Plan a Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip to experience the West’s top national parks and monuments. Share other interesting Western sights in South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming with the kids as a bonus.
America’s first national park was founded by Congress in 1872. The magnificent Yellowstone established a tradition for the preservation of our country’s natural resources. Today, we count nearly 400 natural treasures from Acadia to Mt. Zion in our National Park preservation system. The parks continue to entice travelers from around the world who are passionate about the great outdoors and American history.
Spend one to three weeks in this fascinating part of the American West. A Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip introduces many of our most popular parks and monuments. The adventure exposes your family to the history of several Native American tribes, as well as prairie pioneers. Some travel tips:
- Don’t get us wrong — this area is big. The Dakotas, Montana, and Wyoming all have large, wide-open spaces.
- Do not plan an itinerary that requires you to zip from one place to another with clock-like precision.
- Stops can be far apart and you will want to change drivers often.
- It is slow going. Winter driving conditions can be a factor even in October or May.
- Roads approaching Yellowstone National Park, such as the Beartooth Highway or beautiful Rte. 191, are slow. Don’t expect to be cruising along at 65mph.
- Plan well ahead and engage your stakeholders. Let kids select pitstops and our suggestions for the sites and attractions that will most please your family.
Our suggested 7-10 day Ideal Western Road Trip Itinerary
Here are some suggestions for an easy-going, kid and backseat-friendly Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip.
Day 1/2: Rapid City, South Dakota
Day 3: Rapid City to Custer State Park
Day 4/5: Custer State Park to Badlands National Park
Days 6/7: Badlands National Park to Buffalo, Wyoming or Billings, Montana
Day 8: Little Big Horn to Yellowstone National Park, Montana
Day 9: Yellowstone National Park to Jackson, Wyoming
Driving Out: Rapid City, South Dakota Is The Start Of A Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone Road Trip
If you have to fly in and rent a car or SUV or family minivan for this classic road trip, start slow in Rapid City. The small, fun town is located on the outskirts of the Black Hills National Forest of South Dakota. Start slow and spend a few days exploring this area.
Don’t miss the city’s Art Alley, the colorful back lane downtown. Admire how the city channeled the artistic energy of would-be graffiti artists. It’s an intriguing gallery of political statements and pretty images that will get your kids talking.
Another must-stop is Prairie Edge, a local Native American trading post with curated boutiques. Small booths sell Western wear, landscape paintings, turquoise jewelry and the art of Chris Ravenshead and Mike McCloud among others. Let kids pick out less pricey fare such as ball caps or some glass beads imported from Italy for use by Native artisans.
The Journey Museum & Learning Center is a mixed bag, well worth a visit for the insights it provides. Picture a collection of local treasures brought together after a horrific flood that tore apart the city. The museum features Lakota culture and the settlers’ Gold Rush history. We liked the geology center with locally-found dinosaurs and STEAM lab supported by NASA. Overall, the Journey Museum is a good rainy day indoor space with lots of hands-on activities for families. Toddler Tuesday activities and the mid-October Native American Festival are calendar highlights.
Where To Stay and Dine in Rapid City, South Dakota
The local Rapid City Quality Inn boasts a clean indoor pool, free hot breakfast and convenient location. WaTiki Waterpark is perfect for cooling-down, fun activities during the summer.
Since its founding in 1870, Rapid City has grown from a Wild West outpost to a thriving small city. Good eating includes craft beer bars (think Firehouse Brewing Company.) Try at least one of the hearty steak and bison eateries. Cowboys invented chislik, a local specialty of fried beef chunks rolled in salt to preserve them. The Dakotah Steakhouse has its own gourmet chislik version that’s yummy with a beer or soda. Chow down on terrific hand-crafted dining, like the habanero pulled pork sliders with watermelon at Murphy’s Pub & Grill.)
There’s even a rooftop bar with mixologists and skyline views. Vertex, the bar, is on top of the classic red brick Alex Johnson Hotel. (This is not to be confused with the view from a fun family bike trip along Skyline Drive.) Unless you’re there in August over the famously wild Sturgis Rally motorcycle fest, you’ll enjoy the laidback charm.
