I-80 and NEBRASKA

• Bushnell/Kimball
• Ogallala
• Lewellen
• North Platte
• Wellfleet
• Gothenburg
• Lexington
• Kearney
• Grand Island
• Hastings
• Scotia
• Lincoln
• Gretna
• Omaha

Bushnell/Kimball. Head north at exit 8 into Bushnell, turn right on US-30 and drive east about 3 miles to the Oliver State Recreation Area. Most recreation areas are summer season only; this one is year round! If you happen to have ice skates with you, and, of course, it is also Winter, they will have cleared off a section of the lake for ice skating.
  For the rest of us, there is summer-time camping and swimming (nice beach). If you are westbound on I-80 take exit 20 into Kimball, turn left on US-30. You'll see the lake.

I-76 splits off from I-80 for those going to Denver. This connects with I-70 westbound and I-25 southbound.

Ogallala.

Oregon Trail. It is a little west of Ogallala that the Oregon Trail (which had been following the Platte River upstream and beyond thus following the south bank of the South Platte) crossed the South Platte to cut north to the North Platte. They then followed the North Platte well into Wyoming (crossing it several time seeking out better terrain for the wagons. There has been a strong renewal of interest in the Oregon Trail and the Pioneers who courageously followed it to settle in the 'Far West'. Ash Hollow Historical Park on US-26 northwest of Ogallala (take exit 126 and just follow US-26) also has a museum containing a wide range of artifacts from the Oregon Trail period and Native Americans prior to the coming of the Europeans. Phone 1-308-778-5651 for info.

Ash Hollow State Historical Park. This historic site in Lewellen (about 50 miles from Ogallala) does a great job of covering Oregon Trail history. View the old wagon ruts plus a prehistoric cave, and visitor center.
   If you're eastbound on I-80, take exit 107 and head north on NE-25B to Big Springs; continue north on US-138 (Pine St) to US-30; The highway continues as Road 207 north to US-26; head west on US-26 to Lewellen (about 25 mi from I-80). To return to I-80, follow US-26/NE-61 to Ogallala. US-26 splits off in Ogallala but if you continue on NE-61 which will take you back to I-80 at exit 126. There are many fine hotels in Ogallala around exit 126 that frequently offer discounts (see list on Ogallala page)
   If you're westbound on I-80, take exit 126 and head north on NE-61 into Ogallala; road becomes US-26 (East 'A' St); continue on US-26/NE-61 to Lewellen (about 50 miles from Ogallala). To return to I-80 follow US-26 east to Road 207 (about 9 miles). Turn right on 207 and follow it to US-30 (about 9 miles). Continue across US-30 to Big Springs (this portion of the road is signed US-138). You will drive through Big Springs on Pine Street, continuing straight on Pine, across the railroad tracks and then crossing the South Platte River to exit 107 of I-80. There is a Best Value Inn (and Suites) in Big Springs. Spend the night here and you're prepared for an early start in the morning convenient to I-80.

Frontier Days. Ogallala survived the frontier days, buried its share of cowboys, gamblers, etc., in the local Boot Hill. The town puts on their version of an Old West shootout accompanied by an Old West 'musical' at their Crystal Palace Saloon. It is quite a lively affair but not quite as 'family-oriented' as the Cheyenne show. The Ogallala show runs daily throughout the summer. You can get the current schedule and other information from the Chamber of Commerce - toll-free 1-800-658-4390. If you are passing by, take exit 126 and their office is at 204 East A Street (which is the road on which you are driving entering Ogallala from the Interstate).

Bald Eagle Viewing Center. If you are driving by in the Winter (late December through March) you may wish to visit the Bald Eagle Viewing Center just below the dam at Lake McConaughly. For more information visit their web site at Bald Eagle.

Lake McConaughly is also a State Recreation Area offering a range of camping facilities (primitive to full service), boating, fishing and swimming at some really great beaches. (Lake McConaughy is the largest in Nebraska. It doesn't look as large as it is because if is long and skinny.) We couldn't find a toll-free phone number but their local number is 1-308-284-8800.

Sutherland Reservoir

Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area across the River from Sutherland offers primitive camping pads if you are so equipped. It also has a small swimming beach and the lake (so we were told) is warmer in the summer than its ice-cold neighbor, Lake McConaughy. Sutherland is a much smaller lake but super convenient - only about a mile south of exit 158.

North Platte

North Plate River - North Platte is shoe horned between the South Platte River (which, if you're eastbound, you've been following) and the North Platte River which flows out of Wyoming. Usually the North Platte looks very peaceful - and is - but with a little precipitation it can get downright ugly. The combined flow - named the Platte River - has a long history of flooding further downstream.

