High plains highlights?
 

We're facing a somewhat unplanned drive from Lincoln, Nebraska to Seattle over a 4 day period in a couple of weeks. Does anyone have any fun or fave places for food or sleep in western Nebraska, or the southern Black Hills (cutting up to I-90 near Rapid City)? How about northeastern Wyoming or central Montana? Not our first time in these areas, but always interested in unusual detours or local attractions. Been to Deadwood, Sturgis, Custer battlefield, etc. and will probably stop en route again. Any close encounters lately at Devil's Tower? Thanks for any ideas.

Hello from Northwest Montana.
Don't know what you consider central Montana but if you are anywhere near Great Falls be sure to visit the new Lewis and Clark center and the Charles Russell museum.
Have a good trip.

Thanks, John - Billings to Butte I guess, not up as far as GF. Has Lewis and Clark mania hit MT like everywhere else?

As the High Plains Drifter says, Keep your nose to the wind and your eyes on the horizon.

If I had that opportunity, I would probably make a detour for Going-to-the-Sun Road:

http://www.phototravel.com/glacier.htm

Gardyloo,

I live in western Nebraska (Scottsbluff)and would be happy to give you tips. Hampton Inn is the newest hotel in town and Barn Again B&B is something special. We have a large Hispanic population here and are lucky to have several authentic Mexican Restaurants in town--they spoil us for anywhere else. Try Rositas or Mi Ranchito. Go north of Scottsbluff to Rapid City via Ft. Robinson for a look a restored 19th century army settlement. You can even spend the night in the restored barracks (good restaurant with buffalo burgers as well as a nice indoor pool)...my daughter just spent a few days at Ft. Rob for a writer's camp and had a blast. It's really a neat place. I've posted several times about my corner of the world as well as the Black Hills so hate to repeat and bore everyone but please let me know if you have other questions. Are you from Lincoln? We used to live there--as a matter of fact, our oldest son was born there--great city. I do have to say that I don't miss the humidity. Go big Red!

Thanks Tess, we'll try to see as much as we can passing through, hopefully overnight and more. We can't miss Carhenge.

No, not from Lincoln. We live in Seattle but will be briefly in Lincoln to pick up a car to drive home (don't ask.)

Only spent limited time in your part of the country, but love it and we're looking forward to seeing a little more of it soon. Thanks again. Big Red? No, sorry. Go Dawgs (she) and go Ducks (moi.)

Read my trip report from this area, you can click on my profile or for your convenience I will find it and top it. It is title South Dakota trip report Part 1.

Just a quick follow-up. Had a fun drive although it was so *#&%! hot that getting out of the car to look at the sights required some bravery. The Neb. panhandle was interesting. Missed Carhenge despite the billboards (I think it's moved but they ought at least to remove or modify the billboards). Sorry we didn't get to Scottsbluff, Tess. Next time.

Have to rave about US 385 through Wind Cave NP in SD - what gorgeous country. If you're heading to/through the Black Hills take some time to explore the southern edges.

The new Native American addition at the Little Big Horn Battlefield memorial is very nice and appropriate. Despite lots of people being around, I still think this is one of the most moving and atmospheric places in the US.

Also want to put in a plug for The Bridge in Missoula - very good food, big menu, funky setting. Herself is still raving about the chilled avocado soup - not bad on a day when the temperature was still 90 above at 8 PM.