Drive Day 3: On the Road to Custer State Park – 47 miles on Your Mt. Rushmore to Yellowstone Road Trip
Southwest of Rapid City via Routes US 16 and SD 244, it is about 25 miles (40 minutes) to the most recognized symbol of this region, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Danish-American sculptor Gutzon Borglum began the project in 1927 at the age of 60. It was not yet complete when he died in 1941. Known as the “Shrine of Democracy,” this awesome site offers a walking trail, a 2,500-seat amphitheater, a visitor center, a museum and food service. Nearly 3 million visitors each year learn about the 400 men who helped to carve the monument. Salaries averaged $1.00 per hour.
Did you know that the presidents’ noses are 20-feet long and their mouths are 18-feet wide? From May through September, the evening lighting ceremony is a particularly impressive sight.
Drive about 17 miles (25 minutes) southwest via Routes SD 244, US 16 and US 385. Discover another sculptural marvel, yet one which is still under construction. Lakota elders commissioned the creation of the Crazy Horse Memorial complex in 1948. Chief Henry Standing Bear, an Oglala Lakota Chief, chose to memorialize Crazy Horse, who symbolized the Lakota’s spirit, pride and courage. When finished, this mountain carving, done in the round, will stand 563-feet high and 641-feet long. The complex welcomes over 1 million visitors a year. Allow time to explore an Indian Museum, a Native American educational and cultural center and the sculptor’s home and studio. Kids will benefit from pausing at the multimedia presentations and resting their feet at the restaurant.
If you’re planning to stay overnight in this area, consider the beautiful 71,000-acre Custer State Park or Custer itself.
Exploring More of the Black Hills from a Base in Custer
Custer is a fun central base for exploring Mt. Rushmore, bison herds at Custer State Park and boomer-fueled shops and fine dining. This cute Wild West town has been attracting retirees for years. Young entrepreneurs opened local businesses to serve them and… Voila! There is a fun, buzzy atmosphere in Custer that kids will enjoy.
It’s more authentic in some ways than Deadwood and that much closer to the national park and attractions.
Allow at least one day in Custer State Park. Don’ miss the park’s Jeep Safari. The two-hour adventure brings you up close with otherwise shy bison a.k.a. buffalo who may come up and sniff your vehicle. A bonus: Enthusiastic driver-guides take the family off-road for a little spin to get closer to them. This place is packed during the September roundup and November Auction. Hotel room rates soar but it’s the only time to watch buffalo herds being culled to maintain the park’s sustainability as a bison habitat.
Where To Stay and Dine in Custer, South Dakota
While this region is great base for hikes and more exploration, some families will want to stay right inside Custer State Park, about 30-60 minutes south of Custer depending on weather. They rent rooms in four historic stone lodges, several modernized cabins and campgrounds.
If you’re moving south to the Southern Hills of the Black Hills consider the classic stone lodge, the State Game Lodge. We loved the cozy log cabin feel of the main lodge and one- to three-bedroom log cabins. Instagram the buffalo print pillows and retro Western décor your friends will love. WiFi is confined to the lobby of the rustic main lodge. Plan to hang out as President Calvin Coolidge did when it served as the summer White House under President Calvin Coolidge. There’s a large dining room and more remote buildings for events, plus a gift shop and very helpful staff.
For Days 4/5: Custer State Park to Badlands National Park – 55 miles
There are two routes to the Hot Springs region about 20 miles south of Custer State Park. Head 35 miles (1 hr) southeast of the Crazy Horse Memorial via Route US 385. Here you will find the fascinating Mammoth Site, an ongoing dig featuring 26,000-year-old bones of woolly mammoths that lived here. After the half-hour guided tour, you can spend an hour or two exploring on your own. For some relaxation, visit Evan’s Plunge for a soak in the healing waters of natural mineral fed pools.
Alternatively, on the way to Hot Springs, stop at the underground attraction Wind Cave National Park. One of the longest cave systems in the world, the ancient limestone is shaped like a complex subterranean maze. Wind Cave comprises 28,000 acres above ground. This terrain is home to native wildlife such as bison, elk and mule deer. Visitors come for the rare formations of crystals. Learn about the “windy” sound which accounts for its name on one of several cave tours.
Need a family-friendly hotel in the Mount Rushmore area? Go here.
