Nebraska/Wyoming

Thursday morning we turned north into Nebraska. Our first stop was Scotts Bluff National Monument. This natural landmark was used as a reference by wagon trains on the Oregon Trail as well as the Pony Express. It marked the end of the long trek across the plains, and the beginning of the ascent over the Rocky Mountains. The visitor center contained exhibits on the Oregon Trail, as well as the geology and animal life of the Butte area.

 

In the afternoon we visited Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. Formerly part of the Agate Ranch, these fossil beds contain remains of early mammals who flourished during the ice ages. The visitor center contains many Native American artifacts, given to James Cook, who once owned the Ranch, because of their friendship with him. Besides those and some fossils, there's not a whole lot here. After completing the Junior Ranger program, we turned west into Wyoming, where we stayed the night.

This morning we visited Fort Laramie NHS in Wyoming, located at the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte Rivers. Originally a trading post used by trappers and native Americans, this fort was the largest and best known military post on the Northern Plains until it was abandoned in 1890. Like Fort Scott, the grounds contain many buildings that have been preserved or reconstructed.

 

We then drove south into Colorado, stopping to camp for the night in Loveland north of Denver.