Road Tripping Through America's Heartland: North Platte & the Great Plains

Flying into Denver and renting a sturdy SUV proved to be the perfect gateway to our Great Plains adventure. The 3-hour drive east across Colorado into Nebraska offers a gradual transition from the Rockies' grandeur to the subtle beauty of the plains—a shift in landscape that deserves your full attention.

I recommend taking I-76 to avoid the busier I-80 corridor initially, allowing you to ease into the rhythm of heartland driving. Our group loaded up a road trip playlist speaker that became our constant companion, providing the soundtrack to endless fields of wheat and corn that somehow never gets monotonous.

The drive itself becomes part of the experience rather than just a means to an end. We found ourselves pulling over at seemingly random spots to capture the interplay of light across the grasslands—moments you'd completely miss at 75mph. By the time North Platte appeared on the horizon, we'd already fallen into the slower, more deliberate pace that makes heartland travel so refreshing.

North Platte offers accommodation options that won't break the bank, perfect for families looking to maximize their adventure budget. We opted for a cabin rental at Lake Maloney State Recreation Area, about 7 miles south of town. At roughly $75/night, these basic but comfortable cabins put us right on the water with stunning sunrise views.

For families preferring hotel amenities, the Holiday Inn Express near the I-80 junction provides a solid mid-range option with free breakfast—crucial for fueling up before long exploration days. If you're traveling with kids who need to burn energy after car rides, choose accommodations with pools or proximity to the North Platte Recreation Center.

Camping enthusiasts should consider Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area, where sites run about $20/night with electrical hookups. We spent two nights here, and I can't overstate the quality of stargazing—the minimal light pollution revealed a Milky Way that reminded me of New Zealand's Dark Sky Reserves. Our inflatable sleeping pad made sleeping on the ground surprisingly comfortable, even for this former hockey player with old injuries.

As someone who typically gravitates toward caves and mountain trails, I was skeptical about visiting what is essentially a giant railroad yard. Consider me thoroughly converted. The Golden Spike Tower offers an eight-story panoramic view of Union Pacific's Bailey Yard—the world's largest railroad classification yard—where you'll witness an intricate choreography of trains that's genuinely mesmerizing.

The $12 adult admission ($6 for kids) delivers exceptional value, especially if you time your visit with one of the volunteer docent presentations. These retired railroaders share insider knowledge and stories that transform what you're seeing from interesting to fascinating. My compact monocular came in handy for spotting details across the massive yard—well worth packing if you have one.

For families with train-obsessed kids (or adults), this is your nirvana. The visitor center includes interactive displays explaining how the massive classification system works, and the gift shop offers reasonably priced souvenirs that aren't just the usual tourist trap items. We spent nearly three hours here, completely losing track of time while watching the constant movement below.

Buffalo Bill Cody's Scout's Rest Ranch offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of America's most mythologized figures. The historic 1886 home and barn sit on beautifully maintained grounds that feel more like a peaceful park than a tourist attraction. For someone like me who grew up with romanticized notions of the American West, seeing the actual spaces where this larger-than-life figure lived provides valuable perspective.

The $10 combo ticket grants access to both the house and the interpretive center. The home tour reveals Buffalo Bill as both showman and family man—an interesting contradiction. What impressed me most was how the site balances celebration of Cody's achievements with honest acknowledgment of the complex historical context of Western expansion.

For families, the sprawling grounds provide ample space for kids to run while parents absorb the history. We packed a picnic lunch in our insulated cooler backpack and enjoyed it under the massive cottonwood trees—a perfect midday break that saved us money and time.

Trail riders should note that the adjacent state recreation area offers equestrian paths that follow the North Platte River—something I've flagged for a return visit, as horseback riding through this landscape would be incredible.

The North Platte River offers a gentle paddling experience that's perfect for families and beginners—something I wasn't expecting in the midst of Nebraska. We rented canoes from Dusty Trails Outdoor Specialists ($45 for a half-day) and opted for their 4-mile self-guided float from the highway bridge to Buffalo Bill Ranch.

The river current does most of the work, making this an easy adventure even for those with minimal paddling experience. Water levels in summer create a peaceful flow with virtually no technical challenges—perfect for families with younger children. The perspective of seeing North Platte from the water reveals a completely different side of the region.

Wildlife viewing exceeded expectations, with deer coming to the riverbanks and an impressive variety of birds throughout the journey. I spotted bald eagles, great blue herons, and countless smaller species that had me wishing I'd packed a proper bird guide. My waterproof phone case proved essential for capturing photos without worrying about splashes.

After years of paddling New Zealand's more aggressive rivers, this mellow float reminded me that sometimes the most memorable water experiences aren't about adrenaline but about connection with the landscape. The kids in our neighboring canoe spent the entire time completely engaged—pointing out turtles, learning basic paddling skills, and experiencing the satisfaction of river travel.

The landscapes surrounding North Platte offer surprising diversity for those willing to venture beyond the city limits. We dedicated a full day to exploring the nearby grasslands and sandhills—ecosystems that showcase the subtle but magnificent beauty of the Great Plains.

The Nebraska National Forest at Halsey (about an hour's drive) presents the surreal experience of a hand-planted forest rising from the prairie—the largest human-created forest in the United States. The fire tower there provides spectacular views across this unusual landscape. We hiked the Scott Lookout Trail, a moderate 3-mile loop that's manageable for most families with school-age children.

For a more immersive prairie experience, head to Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area's hiking trails. The Cody Trail follows the river and requires minimal technical skill while delivering maximum landscape impact. Morning hikes here reward early risers with extraordinary birdwatching opportunities and the chance to spot deer and other wildlife.

One unexpected highlight was sunset at the Fort Cody Trading Post. While primarily a tourist shop, its back lot features a surprisingly informative outdoor exhibit on plains history. We brought our portable hammock and strung it between posts to watch the sunset paint the prairie—a zero-cost experience that became one of our favorite memories.