You’re taking one of my dream vacations. Have a great trip.
“Any historic sites that are imperative to see?”
All of them. They may be gone next month.
On highway 28 just to the west of Lander, WY, there is South Pass City and also the junction of the Pony Express, Mormon, California, and Oregon trails. There is a pull-out with a sign explaining the site and a small marble monument on the other side of the barbed-wire fence. I went through the fence to see the monument (more like a post) and take pics. On each side of the post, there is a trail name -> 4 sides = 4 trail names.
This is also the junction where wagon trains split up to go to either California or Oregon. Those who had been travelling together for a long time would split here, probably never to see each other again.
Get a copy of the L&C diary and use that to set the pace and find locales.
Have you watched any of the videos on History channel or PBS?
Someone should make a movie
https://www.pbs.org/video/first-american-expedition-onrro9/
I have seen a historical marker near Marianna, Florida pointing out where Andrew Jackson’s army passed on their way to Pensacola.
I remember my Father once pointing out a location North of Panama City that he called “Court Marshall Ranch” where Jackson court marshaled someone and the had them shot. This was on the same trek. Daddy told me this around 1952.
I don’t think anyone knows exactly, Jackson’s trail. I wish someone would research and mark it.
Enjoy the old Columbia Hwy from around 1920. It is fun.
Also near that area, there is Signature Rock near the junction of 189 and 240.
It is signed:
JAMES BRIDGER 1844 TRAPPER
Lewis was a member of my family tree, and my sister married a man who Clark was a member of his family tree. 8>)
I enjoyed the Oregon Trail ruts (left by wagon train) near Guernsey Wyoming. Of course Yellowstone NP is always a pleasure for me. I’m fond of Estes Park in Colorado which has many trails and day hikes.
We just drove last week from California to Arkansas via Idaho, Wyoming,South Dakota, then down to Arkansas.
Every place is different with regards to masks. Depends on the state and the city.
Lots of rest stops were closed (I think mainly Wyoming, but other places too.)
Take food with you, at least sandwiches, drinks, and snacks.
Lots of beautiful areas. Feels good to be out of California. People are more relaxed out of there.
Choose your departure date (time of year) carefully...
Good luck... Report back to FR in 2022 and let us know how it went...
There are wagon ruts near Scotts Bluff, Nebraska. It has been a number of years since I was there, but I recall there were a lot of stories presented about the difficulties the settlers faced, and graves of people who died of broken legs, the flu, whatever.
https://www.nps.gov/scbl/planyourvisit/otpath.htm
Btty!
If you go to Downtown Kansas City and stay overnight check out the Lewis and Clark Overlook. (Go in Daytime.)
Lunch or dinner at BBQ place “Q39”. Right now you wear masks, but you can take them off at the table.
Other videos you might want to watch!
Canoe trips on the upper Missouri. (Go DOWN the river, not up!
https://trailadventures.com/missouri-river-canoe-trips/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnIp4aB992w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aesffh9aKE
Not maybe the section you want to experience, northern NV.
Watch and you do not need to go there!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbrJuML_z4U
Video. Easy way to check it out first!
Have a good trip!
)
Bookmark
“William Clark's inscription of his name and the date on the northeastern face of this huge rock formation is the only surviving physical evidence known to remain along the route of the explorers that was left by them and can be indisputably associated with the expedition. Possibly two others in the party also etched their names, but this cannot be proven.”
https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/lewisandclark/site24.htm
If, while hiking, you happen to come across a large grizzly bear, check to see if it is wearing a mask. If not, immediately report it to a game warden.
First, there are numerous small towns in Kansas and Nebraska that have small museums, typically manned by elderly women, that have amazing collections of 19th century artifacts. Second, in western Nebraska, you should try to see Scott’s Bluff and Chimney Rock, which were points on the Oregon Trail that were iconic landmarks the pioneers looked for as they traveled west. Third, in north central Nebraska, you should check out the Sand Hills area, which is a beautiful drive. Also in that area is the Niobrara River national monument, where there are still herds of Buffalo that you can observe. You should also consider spending a few hours at Little Bighorn in eastern Montana. Before you visit, you should watch the History Channel special on the battle.
On our trip to Nebraska several years ago, we attended a rodeo. It was a very memorable experience for someone who is not from the mountain west. If you have an opportunity to track down a rodeo on your trip, it is worth spending A couple hours at. A note of caution, however. Our family was dressed in Nike and Under Armor attire, while everybody else was dressed in denim and cowboy attire. The people were super nice, but dress appropriately.
Deadwood on a warm evening sipping a draft beer with music being played down the street is so relaxing...
its Trump country, what can I say.....