West of Chicago, route 80, places to exercise

What I am thinking of is getting out somewhere that I can walk for an hour or two...not an all day thing as hubby is wanting drive, drive,
drive to get to the wild west. He tells me there is nothing until we get to Colorado (it is all in the perspective, I say).

I just need to move my back some or it is going to be stiff as a board for when we get out to actually hike in Arches.

Ditto on Starved Rock - fantastic trails, nice CG. But I noticed the OP is asking about Iowa & Nebraska. I gather you are not thinking of the relatively short walks available in rest areas; both states have nice rest areas, for the most part, and you should be able to get a good stroll out of a stop there.

Be aware that Nebraska state parks require an entrance fee; if you think you'll be using several of them, you can buy an annual pass which covers unlimited visits. Mormon Island, as previously noted, has a CG with electric hookups, and several other state parks, waysides & recreation areas do too - Ft Kearny State Rec Area has a decent CG and the nearby Ft Kearny State Historic Park would be a good place for a walk. (Walking around the CG at the SRA would be fine too; it's a fairly large CG.)

So you want to walk a bit? Stop at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL. As mentioned, lots of trails, beautiful scenery, and there's a nice old campground there, too.

Mormon Island State Rec Area at Grand Island, NE. It is just off the interstate at the GI interchange. There are 2 lakes and some nice walking areas and big shade trees. It has electric hookups only but a nice shower house also.

I would second Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. It is a world class zoo and affords lots of walking.

Omaha's world famous Zoo.

Pioneer Village, Minden, Ne.

Lots of walking, indoors (in case of rain)

Holy Canolis...Ole's.
I took a look see at the menu! Noticed the chicken gizzards...don't have that in NY. THEN, I noticed the rocky mountain oysters...well oysters don't grow in the rocky mountains but....we definetly don't have those on plates in NY.
I think I am going to like this trip:B
Donna

A really cool place to visit along I-80 is the #145 exit in Nebraska. Paxton, NE, has a very unique bar and grill called Ole's Big Game Steakhouse and Grill about 1/2 mile north of the interstate. The original Ole was a big game hunter and has some very impressive mounts all around this restaurant.

Ole's gets a visit from us whenever we pass by...

In case you are already itching for exercise by the time you are in IL:

Stratton State Park in Morris, is mostly a boat launch with huge parking lot, along the Illinois River. But there is a long trail along the I&M Canal there too. This is approx 5 minutes from I-80, at most.

Further west, Starved Rock SP in Utica. I believe it is the most popular SP in IL. Nice trails across and up onto the bluffs overlooking the Illinois River. It is more like 10-15 minutes from I-80. They have a lodge, foodservice and the like.

Of the two, the latter is much more scenic and park-like. There are no entrance fees for IL SPs.

Oh, there is a SP along the river in Marseilles too. I don't know what's there, though. It looks more like a flat park for picnics and boating. It would be 10 minutes from I-80.

Mahoney state park in Nebraska is just off I80. Lots of hiking trails. Also Lake Anita state park in Iowa is off of I80 and has some hiking trails