Family Car Vacation Though Midwest and South?

[bill l]

I'm planning a family car trip with my wife and two kids (ages 10 and 2) leaving from Denver and passing through Branson, Memphis, Nashville, and Chicago before returning home. Duration will be 10 days or so. We're hoping to leave the week after Memorial Day. I'm trying to keep the driving to 500 miles or less per day. I'm looking for any must-see attractions along the way. We're interested in Civil War and antebellum history, fun activities for the kids, interesting cuisine, and intriguing roadside crap. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!