route 80 roadside adventures

[J/J]

Does an earlier thread exist? Please bump it if you find it – thanks from toots and bean

Lots of us easterners traveling Rout 80 and looking for recommended places to visit, overnight, dine, stop while still making time!! Help us with some offbeat experiences and places so we can plan ahead.

example, is, Dine While Raccoons Scavenge at this link worth the side trip? not commerce just wondering?
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/1987

- to a safe and very fun journey

[Elderberry]

There's some information here: http://www.burningman.com/preparation/t ... o_brc.html

[J/J]

Hi Jkisha- and thanks for gifting so many of your posts, your time, to all us newbs.

[Elderberry]

Hi Jkisha- and thanks for gifting so many of your posts, your time, to all us newbs.

We were all new once. But frankly, some newbs are more gratifying to help than others. Guess which category you fall into.

[theCryptofishist]

Oddly enough, for someone who's been an admirer of Roadside America since before the first book came out, I've never been to many of the attractions. (Not enough road tripping, now that I think about it.) For me, going to some of those places would be a lot of fun simply for the solidarity with them. At least at first. Some, Wisconsin Dells and the Corn Palace, for instance, also show up in other places as worthy of persuit. So, I'd say, check your time shortly before getting to that detour and check energy levels in the vehicle. Make the decision on the fly--it's the road trip way!

[Drawingablank]

Last time I went cross country the most interesting place we stopped was Little America, on route 80 in western Wyoming. If I remember correctly it had a population of 12 back in 1975, and that was kind of intriguing for me coming from a city of about 7 million. It had one street and that ended in a cul de sac.

I see that the population is now up to about 50, but it probably still retains most of the same charm.

[J/J]

I'd say, check your time shortly before getting to that detour and check energy levels in the vehicle. Make the decision on the fly--it's the road trip way!

thanks for the good advice

Last time I went cross country the most interesting place we stopped was Little America, on route 80 in western Wyoming.

Thanks for the tip! some links off a google search for Little America

http://www.yelp.com/biz/holdings-little ... le-america

and a funky utube-

[AntiM]

Last time I went cross country the most interesting place we stopped was Little America, on route 80 in western Wyoming. If I remember correctly it had a population of 12 back in 1975, and that was kind of intriguing for me coming from a city of about 7 million. It had one street and that ended in a cul de sac.

I see that the population is now up to about 50, but it probably still retains most of the same charm.

Little America is mostly a big ass motel, crap food and fuel. All the truckers avoid it. There in little interesting across 80 in Wyoming, except maybe the Lincoln memorial, a few truck stops, and Evanston to buy illegal fireworks. There's a windmill farm, tons of pronghorns, and the tunnels near Rock Springs. Other than that, there isn't even scenery.

[J/J]

There in little interesting across 80 in Wyoming, except maybe the Lincoln memorial,

Thanks AntiM- and a link for The Lincoln Memorial
http://www.yellowecho.com/travel/lincol ... ighway.htm

[Drawingablank]

Last time I went cross country the most interesting place we stopped was Little America, on route 80 in western Wyoming. If I remember correctly it had a population of 12 back in 1975, and that was kind of intriguing for me coming from a city of about 7 million. It had one street and that ended in a cul de sac.

I see that the population is now up to about 50, but it probably still retains most of the same charm.

Little America is mostly a big ass motel, crap food and fuel. All the truckers avoid it. There in little interesting across 80 in Wyoming, except maybe the Lincoln memorial, a few truck stops, and Evanston to buy illegal fireworks. There's a windmill farm, tons of pronghorns, and the tunnels near Rock Springs. Other than that, there isn't even scenery.

Well thats about all Little America was in the 70's too - a curious tiny little town and place to stop and kill about 30 minutes in an otherwise dull state (at least the part visible along 80).

[J/J]

some items of interest

Waterloo Nebraska, sleep in a caboose- http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/3170

Worlds biggest ball of stamps, Boys Town Nebraska http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/11487

Lynnville Iowa lj Marsdams wheel art http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/11131

Walcott Iowa worlds largest truck stop http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/7104

RV Hall of Fame Elkhart Indiana http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2100

[Playa+Tom]

The Basque restaurants in Winnemucca (Ormachea's and the Martin Hotel) and in Elko (Biltoki, Toki Ona, Nevada Dinner House and the Star) will serve you an incredible meal. Start with a Picon Punch, it is what the Basques use instead of LSD. If you are going through Reno, Louies Basque Corner and the Santa Fe Hotel are both good.

[J/J]

The Basque restaurants

THANKS Playa+Tom, went ahead and googled your tips for some links,

Ormache"s Dinner House, Winnemucca Nv http://www.yelp.com/biz/ormacheas-dinne ... winnemucca

The Martin Hotel, Winnemucca Nv http://themartinhotel.com/

Biltoki, Elko Nv http://www.yelp.com/biz/biltoki-elko

Nevada Dinner House, is Closed

Star Hotel, Elko Nv http://www.yelp.com/biz/star-hotel-elko-2

[Jax Dee]

I love this thread! I am also driving across from the east coast and want to take my time and see the sights so this is very helpful. Thx!

[Dr. Pyro]

I have eaten at The Martin Hotel in Winnamucca, and it was great. Sadly, you can't order fries with that.

[J/J]

Hi Jax Dee, in your travels if you see a minivan with snowshoes loaded in the roof rack- that’s us
and talking of food – our approach to I 80 takes us by Buffalo. For us carnivores how about-

Teds Hotdogs, Buffalo area, NY http://www.tedsonline.com/

Hi Doc, from years of study we have learned of your impeccable taste so Martin Hotel it is!!

