Preliminary Trip Planning – CO, WY, SD and NE
As we began looking for a destination to kick off our “50 States Before Graduation” challenge, I ran across a really good deal on airfare from Cincinnati to Denver and thought this would be a great starting point for knocking a few states off our list. We decided to turn this trip into a 4 state adventure including Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota and Nebraska.
Since the airfare was such a steal, I couldn’t help but share that good deal with others. So I roped some good friends of ours into coming with us on an 8 day trip out West.
There were 13 of us – 3 families, with 7 kids ranging in age from 3-18. I spent quite a bit of time researching all of the fun things to do in the area, and compiled them into a big list. Each of the families got a copy of the list so they could look through it and see what they would like to see and do. Then we got together and made a final group list and started planning out our days.
Here’s what we came up with for an itinerary –
Day 1 – Fly from Cincinnati to Denver
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Casa Bonita Restaurant
Day 2 – Colorado Springs area, Colorado
Garden of the Gods
Manitou Cliff Dwelling
Manitou Springs – penny arcade and taste spring water
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Magic Town
Day 3 – Denver, Colorado
Western Museum of Mining and Industry (Colorado Springs)
The Money Museum
Colorado State Capitol
Molly Brown House
Day 4 – Cheyenne area, Wyoming
Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center
Happy Jack Road and Curt Gowdy State Park
Wyoming State Museum and finding boots around Cheyenne
Day 5 – Keystone, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore
Crazy Horse Memorial
Dahls Chainsaw Art
Needles Highway
Day 6 – Alliance, Nebraska
Dobby’s Frontier Town
Carhenge
Day 7 – Rocky Mountain National Park
Sprague Lake
Hammond’s Candies
We packed a lot into each day and I am so glad we planned an itinerary ahead of time. Having a schedule definitely helped us be able to see and do more things on our trip.
23 Comments
Tami Brothers
This sounds like a lot of fun! I’m originally from Wyoming. And have traveled to many of the places you mentioned. It really is a great location. I’d love to hear about the details and your thoughts about each spot (if you have already been there). If you haven’t yet gone, definitely check out more places around Rapid City SD. They have a TON of little things that are super cool (like the Cosmos https://www.cosmosmysteryarea.com/ ).
Thanks for sharing the itinerary. I definitely need to make a plan for a trip like that on my next visit out that way to see family. We tend to go to one place and then home. I haven’t toured that area in years!
Tami
Nikki
Wow you really did pack a lot into that trip! I’ve been to many of these places and you’ve picked some excellent spots in the middle of the country.
Tara Hallie
A great itinerary! Looks like you packed a lot into each day. Thanks for sharing!
Pam
What a fun trip! You guys did do a lot. I haven’t traveled out west much and really need to start planning some trips there.
Stan
I like your post. I’ve been to most of the places as well. Amazing that there are places to see in Nebraska! Most people think of Nebraska as the best example of “flyover country”. Certainly need to get off I-80. wasn’t Carhenge great! Kind of “kitchy” but still fun to see. Nebraska National Forest is surprising (to see that in Nebraska as well as the bluffs in the West. Scott’s Bluff and a couple of other attractions there are great as well.
Overall, a great overview of some great places to visit.
Charlene
What a great trip! I have done about half of this… in a 2017 trip we took Rt. 66 westbound, then came home through Utah National Parks and Colorado. This summer (hopefully!!!) we are hitting the Dakotas, WY, ID and MT. Our country is so beautiful and there is so much to see!!
Somer
Love this “50 States Before Graduation” challenge! We can’t wait to get to Mt. Rushmore! Will definitely be checking back for your future posts!
Suzanne
Wow, what a trip! I like the links you put in the beginning of your post. Im from New Mexico; come visit this great state, too!!
Michele K Hervol
Having lived in Colorado for about 25 years, I have been to most of those places and just love that area!!
Dorothy Stephenson
I know where I’m going after quarantine is over!!! Perfect post to show your excitement about the area, and exhibit a quick, helpful itinerary. Thanks for helping me figure out my next travel adventure! I look forward to exploring your blog more and following along!
Starmeshia
Wow, what an exciting trip! I too would love to travel to all 50 states and am a fan of creating itineraries in order to make the most of such experiences. Great post!
Ashley
Hi! 🙂 I have never been to any of these states, but you definitely made each one a potential vacation destination! How fun that you went with a big group, that’s the best type of vacation!
Beth
This looks like a great trip – some of our all time favorites are on your list! There are a lot of great things to do out in eastern Nebraska as well. If you ever plan to head out this way let us know and we will give you the low down on the best activities in the Lincoln / Omaha area!
Lisa
Wow! That’s packing a lot into a trip. We are glad you had so much fun. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Kim Kay
What a packed itinerary! the trip sounds like a lot of fun for you and your family.
Sandy Axelrod
Great post. Makes me long for the days when we could travel at will. My husband and I are about to embark on traveling the country in our RV full time just as soon as it’s safe. First we have to sell our home, and right now we don’t even want people looking at it. But I thank you for this great itinerary for when we can travel!
Moshe Huberman
This looks like such a great trip!
These are not the states that I was thinking about for my next trip, but I adding them to my wishlist now 🙂
Audrey at Two Pink Peonies
When we moved from Texas to Calgary we went through Colorado and Wyoming. They are so beautiful! In Denver they have a really cool park with a petting zoo and a train, my son loved it. We wanted to stay longer but you know, international moving with a u-haul got in the way lol! I hope you have fun on your adventure.
Jen
This sounds like an amazing trip! I’ve been to both Mt Rushmore and Sprague Lake and they’re stunning. Have a blast!
Floby
Fun trip, love kids learning while travelling. You have a lovely family!
Sara W
Thank you!
Danielle
This sounds like it will be a really fun trip. The majority of these places I have never been and I want to visit them someday. I can’t wait to see your trip!
Amy Gougler
This looks like such a fun itinerary! We’ve done Colorado, but not the other states and I really want to!