 12 STATES
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ILLINOIS[IL] The Land of Lincoln |
State Capital is Springfield. Admitted to the Union on December 3, 1818 as the 21st state. |
| Visited | Location |
|---|---|
| Pullman National Monument | |
| Cahokia Mounds (1 of only 19 World Heritage Sites in the Lower 48) | |
 - MUST TASTE - Deep-Dish Pizza |
|
| MUST TASTE - Green River Soda | |
| MUST TASTE - Blueberry Breese Soda | |
| MUST TASTE - Popcorn (Official State Snack) | |
 |
Border Crossings - ✅IL2WI - ✅IL2IN - ✅IL2KY - ✅IL2MO - ✅IL2IA |
| W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
 |
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination -
|
 |
LOCATE a geocache - GC2NXFB |
OVERNIGHT in a State Park -
Eldon Hazlet
❌
Midewin National NO CAMPING 🌲
Shawnee Pounds Hollow Pine Ridge Campground $5.00 - 09/2021
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|
| VENTURE OUT on a hike or a bike | |
| ENJOY a nighttime campfire | |
| DINE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
 |
INTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor |
| TAKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
| • CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park | |
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INDIANA[IN] The Hoosier State |
State Capital is Indianapolis. Admitted to the Union on December 11, 1816 as the 19th state. |
| Visited | Location |
|---|---|
| Indiana Dunes National Park | |
| Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial | |
 |
CAVE TOUR - Bluespring Caverns |
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CAVE TOUR - Twin Caves |
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CAVE TOUR - Indiana Caverns |
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CAVE TOUR - Squire Boone Caverns |
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CAVE TOUR - Marengo Cave |
| CAVE TOUR - Wyandotte Cave | |
| - MUST TASTE - Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
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| MUST TASTE - Ski Soda - lemon/orange flavored drink | |
| MUST TASTE - Sugar Cream Pie (Official State Pie) | |
| Border Crossings - ❌IN2MI - ✅IN2OH - ✅IN2KY - ✅IN2IL | |
| W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
|
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination -
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LOCATE a geocache - GC1W0EQ |
ALL NATIONAL FORESTS |
OVERNIGHT in a State Park -
Spring Mill
Buffalo Ridge Loop $23.00 - 09/2021
---and the National Forest - 🌲
Hoosier Indian Celina South Slope Loop
Tipsaw Lake Jackpine Loop
|
| VENTURE OUT on a hike or a bike | |
| ENJOY a nighttime campfire | |
| DINE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
|
INTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor |
| TAKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
|
IOWA[IA] The Hawkeye State |
State Capital is Des Moines. Admitted to the Union on December 28, 1846 as the 29th state. |
| Visited | Location |
|---|---|
 |
Effigy Mounds National Monument - (2021) |
|
CAVE TOUR - Spook Cave |
|
CAVE TOUR - Crystal Lake Cave |
| - MUST TASTE - Sweet Corn |
|
| MUST TASTE - S'mores (Official State Snack) | |
| Border Crossings - ✅IA2MN - ✅IA2WI - ✅IA2IL - ❌IA2MO - ✅IA2NE - ✅IA2SD | |
| W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
|
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination -
|
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LOCATE a geocache - GC66903 |
| OVERNIGHT in a State Park - NO NATIONAL FORESTS | |
 |
VENTURE OUT on a hike |
| ENJOY a nighttime campfire | |
| DINE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
| INTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor | |
| TAKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
| • CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park | |
 |
• OVERNIGHT in a Walmart Parking Lot -
Walmart Supercenter Store #1361 Sioux City, IA 51106 (712) 252-0210 |
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KANSAS[KS] The Sunflower State |
State Capital is Topeka. Admitted to the Union on January 29, 1861 as the 34th state. |
| Visited | Location |
|---|---|
|
Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark - (2021) - |
| Hike the overlook trails in Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park | |
