53 Must-See Roadside Attractions & Pitstops for Kids

Kristy Pepping said:  If you're in Northern Indiana (perhaps coming or going from a Chicago visit), make a pit stop at the Albanese Factory Outlet for a peek at how the candy is made, including their famous gummi bears.

Kristy Pepping said:  Located on the grounds of the St. Bernard Abbey is an amazing collection of 125 miniature reproductions of religious and secular buildings, lovingly constructed by one of the Abbey's monks of stone, cement and donated objects.

Kelly R said:  The quaint one-stoplight town of Casey, IL looms large with a collection of enormous objects, many of which are certified as the world's biggest. You'll find a larger-than-life wind chime, working mailbox, teeter totter, mousetrap and much more scattered around town.

Molly Weber said:  If you're in Door County with kids, plan a pit stop at Al Johnson's to check out the goats grazing on the restaurant's grassy roof. Visit when you're hungry to enjoy Swedish favorites served by employees dressed in traditional garb.

Goats late May-mid October

Kristy Pepping said:  If your road trip takes you through central Illinois, take a free guided tour of President Lincoln's home, where the Lincoln family lived for 17 years.

Kelly R said:  A beautiful park with plenty of room to wander and check out 70+ large-scale works of art, including a giant eyeball.

Kelly R said:  Kids (and adults!) can experience cool John Deere machines up close, learn about what they do, and try out interactive hands-on exhibits.

Kristy Pepping said:  This epic roadside attraction is worth a pit stop with kids when you have a few hours to spare. The original house (built as a weekend retreat) has grown into a complex filled to the brim with amazing curiosities like the world's largest carousel, a 200-foot sea creature, a doll house room and automated music machines.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Kids studying the Civil War will get a kick out of visiting the home where General Grant lived prior to becoming President. Today, the home is decorated to look as it might have back in the 1860s.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Pack a baseball and your gloves for a catch as you explore the beautifully-maintained grounds of the classic sports movie. Home tours are offered for a fee, but make sure to book those in advance.

Kristy Pepping said:  View the exterior of the house that inspired Grant Wood to paint American Gothic, and borrow a pitchfork to pose for your own family picture while you're there! There is an exhibit gallery in the adjacent visitor center.

Kelly R said:  Fans of classic children's lit will love visiting the spot that inspired the Little House books and touring the historic Laura Ingalls Wilder home and museum.

Kelly R said:  Bass Pro's enormous flagship store is a must-visit pitstop if you're passing through Springfield. You can easily kill a few hours (or more) exploring the large aquariums, in-store swamp with alligators, animal displays, food options and museum exhibits. The terrific Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium is here, too, but does have an admission fee.

Kelly R said:  Make a pit stop at the friendly and entertaining SPAM Museum to enjoy the interactive exhibits (including a kids play area), a free guided tour, and pick up some SPAM souvenirs.

Kristy Pepping said:  Search for diamonds and other gemstones at this ancient volcanic crater where the policy is "finders, keepers!"