Church History
& Adventure

Hit the road heading east on I-80 through Wyoming and Nebraska. The adventure begins!

A legendary Wyoming I-80 tradition — you simply can't drive through without stopping for their famous 75¢ soft serve cones. Little America has been a road tripper's oasis since 1934 with a gas station, restaurant, hotel, and the best cheap ice cream cone in the West. Look for the billboards starting miles before the exit — the kids will be counting them down! Best of all, Grandma's treating — so it's completely free! 🎉 Located at Exit 68 off I-80 in southwestern Wyoming.

Rest up for a big Day 2.

Where Brigham Young was sustained as prophet, the Mormon Battalion was organized, and Oliver Cowdery returned to the Church. Beautiful memorial gardens.

Excellent museum — try pulling the handcart! Pioneer cemetery on grounds. Winter Quarters Temple nearby.

A key pioneer trail encampment and settlement between Nauvoo and Winter Quarters. Hundreds of saints are buried here. A quiet, sacred outdoor site with a monument and pioneer cemetery. Bring water.

Check in and rest up for a full day of exploring tomorrow.

The 'City Beautiful' on the Mississippi River. Dozens of restored homes and shops. Free wagon rides, blacksmith demos, brick-making, pottery. See the Nauvoo Temple on the bluff. Easily a full day of exploring!

Stand in the room where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred on June 27, 1844. Guided tours are deeply moving.

Charming small town in Walworth County. Lake Geneva is just 15 minutes away for a side trip! Two-night stay.

Full second day to enjoy Elkhorn and the surrounding area. Lake Geneva is just 15 minutes away if you want a scenic side trip!

Explore Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, deep dish pizza! Book a table at Lou Malnati's or Giordano's for authentic Chicago-style deep dish.

Don't miss: Millennium Park & the Bean, Art Institute of Chicago, architecture river cruise, Willis Tower Skydeck, and deep dish at Lou Malnati's or Giordano's.

Top rides: Steel Vengeance, Millennium Force, Maverick, Top Thrill 2. Buy tickets in advance! Sandusky overnight.

The first temple of the Restoration, dedicated 1836. Recently acquired by the Church. Free guided tours through all 3 floors.

Early Church headquarters, bishop's storehouse, post office. School of the Prophets met upstairs. Short walk from the temple. Also tour the Whitney Home nearby.

The falls are illuminated at night and absolutely stunning! Open 24 hours.

Maid of the Mist boat tour, Cave of the Winds, observation deck. Bring a poncho — you WILL get soaked!

Check in and rest for a big Church history day tomorrow.

Walk through the Sacred Grove at your own pace — site of the First Vision in 1820. Tour the log cabin and frame home. ~150,000 visitors annually.

Brand new visitors' center with interactive displays. Walk to the top of the hill to see the Angel Moroni monument.

Where the first 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon were printed in 1830. Original press on display. Downtown Palmyra.

Where the Church was organized April 6, 1830 with just 6 members. Beautiful reconstructed log home.

The 38.5-foot granite obelisk — one foot for each year of Joseph's life. See the original hearthstone from the Smith home.

Walk the Freedom Trail (2.5 miles through 16 historic sites), visit Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, stroll the waterfront. Grab clam chowder and lobster rolls!

Boston Common, Harvard/MIT in Cambridge, the harbor.

Arrive for an epic evening in NYC! Times Square, Broadway, Central Park.

Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island (book ferry in advance), 9/11 Memorial, Brooklyn Bridge walk, Central Park, Empire State Building, and a Broadway show.

Beautifully restored Joseph & Emma Smith home and Isaac Hale home. Where John the Baptist appeared to restore the Aaronic Priesthood, and later Peter, James, and John restored the Melchizedek Priesthood. Along the Susquehanna River.

This is the longest drive day — strongly consider splitting with an overnight stop around Columbus, OH or Indianapolis, IN. Power through or split it up. Missouri sites tomorrow morning!

Great exhibits and pioneer cabin replica. Dedicated temple lot nearby.

~20 min north of Independence. Where Joseph Smith was imprisoned winter 1838–39. D&C 121–123 were received here. Reconstructed cutaway display. Deeply moving.

~1 hour north of Liberty. Cornerstones of the planned temple still visible. Once home to 5,000 Saints. Remote location — gravel roads!

~30 min from Far West. Rolling green hills with beautiful views. Sacred outdoor site — bring water.

Easy 5.5-hour drive north through Kansas City and up I-35 into Iowa. Stop in Boone or Des Moines for the night — this positions you perfectly for the Fraser Train tomorrow afternoon. Enjoy a relaxed evening before the last stretch home.

The perfect final adventure before heading home! Board the classic Fraser Train for a 1 hour 45 minute round trip through Iowa's beautiful Des Moines River Valley. Cross the spectacular 156-foot Bass Point Creek High Bridge and the Des Moines River Bridge — stunning scenery and a memorable send-off to the whole trip. Thursday June 11 is a perfect fit since the train runs Thu–Sun! 📌 Book in advance at bsvrr.com — sells out! Call (515) 432-4249. Departs from 225 10th Street, Boone, Iowa.

After the train wraps around 3:15 PM, hop on I-80 west for a smooth 3-hour drive to North Platte. Easy evening arrival and a good rest before the final push home tomorrow.

Head west on I-80 through Wyoming and into Utah. Welcome home after an incredible 21-day journey through 11+ states and 25+ historic sites!