Quirky and Unusual 13-Day Road Trip from Kansas City to Confusion Hill and Back (Omitting Omaha)

Day 1: Kansas City to Rapid City

Kansas City, MO to Rapid City, SD on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Succotash

Start your day with creative Southern-inspired breakfast dishes served in a vibrant, quirky environment in Kansas City.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Rapid City, SD

A scenic 9-hour drive northwest crossing Missouri, Nebraska, and into South Dakota. Take breaks to stretch and enjoy quirky roadside stops.
USD0, 9h0m

12:30pm

Lunch en route - Stop at The Lonely Dell Ranch (Kearney, NE)

Enjoy a casual stop with a quirky western ranch vibe and hearty American fare.
USD20, 1h0m

5:00pm

Arrive in Rapid City and check into Hotel Alex Johnson

Historic hotel with vintage charm and quirky original features, perfect for an eccentric stay in town.
USD120, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at The Colonial House

Relish home-style cooking in a historic house setting with a bit of quirky charm.
USD25, 1h0m

Day 2: Explore Rapid City

Rapid City, SD on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Firehouse Brewing Co.

Start your day in a converted historic fire station with great coffee and quirky ambiance.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Carhenge

See the iconic and quirky Stonehenge replica made from vintage cars, located just outside Rapid City. Open from 9am to sunset.
USD0, 1h0m

10:30am

Walk the City of Presidents Sculpture Tour

Explore downtown Rapid City's collection of life-size president statues, each with unusual and whimsical artistic elements.
USD0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tally's Silver Spoon

Dine at a lively bistro featuring eclectic décor and delicious, creative dishes.
USD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Dinosaur Park

Stroll this quirky hilltop park with giant dinosaur sculptures and panoramic views over Rapid City.
USD0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore oddity shops and thrift stores downtown

Browse unique vintage and eclectic collectibles in offbeat local shops.
USD0-20, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Independent Ale House

Enjoy inventive pub food and craft beers in a relaxed, quirky setting.
USD30, 1h30m

Day 3: Rapid City to Billings

Rapid City, SD to Billings, MT on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Crooked Pint Ale House

Casual breakfast with a funky ambiance, perfect for fueling the day ahead.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Billings, MT

A 5-hour scenic journey through Montana’s open landscapes with opportunities for quirky photo stops.
USD0, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at The Burger Dive

Taste wildly creative burgers and soak in the quirky decor of this Billings favorite.
USD20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore the Western Heritage Center

Discover South Central Montana’s quirky history and heritage through engaging exhibits. Open till 5pm.
USD10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Hooligan Bar & Grill

Enjoy eclectic menu items and a lively, quirky atmosphere with local favorites.
USD25, 1h30m

8:00pm

Stay overnight at the Northern Hotel

Historic boutique hotel with vintage character, ideal for an eccentric stay.
USD110, Overnight

Day 4: Billings to Boise

Billings, MT to Boise, ID on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Phoebe's Cafe

Enjoy hearty breakfast in a cozy and art-filled environment.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Boise

Long drive of approximately 7.5 hours with possible quick stops for quirky roadside attractions.
USD0, 7h30m

3:30pm

Lunch at Big City Coffee

Stop for sandwiches and quirky artwork in a fun Boise café.
USD15, 0h45m

5:00pm

Visit Freak Alley Gallery

Discover Boise’s largest outdoor mural gallery filled with quirky, ever-changing street art.
USD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Fork

Dine on creative American cuisine using local ingredients in a quirky, welcoming setting.
USD35, 1h30m

9:00pm

Stay at the Modern Hotel

Chic boutique hotel featuring artistic and quirky design elements for a stylish stay.
USD130, Overnight

Day 5: Boise to Confusion Hill

Boise, ID to Leggett, CA on April 29, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro

A classic breakfast spot with local flair to prepare for the soon to be long drive.
USD15, 1h0m

7:00am

Drive to Confusion Hill, CA

Approximate 10-hour drive southwest with multiple quirky roadside stops planned en route.
USD0, 10h0m

12:30pm

Lunch on the road at quirky diner (choose among local options on route)

Stop for casual American diner fare with regional flavors and eccentric decor.
USD20, 1h0m

6:30pm

Arrive at Confusion Hill and check into nearby lodging

Rest and relax after a full travel day preparing for the following exploration.
USD0, Rest

7:30pm

Dinner at North Coast Brewing Company (Fort Bragg)

Sample craft beers and enjoy quirky pub meals near Leggett, CA in a relaxed atmosphere.
USD35, 1h30m

Day 6: Confusion Hill Exploration

Leggett, CA on April 30, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Confusion Hill Cafe

Simple, convenient breakfast on site before immersing in the quirky attractions.
USD10, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit the Confusion Hill Gravity House and Railroad

Experience optical illusions and take a ride on the historic narrow gauge railway showcasing unusual physics phenomena. Open 10am-6pm.
USD12, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Riders Restaurant

Quirky local eatery serving comfort food near Confusion Hill in Leggett.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive-Thru Tree Park visit

See and drive through the giant carved redwood tree, a classic eccentric Northern California stop open until dusk.
USD5, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore local craft and oddity shops

Browse for unique souvenirs and quirky crafts to take home.
USD0-15, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Confusion Hill restaurant

