?
Day 23 Hershey Park?
Day 24 Hershey Park? Home
On that long drive home we have only Hershey planned. I am looking at Rt 80 for most of the trip. We are open to seeing different things along the way, but mostly we want natural wonder, not cities and museums.
We appreciate any ideas and advice you can give us. We are still working out the kinks, obviously.
We have begun long walks nightly and daily to increase our stamina and strength. We are trying to learn to enjoy to journey as much as the destination. We are having fun just planning and anitcipating the possiblities.
Thanks for any help ideas or advice.

I think your itinerary looks pretty good and, since you're going to consciously enjoy the journey, I wouldn't overplan things. You might consider staying near Yellowstone a tad longer as it will take several days to enjoy both Yellowstone and the Tetons. And you have extra days to play with.

I think you're on the right track to having a terrific trip. You are going to create some wonderful memories with your children. Enjoy!