15 Days Across the American Southwest

After months of looking forward to this trip, June 9 finally arrived. My mom and I set off on a 15-day journey across the American Southwest, traveling through Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Along the way we explored breathtaking national parks, drove sections of the historic Route 66, visited iconic landmarks, and experienced everything from towering red rock canyons to the bright lights of Las Vegas. Like every trip, there were plenty of memorable moments, a few unexpected challenges, and lots of stories to tell. In this post, I’ll be sharing my experience day by day, along with the places we visited, what I enjoyed most, and a few lessons I learned along the way.

US Air Force Museum-Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Riverside, Ohio

Our next stop was the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. I wasn’t expecting the museum to be as enormous as it was! Home to more than 350 aircraft and missiles, it’s the world’s largest military aviation museum, and admission is completely free.

We spent several hours walking through the different hangars, which are organized by different periods in aviation and military history. Seeing so many historic aircraft up close was fascinating, especially the massive bombers and presidential aircraft that I had only ever seen in photos before. There was so much to look at that I definitely don’t think we could have seen everything in just one visit.

Of course, Blåhaj and Rosehaj had to join in for a few photos too! They looked tiny compared to some of the enormous aircraft on display, and it made for some fun pictures during our visit. By the time we left, my feet were definitely feeling tired, but I really enjoyed exploring one of the largest aviation museums in the world.

National Churchhill Museum- Fulton, Missouri

Our next stop was the National Churchill Museum on the campus of Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. Before visiting, I didn’t realize just how much history was connected to this small town. It was here, in 1946, that Winston Churchill delivered his famous “Iron Curtain” speech, a moment many historians consider to mark the beginning of the Cold War.

One of the most fascinating parts of the museum was the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury. The church originally stood in London before it was heavily damaged during the Blitz in World War II. Rather than being demolished, it was carefully taken apart, shipped across the Atlantic stone by stone, and rebuilt on the Westminster College campus as a memorial to Churchill and his historic visit.

The museum itself does a great job telling the story of Churchill’s life, World War II, and the events that shaped the 20th century. Outside, we also saw Breakthrough, a sculpture created from eight sections of the Berlin Wall by Churchill’s granddaughter, Edwina Sandys. Seeing actual pieces of the Berlin Wall up close was something I wasn’t expecting, and it made the history feel much more real.

Of course, Blåhaj and Rosehaj joined us for a few photos around the museum grounds! They seemed just as interested in exploring the historic church and seeing the Berlin Wall as I was, making for another fun stop on our journey across the American Southwest.

Billy Sims’ Barbecue (Sad Kermie Barbecue)

After visiting the National Churchill Museum, we stopped for dinner at Billy Sims Barbecue. As an NFL fan, I immediately had a joke in mind. Since Billy Sims played for the Oklahoma Sooners and Patrick Mahomes also went to college in the state, I jokingly nicknamed the restaurant “Sad Kermie Barbecue.” (If you’re wondering, “Kermie” is my nickname for Patrick Mahomes because some people think his voice sounds a bit like Kermit the Frog!)

When I sent a photo of my meal to my boyfriend Brandon, he fully embraced the joke. A little while later, he sent me back an edited version of the picture with Patrick Mahomes’ face photoshopped onto just about everything—the pulled pork, the baked beans, the potato salad, and even the garlic toast! It was completely ridiculous, and it made me laugh far more than it probably should have.

As for the food itself, I thought it was just okay. The pulled pork was a little dry, although the barbecue sauce helped add some flavor. The garlic toast was probably my favorite part of the meal, while the baked beans and potato salad weren’t really to my taste. Even though the barbecue wasn’t my favorite meal of the trip, Brandon’s hilarious edit turned it into one of the funniest memories from our journey.

Prairie Museum of Art and History- Colby, Kansas

One of our first stops on the trip was the Prairie Museum of Art & History in Colby, Kansas. At first, I thought it would be a fairly small museum, but there was much more to see than I expected. The museum tells the story of life on the High Plains through a mix of local history, art, and unique collections from around the world.

