Chicago area to Denver trip ideas

[Zipline65]

We are going to be heading out to visit friends who live south of Denver. We thought we might take some time for camping on our way out and back. We know all that the northern route has to offer and will take some of it in on one of the legs but are not familiar with a more southerly route. I am thinking southern Illinois through Missouri and on west. Any ideas?
Liz

[bobhenry]

There are several sections of old route 66 still in tact and a lot of neat little tourist points of interest. You might be able to follow a bit of it in your trip.

[DAck]

If you're a baseball fan, The Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa is a fun stop. You can get out on the field and play catch or participate in a pick up game.

[KennethW]

Would the gateway arch and Kansas city ribs be on your path?

[jandmz]

If you find yourself on US34 going west around the Galesburg bypass, and then around Monmouth, for a fun side trip, take IL164 west out of Monmouth to the town of Oquawka, IL, and visit the elephant's graveyard. Back in the '70's the circus came to Oquawka, and set up in a town park. To keep their elephant from wandering, they chained her to a tree. During the night, there was a storm, and the tree and the elephant were struck by lightning. Having only limited resources to deal with an 8000 lb dead elephant, they dug a hole, and buried her on the spot, and now there is a nice memorial to Norma Jean Elephant in the town park. The main street in town ends with a "stop" sign at the river.

Then, just continue south along the river on 164 and pick up US34 to cross the Mississippi River at Burlington IA. US34 is a nice drive across Iowa.

[Zipline65]

Thank you for the good suggestions. We have had to delay our trip for a few months but I like these ideas. Field of Dreams...one of my favorite movies of all time. Kansas City is on my list because of their library. If you haven't seen a picture of it you should. Especially if you are a book lover like me.
Liz