A few weeks ago, I had an idea to go one a two day road trip out to west Nebraska and back using the Nebraska Passport program as a guidebook. J chimed in questioning how much farther it would be to visit Mount Rushmore. Umm… like another 5 hours driving. This conversation continued and evolved into a 5 day, 4 night road trip through Nebraska, up to the Mount Rushmore area, back through South Dakota, and down hone. After deciding on a big plan, I got to work finding lots of optional activities and sites to see. I’m huge into weird roadside attractions and offbeat sites and made sure to include a ton in my planning. We just got back from our trip this weekend and now it’s time to document our trip. I plan on doing a mini scrapbook album with pictures and ephemera, but first I’m going to document our travels here.
NE-SD Road Trip Day #4
A few weeks ago, I had an idea to go one a two day road trip out to west Nebraska and back using the Nebraska Passport program as a guidebook. J chimed in questioning how much farther it would be to visit Mount Rushmore. Umm… like another 5 hours driving. This conversation continued and evolved into a 5 day, 4 night road trip through Nebraska, up to the Mount Rushmore area, back through South Dakota, and down hone. After deciding on a big plan, I got to work finding lots of optional activities and sites to see. I’m huge into weird roadside attractions and offbeat sites and made sure to include a ton in my planning. We just got back from our trip this weekend and now it’s time to document our trip. I plan on doing a mini scrapbook album with pictures and ephemera, but first I’m going to document our travels here.
Day #4: Rapid City, SD to Sioux Falls, SD
Stop #1: Wall Drug, Wall, SD - If we are going to be in South Dakota, you have to go to Wall Drug! I made sure to get pictures of all the kids riding the jackalope (Q’s pic is on J’s camera right now). Alex and I went hunting for a carved jackalope which we sadly did not find. We bought fudge, strawberry jalapeno jam, and bison jerky. And generally marveled at the ridiculousness. On our way out, I made sure to take a detour to see the 80 foot dinosaur by the highway.
Stop #2: Minuteman Missile Site Delta-09 - We had wanted to do a tour of a decommissioned minuteman missile site, but ran into two problems: 1) Q would not be able to go on the tour (ladders) 2) All tours were booked for the day we were going to be there. Beyond the tour, there is also a visitor center and a separate silo scattered along I-90. We opted for the silo for our stop. There was an audio tour to learn more about the site. Instead, I listened to a volunteer talk about the site with some other families. We got to peer into a silo with a dummy missile in it and read the informational signs. J took an amazing panoramic photo of the nothingness surrounding the site. Hidden gem!
Stop #3: Prairie Dogs, Phillip, SD - Right off of 90, on the way to the Badlands National Park (and scenic loop drive), there is this great random attraction. You can buy peanuts from the store and feed real prairie dogs in a field. We didn’t buy any food, but did watch other families feed the animals. Arthur was super excited to get down low and check them out.
Stop #4: Original 1880 Town, Murdo, SD - J and stopped at this Wild West Town on our way through SD to CA 7 years ago. We had to take the kids! It was weird to go when there were actually people in the town. Last time, we went in April and it was a ghost town. This time, we grabbed lunch at the 50s Diner on the train cars and headed into the town to explore. They’ve added a few little things, but it’s mainly the same.
Stop #5: Dignity of Earth and Sky, Oacoma, SD - This beautiful statue is a recent addition (2016) to the area. The craftsmanship of this piece was breathtaking. I loved how the panels on her back reflected sunlight from the Missouri River. We also admired the view of the river before heading out. (Note for travelers: this is located at a rest stop / scenic view area right off of I-90)
Stop #6: Corn Palace, Mitchell, SD - Of course we had to stop here! They’ve added a few interesting displays in the lobby since I was last here.
Stop #7: Jackalope, Mitchell, SD - On our way out of town, we made sure to stop and get pictures on this jackalope.
And then we were off to Sioux Falls for dinner (at Granite City) and on to our hotel for the night.