An extraordinary side trip to consider is the stark, barren Badlands National Park. It’s just 80 miles (1 ¼ hours) southeast of Rapid City via Routes I-90, SD 240 and SD 44. The 244,000-acre park was so-named by 19th century fur traders who referred to it as “bad lands to cross”. Geological formations and the desolate beauty fascinate visitors. Select from eight hiking trails ranging from a quarter-mile to 10-miles long. It’s great to be out of the car. Watch for native prairie grasses, wildflowers, wildlife and fossils. Younger kids love the striking steep canyons, jagged spires and moon-like landscape out of a “Star Wars” film.
For more suggestions of family-approved attractions of interest, visit BlackHillsTourism.com
A Detour Worth Taking on the Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone Road Trip: Wall Drug
What’s 50 miles east of Rapid City and less than eight miles from the Badlands? Yup, you can’t miss Wall Drug, a vintage road trip attraction that became world famous when they installed billboards pointing the way to their pharmacy back in 1931. The Hustead Family, now four generations strong with the founders’ great granddaughter Sarah waiting tables, has maintained that Dust Bowl-era charm rarely seen these days.
Dorothy and Ted Hustead were quick to realize that providing medicine wasn’t bringing in customers. A more compelling reason to visit was providing “Free Ice Water!” to summer road trippers who were sweltering in their cars. And, with that and coffee for 5¢ (still 5¢) they were off.
The Husteads famously expanded from 4,000 square-feet of pharmacy and beverages to a full 76,000 square-feet of dining. They now feature Western wear and souvenir shopping plus photo opportunities. Pause and play at the games arcade and mechanical T-Rex who roars every 12 minutes. Let off steam at the outdoor area with fun stuff for the kids (like a giant jackalope to climb upon). The restaurants are packed with 320 gallery-worthy Western paintings, including two portraits painted by Gutzon Borglum, sculptor of Mt. Rushmore. If the Badlands made Wall Drug, then Wall Drug certainly made Wall, a must-stop on your road trip. If only for the juicy bison burgers with onion rings.
You literally can’t miss it because there are still tons of signs along Route 16A! The family manages 300 billboards which are constantly refreshed by a staff mural painter.
Days 6/7: Badlands National Park to Buffalo, Wyoming – 259 miles
En route to Yellowstone National Park, you could choose to travel west across Wyoming. (Or, head northwest through Montana by reading below.) To traverse Wyoming, take Routes I-90 and US 14 about 400 miles (7 hrs.) to Cody. As one of the Yellowstone’s gateways, it’s about a one-hour drive from the eastern entrance.
While here, you can have an authentic “cowboy” adventure. Drop into both the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Buffalo Bill State Park. Make it more authentic with a stay on a dude ranch for a few days of riding and rodeos.
We especially recommend the Paradise Guest Ranch, located 6 miles west of Buffalo, Wyoming. It makes a great mid-way, overnight point between Rapid City and Cody. Ranch rates include luxury log cabins with private baths and fireplaces and three family-style meals a day. Activities range from fly fishing to riding, square dancing, spa and pool, an overnight teen pack trip and sing-along bonfires. Contact the Dude Ranchers Association for listings of other ranches in the region. (Tip: Be sure to ask the minimum age at which kids can ride.) Families interested in staying in town will like the indoor and outdoor pools at the Best Western Sunset Motor Inn, just a few blocks from the Buffalo Bill center.
Alternative for Days 6/7: Badlands National Park to Billings, Montana – 370 miles on your Mt. Rushmore to Yellowstone Trip
Alternatively, travel on Route I 90 375 miles (5 ½ hours) to Billings, Montana, through the Crow Indian Reservation. Tour the Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument, the site of General Custer’s famous Last Stand. It was his “last” stand because his troops were crushed by Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho warriors.
In addition to a museum and memorial, guided tours focusing on military history are offered by Native Americans and Park Rangers. Unless someone in your group is a military history buff, a self-guided tour is more appropriate for families. You’ll want to spend the night in Billings; for lodging selections visit www.visitmt.com.
