Driving f/KC to Minneapolis w/toddlers. Any stops in IA?

My mom and I are driving from Kansas City to Minneapolis this summer with a 4 year-old and 5 1/2 year-old. We%26#39;re thinking the 8 hour drive may be too much (for all of us!) Any good overnight stopping points on that drive? We probably just need a fun family hotel with a pool and decent dinner.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Driving f/KC to Minneapolis w/toddlers. Any stops in IA?

The Wildwood Lodge is right off of I-35 and walking distance to restaurants (across the street). Depending on how long you want to stay there is also an aquatic center about 1/4 mile from the hotel.

Driving f/KC to Minneapolis w/toddlers. Any stops in IA?

The Wildwood Lodge is right off of I-35 and walking distance to restaurants (across the street). Depending on how long you want to stay there is also an aquatic center about 1/4 mile from the hotel.

Living in Des Moines, the first thing that comes to mind is the Adventureland Inn in Altoona. It would be about halfway for you and the hotel has a nice indoor pool. Food wise, there are plenty of opportunities in Altoona or nearby in Des Moines.

If you do this again next summer, Story City would be a great option. It%26#39;s a small community, right off I-35, north of Ames, has an antique carousel open for rides in the summer, newer Comfort Inn with pool, factor outlet mall, upscale restaurant (www.cottageonbroad.com), all of which are basically on the same street or visible from the same street, easy to navigate, low key but nice.

Thanks to all of you. We did end up pushing on through w/out an overnight stop. But as my sister will probably never leave MSP, I%26#39;m sure we%26#39;ll make the drive next summer! We did eat lunch in Ames at a local brewery/restaurant. Can%26#39;t remember the name. Pretty good. Also visited a really cute toy shop on the old main street.