| Tour the underground [Cold War Era] Atlas F Missile Silo outside of Wilson, KS | |
| - MUST TASTE - Barbecue Ribs |
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| MUST TASTE - Cinnamon Rolls | |
| Border Crossings - ✅KS2NE - ❌KS2MO - ✅KS2OK - ✅KS2CO | |
| W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
|
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination -
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LOCATE a geocache - GC99F0P |
THE |
OVERNIGHT in a State Park
Lake View Campground
Cottonwood Campground
Glen Elder Cheyenne Campground
Bluffton Area Campground Wagon Rut Loop $21.00 - 04/2022
Wilson Hell Creek Area Grama Loop $19.00 - 04/2022
---and the National Grassland - 🌲
Cimarron Cimarron $3.50 - 04/2022
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|
VENTURE OUT on a hike |
| ENJOY a nighttime campfire | |
| DINE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
|
INTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor |
| TAKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
 |
• CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park -
Mill Creek $10.00 - 05/2022
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|
• OVERNIGHT in a Walmart Parking Lot -
Walmart Supercenter Store #799 Liberal, KS 67901 (620) 624-0106 |
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MICHIGAN[MI] The Great Lakes State |
State Capital is Lansing. Admitted to the Union on January 26, 1837 as the 26th state. |
| Visited | Location |
|---|---|
| Isle Royale National Park | |
| Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | |
| Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore | |
| Automotive Heritage Trail [All American Road] | |
| Ride upon the Quincy and Torch Lake Cog Railway | |
| - MUST TASTE - Pasty |
|
| MUST TASTE - Boston Cooler (vanilla ice cream and Vernors) | |
| MUST TASTE - Vernors | |
| MUST TASTE - Faygo | |
| MUST TASTE - Coney Dog | |
| Border Crossings - ❌MI2WI - ❌MI2IN - ❌MI2OH | |
| W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
| E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination | |
| LOCATE a geocache | |
| OVERNIGHT in a State Park and the 4 National Forests -
❌
Hiawatha ❌
Huron ❌
Manistee ❌
Ottawa |
|
| VENTURE OUT on a hike | |
| ENJOY a nighttime campfire | |
| DINE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
| INTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor | |
| TAKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
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MINNESOTA[MN] Land of 10,000 Lakes |
State Capital is Saint Paul. Admitted to the Union on May 11, 1858 as the 32nd state. |
| Visited | Location |
|---|---|
| Voyageurs National Park | |
|
Pipestone National Monument - (2021) |
| Grand Portage National Monument | |
| North Shore Scenic Drive [All American Road] | |
| Northernmost Point of the Continental United States (Angle Inlet) | |
|
CAVE TOUR - Mystery Cave |
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CAVE TOUR - Niagara Cave |
| - MUST TASTE - Hot Dish |
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| MUST TASTE - The "Original" Jucy Lucy Burger at Matt's Bar in Minneapolis | |
| MUST TASTE - A Morel Mushroom | |
| MUST TASTE - Spring Grove Soda (since 1895) - RhuBerry & Black Cherry | |
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Border Crossings - ✅MN2WI - ✅MN2IA - ✅MN2SD - ✅MN2ND |
| W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
|
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination -
|
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LOCATE a geocache - GC3NZ53 |
| OVERNIGHT in a State Park -
Blue Mounds
Sibley State Park Lakeview Campground $35.00 - 07/2021
Forestville/Mystery Cave
❌
Chippewa ❌
Superior |
|
|
VENTURE OUT on a hike |
| ENJOY a nighttime campfire | |
| DINE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
|
INTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor |
| TAKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
| • CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park | |
|
MISSOURI[MO] The Show Me State |
State Capital is Jefferson City. Admitted to the Union on August 10, 1821 as the 24th state. |
| Visited | Location |
|---|---|
|
Gateway Arch National Park - (2019) |
| George Washington Carver National Monument | |
|
Ozark National Scenic Riverways (2021) -
