passing through...

[QuadCityImages]

If you or the kids haven't really seen the Mississippi river I'd suggest getting off I-80 to get a better view of it. If you get off I-80 on I-280 East, you can take Exit 6 to get on Highway 61 North. Following that all the way around until you hit I-80 again may cost you 40 minutes, but you'll see a lot more of the river.

[serate]

Originally Posted by El Rhino

Machine Shed, backed hard. The only problem with this place and a road trip is I would not want to eat here and then expect to stay awake for very long. The portions are unbelievable. Restraint be damned, you will overeat.

Edit: When they bring out the bread, they usually have this pumpkin bread that comes with it. Nothing short of amazing.

I agree, it's hard not to overeat there! I love their baked potato soup!

To combat the overeating sleepiness, and combine it with some fun stuff to do and a good night's sleep, go to the one in Urbandale [Des Moines metro].



First go to Living History Farms for some history fun.
Living History Farms; More Than You Remember!

Then go next door to The Machine Shed for some good home cooking style food.
The Machine Shed - Location - Des Moines, IA

And then next door to Comfort Suites At Living History Farms for a good night sleep.
Urbandale Iowa hotels, Comfort Suites hotel close to Drake University, Urbandale IA, 50322, IA048

I'd say go back to The Machine Shed for an awesome breakfast, but it's big and again you'd want to go take a nap afterwards!