NE-SD Road Trip Day #3
A few weeks ago, I had an idea to go one a two day road trip out to west Nebraska and back using the Nebraska Passport program as a guidebook. J chimed in questioning how much farther it would be to visit Mount Rushmore. Umm… like another 5 hours driving. This conversation continued and evolved into a 5 day, 4 night road trip through Nebraska, up to the Mount Rushmore area, back through South Dakota, and down hone. After deciding on a big plan, I got to work finding lots of optional activities and sites to see. I’m huge into weird roadside attractions and offbeat sites and made sure to include a ton in my planning. We just got back from our trip this weekend and now it’s time to document our trip. I plan on doing a mini scrapbook album with pictures and ephemera, but first I’m going to document our travels here.
Day #3: Custer, SD to Rapid City, SD
Stop #1: Pancake Buffet at The Bavarian Inn, Custer, SD - Part of the reason we booked a hotel here was the pancake buffet. Q rediscovered his love of Nutella!
Stop #2: Random dinos in Custer, SD - We had to stop at this random display.
Stop #3: Black Hills Institute, Hill City, SD - Highlight of the day! The Black Hills Institute were the scientists behind finding Sue, the T Rex currently housed at the Field Museum in Chicago. A few years back, they found Stan - the largest most complete male T Rex fossil found. They actually still have Stan so we had to stop and visit. This tiny museum packs so many specimens in a tiny area. Another place we could have spent hours at if not for the little kids.
Stop #4: Mount Rushmore - My second visit to the mountain. Hasn’t changed. Haha! We didn’t spend a huge amount of time here, but we had to stop for a few to all get a look at the faces. While there, I picked up Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln bobbleheads. I now have all four of the Presidents on the mountain.
Stop #5: Lunch at BarLee’s, Keystone, SD - My best meal of the trip. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich and it was so good. Plus we got a great view of the hills across the street.
Stop #6: Black Hills Caverns, Rapid City, SD - Q fell asleep in the car, so J stayed with him while the rest of us went on the cave tour. I loved the tour and our tour guide. We ended up 225 feet below the surface!
Stop #7: Chapel in the Hills, Rapid City, SD - This reconstruction of a 12th century Norwegian church was a must see. J and hiked up to the church (the kids all stayed in the car) to marvel at the architecture. Very peaceful in the hills.
Stop #8: Storybook Island, Rapid City, SD - Apparently I have a thing for weird children’s amusement parks from the 1950s. We had to stop! And it lived up to all the weirdness that I was expecting. Unfortunately, there were so many bugs we didn’t spend that much time here. Seriously, there were swarms of bugs everywhere.
Stop #9: Dinosaur Park, Rapid City, SD - Another random roadside attraction I had to see. Q loved playing on all the dinosaurs. We got great 360 degree views of Rapid City. And I learned that the entire park was built by the WPA in 1936. Random!
Stop #10: Downtown Rapid City, SD - On our way to dinner, we walked through part of historic downtown. We stopped by Art Alley. Not quite the level of art as in Oakland, but I really liked the piece pictured below. RC has statues of all the U.S. President scattered throughout downtown. We saw about 10 total. We even managed to stumble across my favorite: Thomas Jefferson.
Stop #11: Dinner ay Jambonz Deux, Rapid City, SD - Decent soul cajun food. The catfish was really good.
Swimming at the hotel.
NE-SD Road Trip Day #2
A few weeks ago, I had an idea to go one a two day road trip out to west Nebraska and back using the Nebraska Passport program as a guidebook. J chimed in questioning how much farther it would be to visit Mount Rushmore. Umm… like another 5 hours driving. This conversation continued and evolved into a 5 day, 4 night road trip through Nebraska, up to the Mount Rushmore area, back through South Dakota, and down hone. After deciding on a big plan, I got to work finding lots of optional activities and sites to see. I’m huge into weird roadside attractions and offbeat sites and made sure to include a ton in my planning. We just got back from our trip this weekend and now it’s time to document our trip. I plan on doing a mini scrapbook album with pictures and ephemera, but first I’m going to document our travels here.
