25.08A - Central Nebraska | from rscottjones
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25.08A - Central Nebraska

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    North Platte is very proud of its connection to Buffalo Bill, so we stopped by his Scouts Rest Ranch, which is now a state historical park. 🏷️25.08A

    A large, historic Victorian-style house with intricate detailing is surrounded by a white picket fence and lush greenery.A historical marker in Nebraska details the significance of Scout's Rest, set against a background of trees and a red building labeled "Scout's Rest Ranch."A red barn with the words "Scouts Rest Ranch" on the roof is situated behind a red footbridge with the same inscription, surrounded by trees and a grassy area.

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    Oregon Trail marker in front of a cornfield. Approaching peak Nebraska. 🏷️25.08A

    A stone monument stands in front of a cornfield at sunset.
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    We stopped in Arthur today to see its 3 claims to fame: what was the smallest county courthouse in America (while operational), the only straw-bale church in the country, and…uhh…one of the last remaining metal playgrounds that were seemingly banned everywhere else in the country. 🏷️25.08A

    A small, white, historical building labeled "Arthur County Court House" sits surrounded by grass and trees.A historical white building with a sign detailing its construction and significance stands under a blue sky with scattered clouds.A playground features multiple slides and climbing structures on a gravel surface, surrounded by trees and open grassy areas.

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    We caught the last bit of sunset over the Platte River tonight. 🏷️25.08A

    A tranquil river winds through a landscape under a striking sunset sky with vibrant orange and dark clouds.A serene sunset casts an orange glow over a winding river surrounded by silhouetted trees and a cloudy sky.

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    It’s not the Fourd Seasons, but we did manage to snake a free stay at the Crown Plaza tonight. 🏷️25.08A

    Several cars are artistically arranged standing nose-down in the ground with one car balanced on top, set against a landscape with a cloudy sky.
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    We did the Golden Spike Tower tour at Bailey Yard—the world’s largest rail yard—in North Platte. I’m not a train guy, but I think I’ve been to most all of the major train spots in the country by now. 🏷️25.08A

    A tall observation tower with a wide top stands beside a red-brick building under a blue sky with white clouds.A large railway yard with numerous train tracks and several trains is surrounded by grassy fields and industrial infrastructure.A large train yard with multiple tracks, trains, and a building, surrounded by trees and open land is visible under a partly cloudy sky.

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    Plotting today’s general route during breakfast. 🏷️25.08A

    A person is pointing at a road map with a yellow highlighter.
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    Is this the Nebraskan Cowboy equivalent of a sock over the dorm room doorknob? We didn’t go any further to investigate… 🏷️25.08A

    A single shoe is placed on top of a wooden fence post in a grassy field with hills and trees in the background.
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    Really enjoyed our stop at Second Chapter Brewing in Ogallala. The brewery took over the old city library location and really nailed the theme. What a fun spot! 🏷️25.08A

    A statue of a boy reading a book with a dog standing beside him is situated in front of a building named Second Chapter Brewing.A cozy café with wooden furniture, bookshelves, and people seated in a relaxed atmosphere.A wooden counter with bookshelves underneath is situated in front of a library desk, featuring a calendar, a clock, and a card catalog.Two glasses of beer sit on coasters on a wooden bar counter, with a menu in the foreground and a library-themed decor in the background.

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    Perhaps my favorite thing about the Nebraska landscape is the sunflowers—both farmed and wild. So of course we poked around a sunflower field for a few minutes last night. 🏷️25.08A

    A field of vibrant sunflowers stretches into the distance under a colorful sunset sky.A vibrant field of sunflowers stretches into the distance under a cloudy sky.A vast field of sunflowers stretches towards the horizon under a partly cloudy sky.A field of vibrant sunflowers stretches into the distance under a slightly overcast sky.

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    Made some good progress on ye ol’ county map today (dark green counties). Only need 6 more to hit the 50% mark (my interim goal for each of the 50 states), which I should easily do tomorrow. 🏷️25.08A

    A map of Nebraska highlights various counties in shades of green and blue.
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    The Knight Museum & Sandhills Center in Alliance, Nebraska is among the very best small town museums I’ve visited.

    Well worth the price of admission (it’s free! and one of only two city-operated museums in the state). High quality displays and a comprehensive portrayal of the region. 🏷️25.08A

    A modern building with a sign for the Knight Museum & Sandhills Center is surrounded by landscaping under a partly cloudy sky.A museum exhibit features various historical displays, informational panels, and artifacts in a well-lit room.

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    Today’s highlight was probably finally making it to Carhenge—perhaps the last “premier” roadside attraction on my list. Lots of photos to go through; it’s going to take a bit 😂

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    A large outdoor art installation features cars artistically arranged in an upright position, some painted in bright colors, set against a rural landscape.
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    Ending the day at a local craft brewery near tonight’s hotel in Alliance. Not sure how many photos we’ll get posted tonight—it’s been a long day of exploring the Sandhill region of the state. 🏷️25.08A

    A brewery named Brewery 719 is seen with a front entrance flanked by wooden barrels and a large garage-style door.A glass of beer is placed on a wooden bar counter next to a coaster labeled Brewery 719 Alliance, NE, with a row of taps and chalkboard menus in the background.

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    Made the pilgrimage to Runza for this Nebraska classic. Hmm. I get why this is a midwestern thing, but I think once was enough. 🏷️25.08A

    A Runza restaurant with a prominent sign and several parked cars in front.A toasted sandwich filled with cheese and perhaps some meat ingredients is displayed on branded paper.

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    I had no idea there were cattle phonebooks. 🏷️25.08A

    An open book labeled "Nebraska Brand Book" is displayed on a wooden stand, showing pages of text organized in a table format.
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    Well, I have clearly been misled… 🏷️25.08A

    Hooker County, but absolutely no hookers in sight.
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    I hate to be critical, but Nebraska rest areas could really use an upgrade. At least a roll of toilet paper would be helpful. 🏷️25.08A

    A person humorously poses near a makeshift "rest area" consisting of hay bales with toilets and a vintage phone booth nearby.
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    Three Grand Island airport observations:

    • ticketing, security, baggage claim, and rental car booths are all in the same room
    • there was an RV parked curbside; it did not move for 20 mins. I didn’t see a driver in the front seat.
    • other cars arriving to pick up people literally just parked in travel lanes, blocking all traffic. I had to walk 50 feet to scold one to move so our uber could finally get to us 🏷️25.08A
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    It’s my first time flying out of Mesa-Gateway airport. OHSO Brewing offered us roadie red solo cups so we could bring beer to our gate, which feels a bit Vegas but is a nice policy.

    I’m 100% certain that we are the only tourists on this flight to (checks notes again) Grand Island Nebraska 🤣 25.08A

    A person wearing glasses is drinking from a red cup in a casual indoor setting with others in the background.An airplane with Allegiant branding is parked on a sunny tarmac, showing one of its jet engines and part of the wing.

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