Barstow West Trip Itinerary

 

July 2004

 

 

Wednesday 7 

Leave Amherst, MA 4:00 pm                                                               4 hrs.               

Arrive Fayetteville, NY 8:00 pm

            -visit area if time

Camping Overnight:      Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville, NY

 

Thursday 8    

Leave Fayetteville, NY 8:00 am

Arrive Prospect Point Park, Niagara Falls, NY 11:00 am                      3 hrs.

 

1.         Niagara Falls, NY

Niagara Reservation State Park, which surrounds mighty Niagara Falls, is the oldest state park in the United States. The park is made up of numerous islands, as well as the famous Prospect Point area. The magnificent Great Lakes Garden greets visitors entering the park. The visitor center offers information and exhibits about the park's history, geology and technology.

 

Leave Niagara Falls, NY 4:00 pm

Arrive Akron, OH 7:00 pm                                                                   4 hrs.

Camping Overnight:      Portage Lakes State Park, Akron OH

 

Friday 9

Leave Akron, OH 6:30 am

Arrive David Kline’s 8:00 am

Leave David’s Noon                                                                            7 hrs.

 

**Central time begins in Indiana**

 

Arrive Marshall, IL 7:00 pm **if we get in after 8, check the map, find a site/pay later

Camping Overnight:      Lincoln Trail State Park, Marshall, IL

 

Saturday 10

Leave Marshall, IL 7:00 am

Arrive St. Louis, MO    9:15 am                                                            2 ¼ hrs.

 

1.         Jefferson National Expansion Museum

Made up of the Gateway Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion, and the Old Courthouse, this breathtaking national park reflects the spirit of the country's pioneers, and stands in tribute to Thomas Jefferson - the man whose dream inspired the spread of freedom and democracy from "sea to shining sea."

 

Leave St. Louis, MO Noon

Arrive St. Charles, MO 1:00 pm                                                           55 mins

 

2.         Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center

The new Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center is the Discovery Expedition's permanent home. Situated beside the Missouri River at Bishop's Landing in charming historic St. Charles, Missouri, the educational facility features exhibits relating to the Lewis and Clark expedition as well as the Missouri River ecosystem. 10:00am-5:00pm                       Bishop's Landing, 1050 Riverside Drive 636-947-3199

Leave St. Charles, MO 3:00 pm

Arrive Defiance, MO 3:15 pm                                                  15 mins

 

3.         Daniel Boone Home & Boonesfield Village

Daniel Boone, legendary American frontiersman, helped blaze a trail through the Cumberland Gap, a notch in the Appalachian Mountains, and was largely responsible for the exploration and settlement of Kentucky. He moved his family from Kentucky to Missouri in 1799. This four-story Georgian style house is where Boone and his wife Rebecca spent the last years of their lives with their son Nathan, his wife Olive and their 14 children. Here it is believed that explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark visited Daniel as they started their great trek west from St. Louis in 1804. The Boone Home tour begins with a film about Daniel Boone and his life. Also on the site are several early 1800's buildings which are being turned into a living history village. 1868 Highway F, Defiance, MO 636-798-2005 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. For a tour of the Daniel Boone Home and Boonesfield Village: Adults $12; seniors (55+) $10; Children (4-11) $4. For a tour of the Daniel Boone Home only: $7, adults; $6, seniors; $4, children.

Leave Defiance, MO 5:00 pm

Arrive Concordia, MO 8:00 pm                                                            3 hrs.

Hotel Overnight:           Day’s Inn, Concordia, MO conf. # 69496954

 

Sunday 11

Leave Concordia, MO 9:00 am

Arrive Independence, MO 10:00 am                                                     1 hr.

 

1.         National Frontier Trails Center/Museum

The Trails Center, the only museum in the United States exclusively devoted to the history of the overland trails, and is operated by the City of Independence, Missouri, the Trails Center presents the story of the exploration, acquisition, and settlement of the American West.  $4 adults/$2.50 children

Leave Independence, MO 12:30 pm

Arrive St. Joseph’s, MO 2:00 pm                                                         1 ½ hrs.

