Passenger Princess Log, Day 7: Sac City, Iowa to Elgin, Illinois

1,250 Miles to Boston

Today is our 24th wedding anniversary. It only seemed fitting that our first stop of the day was to see Albert, the world’s largest bull, in Audubon, Iowa. He was one of the first sites I insisted my husband visit the very first time I brought him home to meet my family. The 28 foot tall concrete structure, supported by discarded Iowa windmills was a childhood favorite. I have fond memories of visiting him with my grandpa many years ago; although, I don’t remember his eyelashes being quite so on point, but I suppose even giant bulls have to keep up with the times.

Albert the Bull, complete with his gorgeous eyelashes

The morning was spent crossing Iowa as quickly as possible. Between the heat, the wind, and Iowa’s unmistakable perfume (thank you, hog trucks and confinement sheds), we were more than ready to reach the Mississippi River.

Hog transport trucks were passed as quickly as possible while holding our breath

We were grateful to reach Dubuque in early afternoon and took a well-deserved break on the riverwalk of the Mississippi River before taking a short detour into Wisconsin due to a bridge being replaced.

The breezes coming off of the river were a welcome respite

The detour was short and shady, and soon we were in the town of Galena, Illinois, the home of Ulysses S. Grant. We had high hopes, but, of course, the free museum was closed on Monday and Tuesday. Instead, I spent some time wandering the grounds while my husband took a well-deserved break in the shade. 

Home to four U.S presidents, Illinois has a rich history

A short way down the road brought us to the Route 20 Bar & Grill in Freeport, Illinois where we shared a Route 20 punch, a welcome relief from the temperatures that were now well over 100 degrees.

I may have to recreate the Route 20 Punch when I get home

We made it to Elgin in time for a quick dip in the pool before a dinner.

Twenty-four years ago, I would never have imagined we’d be celebrating our anniversary by chasing roadside attractions across Highway 20. I wouldn’t have it any other way.