Inside, we explored exhibits filled with historical artifacts, antiques, dolls, glassware, clothing, and other collectibles from the Kuska Collection. There was such a wide variety of items on display that every room seemed to have something different to discover. I especially enjoyed seeing how the museum combined local Kansas history with fascinating objects from other cultures.

Outside, we walked through several historic buildings that showed what life was like for early settlers on the Kansas prairie. We stepped inside a one-room schoolhouse, a church, a sod house, and a farmhouse, all furnished to reflect the time period. We also saw the impressive Cooper Barn, the largest barn in Kansas, which was far bigger than I imagined. Walking through the outdoor exhibits made it easy to picture what daily life might have been like for the families who settled in western Kansas over a century ago.

Of course, Blåhaj and Rosehaj came along for the visit too! They posed for a few photos around the museum grounds and looked right at home exploring the prairie alongside me. It was a fun and relaxing way to begin our adventure across the American Southwest.

Rest stop time

After leaving the Prairie Museum of Art & History, we made a stop at one of the most unexpected rest areas I’ve ever visited. Instead of just picnic tables and restrooms, this rest stop featured dozens of colorful animal sculptures scattered across the grounds. There were lions, gorillas, rhinoceroses, turtles, dinosaurs, alligators, elephants, and many more waiting to be discovered. It felt more like an outdoor sculpture park than a typical highway rest area.

Naturally, Blåhaj and Rosehaj couldn’t resist climbing all over the statues! They posed on the lion’s back, balanced on the rhino’s horn, hid behind a long-necked dinosaur, and even found themselves “caught” in the jaws of an alligator. I had so much fun coming up with different photo ideas for them, and it turned an ordinary rest stop into one of the most memorable little surprises of the trip.

Sometimes it’s the places you aren’t expecting that end up being the most enjoyable. While the Prairie Museum gave us a glimpse into the history of the Kansas High Plains, this quirky roadside stop gave us a chance to stretch our legs, enjoy the fresh air, and let the sharks have a little adventure of their own before we continued west toward Colorado.

Crossing into Colorado

After spending the morning crossing the endless plains of Kansas, we finally crossed into Colorado. Almost immediately, the scenery began to change. The flat farmland slowly gave way to rolling hills, forests, and, in the distance, the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Even from the bus, the views were breathtaking, and I found myself looking out the window almost the entire drive.

As we got closer to the mountains, they seemed to grow larger with every passing mile. I had seen the Rockies in photos before, but seeing them in person was something completely different. Their towering peaks, patches of lingering snow, and the deep blue Colorado sky made the landscape feel almost unreal. It was hard to believe we had started the day surrounded by flat prairie and ended it driving through one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in North America.

Along the way, we also passed through Idaho Springs, a historic mining town where the Colorado Gold Rush began in 1859 after gold was discovered in nearby Clear Creek. Knowing we were driving through such an important place in Colorado’s history made the journey even more interesting, especially as we wound our way deeper into the mountains.

One thing that surprised me was how quickly the scenery changed. In just a few hours, we had gone from wide-open grasslands to winding mountain roads, rushing rivers, and forests filled with evergreen trees. Every time I thought the view couldn’t get any better, another incredible panorama appeared around the next bend.

Looking back, crossing into Colorado was one of my favorite parts of the entire journey. It truly felt like the beginning of our Southwest adventure, and it set the tone for all of the amazing landscapes we would see over the next two weeks.

Crossing into Utah

After spending time in Colorado, we crossed the state line into Utah, marking the beginning of the next chapter of our Southwest adventure. Almost immediately, the scenery began to change once again. The towering Rocky Mountains gradually gave way to dramatic red rock cliffs, wide-open desert landscapes, and rugged canyons. It was amazing how quickly the landscape transformed, and I found myself glued to the bus window, taking in every view.

