Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chappell, Nebraska to Sheridan, Wyoming

Chappell, Nebraska to Sheridan, Wyoming is a long but scenic drive that offers a lot of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. This trip takes about six hours, and the halfway point is Glendo, Wyoming, a small town that is known for its beautiful state park and historic trail. From Glendo to Sheridan, the scenery becomes more mountainous, and travelers can expect to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States.

Top 5 Things to Do on the Way to Sheridan

Visit the Chimney Rock National Historic Site

The Chimney Rock National Historic Site is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. It is a towering rock formation that was used as a landmark by early pioneers and settlers. Visitors can climb to the top of the formation and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The site also features a museum that tells the story of the early pioneers and their journey west.

Interesting fact: Chimney Rock was a landmark mentioned in the journals of explorers, fur trappers, and emigrants to the west during the mid-19th century.

Explore the Fort Laramie National Historic Site

The Fort Laramie National Historic Site was once a major trading post and military fort that played an important role in the settling of the West. Today, visitors can explore the restored buildings and learn about the history of the fort and the people who lived there. The site also offers guided tours and living history demonstrations that bring the past to life.

Interesting fact: Fort Laramie was originally a private fur trading post called Fort William, established in 1834 by William Sublette and Robert Campbell.

Visit the Black Hills National Forest

The Black Hills National Forest is a beautiful and diverse landscape that encompasses over 1.2 million acres of forest and mountains. Visitors can explore the many hiking trails, see wildlife, and enjoy scenic drives that wind through the forest. A popular attraction is the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where visitors can see the faces of four U.S. presidents carved into the granite face of a mountain.

Interesting fact: The Black Hills are sacred to the Lakota Sioux and are considered a holy site. The carving of Mount Rushmore was controversial because it defaced a site that was sacred to Native Americans.

Take a scenic drive on the Big Horn Mountains Scenic Byway

The Big Horn Mountains Scenic Byway is a breathtaking drive that winds through the mountains of northern Wyoming. The drive covers 58 miles and climbs to an elevation of over 9,000 feet. Visitors can see stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape, including deep canyons, granite peaks, and alpine meadows. There are also several hiking trails and campsites along the route for those who want to explore the wilderness.

Interesting fact: The Big Horn Mountains are home to several species of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and black bears.

Visit the Sheridan Inn

The Sheridan Inn is a historic hotel that has been serving travelers since 1893. The hotel was once a popular stop for cowboys and buffalo hunters, and it has hosted many famous guests over the years, including Buffalo Bill Cody and President Theodore Roosevelt. visitors can take a guided tour of the hotel and learn about its history, and enjoy a drink or a meal in its famed dining room.

Interesting fact: The Sheridan Inn was one of the first hotels in the United States to have electric lighting and indoor plumbing.

Conclusion

The road trip from Chappell, Nebraska to Sheridan, Wyoming is a long but rewarding journey that takes travelers through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States. Along the way, visitors can explore historic landmarks, national parks, and scenic drives, and experience the rich history and culture of the western frontier. This trip takes about six hours, but visitors should plan to spend at least a few days exploring the many attractions along the way.