Day 8: Little Big Horn, MT to Yellowstone National Park – 130 miles
From Montana’s Little Big Horn, drive approximately 130 miles (2 ½ hours) to “Old Faithful.” To see the famous geyser, enter Yellowstone National Park from its north, northeast or east entrances. Please note that the north entrance at Gardiner is the only one open to cars all year. During the winter months, only snow vehicles such as snowcoaches and snowmobiles can use the west, south and east entrances.
This vast natural treasure encompasses two million acres and entrances visitors from all over the world. Your exploration of nature will include viewing steaming geysers, hot springs and other geological wonders. Hike slowly and quietly to spot a variety of intriguing wildlife. Or, book ahead for horseback riding and snow-shoeing. The park is divided into the following five regions:
- Mammoth Country, North Western Region: Site of the Mammoth Hot Springs and home to elk and bison.
- Geyser Country, South Western Region: Home to Old Faithful and other geothermal features such as fumaroles, mud pots and hotpools.
- Lake Country, South Eastern Region: Find osprey and bald eagles around the cold, blue Yellowstone Lake located at an altitude of 7,735 feet.
- Roosevelt Country, North Eastern Region: An area covered in sagebrush, spruce, fir, pine, aspen trees and a petrified forest. Inhabited by deer, bison and wolves, it is reminiscent of the Old West.
- Canyon Country, East Central Region: Home to the “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,” the Hidden Valley and Lower Falls are twice as high as Niagara Falls. Elk, bison and deer roam this area.
Tours And Overnight Programs Enrich A Yellowstone Road Trip
Several sightseeing excursions within Yellowstone are available. For great family programs, surf to the Yellowstone Association for information on year-round Lodging and Learning programs.
Visit Travel Yellowstone for day tour information. Highlights of your Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip may well be a Yellowstone giuded tour. “The Circle of Fire” tour explores the caldera rim including the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins. “Yellowstone in a Day” introduces you to Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful. The “Yellowstone Lake Butte Scenic Tour” and several other tours operate during the summer. In winter you can explore the park on snow via snowcoach, cross-country skis, snowshoes and snowmobiles.
Special programs and activities for children include the Junior Ranger program. It’s free, right at the park, and offers visitors from age 5 a chance to complete a series of activities. Share answers with a park ranger to receive an official Junior Ranger badge or patch and Junior Ranger certificate. Have a STEAM day with The Young Scientist Program for ages 5+. Kids solve science mysteries to earn a Yellowstone patch or key chain.
Comfortable Lodging & Hotels to Make Your Yellowstone Road Trip Perfect
Several rustic but comfortable lodges are nearby. Review the Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins, The Lake Lodge Cabins and The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel on the parade grounds of the old Fort Yellowstone. The Old Faithful Inn offers accommodations with private baths, restaurants, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, and sightseeing tours. A popular new hotel built in the traditional park-lodge style (with heavy timbers and a cedar shingle roof) is the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Cabins, just a five-minute walk from the geysers.
Stay within the magical park’s boundaries if you can afford to. If you can’t afford to be in the park, several adjacent towns like Livingston and West Yellowstone have quality lodging. Additionally, area ski towns such as Big Sky and Red Lodge double as excellent summer vacation home rental options. Mountain resorts put you in pretty places, within an hour or so drive of a park entrance. These towns provide many amenities as well.
Road Trip Day 9: Yellowstone National Park to Jackson, Wyoming – 122 miles
Grand Teton National Park, only 7 miles south of Yellowston via Routes 89/191, is known for its abundant wildlife and dramatic scenery. The jagged mountain range rises more than 12,000-feet above sea level like the setting of a wildlife play. The high-altitude habitat creates many family wilderness opportunities. See a trumpeter swan. Visit the National Elk Refuge and hike to a mountain lake or waterfall. Chill out and go fish or raft down the Snake River.
For lodging suggestions, visit the Grand Teton Lodge Company. We suggest Colter Bay Village which offers a choice of well-priced rustic log cabins and tent cabins. It’s really popular with families. Other options include the Jackson Lake Lodge, a full-service resort. Or, splurge on one of the 37 cabins situated in a pine forest at the deluxe, historic Jenny Lake Lodge.
If you prefer a bit more civilization (galleries, shops, fine restaurants), consider staying at one of Jackson, Wyoming’s many hotels or fancy resorts. Commute easily to Grand Teton (within an hour’s drive on Routes 89/191) for day adventures.