Savor local cuisine in this unusual locale to end your day.
USD25, 1h30m

Day 7: Leggett to Redding

Leggett, CA to Redding, CA on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Jaxon’s Restaurant and Bar

Hearty and quirky breakfast menu to prepare for the drive south.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Redding

About 1.5-hour scenic drive along California’s beautiful north coast and forests.
USD0, 1h30m

11:00am

Sundial Bridge visit

Marvel at the quirky architectural pedestrian bridge and giant sundial, a creative outdoor installation.
USD0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Moonstone Bistro

Cozy bistro offering creative dishes in a charming environment.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Engage with quirky botanical gardens and museum exhibits, open until 5pm.
USD15, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Jack’s Grill

Classic steakhouse featuring vintage sports memorabilia and local character.
USD30, 1h30m

8:00pm

Stay overnight at Sheraton Redding Hotel

Comfortable lodging providing easy access to local attractions with a quirky edge.
USD110, Overnight

Day 8: Redding to Portland

Redding, CA to Portland, OR on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Red Lantern Restaurant

Gateway hearty breakfast in a spirited setting to start your travel day.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Portland

A 6.5-hour scenic route north along the I-5 corridor featuring unique small towns and stops.
USD0, 6h30m

2:30pm

Lunch at Voodoo Doughnut

Famous for wildly creative and quirky doughnuts, open until midnight for snacks anytime.
USD10, 0h30m

3:30pm

Portland Saturday Market

Browse an eclectic and quirky open-air market filled with handmade crafts and street performers, open till 7pm.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Dragon and the Wolf

Innovative cuisine with playful twists served in an intimate, quirky dining setting.
USD40, 1h30m

8:00pm

Stay at The Society Hotel

A boutique hotel with vintage charm and quirky modern comforts located downtown.
USD140, Overnight

Day 9: Portland to Salt Lake City

Portland, OR to Salt Lake City, UT on May 3, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at Mother's Bistro & Bar

Comfort food with a quirky, beloved local charm to fuel your early start.
USD20, 1h0m

7:00am

Drive to Salt Lake City

Long 10-hour drive crossing Oregon, Idaho, and Utah, with quirky roadside stops like the Giant Potato or artistic installations.
USD0, 10h0m

1:00pm

Lunch stop at Burgers & Brew in Boise

Gourmet burgers and craft beers in a hip and quirky atmosphere.
USD20, 1h0m

6:00pm

Check in at The Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Salt Lake City

Unique boutique hotel with quirky design and central location for exploration.
USD130, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at The Red Iguana

Lively restaurant renowned for authentic Mexican cuisine with eclectic flavors.
USD30, 1h30m

Day 10: Salt Lake City to Denver

Salt Lake City, UT to Denver, CO on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Publik Coffee Roasters

Start fresh with premium coffee and tasty pastries in a quirky café setting.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Denver

8-hour picturesque drive over the Rocky Mountains with stops in quaint mountain towns with quirky charm.
USD0, 8h0m

12:00pm

Lunch in Georgetown, CO at The Alpine Restaurant

Enjoy homestyle meals in a quirky historic mining town setting.
USD20, 1h0m

4:30pm

Check-in at The Art Hotel, Denver

Boutique hotel celebrating local art with eccentric and vibrant decor.
USD135, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at The Buckhorn Exchange

Historic Denver steakhouse known for wild game dishes and quirky taxidermy displays.
USD40, 1h30m

Day 11: Denver to Kansas City

Denver, CO to Kansas City, MO on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Denver Biscuit Company

Start your day with exaggerated portions of biscuit sandwiches in a fun, casual setting.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive back to Kansas City

Approximate 8.5-hour drive with quirky stops in small towns along the way.
USD0, 8h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Blue Dome District in Tulsa, OK (optional detour)

Discover funky architecture and enjoy a quirky meal in this lively historic district on the way back.
USD20, 1h0m

5:30pm

Check in at Hotel Kansas City

Historic hotel blending old-world charm with artistic and quirky details.
USD130, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at The Rieger

Creative American dining in a building with a rich history and quirky design elements.
USD35, 1h30m

Day 12: Kansas City Quirks

Kansas City, MO on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Oddly Correct

Enjoy eccentric coffee brewing and unique breakfast dishes in a lively atmosphere.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank

Interactive exhibits about money with quirky historical facts, open 9am-4pm.
USD0, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore the American Jazz Museum

Celebrate the quirky legacy of jazz music with dynamic exhibits, open 11am-5pm.
USD15, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Taste legendary, quirky Kansas City barbecue in a casual setting loved by locals and travelers alike.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

The Arabia Steamboat Museum

Discover quirky 1856 steamboat artifacts salvaged from the Missouri River shipwreck, open until 5pm.
USD12, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at Loose Park

Enjoy outdoor quirky art installations and a peaceful urban green space.
USD0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Antler Room

Enjoy fine, creative dining in an intimate and artistically quirky setting for your final night.
USD40, 1h30m

Day 13: Wrap-Up and Departure

Kansas City, MO on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Casual breakfast nearby or hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast to reflect on the quirky trip and prepare for departure or onward travels.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Optional local gallery visit or stroll

Visit any missed quirky galleries or neighborhoods or take a relaxing walk before departure.
USD0, 1h0m