IOWA to Arizona - any "cool" places we should stop?

While not a birding spot, the Petrified Forest National Park offers remarkable views of the painted desert and amazing fossilized trees. And for a chilling and informative day, don't miss the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque. See how much effort and treasure was expended in trying to build enough weaponry to destroy the world so that we wouldn't destroy it. See it if you can.