We recommend both the luxurious, wilderness Spring Creek Ranch and the Snow King Resort. Check out the value condominiums surrounded by Bridger Teton National Forest (a popular ski area in winter, and a great hiking spot in summer.)
A fun option to add to the memory bank is the funky, wild west-themed, motel like Cowboy Village Resort in town.
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For summer vacation St John in USVI is an excellent place to visit. St. John is a true gem in the Caribbean with crystal clear waters, lush green mountains and gorgeous white sand beaches. Though it is the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John’s unspoiled beauty is perhaps the greatest found anywhere in the Caribbean. Sixty percent of the island is national park land, creating the illusion that you are as far from civilization as possible. However, fine shopping such as upscale jewelry stores and boutiques are just a short distance away. Boating is also a popular activity for visitors of the islands. Rent a boat and island hop to neighboring islands and cays or enjoy a day of snorkeling, swimming, picnicking and relaxing aboard one of many day sail charter boats.
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I would suggest a car seat cover it helped me and my wife a lot from our last trip to Hawaii with my baby daughter here it is
Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Hawksnest Bay, and through the termites’ nests of Virgin Islands National Park. These are some beautiful places which are really attracts travelers to visit the islands.
Yes! Go to the Dominican Republic at least one time in your life.
Travel Forum are always helpful
Hello Clary, we are not attorneys but we do not see a need to have a power of attorney over your cousin for your trip. A permission to travel letter from the guardians, as well as a medical authorization letter — in case your cousin needs medical treatment — should be fine for your trip. This letter should come from the guardians, not you, so they should do it now rather than wait till your arrival to finish the paperwork. When they fill it out does not matter, since the letter will have the travel dates that your cousin will be with you. Have a safe trip and enjoy!
Hello
I’m traveling with my cousin who is a minor to South Korea in July 2018 its less than 20 days away along with the travel to consent letter should I get a temporary power of attorney. Also should I set a specific time frame to do these things or can I do it the day before we leave. I ask because I have to travel to where she lives and we are flying out of her city two days after I get there.
Its a lovely place. My experience was very excellent. I enjoyed such an amazing camel ride. Staff was well-trained & well-dressed up. Very helpfull staff ,I am very impressed. I suggest to all to go there & have some fun.
Royal Desert Camp is one of the best tent camps in Sam, Jaisalmer. We had visited on 31st Dec and stayed here for the night. There was an extra charge for the Gala Dinner, but it was worth the money spent. We were 3 girls on a road trip and it was a safe and good place to be at.
Being in the city of Royal Tents in Jaisalmer of moving sand ridges, you can’t get away from the seat travel. A rough ride on a camel in the Thar Desert is one of the energizing things to do in Jaisalmer Royal Camps. It enables you to investigate the remote and segregated spots tucked amidst the abandon. Absolutely, the additional time you give on your safari, the more remote spots you are probably going to see and the more you may acclimate to and appreciate the abandon serenity.
Jaisalmer luxury camp in Sam Sand Dunes is an unquestionable requirement visit in the province of Rajasthan in the environs of the city of Jaisalmer. It is likely that you are going for a Desert Safari when wanting to visit Thar Desert or the consequences will be severe, the purpose of going there is pointless, making the Sam Sand Dunes an expanding significant vacation spot of the city.
Visit Us : http://www.desertdreamroyalcamp.com/rooms.php
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There is a reason why Iceland is a favourite travel destination. It’s natural beauty of mountains, volcanoes, and bodies of water make this country seem surreal … https://www.merrchant.com/daily/2/travel-blogs/
Indeed Caribbean islands are popular with families in the summer because of less rates than in winter, and the beaches and cultural attractions are just as appealing.
If you are interested in visiting Cusco, getting in touch with its people, volunteering in our Nutrition and education projects, then visit http://www.takemeinyourheart.org
My wife and I (US citizens) want to to take my 16 year old niece (who is a FIlipino citizen) to Korea for a graduation gift. We plan to pick her up in Philippines and fly together to Korea. We have all parental permissions and have proof of ability to support her trip. Is it possible for my niece to obtain the visa? A travel agent in the Philippines is telling us no.
