We had big plans for Yellowstone. We thought we’d make it completely around, hitting all the highlights. We thought we’d make it through the South entrance to visit the Grand Tetons. We thought we’d see some wildlife, including a bear. And we had visions of hiking and biking and picnicking. But, for us, four days was not enough.

I love scenic byways. They promise to share interesting drives and breathtaking views. Beartooth Highway and Chief Joseph Scenic Byway do not disappoint.

Dirt roads. Wineries. Corn Palace. Sunflowers. Dignity. Cowboys and Indians. Rodeos. Monuments. Bikers. Old friends. Breweries and bison.

South Dakota has gems hidden in plain sight—just get off the highway to find them.

Who would have known that in the smack-dab middle of Wisconsin, about an hour above Madison, would be the “waterpark capital of the world?” We had no idea when we reserved our RV resort for this area. We considered it just another stop on the way West, allowing us to place the Wisconsin sticker on our map for having stayed in the state. It was also a good location and good timing for our daughter, Rachel, to fly up and visit us for a few days before she started graduate school.

When I think of the Mississippi River, classic American literature, paddle boats, and a nostalgic feeling come to mind. And our one night camping by it did not disappoint in bringing some of this to life.