Travels across Nebraska

We made a semi-bomb run north to south across Nebraska on our way to Colorado. Much to our surprise we ran into several interesting sights.

In southern South Dakota we found ourselves driving through the edge of Wind Cave National Park. While the cave is underground the surface is a wildlife preserve where we saw buffalo roaming about. They were not worried about the cars going through on the highway but just “buffaloed” their way across the road. The rolling prairie in the park was beautiful. The grasses are starting to change colors so there were bands of red, gold and green. And then when you throw in the aspen turning gold. . . . .

Our next “stumble across” was Fort Robinson State Park in Nebraska. It is the largest state park in Nebraska and the scenery has beautiful sandstone bluffs. Fort Robinson was a cavalry fort and was home to the Buffalo Soldiers (black cavalry soldiers). Crazy Horse died here. The official story is that he was killed while trying to escape but the Sioux claim he was killed in his cell. It was in use as an Army base until after WW II. During WW II there was a German prisoner of war camp there. The parade grounds were beautiful and the buildings are now available to rent for retreats and the like. (Another reason to stop here is because my maiden name is Robinson.)

Then we stumbled over Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. No, the fossils there are not contained in agates. That was what we thought also. The fossil beds are located on Agate Creek. This is the site of one of the most important fossil beds in the US and is still being worked on. Also contained in the Visitors Center is a collection of Sioux artifacts. James H. Cook, who owned the ranch on which the fossils were found, was a great friend of Chief Red Cloud and received many gifts from him.

Our last stumble was over Scott’s Bluff on the North Platte River. It was a major landmark and resting place on the Oregon, California, Mormon and Pony Express Trails.


Park mammal count: 8 – deer, chipmunk, big horn sheep, mountain goat, red squirrel, prairie dog, rabbit, buffalo
Trip mammal count: 11 - deer, moose, chipmunk, big horn sheep, mountain goat, antelope, rabbit, mule deer, red squirrel, prairie dog, buffalo, ground squirrel

Dollars saved on this trip with Park Pass: $62.00