We spent 4 days and 3 nights traveling back home with our 26 foot trailer in tow and 2 canoes atop our truck. Read below to find out where we stayed and the sites we saw along the way.
Day 1: Drive Grand Teton National Park to Guernsey State Park
We left western Wyoming and the Tetons to head east. After covering almost the whole state in a day, we arrived at Guernsey State Park for our first overnight. Be aware that there is little along the route besides beautiful scenery, so plan your meals and gas accordingly. This park was desolate, yet so interesting. The campsite sat along the shore of the Guernsey Reservoir, which was almost completely dried up and empty during our visit. So, that would have been a disappointment if we were planning on utilizing that resource. We opted to dry camp here, but amenities are available.
Day 2: Visit
Although we only spent one night at this location, we were able to visit all of the following sites the next day before heading to our next campsite, and would recommend any travelers do the same:
Guernsey State Park Museum
Where this park did not disappoint was in the Civilian Conservation Corps structures and history. We spent hours enjoying the vintage museum exhibits, their original artwork, the small library, and the CCC structures.
Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site
This is a quick stop, but don't miss it. Its fun to walk the original trail.
Register Cliff State Historic Site
The Pony Express, Oregon Trail, and military expeditions all came through this area. Register Cliffs is a really interesting place to see evidence of the many visitors that have passed through and left their mark.
Fort Laramie National Historic Site
What started as a fur trading fort turned into the largest military post on the northern plains. So much history here. It is a large property with many interpretive signs if you have the time to read them along your way. Don't forget your water bottle for this walk!
Day 2: Drive Fort Laramie, WY to Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, NE
This was a quiet, inexpensive location to camp near Scotts Bluff National Monument. There are trails to explore here if you have the time, as well as a small nature center. We spent all of our time visiting Scotts Bluff NM, and then traveling to our next destination. This area only had 4 pull through sites with no amenities. Up the hill further was another camping area about the same size, but the sites were not well suited for trailers. Because we were traveling during the pandemic, it was only us and one other site filled. I would think that during a summer with normal travel conditions sites would be much more in demand. There were also not many other options for camping in this area, surprisingly. So if you are counting on an overnight here, you'll want to arrive earlier in the day.
Day 3: visit Scotts Bluff National Monument
This was another quick stop. Not a lot to see or do, but still a must see as you pass through. There is a road to the top of the bluff, and a trail down.
Day 3: drive Scottsbluff, NE to Omaha, NE
Since we were arriving late and leaving early, we opted for an overnight in the Cabela's parking lot. This is a great overnight location just off the interstate, because it is easy to walk to nearby restaurants. That's always a plus after a long day of driving.
Day 4: drive Omaha, NE to NWI
Visit publiclandstraveler on Instagram for more pics of our trips
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