Heading to Denver from Illinois, suggested stops?

[usmcshepherd]

I've officially retired from the Marine Corps and am on my way to my new career in Denver...I'm planning on taking I-80 west out of Illinois, but am looking for suggestions on places to stop or things to see, as well as alternate routes between here and there?!? Plan on leaving early Tuesday morning.

[Grit_dog]

Good places to stop would be for fuel and food and get to CO ASAP and spend your extra time there! Haha
Grew up in IL lived in CO twice and made that run many times. 16hrs Chicago to Denver if you keep yer foot in it!

[Jaxom]

If you see Bubba tell him Thank You for me.

And Thank You to all who served and all their sacrifices.

[usmcshepherd]

Jaxom....thanks for that.... I will be stopping there in a couple hours!

[Jaxom]

Don't forget to make a brief stop at Freedom Rock in Iowa. I-80 exit 86, go south 1 mile.
Ray "Bubba" Sorenson is currently painting it as he does every year.
http://www.thefreedomrock.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Rock

[work2fish]

I'd say if you are planning to visit Cabela's, go to the Sidney store. The ones in Colorado and Kearney are OK, but the original store is much better and bigger. As mentioned, you will need to hit a couple of rural highways to get back to I-76, but it is worth the slight trouble.

Have a great trip.

Cheers,

[camperpaul]

Duplicate post.

[camperpaul]

Bonesquatch wrote:

--snip--
Check out Starved Rock in Illinois on the Mississippi River.

Starved Rock is on the Illinois River, a few miles East of I39.

I have camped there frequently since 1953.

[realter]

BTW, the speed limit around Lincoln is 65, and they love to pick up out of state drivers who fail to notice the reduced speed limit.

[realter]

There is a small cabelas in Kearney, NE. It is a ways off of I-80, at exit 279 (Minden exit), then North to US HWY 30, and a little West. The main track of the UP RR is across the street. The state rec area is about 3 miles S of I-80 at same exit, then about a mile or 2 West. Full hookups and flush toilets and showers. Trees, and several very small lakes. There are a number of rest areas along I-80 in NE. If you go to the main Cabelas in Sidney, NE, you will have to back track a few miles to get onto the diagional interstate that goes down to Denver. You do not want to stay on I80 to Cheyenne, as that is out of the way. Shortest distance between to points is a straight line, lol.

[sdianel_-acct_c]

If you go I-80,
http://www.scottcountyiowa.com/conservation/sites.php?site=SCP:bald_eagle
Bald Eagle Campground
Scott County Parks
18850 270th St
Eldridge, IA 52748
50 amp full hookup $22 per night. About 9 miles north of Davenport IA.
Then stop at the I-80 truck stop.

[bka0721]

Be aware, Cabelas is west of the turn off I80 ~ I76 (to Denver), by a number of miles. Denver now has 2 Cabelas, a north and south one, as well as a Bass Pro Shop and multiple REI stores. Welcome to Colorado. I will be turning that way, myself sometime soon.

b

[usmcshepherd]

Thanks to all…I'm shooting to make it to the Kearney area tomorrow and will look at either the State Park or Cabelas…I didn't realize they let you stay there overnight…that's great. I'll probably take in the Omaha Zoo when I have the family with me on the next trip….thanks for all the suggestions, I"ll be checking out the others too.

FreeIndeed….I grew up not far from Dekalb and we have a farm in Princeton, IL…looking forward to getting to Denver and seeing the sights and finding a home. Perhaps you can show me/recommend some great TC locations in CO when I get settled…thanks again!

[Bonesquatch]

Realtor's right. Omaha zoo. I always confuse Lincoln and Omaha. Sorry!

[realter]

Turn southwest near Sidney for the diagonal to Denver. You won't be going thru Wyoming. The Omaha zoo is the one you want to see, not the lincoln zoo. The Henry doorly zoo is world famous.