I was debating putting this in GQ or MPIMS, so if I placed incorrectly please move.
I am travelling cross country by car, from Indiana to Colorado. Primarily across the I-70 corridor.
In my life, I have found the greatest moments and experiences come from small hidden secrets about awesome places, great hikes, restaurants you cannot miss, things you just gotta see.
For example, when we traveled Ohio we learned of Faymore’s castle and went there, one of the best experiences ever. Buzzard’s roost, a relatively unknown place. And some other better known ones.
I was wondering, can any Dopers share unforgettable experiences, places one must see, unknown treasures, or anything that lies down the i-70 corridor to Colorado. We will go off the road an hour or so if it is really worth it. Even more if it is REALLY worth it.
The family truckster is gassed up and we are ready to roll in about 7 days, so anything you got I am very appreciative.
I’m from Bloomington and my mother/stepdad took us (myself and four siblings) from Bloomington to Colorado Springs, Colorado when I was very young. So young that I don’t even remember what year it was at the time (mid 90s).
I remember western Kansas being beautiful with the rolling hills but I don’t have any specific location to tell you. It would be incredible if The Wizard of Oz actually had a real filming location in Kansas although it was just made in a studio in California. Also Twister is filmed in Oklahoma and Iowa and not Kansas interestingly enough.
Once you make it to Colorado, I would definitely recommend The Garden of the Gods and also Aspen if you have time. We were at the The Garden of the Gods right when the sun was setting and clouds were pink it’s a great memory.
Also the lodge from The Shining is not actually in Colorado, it’s in Oregon. Although the story is based on The Stanley (which I haven’t been to) that is a real hotel in the state.
It was located at the dead end of Butternut Ridge where the road terminates into the Route 10. Route 57 interchange. The road to it (er driveway) is closed.
But, I have bad news for you, although I have not confirmed by going to the site myself, I have been told it was finally demolished about 2 years ago.
If you like small hidden secrets, Roadside America has lots of them. Here is their map of Kansas. Castle Rock and Monument Rocks in the western half of the state are things you don’t expect to see in Kansas.
Here is their list of maps and descriptions by state.
In Victoria, Kansas, only two miles off of I-70, is St. Fidelis Catholic church. It was built in 1911, and at the time was the largest church building west of the Mississippi. The towers are tall enough that you can spot them from the interstate. It can be toured any day of the weeik, one can just walk right in. Check out the link above. I’ve seen it twice. No matter your religious background, or the lack thereof, this building is magnificent.
Not far off I-70, in Abliene KS, is the Seelye Mansion. The guy that built it in 1905, made a pile of money out of pattent medicines, and his two daughters never married, living there until their deaths. It’s a time capsule of technology. Edison designed the electrical wiring, all the furnishings are original. Look it up on Google, its really something.
In Victoria, Kansas, only two miles off of I-70, is St. Fidelis Catholic church. It was built in 1911, and at the time was the largest church building west of the Mississippi. The towers are tall enough that you can spot them from the interstate. It can be toured any day of the weeik, one can just walk right in. Check out the link above. I’ve seen it twice. No matter your religious background, or the lack thereof, this building is magnificent.
Not far off I-70, in Abliene KS, is the Seelye Mansion. The guy that built it in 1905, made a pile of money out of pattent medicines, and his two daughters never married, living there until their deaths. It’s a time capsule of technology. Edison designed the electrical wiring, all the furnishings are original. Seelye Mansion - Abilene, Kansas