Day #2: North Platte, NE to Custer, SD
Stop #1: Sinclair Dinosaur, North Platte, NE - We have a few Sinclair Gas Stations in Omaha, but ours do not have the dinosaur outside. We had to snap a pic!
Stop #2: Buffalo Bill’s House at Scouts Rest Ranch, North Platte, NE - I wanted to tour the house, but it didn’t open until 10am and we couldn’t wait. I still got to check out the outside.
Stop #3: Golden Spike Tour, North Platte, NE - We went up to the top of the tower to check out Bailey Yard. Q loves trains, so this was a must stop! The wooden train out back was a highlight.
Stop #4: Petrified Wood Gallery, Ogallala, NE - Another hidden gem of a museum. I would have loved to spend much more time there, but alas, we have small children. Across the street was the Front Street Museum. We didn’t go in, but I did snap a pic.
Stop #5: Mansion on the Hill, Ogallala, NE - Nebraska Passport stop. I love architecture, so I had to take some pics.
Stop #6: Boot Hill Cemetery, Ogallala, NE - Right next door was the Boot Hill Cemetery. A super hidden gem! All of the informational signs were great reads. And we randomly met a couple from Greensburg IN there. Small world!
Stop #7: Chimney Rock National Monument, Bayard, NE - Who remember’s passing Chimney Rock while playing Oregon Trail? We had to take a short detour to see the real thing! There was a cute little museum/visitor center with amazing views of the monument. Arthur was fascinated by the “Beware of Rattlesnakes” signs scattered around. He even got a stuffed rattlesnake as a souvenir.
Stop #8: Lunch at Corner Cafe, Bayard, NE - Cute little cafe serving basic diner food. Our waitress was amazing and the kids loved her!
Stop #9: Carhenge, Alliance, NE - Of course we had to stop her so I could experience the amazing roadside-ness of Carhenge! Q loved the dinosaur, but was confused that he couldn’t move any of the cars.
Stop #10: Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron, NE - We didn’t inside as it was closing, but i had to get a pick of the antler archway and the historical monument.
Stop #11: The Mammoth Site, Hot Springs, SD - Highlight of the entire trip! Seriously, this was absolutely amazing! The building houses an active paleontological dig site focused on a sinkhole. The tour was informative and interesting. I think we could have spent hours there.
Stop #12: Dinner at Big Time Pizza, Hot Springs, SD - We went for pizza this night. J and I shared the Buffalo Stampede (pepperoni, sweet onions, jalapeno, and buffalo meat). Not quite better than the spicy pizza we get from Piezon down the street, but still really good.
Stop #13: Wind Cave National Park, SD - Not actually a stop, but we drove through Wind Cave National Park on the way to our hotel and passed a herd of bison! None of my pictures really turned out that great, but it was amazing to see bison in the wild. Such amazing creatures!
Stop #14: Bavarian Inn, Custer, SD - Most of the hotels I booked were boring chains, but this night’s stay was at a cute independently owned hotel tucked into the hills in Custer. The room was spacious (to sleep all 6 of us), adorable, and clean. They had a great indoor pool and lobby area. They were even piping in jazzy cover music in the lobby and parking lot. If you’re in the area, make sure to book a room here!
NE-SD Road Trip Day #1
A few weeks ago, I had an idea to go one a two day road trip out to west Nebraska and back using the Nebraska Passport program as a guidebook. J chimed in questioning how much farther it would be to visit Mount Rushmore. Umm… like another 5 hours driving. This conversation continued and evolved into a 5 day, 4 night road trip through Nebraska, up to the Mount Rushmore area, back through South Dakota, and down hone. After deciding on a big plan, I got to work finding lots of optional activities and sites to see. I’m huge into weird roadside attractions and offbeat sites and made sure to include a ton in my planning. We just got back from our trip this weekend and now it’s time to document our trip. I plan on doing a mini scrapbook album with pictures and ephemera, but first I’m going to document our travels here.