 

 

2.         Trails West Festival
July 09, 2004 - July 11, 2004
The largest event in Northwest Missouri, rated in the top three by the Missouri Arts Council, the festival offers three days of fine art, folk art, stage performances, reenactments, music and food for the whole family. Theme for 2004 is the Lewis and Clark Commemoration.

 

3.         Pony Express Museum

On April 3, 1860, a lone rider left on horseback from the gates of one
of  the nation’s most historic landmarks, the Pikes Peak Stables in
St. Joseph, Missouri.  Carrying saddlebags filled with our nations hopes and dreams, the riders traveled  2000 miles west to Sacramento, California.  These brave young souls raced against nature’s cruel elements and rugged terrain in an attempt to unite a country separated by distance.  Today the stables continue to stand as a tribute to the legend and legacy of the Pony Express and its enduring era. 914 Penn Street, St. Joseph, Missouri Phone:  800-530-5930 / 816-279-5059 Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm - Adults - $4/Students $2

4.         Jesse James Home

Notorious outlaw Jesse James was shot and killed in this house on April 3, 1882. He was killed by Bob ford, a member of the James gang, to collect a $10,000 reward offered by Governor Tom Crittenden. Jesse died at the age of 34 after living a lawless career for 16 years. Today the James Home is a museum dealing with the life and death of Jesse James.

 

Leave St. Joseph’s, MO 5:30 pm                                                         3 ½ hrs.

Arrive Fairbury, NE 8:30 pm

 

Camping Overnight:      Rock Creek Station RCA, Fairbury, NE **(no reservation)

 

Monday 12

 

1.         Rock Creek Station Historical Park

The Rock Creek Station is the visitor's gateway to the past, as legend mixes with fact. This area speaks of the pioneer history of the area, as deep ruts from wagons on the Oregon Trail are visible. California-bound travelers on the Oregon Trail passed through this area, where an interpretive center now exists. The area is a place for families to picnic, camp, and hike while enjoying the feel of the past.

 

Leave Fairbury, NE 10:00 am

Arrive Beatrice, NE 10:15 am                                                   45 mins.

 

2.         Homestead National Monument of America NPS: Junior Ranger Program

The cry was FREE LAND!! The Homestead Act of 1862 was one of the most significant and enduring events in the westward expansion of the United States. By granting 160 acres of free land to claimants, it allowed nearly any man or woman a chance to live the American dream. Visit the park and gain understanding on how the Act changed the lives of all Americans and the land.

 

Leave Beatrice, NE Noon                                                                                           

Arrive Ogallala, NE 5:30 (check into campsite/no reservation)   5 hrs.

**Time change occurs 30 mins. east, be aware

 

3.         The Crystal Palace Revue Shoot Out 7:15 pm/Show Time 7:30 pm

$4.25adults/$2.75 children

 

Camping Overnight:      Lake McConaughy SRA, Ogallala, NE **(no reservation)

 

Tuesday 13

 

Leave Ogallala, NE 8:00 am (Chimney Rock)

Arrive Hot Springs, SD Noon                                                               5 hrs.

 

1.         Allen Ranch

Tubing on hot springs creek on site

Horseback Riding:        Rockin R Rides            1 1/2 hr=$25 adults/20 children

 

2.         Evan’s Plunge or Mount Rushmore

Monday through Friday: 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM/Ages 3-12 are $7.00

Ages 13 and above $9.00

Evans Plunge (named after its builder Fred Evans), was built in 1890 over the numerous small, sparkling springs and one Mammoth spring of mineral water. Originally, Evans Plunge and the other mineral baths
in Hot Springs were sought as a cure-all for a multitude of illnesses.