Before continuing our journey, we made a short stop at the Black Dragon Canyon Overlook. Standing at the overlook, I was greeted by sweeping views of the canyon carved into the desert below. Layers of red and brown rock stretched across the landscape, creating a scene that felt both vast and peaceful. It was hard to believe that this quiet canyon had been shaped over millions of years by wind and water.

Although we didn’t stay for very long, it was the perfect opportunity to step off the bus, stretch our legs, and soak in our first taste of Utah’s incredible scenery. Looking out across the canyon, I couldn’t help but feel excited for everything that still lay ahead. If this was only our first stop in Utah, I knew we were in for something special over the next few days.

Zion National Park

Our first major national park of the trip was Zion National Park, and it completely lived up to its reputation. As we drove through the park, I couldn’t stop looking out the window. Towering sandstone cliffs rose high above the valley floor, their red, orange, and cream-colored layers glowing in the bright sunshine. Around every corner was another breathtaking view, and I quickly understood why so many people consider Zion one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States.

One thing that surprised me was just how massive everything felt. Photos simply don’t do Zion justice. Standing beneath the towering cliffs made me feel incredibly small, and it was amazing to think that these rock formations had been shaped over millions of years by the Virgin River and the forces of nature.

We made several stops throughout the park to admire the scenery and take photos. Everywhere I looked there was something new to appreciate, whether it was the towering canyon walls, the winding river below, or the contrast between the red rock and the bright green trees growing throughout the valley. It was one of those places where I found myself wanting to put my camera down for a moment and simply enjoy being there.

By the end of our visit, my feet and ankles were definitely starting to feel the effects of all the walking, but it was completely worth it. Zion was one of the highlights of the entire trip and quickly became one of my favorite national parks. It was the kind of place that made me stop and appreciate just how beautiful our world can be, and it’s somewhere I would happily visit again one day.

Crossing into Arizona

Leaving Utah behind, we crossed into Arizona, where the landscape transformed once again. The towering red cliffs gradually gave way to wide-open desert, colorful mesas, and rugged rock formations stretching as far as the eye could see. It felt like we had stepped into one of the classic Southwest landscapes I had always imagined seeing in person.

As we continued driving, I couldn’t stop looking out the window. Every few miles the scenery seemed to change, from dramatic sandstone cliffs to rolling desert hills dotted with shrubs and juniper trees. Even though we spent much of the journey on the bus, I never found myself getting bored because there was always something beautiful to look at.

One thing I loved about Arizona was how vast everything felt. The open landscapes seemed to go on forever, with endless blue skies overhead and colorful rock formations rising from the desert floor. It was such a different environment from the forests and mountains we had driven through earlier in the trip, yet it was equally breathtaking in its own way.

Crossing into Arizona also meant we were getting closer to some of the destinations I had been looking forward to the most, including the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest. Seeing the scenery gradually change throughout the drive made me appreciate just how diverse the American Southwest really is. Every state had its own unique beauty, and Arizona was no exception.

Crossing into Nevada

After exploring Arizona, we continued west and crossed into Nevada. Once again, the scenery began to change. The forests and red rock canyons slowly gave way to the wide-open Mojave Desert, where rugged mountains rose from the dry landscape and long stretches of highway seemed to disappear into the horizon.

Although the desert looked harsh, I thought it had a beauty all its own. The rocky hills, scattered desert plants, and endless blue skies created a landscape that felt both peaceful and dramatic. Looking out the bus window, it was easy to understand why so many movies have been filmed in this part of the country. Every mile seemed to offer another postcard-worthy view.

As we continued driving, signs of civilization gradually began to appear. The closer we got to Las Vegas, the busier the roads became, and it was exciting knowing that one of the most famous cities in the world was just ahead. After spending days surrounded by national parks and quiet landscapes, it felt almost surreal that we were about to arrive in a city known for its bright lights, towering hotels, and nonstop entertainment.

