Since we knew from the beginning that this tour would focus on American History, I researched major history events from colonization through the Civil War. I put the list in chronological order, then tied a city to each event. I threw in a few attractions just for fun (at least 1 water park and 1 amusement park), added 7 of the top 10 children’s museums in the country, and tried to include as many national parks as possible. We also added a few factory tours because our boys love that stuff. From that list I developed a route, trying to keep the events in order without zigzagging all over the country. In the end, some of the sites had to be eliminated because they were too far out of the way, but most of them remained. To help decide which cities to bypass we kept in mind how much “bang” we were getting for our buck. Some cities have 1 or 2 history attractions. Some have 15. Those are worth driving a few extra miles to see. Because we have so many places to see, most of our stops are about a week long. Some are shorter, some longer. We are scheduled to stay overnight at 52 cities and are expecting the trip to take about 14 months. Also, timing is very important because we don’t want to get caught in the north during the winter months. The rig we plan to purchase is not really set up for that kind of weather. So it’s either stick to the schedule or get really friendly with the space heater!

All in all we feel that we have a very comprehensive list that not only covers much of American History, but also gives us a good overview of the American landscape. We can’t wait to see it all! Here is our list of cities for March through June of 2008…

Richmond, Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Charlottesville, Virginia Beach, Kitty Hawk, Cape Hattaras, Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, NYC, Mystic Seaport, Hartford, Providence, Boston, Plymouth, Portland, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Wilmington, Cooperstown, Rochester, Niagra Falls, Cincinnati, Louisville, Indianapolis, Chicago, Springfield, St Louis.

How exciting! Our family will be traveling along with you in spirit. Do you plan on visiting any parkdays with other homeschool families along the way? We're in Southern California, so it will take you a while to get here, but would love to have you stop and visit our park day if you get a chance!

Dana,
We would love to meet up with some homeschool groups for play time. Aside from the friends across the country that we plan to visit, other homeschooled children will be our boys' only playmates. BTW, they are currently 6 and 8 years old. I don't have our itinerary in front of me, but I think we'll be in southern CA in November. See you then!
Jennifer

Hi...finally found the thread I've been looking for.
I see you are travelling to Louisville, Kentucky. While we were there, we enjoyed the Louisville Slugger Musuem. It cost money to get it in, I'm sorry I don't remember just how much per person. You get a really nice tour & a Louisville Slugger basebat when the tour is over. Just remember one thing, you can not take a camera inside the plant with you. www.sluggermuseum.org
There is a musuem down the street called The Frazier International History Musuem www.fraziermuseum.org. This has a fee too.
Stephen Foster's "My Old Kentucky Home" is in Bardstown, KY.
Patton Museum of Calvary & Armor in Fort Knox.....FREEEE
Louisville Zoo, if you have a Zoo pass, this is a FREEEE zoo.
Corvette Musuem & Plant in Bowling Green.
Mammoth Caves in Kentucky is great too!

Before you get to Kentucky...stop over in Dayton, Ohio & spend the day at the National Musuem of the US Air Force...this is FREEEEEE & an all day tour. It starts at the beginning of aircraft history w/ the Wright Brothers & goes to present day. It a great musuem. It will take ALL day to go through, it is 3 HUGE hangers! Everytime we are in the area, we stop & visit just because we like it sooo much. Every time you go, you see more. You'll love it!!
In Kentucky, there is SO much to do & sooo much to see! Enjoy your trip & keep us posted!!!
The Weed Patch

how about the creation museum in kentucky. i havent been there, but would love to. go to creationmuseum.org to check it out. i realize you cant fit everything in, but i wouldn't miss this one. mrs.k.

I agree. Definitely on the list of places to see.