Scenic Midwestern Road Trip: Rockford to Wichita via St. Louis and Kansas City

Day 1: Rockford to St. Louis

Rockford, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Swedish Pantry

Start your day with delicious Swedish-inspired breakfast dishes at this cozy Rockford favorite, embracing local flavors and fresh ingredients.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Rockford to St. Louis

Embark on the 4.5-hour drive south, taking I-39 and I-55, enjoying the scenic Illinois countryside en route to St. Louis.
USD0, 4h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Pappy’s Smokehouse

Savor world-renowned Memphis-style ribs and tangy BBQ sauces at this highly-rated St. Louis joint open daily from 11am to 7pm.
USD25, 1h

3:30pm

Visit the Gateway Arch

Explore America's tallest national monument with river views and access to the Arch tram underground, open until 7pm.
USD13, 1h30m

5:30pm

Forest Park Stroll

Relax and unwind with a walk or a paddleboat rental at beautiful Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.
USD0 - USD20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Hill - Charlie Gitto's

Enjoy authentic Italian dishes in St. Louis’ historic Italian neighborhood known as The Hill, open until 9pm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: St. Louis to Kansas City

St. Louis, Missouri to Kansas City, Missouri on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rooster

Enjoy farm-to-table breakfast options with fresh ingredients and creative twists, open from 7am to 2pm on weekends.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Kansas City

Make the 4-hour scenic westbound drive on I-70 towards Kansas City, enjoying the rolling Missouri landscape.
USD0, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Taste legendary Kansas City BBQ at Joe’s, famous for smoked brisket and ribs. Open daily from 11am to 8pm.
USD25, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Country Club Plaza

Walk around this charming outdoor shopping district featuring Spanish-style architecture, boutiques, and fountains, open all day.
USD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit the National WWI Museum and Memorial

Discover outstanding exhibits on World War I history and enjoy panoramic city views. Open 10am to 5pm.
USD18, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Q39

Indulge in award-winning smoked meats and elegant BBQ dining in a polished atmosphere, open until 9pm on weekends.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Kansas City to Wichita

Kansas City, Missouri to Wichita, Kansas on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Classic Cup

Enjoy hearty American breakfast dishes and excellent coffee at this local favorite open from 7am daily.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Wichita

Travel west on I-35 for about 3 hours through the picturesque Kansas plains en route to Wichita.
USD0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Doo-Dah Diner

Taste comfort food favorites at this iconic diner known for its inventive sandwiches and quirky atmosphere, open 7am-3pm.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Sedgwick County Zoo

Explore one of the largest zoos in Kansas with over 3,000 animals. Open 9am to 5pm in June.
USD15, 2h

5:00pm

Wichita Art Museum

Discover American art and rotating exhibits. The museum is open until 6pm on Saturdays.
USD12, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Public at the Brickyard

Enjoy modern American fare with craft cocktails in a trendy setting. Open until 10pm.
USD35, 1h30m
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