Crossing into Nevada was another reminder of just how diverse the American Southwest is. In only a few days, we had traveled from snow-capped mountains in Colorado to Utah’s towering sandstone cliffs, Arizona’s vast desert landscapes, and finally the sunbaked Mojave Desert of Nevada. Every state offered something completely different, and that constant change was one of my favorite parts of the journey.

Arriving in and exploring Vegas

After crossing the Mojave Desert, we finally arrived in Las Vegas. Seeing the famous skyline appear on the horizon was exciting, especially after spending the past few days surrounded by national parks and quiet desert landscapes. The city was a complete change of pace, with towering hotels, bright lights, and crowds of people everywhere.

Flamingo Hotel

For our stay, we checked into the Flamingo Las Vegas, one of the oldest hotels on the Strip. The hotel’s tropical theme gave it a fun atmosphere, and one of my favorite features was the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, where we could see real flamingos, koi fish, ducks, turtles, and other animals right in the middle of the city. It was a peaceful little oasis surrounded by the excitement of Las Vegas.

Bellagio Hotel & More

One of my favorite stops was the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. I was amazed by the beautifully designed seasonal displays, which were filled with colorful flowers, plants, and larger-than-life sculptures. Every corner of the conservatory was carefully decorated, and it felt more like walking through a work of art than a hotel lobby. It was definitely one of the highlights of our time in Las Vegas.

We also spent some time exploring the Miracle Mile Shops, where there seemed to be something interesting around every corner. With hundreds of stores, restaurants, and unique displays, it was a fun place to wander around and escape the desert heat for a little while.

As a fan of both candy and soft drinks, I couldn’t resist visiting the M&M’S Store and the Coca-Cola Store. The M&M’S Store was filled with colorful merchandise, giant candy displays, and every variety of M&M’S you could imagine. Just across the way, the Coca-Cola Store celebrated the history of one of the world’s most recognizable brands, with plenty of souvenirs and themed displays. Even if you aren’t planning to shop, both stores are fun to explore and add to the unique atmosphere of the Las Vegas Strip.

Las Vegas was unlike anywhere I had ever been before. While it’s often known for its casinos and nightlife, I enjoyed discovering the city’s family-friendly attractions, unique shops, beautiful displays, and even its unexpected wildlife habitat just as much. It was a fun change of pace before we continued our journey to the Hoover Dam and the next leg of our Southwest adventure.

Miracle Mile Mall Rain Storm Show

While exploring the Miracle Mile Shops, we happened to catch one of its most unique attractions—the indoor rain show. Every hour, the ceiling above the central plaza comes alive with thunder, lightning, and a brief rainstorm, creating the illusion of a summer shower right in the middle of the shopping mall.

It was such an unexpected experience, especially considering we were in the middle of the Mojave Desert! Watching the lights dim, hearing the rumble of thunder, and then seeing rain fall from the ceiling was both surprising and entertaining. The combination of special effects, music, and lighting made it feel much more immersive than I expected.

I couldn’t resist filming the show while we were there so I could remember it later. It’s one of those little attractions that many people might walk past without thinking twice, but I thought it added a fun bit of magic to our visit. Sometimes it’s the unexpected experiences, rather than the biggest attractions, that end up becoming some of the most memorable moments of a trip.

Looking back, the rain show was a fun reminder that Las Vegas is full of surprises. Even something as simple as a shopping mall managed to turn an ordinary afternoon into a memorable experience.

Orbi Gets a Little Too Crispy 🦈☀️

While we were exploring the Las Vegas Strip, I couldn’t help but notice Orbi, the cheerful yellow emoji that appears on the famous Sphere. His simple smile quickly became one of my favorite parts of the city’s skyline.

