[spacemanspif]

In April I am taking a week off from work and driving out to Denver to see friends and family who have relocated westward. My plan is to leave Saturday morning and get back at a reasonable time on Sunday for work the next day so I'll have almost 9 days for the trip. My plan is to see as much of the country as possible so I want to make a loop by using a northern and southern route to and from Denver. I'm looking for some advice on things to see and places to visit. Currently all I have thought of for the southern route is the tail of the dragon and Cadillac ranch, maybe sand dune national park in CO. for the north I'm thinking badlands national park and Mount Rushmore. Other than those I need ideas. I guess Chicago and Kansas City should be on the list too but on a "need to get there and back fast" road trip I'm not sure what I would do with a city other than drive through it.

All ideas are welcome