[twindman]

Being from Iowa originally, I have a suggestion if you use I80. Stop at the Amana Colonies west of Iowa City. I think there are 7 small towns in the area. Originally (in late 1800s?) were a religious group from Germany. Sort of Amish/Mennonite. There are several restaurants that serve home style food - just bring bowls of saurkraut, potatoes, veggies, homemade applesauce and main course. They used to make there own wool (I think) and then clothing for sale. There is a newish campground in one of the towns - really just a field with hookups, but open and spaced out. Two of the biggest rivers in the country on each end - Mississippi and Missouri. Oh, Bridges of Madison County are south of I80 somewhere - I have never been.

EDIT: I live in AZ now, so laugh at all the mountain states and what they call rivers!!!! I greww up 5 miles from Mississippi.