What a wonderful graduation present! We cannot speak on behalf of the government of Korea, as they determine their visa policy for citizens of all countries who want to visit. What we suggest is that you contact the Korea Embassy in the US – 202-939-5600 – as you are U.S.citizens, and ask them for their advice.
Regardless of the visas, it is important that when you travel with your minor niece you have the Permission Letters, so that is a great first step.
Have a safe trip, please let us know if we can be of help.
I want to know how much cost the whole trip can be required to visit this destination. I would like to specific answer on thanks in advance.
The Montcalm Club is a reward program offering free membership for all 5-star MontCalm hotels in London. Each of The MontCalm Luxury Hotels is uniquely and elegantly designed to enhance your stay whether you are in London for business, shopping, theatre or sight-seeing. We extend a diverse range of benefits for our valued guests. Become a member by registering online or at reception at any of MontCalm properties and earn 100 points straightaway & 10 points on every pound you spend on your room booking at any of our hotels. Collect the requisite points and redeem them for a free night stay at the Mont Calm Hotels in London. So, what you are waiting for? Join, Earn & Redeem at the montcalmclub. This time montcalmclub offering the loyalty rewarding in that people can save up to 15% on membership.
This is such a piece of paradise.
Love the pictures, outstanding post! You absolutely re-fueled my wish to visit Morocco. It’s been on my bucket incline for fairly some time. Sounds like you had a blast!
Indeed! Agra is one of the most beautiful places in India to visit. Taj Mahal is one of my favourites. Seeing Agra Fort in Person is quite mesmerizing too. Thank for the trip planning details. I will bookmark this for my future India travels.
A very nice information about Agra and its related places. People usually think a lot about making their trip well-organised. This will gonna help them.
Hurricanes strike without intimation, we need to take some preventive measures to reduce the impact of hurricanes. The information given here is really useful. I would like to add some of the tips that help to survive a hurricane like, create a plan for the family, secure your home with hurricane resistant products, always have a survival kit with you. Take some helpful hints from the professionals and secure your home and make sure you have an escape route ready with you.
Of course! Christmas is a magical time for children – and equally unusual for moms and dads who love nothing more than to see their little ones’ faces smiley with festive joy.
There are so many countries and their cities where people can enjoy these festivals, but I think London is the most popular place to enjoy the lightning of the festivals like Christmas.
Christmas is magical especially for kids. We were lucky enough to take our kids to Lapland when they were younger. Meeting the real Santa and his elves was wonderful.
Great article with good information
thanks for it
If anyone is looking for anything else to do in London, there is a Christmas market in Hyde Park that lasts through New Years. There are several other seasonal events that you can enjoy.
https://londonconnection.com/upcoming-events-london/
Great products!
Volunteer vacations, or voluntourism, is one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry. By taking a volunteer vacation, you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people. One of my friends is a working as a volunteer for voyage humanitaire, these trips offer a great charity experience, Where you can offer your support to the needful people.
Nothing is more beautiful than Europe. Would definitely travel to Europe one day.
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand is known for its vibrant street life and ornate shrines. It is a city which is exquisitely decorated with Buddhist temples all around along with various natural beauties. The city of Bangkok welcomes more visitors than any other city in the world and is known as a hot and chaotic city.
How did Halloween get to be so big? The most fun we ever had was at the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, but I see now that in the US, it’s gone to a whole new level of madness.
A road trip through New England is beautiful at any time of year, but when the leaves begin to turn (anywhere from early September to late October) it can be spectacular.
The common wisdom is that the leaves get their signal to change color when night time temperatures drop below 40 F degrees. The farther north you go towards Canada, and the higher the elevation, the sooner this occurs. By mid-September you may see a whole range of colors in northern Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
In New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, those colors could reach their peak around early October. In Manhattan, New York City where my family lives, we always count on Columbus Day as being the height of leaf color around us, but a big storm or early frost can change all that.
The safest bet is to ask the source — tourism offices in the states you are interested in — as they monitor the climate and moisture in the leaves very closely. Here is a round up of resources for leaf peepers:
Leaf Peekers Guide Americas Fall Foliage
What a great list this is — I just got back from Norway and have to say that the Raumer railway, from Alesund up to Bergen, is another gorgeous ride. The Norway fjords are very beautiful.