Inspired by Orbi, I decided to make a couple of silly videos featuring Blåhaj. One became Orbi, while another earned the nickname Crispy Orbi after spending time in the scorching Nevada sunshine. Thankfully, Orbi wasn’t actually harmed—it was just a playful joke about how intense the desert heat felt.

I ended up uploading three short videos from our Las Vegas adventure to YouTube, and I had no idea that Crispy Orbi would become the most popular of the three. Sometimes the silliest moments are the ones people enjoy the most, and this little joke ended up becoming one of my favorite memories from the trip.

The Hoover Dam and Boulder City

After spending time on the Las Vegas Strip, we made our way to one of the most impressive engineering landmarks in the United States: the Hoover Dam. Standing on the border of Nevada and Arizona, the dam was even larger than I had imagined. Looking down into the Colorado River far below and across the massive concrete structure gave me a new appreciation for the scale of the project and the incredible amount of work that went into building it during the Great Depression.

The views from the top of the dam were spectacular. On one side was the deep blue water of Lake Mead, while on the other side the Colorado River wound its way through Black Canyon. Despite the breathtaking scenery, the desert heat was intense. Even though I stayed hydrated, I could definitely feel just how hot the Mojave Desert can be in the middle of June, and I was glad whenever we found a bit of shade.

After leaving the Hoover Dam, our journey took an unexpected turn. As we drove into nearby Boulder City, our bus suddenly lost air conditioning due to a faulty power circuit. In the middle of the desert, that wasn’t something anyone wanted to experience! Fortunately, our driver was able to pull over safely while the issue was investigated. Although it delayed our trip for a while, everyone remained patient as we waited for the problem to be resolved.

Looking back, the breakdown became one of those travel stories we’ll probably laugh about for years to come. Not every trip goes exactly according to plan, and sometimes the unexpected moments become just as memorable as the destinations themselves. Thankfully, once the bus was repaired, we were able to continue our adventure through the American Southwest.

Mohave Museum of Art and History- Kingsman, Arizona

After leaving Las Vegas, we crossed back into Arizona and stopped at the Mohave Museum of History and Arts in Kingman. Although it isn’t a large museum, it offers a fascinating look at the history of northwestern Arizona and the people who helped shape the region.

Inside, we explored exhibits about the area’s Native American heritage, early pioneers, mining history, ranching, and the development of Kingman. I also enjoyed learning about the region’s connection to Route 66, which has played such an important role in the history of travel across the American Southwest. There were plenty of artifacts, photographs, and displays that helped bring the area’s past to life.

One of the highlights for me was seeing exhibits about the desert environment and how people adapted to living in such a rugged landscape. After spending several days traveling through the Southwest, it was interesting to learn more about the history behind the places we had been driving through.

Unfortunately, we arrived in Kingman too late to visit the nearby Route 66 Museum, which had already closed for the day. I was a little disappointed because I had been looking forward to learning even more about America’s most famous highway. Even so, I really enjoyed our visit to the Mohave Museum and appreciated the chance to discover more about the history and culture of the region before continuing our journey.

Cameron & the Grand Canyon

Before arriving at Grand Canyon National Park, we made a stop in the small community of Cameron, Arizona. Although it was a brief visit, it was a nice opportunity to stretch our legs before continuing to one of the most iconic destinations of the trip. Cameron is known as a gateway to the Grand Canyon, and many travelers stop here before making the final drive into the park. Surrounded by the high desert of northern Arizona, it gave us our first glimpse of the rugged landscape that awaited us.

Not long after leaving Cameron, we arrived at Grand Canyon National Park, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Even though I had seen countless photographs over the years, nothing could have prepared me for seeing it in person. Standing at the rim, I was amazed by its incredible size. Stretching for over 200 miles, the canyon seemed to go on forever, with colorful layers of rock revealing millions of years of Earth’s history.

