5-Day Itinerary from Belleville IL to Bettendorf IA to Hartford IA to St Charles IA to Hamburg IA in September 2023

1. Day 1: Bettendorf, Iowa
   Estimated Time: 4 hours (301 miles) from Belleville, IL

   Visit the Family Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and hands-on displays for children and families. Take a stroll along the Mississippi Riverwalk, which offers scenic views of the river, and stop by the Figge Art Museum to see its impressive collection of American and European art. End the day at the Quad City Botanical Center, which features a variety of gardens and greenhouses to explore.

2. Day 2: Hartford, Iowa
   Estimated Time: 2.5 hours (144 miles) from Bettendorf, IA

   Start the day off by visiting the Iowa State Fairgrounds, which hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. Next, head to Living History Farms, which offers visitors a chance to explore Iowa's agricultural history through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. End the day with a visit to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, which features a stunning collection of plants and flowers from around the world.

3. Day 3: St. Charles, Iowa
   Estimated Time: 2 hours (108 miles) from Hartford, IA

   Start the day off with a visit to the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge, which offers hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Next, head to Pella, IA, which is known for its Dutch heritage and architecture. Take a stroll through the town's charming downtown area, which features a variety of shops and restaurants. End the day at the Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, which offers gaming and entertainment options.

4. Day 4: Hamburg, Iowa
   Estimated Time: 2.5 hours (142 miles) from St. Charles, IA

   Start the day off with a visit to the Waubonsie State Park, which offers hiking trails and scenic views of the Missouri River Valley. Next, head to the Lewis and Clark State Park, which offers camping facilities and opportunities for fishing and boating. End the day by visiting the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Arboretum, which features a variety of gardens, walking paths, and historic buildings.

5. Day 5: Belleville, Illinois
   Estimated Time: 3.5 hours (243 miles) from Hamburg, IA

   Start the day off with a visit to the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, which features the remains of an ancient Native American city. Next, head to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, which offers panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River. End the day by exploring the St. Louis Zoo, which features a variety of animals from around the world.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Family Museum (2 hours, $25)
• Figge Art Museum (1.5 hours, $10)
• Quad City Botanical Center (1.5 hours, $10)
• Iowa State Fairgrounds (2 hours, $10 parking fee)
• Living History Farms (2 hours, $16)
• Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (1.5 hours, $10)
• Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge (2 hours, free)
• Pella, IA (1.5 hours, cost varies depending on activity)
• Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino (2 hours, cost varies depending on activity)
• Waubonsie State Park (2 hours, free)
• Lewis and Clark State Park (2 hours, free)
• Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Arboretum (2 hours, $8 entry fee)
• Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (2 hours, $7 entry fee)
• Gateway Arch (1.5 hours, $13)
• St. Louis Zoo (2 hours, free with optional paid attractions)
Total Estimated Costs: $99 (excluding optional costs)