 

Tipi Camping Overnight:  Allen Ranch, Hot Springs, SD **Joe Allen email conf. 4/5/04

 

Wednesday 14

Leave Hot Springs 8:00 am

 

1.         Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest sculpture, now in progress, is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota on US Highway 16/385 just 17 miles southwest of Mount Rushmore. The Memorial includes the Indian Museum of North America, the Native American Cultural Center which was dedicated at the 1996 Native American Day Celebration, the sculptor’s studio, as well as a new 40,000 square foot Orientation Center and theaters opened in May of 2000. Many Native American artists and crafts people create their artwork and visit with guests at the Memorial during the summer season. $20.00 – Carload

 

2.         Mount Rushmore: Junior Ranger Program

The four figures carved in stone on Mount Rushmore represent the first 150 years of American history. Summer - 7days a week (May/August) 8:00 am - 10:00 pm $8 parking

 

3.         Jewel Cave: Junior Ranger Program

With more than 129 miles surveyed, Jewel Cave is recognized as the third longest cave in the world. Airflow within its passages indicates a vast area yet to be explored. Cave tours provide opportunities for viewing this pristine cave system and its wide variety of speleothems including stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, frostwork, flowstone, boxwork and hydromagnesite balloons. Please call the visitor center for current talk schedule, the number is 1-605-673-2288 ext 1220.

 

4.         Black Hills Mining Museum, Lead, SD

The museum's experienced and knowledgeable guides will escort you on a fascinating and informative 50-55 minute tour of our simulated underground level of the Homestake Gold Mine - the only comprehensive look at both early-day and modern underground mining to be found in the Black Hills. This realistic exhibit has been created by over 140 miners and former mine employees. With the friendly, personal attention of our staff you will learn the techniques of panning and take home your own sample of real placer gold!  Family:  $16.00 plus $5 per person gold panning. Open Daily   9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  (Last tour leaves at 4:30 p.m.) 323 West Main Street, Lead, South Dakota 57754 (605) 584-1605

5.                Deadwood

Walk around town and poke our heads in Saloon #10 where Wild Bill Hickok was shot down, visit the Mount Moriah Cemetery such notables as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried.

 

Arrive Spearfish, SD                                                                 2 hrs.

Hotel Overnight:           Bell’s Motor Lodge, Spearfish, SD –pool-

 

Thursday 15

Leave Spearfish, SD 8:00 am

Arrive Devil’s Tower

 

1.                  Devil’s Tower, WY: Junior Ranger Program

The nearly vertical monolith known as Devils Tower rises 1,267 feet above the meandering Belle Fourche River. Known by several northern plains tribes as Bears Lodge, it is a sacred site of worship for many American Indians. It was proclaimed September 24, 1906 as the nation's first national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt.

 

Leave Devil’s Tower                                       

 

 

Arrive Sheridan, WY 3:00 pm                                      3 hrs.

 

2.         King’s Museum and Saddlery

The Kings Museum contains memorabilia of many lifetimes. Indian artifacts, antiques, western art and a collection of over 500 saddles, some dating back to the 1800's. The museum is located behind Kings Saddlery at 184 N. Main and is open from 8 to 5 Monday through Saturday.

 

 

3.         Sheridan Rodeo (tix (paid for) at the will call window) 6:15 pm

This year marks the 74th anniversary of the Sheridan WYO Rodeo, ranked as one of the top professional rodeos in North America. The World’s top cowboys and cowgirls compete and a schedule of family-oriented activities runs throughout the days.

 

Overnight:         Day’s Inn, Sheridan, WY conf. # 66683243 –pool-

 

Friday 16

 

1.         Sheridan Rodeo Schedule:

 

6:00am                         Kiwanis Chuckwagon Breakfast (Grinnell Street)


8:00am                         Sneaker & Spurs Rodeo Run (Main Street)


9:00am                         Kiwanis Beds Along the Big Horns Race (Main St)

 

10:00am                       Parade (Main Street)

 

Leave Sheridan 1:00 pm

                         

1.                  Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark (?)

