I saw that on my last time through on I-80 and was wondering what that was! (I recognized it from an image search: great platte river road archway monument - Search Images). Wish I’d have knowned that, I woulda stopped in.
It spans I-80 and you drive underneath it.
I remember that too. I was also driving to Denver from Madison, but foolishly trying to do it in one very long drive, or I would have stopped.
I was on a long drive too, San Francisco to St. Louis on a motorcycle. It was early dawn when I came through. I doubt it was open.
Roadside America, ‘Your Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions’ has maps of each state with unusual attractions marked- for example, Carhenge in Alliance NE (which may be too far off of I-80 for you, but gives an idea of what you can find on the website).
Edit: A better link for Carhenge with more info
It’s the last place Holly, Valens, and the Big Bopper performed. I grew up 45 miles straight west, and knew all about the day the music died from the time I was walking.
This is conceivable on the way back, if I skip Deadwood and instead head more northeasterly out of Denver. I’ve absolutely heard about this.
On a drive last winter I stumbled onto this one without having any idea it was there.
If you’re doing 90 across on the way back east, stop off at Pipestone National Park on your way back home. I was just there in April and really enjoyed the visit. Also, right off of 90 is the new Spam Museum (I haven’t been since it re-opened, but had friends who were just there this past weekend.)
Random recommendations:
Crossing the Miss on into La Crosse, I recommend stopping for cheap grub at the North Country Steak Buffetif you’re on an Atkins diet (I can’t remember the last time I saw that advertised) as it’s all-you-care-to-eat steaks. If you’re in need of good flannel sheets or towels, the Company Store has its outlet in La Crosse and has good deals.
Pipestone looks to be a couple of hours off track, but not out of the realm of possibility. The Spam Museum … I dunno, but it looks right on track.
I did The Spam Museum once before it closed. It was kind of neat. Now it has reopened in a different location. It used to be attached to the plant or corporate office (I can’t remember which) and you had to show ID to the gate guard to get into the parking lot.
I don’t know what route you’re taking out of Madison to get to I-80, but Maquoketa Caves State Park in eastern Iowa (between Dubuque and Davenport) is worth a visit and features scenery you don’t normally associate with Iowa.
High security Spam? Go figure.
If you do go through the quad cities (Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island and Moline), (and are a fan of American Pickers on History) you could visit the original Antique Archaeology store in Le Claire, IA. They also have the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum.
That looks VERY cool? Any idea how long it takes to get from your car (wherever you would park it), to the areas where the pics were taken?
I would be heading out on 151, which would continue to the north and west of the park, but it looks like I could take 61 straight south to 80 and go right by there.
If you’re into aircraft at all, I would definitely recommend a visit. I particularly enjoyed sitting in the B-52 cockpit exhibit and messing with all the knobs and levers.
Oh, Wall Drug is a must-stop for roadtrip fans. The animated T-rex is pretty darn cool.
I spent the night there in an RV parked amongst all the big rigs…not terribly exciting.
If you didn’t go into the building it probably wasn’t too exciting.
Of course, it wasn’t too exciting in the building either but I didn’t explore much. It’s just the novelty of this huge truck stop.
You can get to half a dozen caves (and high bluffs too) by walking less than 1/2 mile. Most of those areas are very close to the main road. It’s been 20 years since I was there but I remember seeing small children along the trails.
If I do the 61 south to 80 option to see the caves, I’ll be going right by there.
In an odd coincidence, If I start toward home on 61 where it intersects with I 80, I don’t have to even turn onto another road and I’ll travel 155 miles to within 4 blocks of my house.
Stay off the Interstate. Discover the America that nobody sees. Take US-18 across, or even better Iowa SR-3. Pulll over to the side and stop and look at things you find interesting. Stop at yard sales. Find somebody old to show you how to use a road map.
I think you meant ‘It was kind of meat.’
That is one big truck stop. I am impressed. It has a trucker spa, Dog-O-Mat for your best friend’s grooming needs, customization shop, food court, gift shop and a whole lot more. I bet they have some first rate hookers there too. I will definitely go there if I am ever in the area.