Alley Spring
|
| Visit Ha Ha Tonka State Park | |
 |
Visit Elephant Rocks State Park |
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CAVE TOUR - Meramec Caverns |
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CAVE TOUR - Onondaga Cave |
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CAVE TOUR - Cathedral Cave |
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CAVE TOUR - Jacob's Cave |
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CAVE TOUR - Stark Caverns |
| CAVE TOUR - Bridal Cave | |
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CAVE TOUR - Fantastic Caverns |
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CAVE TOUR - Talking Rocks Cavern |
| CAVE TOUR - Marvel Cave | |
| CAVE TOUR - Bluff Dwellers Cave | |
| - MUST TASTE - Toasted Ravioli |
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| MUST TASTE - Sun Drop Soda | |
| MUST TASTE - Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis | |
| MUST TASTE - Ice Cream Cone (Official State Desert) | |
| Border Crossings - ❌MO2IA-✅MO2IL-✅MO2KY-❌MO2TN-✅MO2AR-❌MO2OK-❌MO2KS-❌MO2NE | |
| W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
|
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination -
|
|
LOCATE a geocache - GC35HVD |
THE NATIONAL FOREST |
OVERNIGHT in a State Park -
Meramec
Lake of the Ozarks
---and the National Forest - 🌲
Mark Twain Silver Mines Rec Area Riverside Campground $15.00 - 09/2021
|
|
VENTURE OUT on a hike or a bike |
| ENJOY a nighttime campfire | |
| DINE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
|
INTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor |
| TAKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
|
• CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park -
Mill Creek $10.50 - 10/2019
Old Highway 86 $10.50 - 10/2021
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NEBRASKA[NE] The Cornhusker State |
State Capital is Lincoln. Admitted to the Union on March 1, 1867 as the 37th state. |
| Visited | Location |
|---|---|
| Agate Fossil Beds National Monument | |
| Scotts Bluff National Monument | |
| Chimney Rock National Historic Site | |
|
Homestead National Historical Park - (2021) |
| - MUST TASTE - Tin Roof Sundae in Potter, NE |
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| MUST TASTE - Butter Brickle Ice Cream | |
| MUST TASTE - Omaha Steaks | |
| MUST TASTE - Rueben Sandwich | |
| MUST TASTE - Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing | |
| MUST TASTE - Kool-Aid while visiting Hastings, NE | |
| MUST TASTE - Anything with Corn | |
| MUST TASTE - A Runza Sandwich | |
| Border Crossings - ✅NE2SD-✅NE2IA-❌NE2MO-✅NE2KS-❌NE2CO-❌NE2WY | |
| W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
|
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination -
|
|
LOCATE a geocache - GC4BJVT |
| OVERNIGHT in a State Park -
Eugene T. Mahoney Lakeside Campground
❌
Nebraska ❌
Oglala ❌
Samuel R. McKelvie |
|
|
VENTURE OUT on a hike |
| ENJOY a nighttime campfire | |
| DINE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
|
INTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor |
| TAKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
|
• CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park -
Nebraska Tailwaters $8.00 - 05/2021
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NORTH DAKOTA[ND] The Peace Garden State |
State Capital is Bismarck. Admitted to the Union on November 2, 1889 as the 39th state. |
| Visited | Location |
|---|---|
| Theodore Roosevelt National Park | |
| The Geographical Center of North America in Rugby, ND | |
| - MUST TASTE - Knoephla Soup |
|
| MUST TASTE - Dot's Homestyle Pretzels | |
| MUST TASTE - Chokecherry Jelly (Official State Fruit) | |
| MUST TASTE - Fleischkuekle | |
| MUST TASTE - Cheese Buttons/Kase Knepfla | |
| MUST TASTE - Hot Beef Sandwich | |
| MUST TASTE - Hotdish Casserole | |
| MUST TASTE - Cactus Bread from Pizza Ranch | |
| Border Crossings - ✅ND2MN - ✅ND2SD - ❌ND2MT | |
| W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
|
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination -
|
|
LOCATE a geocache - GC79176 |
OVERNIGHT in a State Park -
Fort Abraham Lincoln
Cross Ranch
Fort Ransom State Park Westside Campground
❌
Cedar River ❌
Little Missouri 🌲
Sheyenne Jorgen's Hollow $5.00 - 07/2021
Hankinson Hills $5.00 - 07/2021
