11 STATES / 10 DARE PLACES / LOADS OF QUIRKY ACTIVITIES
Get ready for an unforgettable road trip through some of the most intriguing and offbeat destinations across the United States! This unique tour will take you on a deep dive into the history, culture, and curiosities of America—visiting everything from abandoned penitentiaries and nuclear bunkers to the birthplace of Johnny Cash and the world’s largest Superman statue.
Starting in Pittsburgh and finishing in Kansas City 9 days later, we’ll wind our way through nine states, uncovering fascinating landmarks, quirky museums, and lesser-known NomadMania’s DARE places. Whether you’re a history buff, a pop culture enthusiast, or just love the thrill of the unexpected, this adventure promises an experience like no other.
With a fast-paced itinerary, daily discoveries, and a great group of like-minded explorers, this is more than just a trip—it’s a journey into the heart of America’s most unusual and captivating sites. Pack light, be on time, and get ready for a road trip you’ll never forget!
Detailed Schedule
Day 1 – July 14
Departure from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania in the morning. Stop in Wheeling, West Virginia (DARE), followed by a visit to the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville. Continue to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, WV. Overnight in Summersville WV.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, WV
Day 2 – July 15
Visit the Greenbrier Nuclear Bunker in White Sulphur Springs, WV. Continue to Johnson County, Tennessee (DARE), followed by Lee County, Virginia (DARE) where we will overnight.
Greenbrier Nuclear Bunker
Day 3 – July 16
Visit the Cumberland Gap including the tri-point between Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. Continue to the Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, a World Heritage Site. Overnight in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Day 4 – July 17
Visit the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green. Continue to Evansville, Indiana and visit the Audubon Museum. Head to Ribeyre island, Indiana (DARE). Overnight in Metropolis, Illinois, home of the World’s Largest Superman Statue.
Corvette Museum in Bowling Green
Day 5 – July 18
4 DAREs in one day! Drive to Cairo, Illinois (DARE), followed by a visit of the Kentucky Bend (DARE), Caruthersville, Missouri (DARE) and Blytheville, Arkansas (DARE), where we will visit the Air Force & Base Exhibition. Overnight in Dyess, Arkansas.
Air Force & Base Exhibition in Blytheville
Day 6 – July 19
Visit the Johnny Cash Childhood Home in Dyess. Continue to Little Rock, where we will visit the Purse Museum. Head to Hot Springs for an overnight and attend the Maxwell Blade Magic Show.
Johnny Cash Childhood Home
Day 7 – July 20
Morning in Hot Springs, visiting Tiny Town and the Gangster Museum of America. Drive to Choctaw Nation (DARE) and continue to Tulsa via the small town of Eufala on NomadMania’s Villages and Small Towns Series. Overnight in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Indians Walking Along a Bayou
Day 8 – July 21
Visit the Cave House and the Golden Driller Statue in Tulsa. Head to Osage Indian Reservation (DARE), then cross into Kansas and visit the town of Wichita, focusing on the original Pizza Hut and the Wichita Troll. Overnight in Herington, Kansas.
Golden Driller Statue
Day 9 – July 22
Drive to Wamego, Kansas and be transported to a magic land at the Museum of Oz. Continue to our last stop, Kansas City, where we will hope to visit the newly opened BBQ Museum (expected opening in spring 2025) as well as Leila’s Hair Museum in Independence, Missouri.
By the end of the trip, you will have experienced a variety of aspects that make the United States of America the country it is!
Note about the trip
The itinerary is jam-packed and will generally involve an early start (8 a.m.) on most days, with a few exceptions which will have a slower start. We will require all participants to travel really light (backpack only) and to always be on-time: no exceptions!
We will have an average of 5 hours drive a day, not exceeding an estimated maximum of 6 hours.
Meals are not included in the quote; we will allow a limited time for lunch and will expect the group to make do with quick options, often decided together on-the-spot. Dinner can be in a group or not as the group decides.
Accommodation is planned along the way in comfortable, standard hotels (no luxuries).
Pricing
Trip Price: $2290 in shared twin room (single supplement available)
The price includes
- Accommodation for 8 nights (1st night in Summersville, 8th night in Herington) in a shared twin (with US-style breakfast where available)
- All transport costs
- All entry fees to museums/parks/attractions
The price does not include:
- Meals and snacks
- Personal insurance
- Tips
To apply please fill out this form:
Welcome 🙂
