The only thing I know about Northwestern Nebraska is the Platte river goes up that way. The Platte is an incredible river with lots and lots and lots of history. On the way there, Devon, make sure to take the time to stop at the big arch that goes over the highway near Kearney. The Great Platte River Road Archway Museum It is an awesome museum that chronicles the flow of traffic from pioneer days all the way up to the modern day interstate. It's done very well and is well worth taking the time to check it out.
We've also stopped at Lake McConaughy. Beautiful resevoir area that is way below it's natural level because of 7 years of drought they've had. The area is rich with history of the pioneers going west. It is an arid area so since you're coming from Indiana, be sure and bring lots and lots of moisterizer along.
We head that way every Thanksgiving to see Terry's family in Denver. This last year we missed Thanksgiving but then had to go in early March for Terry's Dad's funeral. It was a different time of year from what we're used to, and we could not believe the amount of Canadian Geese and Snow Geese!!! The sky was literally black with birds and every pond along the road was literally "no vacancy"! This area (near Kearney) is a major flyway for migrating birds. There are even a ton of Sandhill Cranes that go through the area and we saw a field full of them also.
When you're away from the bigger towns, the area seems rather desolate and deserted, but it is a wonderful part of the country - lots of ranches, lots of history, lots of Indian reservations, but we didn't see any tumbleweed until we hit Colorado (I love seeing tumbleweed scurry across the road
).
Also, South Dakota and the Black Hills are not that far away and are a must see. The Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse memorials, lots of historic mining towns, Devils Tower (in Wyoming) and lots and lots more history and interesting sites to see there.
It's a wonderful part of our great country and I would love to be able to spend more time exploring the area.
(whew, what a novel. But hey, you asked!)
Tubby
Spring 1986 - Dec. 11, 2004
RIP Big Boy
-----------
Peanut
Fall 1988 - Jan. 24, 2007
RIP Snotty Girl
-----------
Robin
Fall 1997 - Oct. 6, 2012
RIP Sweet Monkeyhead Girl
Bookmarks