I never knew South Dakota was an ice-cream hotspot, sounds like a great place for foodie familes. The local dishes–I need to try chislic–are making my mouth-water. Thanks for such an informative peice on a part of the country I know so little about.
We’ve just heard the good news that Finnair is increasing airlift to five airports in Lapland for the winter 2017-2018 season. Between Jan 1- March 24, 2018, Finnair will add four weekly frequencies to Rovaniemi, three to Kuusamo, and extra flights between Helsinki and Ivalo and Helsinki and Kittilä.
During the winter 2017-2018 season, Finnair will also operate new non-stop flights to Lapland airports from London Gatwick, Paris and Zurich.
we love this idea, to add actual storybooks to the amazing storytelling that goes on at Disneyland. Imagine you can follow up on the excitement of a thrill ride with the moral tale that influenced it, how much more meaningful that would become for our kids. thanks for sharing it!
My 16 yr old is planning to go to Costa Rica with an 18yr old and a 19 yr old. What papers do I need to fill out and have him bring?
Submitted by D.A. to moderator
This article explains the forms that we recommend and why they are needed for the 16-year-old: https://myfamilytravels.com/content/14513-permission-travel-letters-and-why-you-need-them
There is a field within the article where you can input your email address to request that blank forms are sent to you. Please check your Inbox and spam filter for a confirmation email that will ‘confirm’ your request, and once you have clicked on it, you should get a second email with the forms themselves.
My family has been in the wholesale end of the souvenir supply business dating back to 1952 when my Grandfather came out of retirement at age 51 and bought a local wholesale jobber distributor that sold some small wooden novelties made in the Ozarks.
Along with my father’s youth, energy and drive they built a small regional business into a national Importer/Distributor with regional warehouses serving the souvenir needs of Tourist attractions throughout the US. It’s an interesting story and one that started with cheap trinkets Made in Japan that transformed Asia into the powerful Manufacturing Revolution that feeds thousands of Big box Retailers today.
One of our oldest and most popular local attractions here in the midwest that is still operating under the original Family is Meramec Caverns. The attraction has been largely shut down early this spring due to some troubling environmental problems which I believe developed after a regional Flood of the Meramec washed out the visitor center. I believe its set to reopen soon. This is the type of “Attraction” that has kept families on the road and vintage souvenirs making a comeback.
Fairway Mfg. Company
Mark Sobelman, President
2424 Schuetz Rd.
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Thanks for the feedback, that travel stroller you got looks like a great solution with 2 kids, but it’s pricey! Let us know how you like using it on your trip.
Congratulations!
Traveler Carla K asks:
My eleven year old son will be traveling with his grandmother to Vietnam and Cambodia. They will have a plane change in Korea (which will be a port of entry, so I assume they will go through immigration and customs here as well).
This is my question: Do I need to sign and notarize three separate forms (one per country)?
Our answer:
We are not attorneys but we recommend that you have several copies of the same form, and that the form include the travel information about the whole itinerary. In terms of changing planes, there may not be a need to go through Immigration in Korea. However, if you have an original form that mentions all the flights/countries within a broad range of travel dates, and have photocopies that grandparents can leave behind if requested by an Immigration official, they should be fine.
We wish your son and his grandmother a safe and fun trip — it certainly sounds like a fascinating journey to us.Thank you and please get in touch with other questions.
