Going on a road trip this September from Florida to Wyoming. I already know what I'll be doing in Wyoming but know nothing about what I might see on the way. I will be passing through Missouri and Nebraska. I've got the time to stop on the way so anybody having some "you've gotta see this" spots, do let me know. Appreciate anything anybody can tell me.
John, If you're planning on driving I80 through Nebraska, your options are limited. If you're getting off and exploring, there are quite a few options.
In the Northeast, Ashfall Fossil Beds is an amazing collection of fossils with a fascinating story of discovery and lots of interesting details about the last days of the animals found in the beds. It's far enough North that you might consider crossing to WY on Hwy 20, which would take you past Fort Robinson and close to Toadstool Park, a neat "badlands" area in the Ogalala National Grasslands
In the middle of the state Highway 2 from Grand Island to Alliance provides a fine look at the Sandhills. You can drop South off Hwy 2 on Rte 61 to Lake McConaughy where there are some fine sandy beaches and quiet campgrounds.
If you follow Hwy 26 into Wyoming (heading for Casper) you'll pass 4 major Oregon Trail historical sites, (Ash Hollow, Courthouse & Jailhouse Rocks, Chimney Rock, and Scottsbluff). The last three plus the sandhills offer significant landscape photographic possibilities.
If you like pioneer history and old machinery, Pioneer Village near Minden has an amazing collection of historical material.
Posted by Phillip Noll on July 29, 2014 at 5:13 PM
If you have time, try to see some of the springs in Missouri. In southeast Missouri, Alley Spring, Big Spring, Round Spring, and Blue Spring are not far from each other and they are amazing. Huge and turquoise blue. Alley Spring has a nice deep red mill right next to the spring and is one of my favorite places in MO. Also in SE MO is Elephant Rocks State Park, Johnson Shut-Ins, and the Mingo Swamp. All very photogenic and nice places to visit!
Dang Mark covered things about my native state pretty well. Coming up from Missouri in September I think I'd get off I-29 at Nebraska City and check out Arbor Lodge State Park as I believe you'll hit it at the height of apple season. Some interesting history and photographic opportunities. Like the migratory birds coming through Nebraska timing is everything, were you to be passing through 6 to 8 weeks later the central flyway would be much more active. We have some excellent remnants of native tall grass prairies in eastern Nebraska but they are kind of hard to find. They will be beautiful in September, I live in Lincoln and would be happy to meet up and show you some of my favorite local prairies.
Hopefully some more tips will come but you guys have been a big help & wanted to say "thanks" to you all before too much time passed. John, my plans are indeed to get off I-29 at that point! Thanks for the offer too. I might just contact you depending on when I hit and where I yet want to be. Since I can't predict exactly when I'll be rolling through, I certainly will understand if you're not available.
Discussion
4 repliesIn the Northeast, Ashfall Fossil Beds is an amazing collection of fossils with a fascinating story of discovery and lots of interesting details about the last days of the animals found in the beds. It's far enough North that you might consider crossing to WY on Hwy 20, which would take you past Fort Robinson and close to Toadstool Park, a neat "badlands" area in the Ogalala National Grasslands
In the middle of the state Highway 2 from Grand Island to Alliance provides a fine look at the Sandhills. You can drop South off Hwy 2 on Rte 61 to Lake McConaughy where there are some fine sandy beaches and quiet campgrounds.
If you follow Hwy 26 into Wyoming (heading for Casper) you'll pass 4 major Oregon Trail historical sites, (Ash Hollow, Courthouse & Jailhouse Rocks, Chimney Rock, and Scottsbluff). The last three plus the sandhills offer significant landscape photographic possibilities.
If you like pioneer history and old machinery, Pioneer Village near Minden has an amazing collection of historical material.