This circle, Medicine Wheel, is a place of communion with the Great Spirit, a plae to obtain a strong spiritual medicine. It is a place where many have experienced their vision quest, a place of rital, a place of prayer, a place of lasting vision. It is necessary to walk 1-1/2 miles from the parking area to the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark.

 

Arrive Cody     4:30 pm                                                                        3 hrs.

 

2.         Irma Hotel Gunfight 6 pm

 

3.         Buffalo Bill Historical Center

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center pays homage to Cody. Besides a museum commemorating Buffalo Bill's life, the center houses three other museums. The Whitney Gallery of Western Art displays work by some of the West's most famous artists and sculptors, including Remington and Moran. Indian art and artifacts are showcased in the Plains Indian Museum, while the Cody Firearms Museum, which is said to contain the world's most comprehensive firearms collections, traces the development of the gun through the ages.  7 a.m. - 8 p.m. adults $15/ youth $4 admission for two consecutive days 720 Sheridan Avenue

 

Hotel Overnight:           Best Value Inn, Cody, WY conf. # 534C080333636 paid –no pool-

 

Saturday 17

 

1.         Buffalo Bill Historical Center (see above)

 

2.         Old Trail Town (Ghost Town)

 

The Old Trail Town collection now consists of 26 buildings, which date from 1879 to 1901, one hundred horse-drawn vehicles, plus an extensive collection of Native American artifacts and memorabilia of the Wyoming frontier.

 

Leave Cody/Old Trail Town Noon

Arrive Absaroka Lodge 1:30 pm                                                                      1 ½ hrs.

 

2.                  Absaroka Mountain Lodge

Your days and nights at Absaroka Mountain Lodge will be filled with adventure and some of the simpler things we many times take for granted - the scent of the pines, fresh mountain air, the camaraderie of new friend. Casual living and Western atmosphere await you in our log cabins, each with a private bath and located along Gunbarrel Creek. From our historic lodge you will ride on trails that wind through the towering pines of the Shoshone National Forest, along sparkling creeks and rivers, up to heights where the views are breathtaking.

 

Hotel Overnight:           Absaroka Mountain Lodge, Cody. WY paid  

           

Sunday 18

Leave Absaroka Lodge 9:00 am

Arrive Yellowstone 10:00 am                                                                45 min.

 

1.         Yellowstone National Park: Junior Ranger Program

Long before any recorded human history in Yellowstone, a massive volcanic eruption spewed an immense volume of ash that covered all of the western U.S., much of the Midwest, northern Mexico and some areas of the eastern Pacific. Geothermal wonders, such as Old Faithful, are evidence of one of the world's largest active volcanoes. In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a law declaring that Yellowstone would forever be "dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people."

 

Cabin Overnight:           Canyon Lodge & Cabins, Yellowstone National Park, WY paid

 

Monday 19

Leave Yellowstone, WY 11:00 am

Arrive Jenny Lake

1.         Grand Tetons National park: Junior Ranger Program

Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park protects stunning mountain scenery and a diverse array of wildlife. The central feature of the park is the Teton Range — an active, fault-block, 40-mile-long mountain front. The range includes eight peaks over 12,000 feet, including the Grand Teton at 13,770 feet.

 

Leave

Arrive Logan, UT 7:00 pm or later                                                        4 hrs.

 

Hotel Overnight:           Days Inn, Logan, UT conf. # 67619420 –pool-

                                                                               

Tuesday 20

Leave Logan, UT 9:00 am

Arrive Moan, UT 4:00 pm                                                                    7 hrs.

 

1.         King World Water Park       

Welcome to Butch Cassidy's King World Water Park, owned and operated by the Norman family, long-time residents of Moab. Twilight 4:30 to 6:30 pm $ 6.50 ea/3:00pm to close $10.50/$8.50 10 and under

 

2.         Arches National Park: Junior Ranger Program

Arches National Park preserves over two thousand natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, in addition to a variety of unique geological resources and formations.

 

3.         Amphitheatre Ranger Talk

Join a ranger at the Devils Garden campground amphitheater (next to Canyon Wren group campsite and across the road from campsite #25) nightly. Programs last about forty-five minutes. Check at the visitor center or on any park bulletin board for current schedules.