The Wild Bunch - seems to be the North Platte keynote. Stop by the Visitors' Bureau (at 219 S. Dewey which is on US-83 just over the bridge). They'll show you how everything in North Platte is easy to find and convenient. They will load you up with stuff - and a lot of interesting stories - about the early frontier days and the people who survived to make North Platte what it is.
   They have rodeos, shoot-outs, even realistic chuck wagons - all in the summer, of course. The also have museums - a lot of them; they even have TWO railroad museums. If you didn't know how important the Union Pacific's pioneering effort in building that first transcontinental railroad was, and is, to this part of the world, you will certainly find out in North Platte. The toll-free number of the Visitors' Center is 1-800-955-4528.

Buffalo Bill's State Historical Park - Most folks (at least Americans and Canadians) have heard about Buffalo Bill Cody who ran the gambit from outlaw to showman. There is a Buffalo Bill State Historical Park here but this is much more than a museum. It is clear across town - follow the US-83 (you will be joined by US-30 at East 4th Street) to East 12th Street, Turn left (US-30 goes left, here, too) and drive on to North Buffalo Bill Avenue (it's about 25 blocks but they're hard to count, here). Turn right and follow Buffalo Bill to the Park (2921 Scouts West Ranch Rd). You'll see the 18 room, 19th Century mansion. They are open 9a to 5p; from Memorial Day to Labor Day they are open 7 days a week. Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day they are closed weekends and they close completely during the Nebraska Winter (November through March).

Children's Museum - Driving hundreds of miles every day can be nerve-racking with a car full of kids - or even one :-). We did it with six. It is hard to find a place to stop with a diversion that they all will enjoy. This could well be your answer.
  Located on the main thoroughfare, North Jeffers Street (which is also US30 and 83) is the Children's Museum. Oh, another museum? Not quite. This one is like the 'big city' hands-on science museums which have become so popular. Lots of things for folks of all ages (yes, you, too) to interact and 'play' with. When you get finished, walk a couple blocks either way for Chinese, Mexican, Americanized Italian or good, old-fashioned pizza. Or, just load up with ice cream cones. Traveling should be fun but you've got to stop and 'smell the roses' once in awhile.

Wellfleet

Dancing Leaf Earth Lodge and Cultural Learning Center features a reconstructed earthen lodge plus nature trails, canoeing, and a Medicine Wheel. Wellfleet is on US-83 about 28 miles south of exit 177 in North Platte. There are many good hotels offering discounts in North Platte.

Gothenburg

Pony Express Capital of Nebraska is the billing for this little town at exit 211. And, yes, there is a faithfully preserved and restored Pony Express station awaiting your visit. (It was dismantled and moved from its original location to be more convenient for you. Then faithfully restored and a fine job, indeed.)

Lexington

Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles - a large collection of military vehicles from WW-II to the current Iraq conflict. Take exit 237 and drive toward town to Heartland Rd (the first street north of the Interstate). You can't miss the museum on Heartland Road. Open 10a-5p (1p - 5p Sundays). Free  - but they welcome donations.

Kearney

Children's Museum - From exit 272, drive into town (this is 2nd Ave), across the tracks, to 21st Ave. Turn right and go 3 blocks to 'A' Avenue. Turn right - the museum is at 2013 'A' Avenue.
  Like the 'big city' hands-on science museums which have become so popular, this one also has some great hands-on exhibits and, for the most part, different from the ones you may have seen at the North Platte Children's Museum. One of the permanent exhibits is a 'television' studio which most kids really seem to enjoy. Admission has been only $2. We couldn't find a toll-free phone but their local number is 1-308-236-5437.

Trails and Rails Museum - housed in an old Union Pacific depot (relocated to a little park with a vintage church, schoolhouse and hotel) has several displays but most constantly change. One, which we were told is permanent, depicts the history of travel. From the wagon trains and prairie schooners, then the evolution of railroad travel culminating in the automobile (all of which were important to folks along the Platte and North Platte Rivers.

The Archway - or, officially, the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument. The archway extends over I-80 (you'll see it when you get back on the Interstate). But the best part is inside.
  Chronicled via a dozen inter-active exhibits, the history of the great westward trek is presented in a way that allows you to almost experience for yourself how it was to cross this great prairie in the 19th Century. You even get to witness a buffalo stampede. While this is great for kids, of course, it is also very worth while for adults.  Admission $8.50; kids 6-11 $5. For more info, phone 1-877-511-2724.

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Migratory Waterfall - see Grand Island.

Grand Island

Migratory Waterfall - During a six week stretch from sometime in February to mid-April or so, about 80% of the sand cranes on this planet, plus several hundreds other species of migratory fowl, pause in their migration to rest in the area from Kearney to Grand Island. You may have noticed those ponds along the Interstate; most of them are in special Wildlife Management Areas to assure these thousands of birds have a safe place for their mid-journey rest. If you would like to learn more, the Crane Meadows Nature Center at exit 305 is a 250 acre wetland habitat with a visitors center featuring excellent sand crane and other wildlife exhibits plus a video. For more information, phone 1-308-382-1820.

