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

Day 1: Drive & Play

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

Drive to Lafayette, IN

Continue northwest toward Lafayette, Indiana for a family-friendly playground stop and lunch after about 1 hour 45 minutes of driving.
Fuel approx USD10, 1h45m

11:30am

Playground Visit at Columbian Park - Lafayette, IN

Enjoy a 45-minute stop at Columbian Park which features a spacious and well-equipped public playground perfect for kids to run and play after the drive.
Free entry, 45m

12:15pm

Lunch at Black Sparrow Restaurant - Lafayette, IN

Have a relaxing family-friendly lunch at Black Sparrow Restaurant offering diverse menu options in a casual atmosphere.
USD15 per person approx, 45m

1:00pm

Drive to Champaign, IL

Head westward toward Champaign, IL for your overnight stop with approximately 2.5 hours of driving.
Fuel approx USD25, 2h30m

3:30pm

Orpheum Children's Science Museum

Explore interactive science exhibits ideal for children, open until 5 PM, perfect for lively family playtime before evening.
USD8 per person, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Big Grove Tavern - Champaign

Finish your day with dinner at Big Grove Tavern, featuring locally sourced dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
USD18 per person approx, 1h
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Day 2: Drive & Discover

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

6:00am

Depart Champaign, IL

Begin your second day with an early start to cover distance efficiently with planned family-friendly stops.
Fuel approx USD15, 3h

9:15am

Stop at Moline, IL - Discovery Center Museum

Stretch and enjoy hands-on children’s museum exhibits for 30 minutes. Opens 9 AM and perfect for family engagement.
USD8 per person, 30m

9:45am

Drive to Davenport, IA

Short 20-minute drive to Davenport for more sightseeing opportunities and a visit to an art museum.
Fuel approx USD5, 20m

10:15am

Visit the Figge Art Museum

Discover family-friendly exhibits and activities designed to engage children. Open 10 AM to 5 PM.
USD10 per person, 1h

11:15am

Lunch at Machine Shed Restaurant - Davenport

Enjoy hearty Midwestern comfort food in a casual, family-friendly setting before continuing your journey.
USD15 per person approx, 1h

12:15pm

Drive to St. Paul, MN

Embark on the longest stretch of around 3.5 hours to reach your destination of St. Paul, MN by late afternoon.
Fuel approx USD35, 3h30m

3:45pm

Check-in & Relax

Arrive in St. Paul and settle into your accommodation to rest after a long drive.
Varies by hotel, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at The Malt House - St. Paul

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