Day #1: Omaha, NE to North Platte, NE
Stop #1: Covered Wagon abandoned store near Milford, NE - Random roadside attraction I needed to see! Right off of I-80, exit 382
Stop #2: Clayton Museum of Ancient History at York College, York, NE - Hidden gem of a museum. Artifacts are from a private collection. Plus there was a kid’s interactive area. Always a plus when traveling with kiddos.
Stop #3: Random backyard zoo in York, NE - I snagged a pic of the giraffe, but there was also a zebra, lion, hippo, cow skeleton, and a few others.
Stop #4: Lee’s Marbles in York, NE - Another random hidden gem. This is an antique store, junk shop, and marble museum. Arthur got a free bag of marbles from the owner.
Stop #5: Harvard Jail in Harvard, NE - Check out the story featured in the historical marker. We had to see this tiny jail once owned by a dummy!
Stop #6: Birth of Kool-Aid, Hastings, NE - I had to take a pic of the building that birthed Kool-Aid. We traveled about a mile away to see the Kool-Aid Man’s footprints at the Hastings Museum (we didn’t go in, just checked out the outside). Also there, I snapped a pic of a statue of the Martin Brothers. In 1864, these brothers were attacked by Native Americans and were pinned together by an arrow. They survived. Strange random story. Apparently there are multiple statues to these brothers all around the area. We personally found 4!!! of these statues and wonder if there are more…
Stop #7: Coney Island Lunch Room in Grand Island, NE - We had to eat here and compare to Coney Island in Fort Wayne. Decent coney dogs, but Fort Wayne is still a winner!
Stop #8: Wacky cars on poles, Grand Island, NE - Awesome roadside attraction!
Stop #9: Raising Nebraska exhibit at Fonner Park, Grand Island, NE - This is part of the permanent exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair grounds. We popped in to see the World’s Largest Pair of Overalls, but stayed to check out the other exhibits. Arthur and Quentin loved driving the combine!
Stop #10: The Archway, Kearney, NE - Our big museum stop of the day. The pictures I had seen made this museum look really cheesy, but we loved it. You follow the story of the west and specifically Nebraska across I-80 and back across. The audio tour was very interesting with a big story and lots of extra more specific stops. We didn’t explore all of the grounds, but there was more to see outside. Definite stop!
Stop #11: Pony Express Station, Gothenburg, NE - Great stop! This is an original Pony Express Station (moved from original location to this park), complete with mini museum and historical plaques. The lady working was very friendly and knowledgable. This was a quick stop (15 minutes probably), but a must see if you’re in the area.
Stop #12: Dinner at Switchyard in North Platte, NE
Stop #13: Fort Cody Trading Post, North Platte, NE - Very kitschy souvenir shop with random statues and wagons in the backyard. The big draw is the miniaturized recreation of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Plus they had a ton of other west artifacts. My favorite picture is the one of Arthur and Quentin in jail. Arthur told Q to “look sad.” This pic was the result!
And that concludes our packed Day 1!
Into the West Day #4
We're on our way. We're heading to California to start a slightly modified life. Excited as it may be, we've got a lot of ground to cover. I thought you would like to see the things we encounter on our ~2000 mile journey. (I know it 's just what you have all wanted!). Enjoy! Travel miles today: 561 miles
Travel miles total: 1831 miles
Places of interest: Another huge day of traveling. I did get to see some awesome dino bones, though. We didn't quite make it to Reno today, but we are about 3 hours away. That should leave us with about 6:30 hours of driving tomorrow. I think we can do it. Just need to get up and going early.
First (and only) stop: Dinosaur National Monument. We arrived right as it opened and got on the first tour of the day. The ranger takes you up to the Quarry Fossil Center and from there you can explore. Of course, we got to enjoy it with about 50 elementary students there on a field trip. The center is basically a building covering a giant wall of dinosaur fossils. It's huge! And really cool. The original building was built in the 1950s, but closed in 2006 because it was structurally unsound. It was literally falling apart. It took the NPS five years to replace it. Thankfully the new building opened last year, so we could see the wonder that is the Quarry. Very neat place!
