Driving Across Nebraska

           Earlier this year I had to drive across Nebraska to Scottsbluff for work. While I usually like to take my time on drives in order to enjoy the quirky little things you find along the way, but this trip we were on a timeline and so we couldn’t take the Lincoln Highway Historic Byway, otherwise known as highway 30. I wanted to take this highway because there are many things to see, including Oregon Trail sites. Since we had to take Interstate 80 I was a little disappointed, but I discovered that even the interstate can be entertaining.

            I have heard the drive across Nebraska described as boring, dull, and interminable. I discovered that all those opinions were wrong. I can see how if you see Nebraska as merely means to an end at a ski resort or mountain retreat you might describe it that way, but I found I-80 rather beautiful and entertaining.

            As we traveled along, we were delighted to discover that there are a number of things to enjoy along I-80. The first thing we discovered that I wanted to share was the Archway at Kearney. This impossible to miss site literally spans the interstate and is intriguing from several miles away. The Archway is a log structure that houses a multimedia journey through the Great Plains. We discovered things we didn’t know about the Great Plains and it was a nice distraction from the fact that we couldn’t stop and see historic Fort Kearney. I highly recommend this unique stop on I-80.

            Another interesting thing we discovered was Fort Cody Trading Post. This “fort” is a large wooden stockade guarded by mannequin cavalry officers, one who is hanging over the wall in a bad and hilarious situation. A giant Buffalo Bill Cody watches over the site, standing tall and slightly arrogant within site of I-80.  The trading post is located in North Platte and was too intriguing for us to pass up.

            There was no Fort Cody of course, but this stockade looks like something right out of the Wild West. There were cavalrymen watching over us as we entered the arrow-ridden fort through the modern glass doors, and since we weren’t sure what we were going to find inside the fort we were pleased to discover a plethora of things to look at, do, and buy. This trading post is exactly what it says it is and so much more. Inside there were thousands of souvenirs you can buy. They have rocks that have been tumbled, geodes, and rough gems. They also have “native American” souvenirs like drums and more. They have fortuneteller machines like the one in Big and they have actual artifacts from the real Wild West for you to see. In addition to all that, there is the World’s Largest Miniature Wild West Show.  This mechanical wonder is sure to aw you and your family.  Out back of the fort is a picnic space with a jail, cabin, and a large Indian chief.  This space is perfect for letting the little ones who have been cooped up in the car burn off some of their energy.  

            Along our drive I was pleased to discover that not only were there wonderfully entertaining stops, I-80 is also more scenic than people think.  Whoever said Nebraska was a flat expanse of cornfields was not paying attention.  For most of Interstate 80 the Platte River winds along next to the highway creating wonderful vistas and bird watching opportunities. As we traveled along there were thousands and thousands of birds resting on the gentle hills surrounding the Platte.

            Just before North Platte the Platte River splits into the North and South Platte and the North Platte heads off toward Scottsbluff, and the South winds its way to Colorado. Each river dug into the bedrock creating wonderful hills and vistas. Our journey along I-80 ended at Ogallala where we veered north along highway 26 to Scottsbluff.  I was not disappointed to turn northwest because Highway 26 passes by numerous historic sites for the Oregon Trail and because I knew I would get to experience the delights I’d found along I-80 after business was concluded and we headed east again. So next time you sigh because you have to drive across I-80 to get to your “real” vacation destination don’t overlook the treasures you can find along this highway.