The CPB has some useful advice on this topic on their web page: http://ow.ly/Q2WEY
Well the 1st of June started out soggy. I, along with most all the captains had to cancel due to the fact that it rained and lightened most of the day. The rest of the week was beautiful. None of my clients this week wanted to Tarpon fish, so I stayed inshore most of the week, but the reports I’m getting are still saying that the tarpon bite is remaining strong at Bean Point and along the beach. All my clients this week wanted to stay inshore to take home some fish for the dinner table. The bite this week was slow in the morning but picked up at the tale end of the high tide and was good through the outgoing tide. Most days we were able to catch 20 or so trout with about half being in the keeper range. The big trout of the week was 23″ with most of the trout being caught in 3′-4′ of water on small grass patches. The Redfish bite has been slow but we are managing to catch a couple each trip during the higher water along the mangroves. The Snook bite has been good as long as the tide is moving. Most trips we were able to catch around 15-20 with most being in the 25″ range. If you are looking to book at fishing charter or fishing trip and are near Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Pete, or Tampa areas book with Anna Maria Inshore Fishing, LCC call Fishing Guide Capt. Kyle (941) 345-7182 http://www.annamariainshorefishing.com or check out my brother Fishing Guide Capt. Ryan (941) 812-7435 http://www.bradentoninshorefishing.com
I just wanted to inquire how much a cruise is how long it is what the fees and baggage charges etc are there accommodation for children that are autistic _ is there a discount for people that are Disneyland annual pass holders
By Deb L, moved by Forums moderator
Disney cruises are really fun, and their staff is so well trained to work with all kids, that I think you will find them able to include a child with autism in the regular children’s programming. (Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line I know — see story — that has specific accommodations and loaner toy kits, for example, for guests on the spectrum.)
DCL Cruises run 4 to 7 days typically, pricing varies because some have theme park tickets bundled in, some leave from Florida, others from California and a ship will be in Europe this summer.
You can find out more about Disney Cruise Lines at their site: vhttp://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ – that would be the place to inquire if pass holders get any type of discount. One good cruise travel specialist we know is Magic For Less — http://www.themagicforless.com/ – and they can help you sort through the many choices.
Have a great trip, we don’t think you’ll go wrong!
From a quirky retail store, to a nature park with over 380 live animals, the Shell Factory is “must see” for families visiting The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Southwest Florida. Located in Fort Myers, this iconic, offbeat roadside attraction offers a variety of activities, souvenirs and experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
You can shop for Christmas decorations in the Christmas store (which is open year-round!), try out a hurricane simulator, watch hermit crab races, stroll through aisles filled with taxidermy, indulge in homemade fudge, channel your inner pirate in the Pirate room and more.
Thanks to Julianna Bryan for her fun suggestion.
Hello, my name is Joshua. You have a great site. I have a few questions that has branched off from reading your article by Kyle McCarthy about the road trip from Jacksonville Florida to Key West using A1A and also Route 1. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am in the navy and live in Jacksonville. I recently decided that I am going to take a long (month or longer) backpacking trip from Jacksonville to Miami (or Key west if I can make it). I am having trouble decideing which route to take A1A or Route 1. It seems as if you took both on your road trip. Maybe you can suggest which I take. If you can make any suggestions maybe you could consider I will be backpacking and looking for a decent sized shoulder on the side to walk on. I would like easier access to motels and food. I also wonder if I could plop a tent down anywhere in my travels? Also, I picture myself stopping for a cold beer here and there along my travels somewhere that a dirty backpacker would be welcomed. The problem is I am currently on deployment overseas so my research is limited and I am not very familiar with Florida at all yet. Any help for my backpacking trip would be greatly appreciated so I can start to plan it as much as I can at sea for now. The descriptions of your trip are very well detailed, I am just not sure which route to concentrate on or would be easier, more scenic and fun for a backpacker. I will continue to read your site as I love to travel and you have very detailed and relevant information. Thanks so much.
ubud would be super for a mother-daughter getaway. The Yoga Barn is terrific: it cascades down a hillside, first with welcome bungalow, then a really good restaurant, then a yoga building (photo below), then gardens and what I think are either cottages for accom or treatment rooms. And meanwhile you’re in ubud!
Some people stay at the yoga barn but it’s pretty expensive by ubud standards. I had a beautiful guest house– traditional compound with statuary and pool and ornate platforms — for $25 cDN and I left it for a better one. Plus today I went to beautiful spa, garden setting, 5 mins from yoga barn, and had massage , papaya scrub, and soak in a flower-filled tub — $27 cDN , so that’s maybe $20?
< The patio of my guesthouse.
Ubud is so very beautiful, my room is like a private bungalow by a ravine, beautiful greenery, sounds of cicadas and rushing water, and this little temple where the lady of the house does a ceremony every morning.
Ubud also has Balinese dance performances every night ($6), exquisite meals ($5)…
Contributed by user Teresa Plowright.