Mormon Island - Grand Island acquired its name because of the long, narrow island in the Platte River here. It was a convenient landmark for the early explorers, captivated the imagination of some Iowa investors and a welcome respite for the Mormons on their way to Utah. The Mormon Island State Recreation Area is situated on the island right at exit 312.

Children's Museum of Central Nebraska - In Hastings, about 20 miles south of exit 312 in Grand Island, is a highly respected children's museum featuring interactive exhibits. There are several hotels offering discounts in Hastings in addition to the many hotels offering discounts in Grand Island.

Stuhr Museum - as you drive toward the city of Grand Island on US-34/281, you will see the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer on your right just before US-34 turns off to the right. If you also make that right turn, and turn right again at Tech Drive, you will enter a fascinating exhibit of Native American and early pioneer artifacts and exhibits. A very informative multi-medial presentation help increase the understand of these exhibits which include a full-sized Pawnee Indian earthlodge. During the summer months, costumed guides and presenters help demonstrate life in an 1890s railroad town (and you now have passed a few) and demonstrate such old-time skills as blacksmithing, tinsmithing and dressmaking. It is interesting to see how self-sufficient these pioneers were.

Scotia

Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine - View the only public accessible chalk room and pillar mine in North America plus over a mile of honeycombed caverns. For information, 1-308-245-3276.
   From I-80 exit 312, head north on US-281 to NE-22. Then head west of 22 to Scotia (about 60 miles).

Lincoln

The South Platte and Platte Rivers have been your companion for over 220 miles but not it is time to part. I-80 now makes a beeline for Lincoln, Nebraska's Capital, or 'Star' city. Like many state capitals, there was a lot of dissension about the selection of Lincoln - including some skullduggery. When you stop in at the Star City Visitors' Center they'll be happy to tell you all about it - and why they call Lincoln 'Star City'.
  Lincoln is a large city, over a quarter million people. Yet, despite its size, it is very much a university town. And football is KING! Another interesting tidbit of information you're dying to hear: Lincoln is only 1,150 feet above sea level. (Remember, in Wyoming we were well over 6,000 feet most of the time. Omaha is less than 1,000 feet. A certain grandson noted that Lincoln and Omaha have more people than all the rest of Nebraska, - "Is that why this end of Nebraska is so low?"

Star City Visitors Center - (201 N. 7th Street) We suggest, as your first stop in Lincoln, the Star City Visitors Center. Or phone them from home at 1-800-423-8212 and they'll send you a visitors' packet. To get there from I-80 eastbound, take exit 387, drive to the intersection of US-6 (about 3 blocks), turn left and follow US-6 (which is also 'O' Street) to 8th street. Turn left, go 1 block, turn left again, go another block and turn right.
  If you're westbound, take exit 401 and follow I-180 (it only goes south into town). At US-6 (Sun Valley Blvd), right in the middle of beautiful Oak Lake Park, I-180 ends and you continue on US-34. At 'R' Street, US-34 joins 10th Street. The next block, 'Q' Street, turn right, go 3 blocks and turn left.
  One of your stops will probably be the University of Nebraska. You're already in the neighborhood.

Children's Museum - (1420 'P' Street) From I-80 eastbound, take exit 387, drive to the intersection of US-6, which is also 'O' Street (about 3 blocks). Turn left and follow 'O' Street to 14th Street. Turn left, go one block to 'P' Street and turn right.
  If you're westbound, take exit 401 and follow I-180 (it only goes south into town). At US-6 (Sun Valley Blvd), right in the middle of beautiful Oak Lake Park, I-180 ends and you continue on US-34. At 'R' Street, US-34 joins 10th Street. Continue to 'O' Street where US-34 goes left. You also turn left and follow 'O' Street to 14th Street. Turn left, go one block to 'P' Street and turn right.
  Seems just about every mid- to large-sized town has a children's museum. True, but around here each one is different.

Antelope Park - Lincoln is a city of parks - some 100+ city parks just in the city. Our favorite (of the ones we glimpsed) is Antelope Park, - easy to get to and with a wide variety of facilities. When you are traveling across the country with kids you really need a safe place to stop, get out of the car and let everybody unwind (especially the driver!).
  Antelope Park is some 134 acres of green. Just follow US-34 east ('O' Street) to 27th Street, turn right (if you are east bound) and head south to the park. The first area you'll encounter is the beautiful sunken garden complete with ponds. That tall water fountain is dedicated to a virtually ignored profession -  Nebraska's teachers. Nearby is a playground and a small golf course. Of course the various kinds of sports fields are also available but these are usually occupied. The park is open from 6a to midnight and there are no admission charges.