In passing: We passed the Great Salt Lake. Man is that thing huge! and the Bonneville Salt Flats. J didn't want to risk the car, so no offroading.
Tomorrow: Donner Party Memorial in Truckee CA, Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield CA, and finally Sunnyvale CA!
Into the West Day #3
We're on our way. We're heading to California to start a slightly modified life. Excited as it may be, we've got a lot of ground to cover. I thought you would like to see the things we encounter on our ~2000 mile journey. (I know it 's just what you have all wanted!). Enjoy! Travel miles today: 665 miles
Travel miles total: 1270 miles
Places of interest: A huge day of traveling. We didn't really stop at much, but passed through South Dakota, all of Wyoming, a bit of Colorado, and into Utah. We got a phone call that the moving truck will be arriving on May 3rd, so we need to get moving. Our plan is to get to Reno, NV tomorrow to be set for early evening arrival on the 2nd. But before we get there, here's what we saw today:
First passing: From Hill City, SD, we headed north passing through Deadwood and by Sundance on the way to...
First (and only) stop: Devil's Tower. You know the giant rock from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Yeah! That giant rock. It's even more impressive up close. We paid the entrance fee to wind our way up to the tower. The road passes through prairie dog town (literally next to the road) and up to the visitor's center. We bought a few interesting photographs and postcards, but decided to skip the mile long hike around the tower. We took more pics and then headed back to I-90.
Then: Headed south to Casper, WY and kept going. Because of the push up on arrival, we kept driving into part of the night to get to Vernal, UT to stay the night. After checking a few full hotels, we finally found on that had rooms and got one. I don't know what is going on, but Vernal seems to be hopping tonight.
Tomorrow: Dinosaur National Monument, Utah, and Nevada.
Into the West Day #2
We're on our way. We're heading to California to start a slightly modified life. Excited as it may be, we've got a lot of ground to cover. I thought you would like to see the things we encounter on our ~2000 mile journey. (I know it 's just what you have all wanted!). Enjoy! Travel miles today: 397 miles
Travel miles total: 605 miles
Places of interest: A huge day of sightseeing. Although I think I enjoyed it way more than J...
First stop: Sioux Falls downtown to see the reproduction of David in the park. I found it pretty weird that Sioux Falls, SD, has a naked man statue in their downtown, but it was nice. On our way out of town, we drove by the concrete outline of the USS South Dakota, but no pics. It was pretty lame... I want the real ship.
Next up: The Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. The height of cheese. Loved it!
Then: 1880 town outside Murdo, SD. We originally had a 1880 town close to Sioux Falls on the list. We drove past and it was like the set of Texas Chainsaw Massacre. We passed that one up for the original.
On to: Wall Drug in Wall, SD. The best part... J got a pic of me riding a jackalope. We marveled at the cheese. We were almost eaten by a T-Rex. And we scored some fudge, red raspberry rubarb jam, pheasant jerky, huckleberry tea, and bison summer sausage.
Finally: Mount Rushmore. I actually really enjoyed the monument. It was also nice to visit on the off season with hardly any other tourists. And for some reason, we didn't have to pay. Score! We finished with the mountain, Wove our way through the Black Hills, and ended up in Hill City (Comfort Inn) for the night.
Tomorrow: Devil's Tower and Wyoming!
Into the West Day #1
We're on our way. We're heading to California to start a slightly modified life. Excited as it may be, we've got a lot of ground to cover. I thought you would like to see the things we encounter on our ~2000 mile journey. (I know it 's just what you have all wanted!). Enjoy!
Travel miles today: 208 miles
Travel miles total: 208 miles
Places of interest: No one place. We got a late start, so no fun attractions along the way. We did decide to take the Iowa Loess Hills Scenic Byway instead of just heading north on I-29. Lots of great rolling hills, tiny towns, and bluffs. We made it to Sioux Falls, SD, at dinner time, ate at Old Chicago, and checked into the Fairfield Inn. Tomorrow we'll actually hit some great roadside attractions on the way to Mount Rushmore.