After two adventurous days at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Tom and I were ready to put some more miles behind us as we made our way toward Newfoundland & Labrador. We continued northeast on US 54 from Lake of the Ozarks until it connected with Interstate 70 at Kingdom City. We took I-70 east through St Louis and across the Illinois state line to Effingham. From there we took Interstate 57 north to Mattoon then zigzaged across Illinois on small highways and county roads. We passed through Charleston and Paris , Illinois before crossing the state line near Dana, Indiana. From there we continued our zigzig northeast in Indiana, primarily north on Highways 63, 41, and Interstate 65 toward Lake Michigan then east on Interstate 94 toward the Indiana Dunes.
Traveling from Missouri to Illinois
Tom and I only made a few quick stops as we made our way from Missouri to Illinois. Our next destination was Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, but the closest RV Park to the Arch was across the Mississippi River, in Illinois. It was a hot day and we wanted to be able to run our air conditioning for Aly while we visited the Arch.
The Draftkings Casino and RV Park is located directly across the river from the arch. The RV Park isn't much more than a big parking lot with hookups but we could see the arch right from our campsite. The best part was that it was right by a metro station so we could easily visit Gateway National Park in Downtown St. Louis without trying to park our big camper downtown.
After a night near Gateway Arch National Park, Tom and I headed for Indiana Dunes National Park.
You can view a few photos from our drive between Missouri and Illinois on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
Exploring Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri
Tom and I took the metro train from our RV park across the river to St. Louis. The first stop across the river is a beautiful park with footpaths to the Arch. When we arrived at the visitor center, below the arch, we immediately purchased tickets for the next available tram ride to the top of the arch. Fortunately, it wasn't very crowded and we only had to wait about 15 minutes.
On our way up the in the tram, Tom and I shared our pod with a park ranger who offered insight on the history and mechanics of the tram system. It's quite fascinating! At the top of the arch, Tom and I enjoyed views of the city and the river. We could almost see Aly smiling at us from her air-conditioned bed across the river.
After our tram ride, Tom and I explored the museum and surrounding grounds below the arch. On our walk back to the metro station, we took a slight detour to enjoy a cold beer at the Brewhouse Historical Sports Bar. Then, across the river, we took a quick peek inside the Draftkings casino. We didn't gamble but Tom couldn't resist getting dinner-to-go from That Chicken Place in the casino foodcourt.
You can view a few photos from our visit to Gateway Arch National Park on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
Traveling from Illinois to Indiana
Tom and I only stopped when necessary as we drove from Illinois to Indiana. We were unsure if we'd make it all the way to our next destination, Indiana Dunes, that day. We did make it by late afternoon but, by then, the campgrounds near the dunes were full. So, we found a beautiful spot to boondock at The Brewery Lodge, a Harvest Host site, and visited Indian Dunes the following day.
You can view a few photos of our drive from Illinois to Indiana on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
Boondocking at The Brewery Lodge
Boondocking at Harvest Host sites is "free" but you're expected to buy something from the host. And, in this case, Tom and I enjoyed delicious appetizers and drinks in the beautiful, air-conditioned lodge. Fortunately, It late in the day, slightly overcast, and our parking spot was well shaded so we didn't have to worry about Aly overheating in the camper.
You can view a few photos from our stay at The Brewery Lodge on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
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