Western Nebraska West to East

Back in the late 90's,we came down from South Dakota on 385 to RT2,then 83 into North Platte.The one thing I remember is at that time,gas stations were few and far between on them back roads.Luckily,we filled up early at a station where we barely fit.Some of the things we visited are not on your route,but we visited Car Henge,the Buffalo Bill Ranch,the Pony Express Museum and The Lincoln County Historical Museum,another museum.One thing we didn't get to see but I want to is Harold Warp's Pioneer Village in Minden.

Can't answer Q on your proposed route. Except we have driven US 20 in WY many times & it was always an easy drive. Haven't been back in some time. Used it from I-25 to Lusk. Might consider dropping over to Smith Falls State Park, a very unique place. Wouldn't expect it in Nebraska.

However, maybe something in this might be of help: In WY: Overnighting Sites & Sights in the Douglas & Wheatland Area. Includes Guernsey & Fort Laramie Area.

Guernsey State Park ------- Fort Laramie National Historic Site ------ Oregon Trail Ruts and Register Cliff

Off US 20, Fort Robinson & Chadron State Parks in the Northwest corner of the Nebraska so seem neat from their websites.

Another neat one near Valentine, :C Smith Falls State Park. We did an overnight there, as did my son earlier. Neat place. Unique Place. We were traveling US 83. US 20 crosses there as well.

On the border NB/SD there is an Indian Casino at the state line. The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Casino Wacipi. Not far north of Valentine. I believe one can overnight at it. We have never stopped, except for fuel.

More Nebraska US 83 Sights.

US 26 South of Fort Laramie Area. Goes to Scottsbluff, by Chimney Rock, Ash Hollow & near Lake Ogallala State Rec' Area by Ogallala. Never driven this, but would have liked to.

I-80: North Platte, Nebraska: the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park and Camping; never stopped there, but driven by on US 83; nice looking campground by the river.

Ft. Robinson State Park is interesting historically, be sure to catch the film at the old fort museum and don't pass up the little dinosaur museum. the food at the lodge is ok, but not memorable. there's a little chicken shack down the road in Crawford.
20 miles north of Crawford off 2/71, there's an archaeology dig, the Hudson Meng Bison kill site..interesting tour and a really great steak house, yes steak house, on the way out there in the middle of nowhere. But the road is pretty dusty, so you have to put up with that. Get some good directions to the place.
There's a walmart over at Chadron, and another state park that is prettier than Ft. Robinson, but there isn't as much to do over there.
Highway 2 from Alliance takes you through miles and miles of miles and miles of ranch lands. There are no scenic pull outs or rest stops on this road, so if you need a break, stop in whatever little towns you find.
There is another state park down by Halsey. It is the state tree nursery, so there's a lot of trees there. We have not camped there, but I expect it is nice.

Just to add to the suggestions by DesertHawk, The Oregon Trail ruts at Guernsey WY are cut into limestone and actually look like wagon wheel tracks. There are ruts at Scotts Bluff, but they looked more like something created by flowing water.

Trail ruts at Guernsey


Follow the ruts down hill to see more ruts, including these.


A couple of miles away is Register Cliff, with names of immigrants still visible


Fort Laramie is not far east on route 26 and has a number of restored buildings




Chimney Rock from the new visitor center


Courthouse Rock and Jailhouse Rock are only visible from a distance.

CG suggestion for Scottsbluff area (yes, I know, you didn't ask): Robidoux RV Park in Gering (next door to Scottsbluff and a very easy drive to Scotts Bluff Nat'l Monument). Nice place with hookups and a great view. Reservations recommended.