Going on vacation can be an expensive proposition, especially if it involves family travel. Costs can add up quickly. Fuel prices are at or near highs and hotel accommodations during the peak travel season can eat into a travel budget significantly. One travel expense that everybody can control is the cost of entertainment. By entertainment I'm referring to the things you want to see and do during a road trip vacation.
I write a travel blog which centers around historically interesting sites found in the western United States. One simple truth is that to have fun and learn at the same time, you don't need to spend a kings ransom. There are many terrific historic travel sites in the western U.S. that cost very little or even nothing to enjoy and one of the best things about these venues are that they are perfect for family travel. In other words, they appeal to the entire family.
Waco Texas
I can suggest examples in just about every state in the western U.S., and I'll begin with Texas. On a convenience standpoint, Texas is an easy state to travel in. Interstates are quite abundant in every direction and for the most part they are toll free. Heading south out of the Dallas/Fort Worth area on Interstate 35, you'll come across Waco Texas. Waco is about half way between Dallas and Austin. Waco happens to be the home of the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame and Museum. In fact, the museum is directly off Interstate 35 on the east side of the Interstate. Current rates are from $6 to $7 for adults and children $3. Under six years of age are free. Here you'll find artifacts and documents that cover the entire history of the Texas Rangers and the state of Texas.
Austin Texas
Heading further down Interstate 35, you'll come to Austin Texas, the state capital. Two no cost yet quite interesting stops is the state capital building itself which has it's origin back to the 1800's and the establishment of the famed XIT Ranch in the Texas Panhandle. A few blocks south of the capital building is the famous Driskill Hotel. The Driskill Hotel's Victorian architectural style makes it stand out in the Austin downtown area. The Texas capital building was made possible by the selling of over 3 million acres of land in the Texas Panhandle to a syndicate that would become one of the largest cattle ranches in the world. The Driskill Hotel was built in the late 1870's and was at one time used as the state capital building while the actual capital building you see today was constructed. The exterior and interior of this hotel is magnificent and the paintings on display there are very unique to Texas. Both sites are free to explore.
San Antonio Texas
Take a drive further south on Interstate 35 and you'll reach San Antonio Texas, at one time the largest city in the state. If you haven't yet, make a stop at the famous Alamo which now resides in the center of the city's business district. The original Spanish mission was named Mission San Antonio de Valero. Like all old Spanish missions in North America, their main purpose was to convert the Native population to Christianity. Admission to the Alamo and surrounding grounds are free. A great place to take the family. Another very interesting and historically important site in san Antonio is the Pioneer Flour Mill which was started in the mid 1800's by an immigrant from Germany. The Guenther Home displays many period artifacts and provides a very popular bakery and restaurant. A visit to the Guenther Home and the beautiful grounds is free to the public. While in San Antonio, don't forget a stroll along the famous River Walk which is in the center of town and runs along the San Antonio River. The entire River Walk is a public park which is open 365 days a year. If your budget permits, an unforgettable boat ride along the River Walk costs only $7.75 per adult and $5 for children. Seniors over 60 and military $5. The ride is about 35 minutes long as is narrated.
Fort Stockton Texas
For those on an extended Texas vacation into west Texas, you'll find history unfolding at just about every stop. In southwest Texas directly off Interstate 10 is Fort Stockton. At one time, Fort Stockton was a busy military outpost. It was also the home at one time of the Ninth Cavalry of Buffalo Soldiers.Traffic on the trail between San Antonio and El Paso was quite important and the military outposts were in place to prevent attacks on stagecoaches and freight wagons by Apache and Comanche Indians. The Fort Stockton Museum is filled with authentic artifacts from the 1800's which include military uniforms, firearms, saddles, bugles and just about everything that was needed on the wild frontier. Military garrisons at Fort Stockton date back to 1858 with the establishment of Camp Stockton. The museum is located on the old fort grounds in Barracks #1 and includes a walking tour of the parade ground, original and reconstructed buildings. This is another excellent stop for the entire family. For current admission fees contact the Fort Stockton Museum at 915-336-2400. The fort is owned by the City of Stockton and is operated by the Fort Stockton Historical Society, a non-profit organization. Another tour stop in Fort Stockton is the world famous Annie Riggs Hotel. The Annie Riggs hotel is now a fascinating museum showcasing everything pioneer. Everything you see there is authentic and there's quite a lot to see. One of the exhibits is an iron bed ordered from Sears & Roebuck for $6.75. The Annie Riggs Museum is owned and operated by the Fort Stockton Historical Society. The museum is located at 301 S. Main St. Current admission fees are $3 for adults, 42 for children and $2.50 for seniors.
There's quite a few free or low cost fun and educational travel stops all over the United States. A road trip doesn't have to be a budget breaker. There are still plenty of things to do and see that should be able to fit most family travel budgets. Have a great vacation.
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