Family-Friendly Road Trip from Louisville, KY to St. Paul, MN with Strategic Stops Every 3 Hours

Day 1: Drive & Explore

Louisville, KY to Champaign, IL on May 11, 2025

6:00am

Depart Louisville, KY

Start your drive early from Louisville to maximize travel time and reach your first stop by mid-morning.
Fuel approx USD15, 3h

9:15am

Stop at Anderson, IN - Mounds State Park

Take a refreshing 30-minute break to stretch and enjoy the scenic views at Mounds State Park, featuring ancient Native American earthworks and nature trails.
Free entry, 30m

9:45am

Continue driving to Indianapolis, IN

Resume the journey to Indianapolis to reach your next family-friendly destination.
Fuel approx USD5, 1h15m

11:00am

Indianapolis Zoo

Enjoy the Indianapolis Zoo, home to exciting animal exhibits and interactive experiences suitable for families. Open 9 AM to 5 PM.
USD28 per adult, USD19 per child, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bazbeaux Pizza - Indianapolis

Delight in a family-friendly pizza lunch at Bazbeaux Pizza, with a casual setting and diverse menu options.
USD12 per person approx, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Champaign, IL

Head northwest for approximately 2.5 hours to reach Champaign for your overnight stop.
Fuel approx USD25, 2h30m

4:30pm

Orpheum Children's Science Museum

Explore interactive science exhibits perfect for kids, open until 5 PM, so enjoy this playful visit before evening.
USD8 per person, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Big Grove Tavern - Champaign

Finish your day with dinner at Big Grove Tavern, offering locally sourced dishes and a family-friendly atmosphere.
USD18 per person approx, 1h

Day 2: Drive & Discover

Champaign, IL to St. Paul, MN on May 12, 2025

6:00am

Depart Champaign, IL

Begin your second day early to reach your next stop for a brief break and family fun.
Fuel approx USD15, 3h

9:15am

Stop at Moline, IL - Discovery Center Museum

Stretch and explore a hands-on children's museum for 30 minutes, perfect for family engagement and creative play. Opens at 9 AM.
USD8 per person, 30m

9:45am

Drive to Davenport, IA

Short 20-minute drive to Davenport for further sightseeing and lunch.
Fuel approx USD5, 20m

10:15am

Visit the Figge Art Museum

Enjoy family-friendly exhibits at the Figge Art Museum with activities designed to engage children. Open 10 AM to 5 PM.
USD10 per person, 1h

11:15am

Lunch at Machine Shed Restaurant - Davenport

Enjoy Midwestern comfort food in a casual, family-friendly setting perfect for recharging before the drive.
USD15 per person approx, 1h

12:15pm

Drive to St. Paul, MN

Complete the final leg of approximately 3.5 hours arriving in St. Paul by late afternoon.
Fuel approx USD35, 3h30m

3:45pm

Check-in & Relax

Settle into your accommodation in St. Paul and rest after the drive.
Varies by hotel, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at The Malt House - St. Paul

Finish your trip with a family-friendly dinner at The Malt House, offering a welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu.
USD20 per person approx, 1h