[Playa+Tom]

Just east of Imlay, Nevada is Thunder Mountain. I can not describe the place but if you have been to Burning Man you will understand. www.thundermountainmonument.com

[Playa+Tom]

[quote="Dr. Pyro"]I have eaten at The Martin Hotel in Winnamucca, and it was great. Sadly, you can't order fries with that.[/quote]

Most Basque meals come with fries. And lamb stew, and salad, and beans(the Basques put the beans on the salad) and soup, and wine, and your entree and dessert. All for 20 or 25 bucks.

[J/J]

Yes for Thunder Mountian, must stop? no we will stop thanks Playa+Tom

[AntiM]

The Metaphor is one reason not to zip past SLC in the dark:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2298370_visit-t ... -utah.html

And the Bonneville Salt Flats are fun, but racing a fully loaded vehicle is probably less so. We got a Weber State nine passenger van up to good high speeds out there. There's a rest/view area if you are less adventurous.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2298586_visit-b ... -utah.html

[Sail Man]

Walcott Iowa worlds largest truck stop http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/7104

I've stopped here a couple times on the way to the burn, my dusty youngster loves the big rigs.

Other then that, in Sidney Nebraska we've stopped at Cabela's first store, and just east of Cheyenne is Sierra Trading Post's main store as well.

Otherwise, Iowa and Nebraska is pretty boring though near Omaha is the Air Force's Strategic Air Command Museum.

Eastern Iowa has the Amana Colonies.

Wyoming, as AntiM mentioned. Though the Green River area is nice, as is Flaming gorge, i've camped there.

Utah has the loooooooooong Salt Lake drive with the funky xmas tree ornament tree LOL but! also check out the words and pics people use rocks to create along the salt flats. there's the salt lake marina with loads of sailboats I stare wistfully at as we pass. Maybe this years is the year I stop to check it out LOL

Nevada, getting closer. Battle Mtn area looks interesting to check out, another maybe......

We try to do side trips on the way home to Michigan, this year we'll take 50 back to SLS area and then I70 through Colorado and link back up into Nebraska for corn, corn, corn.

[AntiM]

Donna's Ranch in Battle Mountain is a friendly place to stop for a free cup of coffee. You have to be over 21. I like it better than the one in Wells.

[International Incident]

I just want to say a big thank-you for this thread. I am planning my little pre-playa roadtrip and this is very helpful!

[J/J]

The Metaphor is one reason not to zip past SLC in the dark:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2298370_visit-t ... -utah.html

And the Bonneville Salt Flats ....

The Tree of Life might work as we have a scheduled pit stop in SLC. Salt Flats shall wait as we have appointment with the Playa

Walcott Iowa worlds largest truck stop http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/7104

I've stopped here a couple times on the way to the burn, my dusty youngster loves the big rigs.

Other then that, in Sidney Nebraska we've stopped at Cabela's first store, and just east of Cheyenne is Sierra Trading Post's main store as well.

Otherwise, Iowa and Nebraska is pretty boring though near Omaha is the Air Force's Strategic Air Command Museum.

Eastern Iowa has the Amana Colonies.

Wyoming, as AntiM mentioned. Though the Green River area is nice, as is Flaming gorge, i've camped there.

Utah has the loooooooooong Salt Lake drive with the funky xmas tree ornament tree LOL but! also check out the words and pics people use rocks to create along the salt flats. there's the salt lake marina with loads of sailboats I stare wistfully at as we pass. Maybe this years is the year I stop to check it out LOL

Nevada, getting closer. Battle Mtn area looks interesting to check out, another maybe......

Hi Sail Man, thanks and here are some links for your tips

Cabellas Sidney NEB .http://www.cabelas.com/

Sierra trading post, Cheyenne http://www.sierratradingpost.com/

Strategic Air Command Museum, http://www.strategicairandspace.com/

Amana Colonies http://amanacolonies.com/

Flaming gorge http://www.utah.com/nationalsites/flaming_gorge.htm

Battle Mtn. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Mountain,_Nevada

[Playa+Tom]

There is but one reason to stop in Battle Mountain. The Cassorla brothers, Steven and Eric moved to Battle Mountain from New York so they could legally sell retail fireworks.
Roller Coaster Fireworks is right off I-80 by the MacDonald's. You can buy most any type of recreational pyrotechnic or explosive device there. The Cassorlas are friendly and knowledgeable about their products, Stop there on the way back so you will not be tempted to bring contraband into Black Rock City and risk a citation. Please do not smoke inside the store.

[J/J]

I am planning my little pre-playa road trip

Hi melaniejane, Wave as you drive by, best- Toots & Bean

[J/J]

research, research, research and talking about Roadside adventures how about

biggest pit in the world, Bingham canyon, Ut http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/10763

volkswagon spider, Acoca Ia http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/16905

A & W rootbeer, Tipton Ia http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/3659

Big game steakhouse, Paxton Ne http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/854

Johnson Museum of the odd, Lincoln Ne http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/14777

[Playa+Tom]

The Four Way Cafe in Wells is reputed to have some of the worst food in North America. cavaet emptor

[JStep]

Not any type of tourist spot in any sense, but if you happen to be in the area near breakfast time I like to stop at this little greasy spoon called the Cornhusker Cafe in Iowa. It's attached to a Shell station off the Shelby exit, between Des Moines IA and Omaha NE. Assuming you like a good greasy spoon breakfast with eggs, bacon, potatoes, coffee, etc for cheap.

[J/J]

Play+Tom, we do stop for a visit with friends in Wells so thanks for the thumbs down on the Four Way Cafe

near breakfast time I like to stop at this little greasy spoon called the Cornhusker Cafe in Iowa

Hi J Step- The fact that I can't find a link for cornhusker is good! Just the kind of quick stop eatery we are looking for- staying away from chains