As we walked along the viewpoints, I couldn’t stop taking in the scenery. The vast cliffs, deep canyons, and winding Colorado River far below created a landscape unlike anything I had ever seen. Every overlook offered a slightly different perspective, and it was impossible to capture the true scale of the canyon in a single photograph. It was one of those places that simply has to be experienced in person.

Some of the viewpoints didn’t have guardrails, which made me a little nervous. I found myself keeping a comfortable distance from the edge while still taking time to admire the breathtaking views. Even so, standing there made me appreciate just how powerful nature can be. Looking out across the canyon, I felt incredibly small compared to the immense landscape stretching out before me.

The Grand Canyon was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our entire Southwest adventure. It was a place that left me feeling both humbled and inspired, and it’s somewhere I’ll never forget. No matter how many photos or videos I took, they simply couldn’t capture the feeling of standing at the edge of one of the most spectacular natural wonders on Earth.

Petrified Forest National Park & the Painted Desert

After leaving the Grand Canyon behind, we continued our journey to Petrified Forest National Park, one of the most unique places we visited during our Southwest adventure. As we drove through the park, the landscape transformed once again. Rolling hills painted in shades of red, pink, purple, gray, and white stretched across the horizon, creating the breathtaking scenery of the Painted Desert. It was unlike any landscape I had ever seen, and I couldn’t stop looking out the window as the colorful hills seemed to go on forever.

One of my favorite parts of the visit was seeing the park’s incredible petrified wood. Millions of years ago, these ancient trees fell and were gradually buried by sediment. Over time, minerals replaced the original wood, transforming the trees into beautifully preserved stone while still retaining many of their original details. Walking among the massive petrified logs was fascinating, and it was amazing to think that they had been preserved for over 200 million years.

Inside the visitor center, I also had the chance to touch a crystal pyramid on display. It was a small moment, but one I really enjoyed. Being able to experience something hands-on made the visit feel even more memorable, and it added a fun personal touch to the day.

Every stop throughout the park offered a different perspective, from colorful badlands to scattered petrified logs glistening in the desert sun. It was hard to believe that this landscape had once been home to ancient forests long before dinosaurs disappeared. The combination of geology, history, and breathtaking scenery made Petrified Forest National Park one of the most fascinating places we visited.

Looking back, the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest perfectly captured the incredible diversity of the American Southwest. In just a few days, we had traveled from the snow-capped Rocky Mountains to towering red rock canyons, crossed vast deserts, stood at the edge of the Grand Canyon, and now found ourselves surrounded by colorful badlands and ancient fossilized trees. Every stop along the journey felt completely different from the last, and that constant change was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Crossing into New Mexico

Leaving Arizona behind, we crossed into New Mexico, known as the “Land of Enchantment.” Although we didn’t spend as much time here as we did in some of the other states, I enjoyed watching the scenery gradually change once again. One of my favorite parts of this trip was seeing how every state had its own unique landscape and personality, and New Mexico was no exception.

As we continued along the highway, the wide-open desert stretched toward distant mountain ranges beneath an endless blue sky. The landscape felt quieter and more expansive, with mesas, rocky hills, and desert vegetation creating a scene that looked straight out of a classic Western film. Even after days of traveling through the Southwest, I never got tired of looking out the bus window.

One thing I quickly learned during this trip was that the journey between destinations was just as memorable as the destinations themselves. Every time we crossed a state line, the scenery seemed to transform. From the snow-capped Rocky Mountains of Colorado to Utah’s towering red cliffs, Arizona’s colorful deserts, and now the rugged beauty of New Mexico, each day brought something completely different.

Although our time in New Mexico was relatively brief, it was another reminder of just how diverse the American Southwest truly is. Sometimes the drive itself became part of the adventure, and simply watching the ever-changing landscape roll by was an experience I’ll never forget.

Crossing into Texas & Cadillac Ranch

After leaving New Mexico, we crossed into Texas and continued our journey across the wide-open landscapes of the Southwest. The scenery felt vast and endless, with long stretches of highway, open skies, and flat plains reaching far into the distance. Even from the bus, Texas immediately felt big.