|
|
|
VENTURE OUT on a hike |
| ENJOY a nighttime campfire | |
| DINE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
|
INTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor |
| TAKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
| • CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park | |
|
• OVERNIGHT in a Walmart Parking Lot -
Walmart Supercenter Store #4352 Fargo, ND 58104 (701) 526-1167 |
|
OHIO[OH] The Buckeye State |
State Capital is Columbus. Admitted to the Union on March 1, 1803 as the 17th state. |
| Visited | Location |
|---|---|
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | |
| Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument | |
| Perry's Victory and International Peace National Memorial | |
| Tour the Airstream Factory in Jackson Center, OH (2019) | |
| Attend the Alumapalooza Rally in Jackson Center, OH (2021) | |
|
CAVE TOUR - Ohio Caverns |
| CAVE TOUR - Seneca Caverns | |
| MUST TASTE - Tomatoes (Official State Fruit) | |
| - MUST TASTE - Cincinnati Chili at a Skyline Chili Restaurant |
|
| Border Crossings - ❌OH2MI - ✅OH2PA - ✅OH2WV - ✅OH2KY - ✅OH2IN | |
| W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
|
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination -
|
|
LOCATE a geocache - GC7DJAP |
| OVERNIGHT in a State Park -
Barkcamp
Buck Creek
❌
Wayne |
|
| VENTURE OUT on a hike or a bike | |
| ENJOY a nighttime campfire | |
| DINE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
|
INTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor |
| TAKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
| • CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park | |
| SOUTH DAKOTA[SD] Mount Rushmore State |
State Capital is Pierre. Admitted to the Union on November 2, 1889 as the 40th state. |
| Visited | Location |
|---|---|
| Wind Cave National Park | |
| Badlands National Park | |
| Jewel Cave National Monument | |
| Mount Rushmore National Memorial | |
| Crazy Horse Memorial | |
| Visit the town of Deadwood | |
| Visit "The World's Only Corn Palace" in Mitchell, SD | |
| CAVE TOUR - Wind Cave National Park | |
| CAVE TOUR - Jewel Cave National Monument | |
| CAVE TOUR - Rushmore Cave | |
| CAVE TOUR - Black Hills Caverns | |
| - MUST TASTE - Lefse |
|
| MUST TASTE - Kolaches | |
| MUST TASTE - Wojapi | |
| MUST TASTE - Chislic | |
| MUST TASTE - Pheasant | |
| MUST TASTE - Kuchen (Official State Desert) | |
| MUST TASTE - Walleye | |
| Border Crossings - ✅SD2ND-✅SD2MN-✅SD2IA-✅SD2NE-❌SD2WY-❌SD2MT | |
| W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
|
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination -
|
|
LOCATE a geocache - GC7281G |
| OVERNIGHT in a State Park -
Newton Hills
Indian Creek
❌
Black Hills ❌
Buffalo Gap 🌲
Fort Pierre Richland Dam
❌
Grand River |
|
|
VENTURE OUT on a hike |
| ENJOY a nighttime campfire | |
| DINE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
|
INTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor |
| TAKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
|
• CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park -
Left Tailrace $9.00 - 06/2021
|
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WISCONSIN[WI] The Badger State |
State Capital is Madison. Admitted to the Union on May 29, 1848 as the 30th state. |
| Visited | Location |
|---|---|
| Apostle Islands National Lakeshore | |
 |
Visit the Natural Bridge State Park |
|
CAVE TOUR - Crystal Cave |
|
CAVE TOUR - Cave of the Mounds |
| - MUST TASTE - Fried Cheese Curds |
|
| MUST TASTE - Bratwurst | |
| MUST TASTE - Broasted Chicken | |
| MUST TASTE - Kringle while in Racine, WI | |
| Border Crossings - ❌WI2MI - ✅WI2IL - ✅WI2IA - ✅WI2MN | |
| W ASTE away a day just relaxing | |
|
E XPLORE an Atlas Obscura destination -
|
|
LOCATE a geocache - GC8DHG9 |
OVERNIGHT in a State Park (NRS) -
Quartzite Campground $40.00 - 08/2021
Blue Mound
---and the 2 National Forests - ❌
Chequamegon ❌
Nicolet |
|
|
VENTURE OUT on a hike |
| ENJOY a nighttime campfire | |
| DINE OUTDOORS - enjoy a meal outdoors | |
|
INTRODUCE ourselves to a campground neighbor |
| TAKE TIME to enjoy a sunrise/sunset/moonrise | |
|
• CAMP in an Army Corps of Engineers Park -
Highland Ridge $12.00 - 07/2021
Blackhawk Park $13.00 - 08/2021
|
(NRS) = $5 per night Non-Resident Surcharge as of 2020 - $2 Surcharge for FRI-SAT nights