I have been waiting for the chance to share this website by the Lincoln Highway Association. I haven't made this trip yet, but I intend to do it sometime. If you like old stuff:

http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/

Thanks Sheri. Interesting site. Will come in handy.

It is going to be hard to drive along the Mississippi for more than a short distance given that the river runs mostly north and south. We have made that run more than once and it is not all that interesting.

Having lived in Iowa for fourteen years, I can confirm what fmpden has just said. There are a few historically interesting towns on the Mississippi, but none are worth a detour.

> Or just shoot thru to my destination??
That would be your best bet. Be prepared for miles of miles.

The Amtrak fare on the California Zephyr is $110 (less with AAA or senior discount) from Denver to Chicago. The train gets to Chicago about 3 PM after a 19 hour overnight trip.
Rental cars are available at Chicago Union Station if you can't get to the NW Chicago location on CTA.
I never really enjoyed the drive across Nebraska. Iowa is a little more interesting

if you go on I80 stop in LeClaire,IA-downtown shops and restaurants right on the river