One of our most memorable stops was Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo. I had seen photos of it before, but it was still fun to see the colorful Cadillacs in person, half-buried nose-first in the ground and covered from top to bottom in layers of spray paint. The bright colors, graffiti, and open field made it feel like a quirky roadside landmark that could only exist along Route 66.

What made Cadillac Ranch especially interesting was how interactive it felt. Instead of being something you simply look at from a distance, visitors are encouraged to leave their own mark by adding spray paint to the cars. The layers of paint show just how many people have stopped there over the years, each leaving behind a tiny piece of their own road trip.

Although our stop was brief, Cadillac Ranch was a fun and unexpected part of the journey. After days of national parks, museums, and dramatic landscapes, it was nice to experience something playful and strange. It felt like the perfect Route 66-style roadside attraction before we continued farther east.

American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum

While traveling through Amarillo, Texas, we visited the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, which celebrates the history and legacy of one of the most popular horse breeds in the United States. As someone who doesn’t know much about horses, I was surprised by how much I learned during our visit.

The museum explores the history of the American Quarter Horse and its important role in ranching, agriculture, rodeos, racing, and Western culture. Throughout the exhibits, we saw beautiful artwork, historic photographs, trophies, saddles, riding equipment, and stories about the people and horses that helped shape the breed’s legacy. It was interesting to learn how these horses became known for their speed, intelligence, and versatility.

One of my favorite parts of the museum was seeing the impressive bronze sculptures and exhibits honoring legendary horses and riders. The artwork throughout the museum was beautifully crafted and helped bring the history of the American Quarter Horse to life. Even without being an equestrian, I could appreciate the care and dedication that went into preserving this part of American history.

Our visit offered a fascinating look into a side of the American West that I hadn’t known much about before. It was a quieter stop compared to some of the national parks we had visited, but it added another layer to the journey by highlighting the traditions, culture, and history that have shaped the Southwest for generations.

Will Rogers Memorial Museum

Our next stop brought us to the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, where we learned about the life and legacy of one of America’s most beloved entertainers. Before this visit, I knew very little about Will Rogers, so it was fascinating to discover just how many roles he played throughout his life. He was a cowboy, humorist, newspaper columnist, actor, radio personality, and one of the most recognizable public figures of the early twentieth century.

The museum does an excellent job of telling Will Rogers’ story through photographs, personal belongings, newspaper articles, films, and interactive exhibits. As we explored the galleries, I learned about his Cherokee heritage, his career in vaudeville, his success in Hollywood, and the wit that made him famous across the country. His humor and observations about everyday life continue to feel surprisingly relevant even today.

One of the highlights of the museum was seeing the beautiful views from the grounds and learning more about Rogers’ lasting impact on American culture. The exhibits painted a picture of someone who was not only talented but also genuinely cared about connecting with people through humor and storytelling.

Of course, no museum visit would be complete without stopping by the gift shop! This is where I found Jocko, the adorable plush dog who happily joined Blåhaj and Rosehaj for the rest of our Southwest adventure. Bringing home a small souvenir from each trip is one of my favorite ways to remember the places I’ve visited, and Jocko quickly became a special reminder of our stop in Oklahoma.

Looking back, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum was both educational and enjoyable. It introduced me to someone I hadn’t known much about before and offered a fascinating glimpse into a remarkable life that left a lasting mark on American history and culture.

Returning to Missouri & Bandana’s Bar-B-Q

After leaving Oklahoma behind, we crossed back into Missouri for the final stretch of our Southwest adventure. By this point in the trip, we had traveled through multiple states, explored national parks, visited museums, and covered hundreds of miles by bus. Although we were beginning to make our way home, there were still a few memorable stops left to enjoy.