 

Camping Overnight:      Devil’s Garden, Arches National Park, UT conf. #1-3123664 paid

 

Wednesday 21

 

Leave Moab, UT 11:30 pm

Arrive Dolores, CO 2:30 pm                                                    3 hrs.

 

1.         The Anasazi Heritage Center

The Anasazi Heritage Center is a museum that interprets the amazing history and diverse culture of the Four Corners region. The center offers films, hands-on discovery area and permanent exhibits which all explore archaeology, local history and Pueblo, Ute and Navajo life ways.

 

Leave Dolores, CO 5:00 pm

Arrive Mesa Verde, CO 6:30 pm                                             1 ½ hrs.

 

2.         Mesa Verde National Park: Junior Ranger Program

Mesa Verde, Spanish for "green table", offers an unparalleled opportunity to see and experience a unique cultural and physical landscape. The culture represented at Mesa Verde reflects more than 700 years of history. From approximately A.D. 600 through A.D. 1300 people lived and flourished in communities throughout the area, eventually building elaborate stone villages in the sheltered alcoves of the canyon walls. Today most people call these sheltered villages "cliff dwellings". The cliff dwellings represent the last 75 to 100 years of occupation at Mesa Verde. In the late 1200s within the span of one or two generations, they left their homes and moved away.

 

3.         Amphitheatre Ranger Talk 9:00 pm

Join us for free, hour-long evening programs offered at 9:00 p.m. every night at Morefield Amphitheater. Through slides and story telling, rangers will help you plan your visit and show you facets of Mesa Verde National Park that you may not see otherwise.

 A JOURNEY FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT - Ranger Lorisa Qumawunu
Haliksai' - Hisatsenom migration stories of a people coming to their destined homeland.

 

Camping Overnight:      Morefield Campground, Mesa Verde National Park, CO

 

Thursday 22

 

Leave Mesa Verde 11:00 am

Arrive Durango 1:00 pm                                                           2 hrs.

 

Leave Durango, CO 3:30 pm

Arrive Mosca, CO 7:00 pm                                                      3 ½ hrs

 

Camping Overnight:      Great Sand Dunes Oasis Campground, Mosca, CO

 

 

Friday 23

 

1. Great Sand Dunes National Park: Junior Ranger Program

Nestled in southern Colorado, North America's tallest dunes rise over 750 feet high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The wind-shaped dunes glow beneath the rugged backdrop of the mountains. This geologic wonderland, containing 30 square miles of dunes, became a national monument in 1932.

 

Leave Mosca, CO 11:00 am

Arrive Colorado Springs 2:30 pm                                             3 ½ hrs

 

1. Garden of the Gods

The towering red rock formations of the Garden of the Gods Park come alive when you visit the free Visitor and Nature Center and explore the geology, plants, animals and people of this amazing 1391.61-acre regional park, located at 1805 North 30th Street in Colorado Springs.

 

Leave Colorado Springs 6:00 pm

Arrive Denver 7:15 pm                                                             1 ¼ hrs

 

House Overnight:          Lela Emmons, Denver, CO

 

Saturday 24

 

Leave Denver

Arrive at the Ranch                                                                   5 hrs.

 

Camping Overnight:      Lela Emmons Ranch, Savery, WY

 

Sunday 25

 

Camping Overnight:      Lela Emmons Ranch, Savery, WY

 

Monday 26

Leave Savery, NE 8:00 am

Arrive Nebraska

 

Tuesday 27

Leave Nebraska 8:00 am

Arrive Illinois

 

Wednesday 28

Leave Illinois 8:00 am

Drop Lee at airport 5:00 pm

 

6:15 pm Southwest Airlines Cleveland to Providence, RI Fl. # 363/403

 

Arrive hotel in PA

 

Thursday 29

 

Leave hotel 10:00 am

 

Arrive Amherst 10:00 pm