LHS

We have to go to Fort Riley Kansas for 3-4 days the 2nd week of Fed. We'll be driving straight through from the Black Hills of SD.

Google maps suggests the route of all interstates I90 east to I29 south to I80 west. We drive I90 across SD a few times a year and, depending on the weather, I'd like to take a different route either going to, coming back or both.

We're familiar with hwy 79 south from Rapid City to Chadron NE and google gave me a route that drops S to go west on I80, then south on hwy 81. That route is about 100 miles shorter than interstate, but through towns, so could be slower. Any other suggestions?

We won't be staying on Fort Riley, I've checked for hotels, mostly chains? Any recommendations? Restaurants? Things to do in the area off Fort Riley?

LHS

Okay, I'll figure out the route myself, how about restaurants in Manhattan or Junction City?

Keith

See my reply on Tripadvisor

There are also some great spots along your way. In Abeline, either the Brookville Hotel or Kirby House Restaurant.

In Hays, the Cozy Inn sells only small hamburgers and potato chips. The tiny burgers are prepared on an 85 year old grill that is only used to cook burgers.

My hobby site, http://www.kansastravel.org/ has many suggestions for places to visit in that part of Kansas. For example ROck City which is just a few miles off 81.

Keith

Gardyloo

Last year (April) we drove Nebraska SR2 through the Sand Hills between Lincoln and Chadron, and thought it was a really interesting drive. No traffic, through some tiny towns, but some good scenery along the way. Might save a little time, but in Feb. who knows?

LHS

Thanks, Keith, I did read your response on TA. I'll look at your site.

Gardyloo, thanks for the input on the NE hwy. I'm hoping for good weather because I'm really tired of I90.

hulajake

If you do go 79 at Chadron it is 385 and runs into 26 to Ogallala where you catch I80 about halfway between there and North Platte is the little town of Paxton.
There you will find Ollie's Big Game Restaurant the food is good and there is alot of historic photos and stuffed big game trophies.
Highway 81 is fourlane from York down to I35 but it sounds like alot of backtracking just to avoid going through towns.

hulajake

If you do go 79 at Chadron it is 385 and runs into 26 to Ogallala where you catch I80 about halfway between there and North Platte is the little town of Paxton.
There you will find Ollie's Big Game Restaurant the food is good and there is alot of historic photos and stuffed big game trophies.
Highway 81 is fourlane from York down to I35.

LHS

I wanted to say thanks for the help. We didn't get to any of the restaurants mentioned, but did really enjoy 4 Olives Wine Bar in Manhattan KS.

The weather was good so we drove hwy 2 from Alliance through NE to 281, then south to Hastings to crossover to 81. All good roads. We drove back on 81 to I80 to North Platte, then 83 north to Valentine. Where we mailed our daughters and parents Valentines cards.

We stayed at Hampton Inns at Grand Island & North Platte NE, a Courtyard Marriott in Junction City KS. All 3 were nice.