Pioneers Park - another great park for traveling families looking for a fun break is Pioneers Park. Take I-80 exit 397 and head south on US-77 to the Capitol Parkway exit. Turn right at the end of the off-ramp and follow Capital Parkway, around the bend where it becomes S. Coddington Avenue. Continue south on Coddington to the Park entrance (about 1.6 miles from US-77),
  Pioneers Park is actually a wildlife sanctuary but you could consider it a miniature zoo - great for the kids. Also on the 360 acres is a good arboretum and a couple buildings with interesting wildlife exhibits. There are also some nice trails if you'd like to take a stroll in the quiet, cool green of a Nebraska forest.

Lincoln's Restaurants - We won't list any restaurants here but, if you stop by the visitors' center (see Star City CVB above), they can guide you to a restaurant (or restaurants) that offer the fare you would like to enjoy. We have tried several of the recommended restaurants and have been most pleased.

Ashland

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park - Scenic views from the bluffs overlooking the Platte River. The park offers fishing, horseback riding, camping, pool, and waterslides. They also have a few cabins and lodge rooms. (admission) Just north of I-80 exit 426. There is a Super 8 motel frequently offering discounts in Gretna (exit 432) to the east and, of course, Lincoln to the west, has many hotels offering discounts. For more info, call 1-402-944-2523

Strategic Air and Space Museum - Here you can view a fantastic array of military aircraft and associated artifacts - some 300,000 square feet of display area. The facility includes a library and theater. Open daily 9a to 5p. (admission) For more information, call (toll-free) 1-800-358-50259

Omaha

Omaha is a large city. It is busy with a lot of traffic plus a lot of construction and, we found, very difficult to find addresses. Their Visitors' Center, however, is conveniently located at 1001 Farnam St (corner of South 10th Street). We suggest you stop by the visitors center, first, and get their help in finding things - or even determining what you'd like to visit. They are very helpful and if they don't have an instant answer they know who to call to get it.
  If eastbound on I-80, take exit 452 and head north on I-480 toward downtown Omaha. At exit 2C, I-480 makes a sweeping right turn (this is where I-580 splits off to go to the airport). Stay on I-480 and continue to exit 3A. Follow the off-ramp around to S. 14th Street and continue down 14th to Farnam Street. Turn left on Farnam and follow it almost 4 blocks to the Visitors' Center at 1001 Farnam (brown building on the corner of 10th Street).
    If westbound on I-80 - while still in Iowa - take the I-29 exit (exit 1A) and follow I-29 northbound to exit 53B. This is the east end of I-480. Follow I-480 over the Missouri River bridge into Omaha and exit 4 (just on the other side of the bridge). Exit and continue under the Interstate to S. 10th Street. Turn left, go 2 blocks to Farnam. Turn right. It is the brown building on the corner (1001 Farnam). Phone (toll-free): 1-866-937-6624.

Freedom Park - well hidden just northeast of 'downtown' Omaha, on the Missouri River, are two WW-II ships plus a submarine - all open to visitors. Also, in the park, are some planes and other military equipment - usually a thrill for the kids.
  Omaha looks like it has been pulverized - streets torn up, old streets disappearing and new streets created. The way we drove to Freedom Park is no longer traversable. We phoned the folks at the Park and the instructions were, simply, take the Cuming Street exit (didn't know the exit number but it may not be numbered, yet). Turn right (east) and follow Cuming. It becomes Abbott Drive after the 2nd stop sign. Turn right, then left onto Freedom Park Drive. You should be next to the Missouri River. If you come up with better (or corrected?) directions, please let us know (editor@Wheatley.Libn.NC.US)
  There is a $5 admission fee to the park ($3 for ages 5 - 12) and it is open 9a - 6p (10a - 5p Sundays) April to October. For more information, or to review the directions, phone them at 1-402-345-1959.

Henry Doorly Zoo - We would be terribly amiss if we neglected to mention the Omaha Zoo. Here you can walk through an underwater, glass-walled tunnel in a huge tank in which a broad variety of marine life is resident.
  Or take a stroll in the world's largest, indoor rain forest complete with waterfalls/ Here you can view birds and reptiles plus the ever so popular monkeys.
  Then, for a quick change in environment, enter their Desert Dome complete with the denizens of the desert.
  If you still have time you can stop by the African Veldt in which (we were told) is one of the largest collection of felines in the world. Watch polar bears play - under water - from a unique underwater viewing area. Visit a special 'petting zoo' where the kids can get up close (safely).
  Some things can't be brought to Omaha. No problem. They also have an IMAX theater (these are the theatres with the super-sized screens and all-around sound) where you can experience thrilling adventures almost as though you were there.
  From I-80 take the first off ramp at exit 454, go south on South 13th Street to Deer Park Blvd. Turn left and go to the end of Deer Park. Turn right on South 10th to the entrance and parking area. Admission $8.50; $4.75 kids 5 - 11. Hours are 9:30a - 5p.