That evening, we had dinner at Bandana’s Bar-B-Q, and after my experience at Billy Sims Barbecue earlier in the trip, I wasn’t sure what to expect. To my surprise, it was a much better experience. The meal was flavorful, the portions were generous, and it completely changed my opinion after my disappointing first barbecue stop.

One of my favorite parts of the meal was the garlic bread, which was warm, buttery, and delicious. I was also pleasantly surprised by the barbecue chicken, which was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Everything felt much more satisfying, and I found myself enjoying the meal far more than I had expected.

Looking back, Bandana’s Bar-B-Q was easily my favorite barbecue restaurant of the trip. It proved that first impressions aren’t always everything, and I’m glad I had another opportunity to experience regional barbecue before heading home. It was a wonderful way to end another day of traveling before our final stop in St. Louis.

Gateway Arch National Park

Our final major stop of the trip brought us to Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri. Standing 630 feet (192 meters) tall, the Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the United States and serves as a symbol of America’s westward expansion. Seeing it in person was incredible. Its sleek stainless steel design looked even more impressive up close, and it was the perfect landmark to conclude our journey across the American Southwest.

Before exploring the grounds, we visited the Museum at the Gateway Arch, which tells the story of America’s westward expansion and the history behind the monument itself. The exhibits covered everything from early explorers and pioneers to the engineering challenges involved in constructing the Arch. One of the most interesting displays was an original tram capsule, where I learned how visitors travel to the observation deck inside the unique egg-shaped cars.

Although I would have loved to ride the tram to the top of the Arch, we decided not to. The round trip would have taken around 45 minutes, and with only about three hours to explore the museum, walk around the park, have lunch, and enjoy the area, we wanted to make the most of our limited time. Even without going to the observation deck, I still felt like I experienced everything I had hoped to see.

Walking around the grounds gave me a chance to admire the monument from different angles and appreciate just how massive it really is. Standing beneath the towering stainless steel arch was an unforgettable experience, and it was easy to see why it has become one of America’s most recognizable landmarks.

Looking back, Gateway Arch National Park was a fitting conclusion to our fifteen-day adventure. After traveling through prairies, mountains, deserts, national parks, and historic museums, ending the trip at a monument that symbolizes exploration and westward expansion felt especially meaningful. It was the perfect final stop before beginning the journey home.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, this fifteen-day journey across the American Southwest was an unforgettable experience. From the rolling prairies of Kansas and the towering Rocky Mountains to the red cliffs of Utah, the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, and the wide-open landscapes of Texas, every day brought something new to discover. Along the way, I explored fascinating museums, learned more about American history, and visited places I had dreamed of seeing for years.

Like any trip, not everything went according to plan. We experienced unexpected delays, a bus breakdown, and occasionally had to skip attractions because of time constraints. Even so, those moments became part of the adventure and made the journey feel even more memorable. Sometimes the unexpected stories are the ones that stay with us the longest.

One of my favorite things about this trip was seeing just how diverse the American Southwest truly is. Every state had its own unique scenery, history, and character, and no two days ever felt the same. It’s difficult to choose a single favorite stop because each destination offered something special, whether it was a breathtaking landscape, an interesting museum, or simply a quiet moment appreciating the beauty of the world around me.

As our journey came to an end in St. Louis, I found myself reflecting on everything we had experienced over the past two weeks. Although I was happy to be heading home, I was also grateful for the opportunity to explore such an incredible part of the country. This adventure gave me memories that will last a lifetime, and I hope this travel journal inspires others to experience the beauty, history, and wonder of the American Southwest for themselves. You can also see what I got from the trip here!

Your Turn!

Have you ever visited the American Southwest? I’d love to hear about your favorite destinations, hidden gems, or memorable road trip experiences. If you haven’t been yet, which place would you most like to visit—the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Cadillac Ranch, the Gateway Arch, or somewhere else entirely?

Feel free to share your thoughts or travel recommendations in the comments below. I always enjoy hearing about new places to add to my travel bucket list!