Montana & Wyoming

Montana and Wyoming . . . two states that just seem to get deep into your soul when you visit. They are big. They are the untamed spirit of the great American west. It’s big sky country with the striking cobalt blue overhead during the day giving way to trillions of twinkling stars at night. It’s pristine streams, wide open spaces, prairies, wildlife, wildflowers. So much is untouched and uncrowded. In fact, the elevation is usually higher than the population. According to Lewis and Clark, it is “scenes of visionary enchantment”. Pictures cannot do justice. These two states pull you in, penetrate your soul and leave you in awe, and at one with nature. You have to experience it on your own to appreciate it. Come join me as we explore the crown jewels of the American west. . . Montana and Wyoming. Adventure awaits!!!

Friday, August 8th – This morning we begin our trip out west adventure by traveling from Virginia to Pittsburgh, PA. The scenery along the way, the wonderful people on the motorcoach, and the laughter and excitement. . . it will be a great day! (D)

Saturday, August 9th – Rise and shine for today we will travel from Pennsylvania to Indiana. But who wants to just ride all day? Not my travelers, and so as usual, we will stop and have some fun en route. While driving through Ohio this morning, we will stop and meet a beekeeper who will teach us all about these amazing little creatures and how they produce honey. (For those with allergies: rest assured that you will not be around any live bees.) After learning about them, we’ll sample some of the specialty flavored honeys they make and actually make our own beeswax candles. What a great keepsake of this awesome stop. Then we’ll continue on our way, stopping in South Bend for the night. (B, D)

Sunday, August 10th – After a tasty breakfast, we will make our way to Wisconsin. Now, I know most of you are around my age and you certainly remember the show, Laverne and Shirley. Wouldn’t it be great to experience Milwaukee through their eyes? We’ll see places that were in the show (City Hall, Polish Flats and the brewery that made Milwaukee famous: “Shotz”! Of course, the statue of Laverne’s heart throb, the Fonz, is a must. We’ll also take a brewery tour and enjoy pizza for lunch since Lavere’s Pop made the best pizza in Milwaukee. Schlemiel, Schlimazel . . . what a tour!!! Then it’s a short distance to our hotel in Wisconsin Dells. (B, L, D)

Monday, August 11th – After a tasty breakfast, we will make our way to Nashua, Iowa. It’s a small unassuming town where a timeless hymn was written in 1857. The Church in the Wildwood is a famous hymn and has been sung by greats such as Dolly Parton and the Gaithers. Or maybe you remember the scene on the Andy Griffith show where Andy and Barney are sitting on the porch singing the song. Either way, it’s a song that I’m sure you’ve heard. Well, interestingly, the song talks about “the little brown church in the vale” and that’s where we’re going. The preacher will talk about the historic site, the church that is still painted brown and still to this day, sits in the wildwoods. Of course we can’t leave without hearing that beautiful old hymn. Afterwards, we will continue west, stopping in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the night. (B, D)

Tuesday, August 12th – This morning we will take a guided walking tour of The United States Geological Survey, home to one of the largest computer complexes in the United States Department of the Interior. The complex receives data from satellites as they pass over the United States. They use that information to map, monitor, and analyze land change that has to do with the natural hazards that threaten lives and livelihood. This tour will surely bring the concept of remote sensing to life for us, for things have certainly changed since we were in school! Then we’re off, stopping in Chamberlain, South Dakota to see the magnificent statue, Dignity of Earth and Sky. She stands 50 feet tall on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River. She’s a combination of art and history, honoring the Dakoka and Lakota culture. During the daytime, the sun and wind cause her quilt to twinkle. At night she is illuminated and stands strong. I am sure you will find her quite magnificent as she exudes peace, strength and dignity all rolled into one.

Afterwards, we will make our way to our hotel in Keystone so we can rest for a bit before heading out to Mount Rushmore for the Evening Ceremony. A ranger gives a brief talk, veterans are honored, a flag folding ceremony is held and then, the four sculptures – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are illuminated against the backdrop of the Black Hills with the National Anthem being played. It is definitely quite moving as it represents democracy and freedom to people all over the world, not just Americans. What a memorable night this will be! (B, D)

Wednesday, August 13th – Woohoo! We’ve had lots of fun along the way but today is extra special for this is the day we arrive in Wyoming. This morning, we will take a guided tour of the Vore Buffalo Jump, one of the most significant archeological finds of the late prehistoric Plains Indians in the area. It is a natural sinkhole that the Native American hunters would use to stampede the bison into in order to kill or at least disable the animals. They then used the meat and hides for survival. The massive quantities of bison bone and stone artifacts still remain in the pit.

After lunch we will travel to the Devil’s Tower. This butte is one that scientists continue to explore to this day and one that attracts thousands of people from around the world each year. Scientists agree that the Tower is formed of a rare igneous rock and that it is the largest example of columnar jointing in the world. Much of the details though, remain unknown. It is quite an interesting site. Afterwards, we will continue on our way, stopping in Sheridan, Wyoming for the night. (B, L, D)

Thursday, August 14th – Sheridan just seems to exude Old West charm, so we’ll spend a couple hours in this historic downtown district, with western allure, hospitality and good graces to spare. It’s a postcard-perfect small town that you will enjoy. A highlight is visiting the Kings Saddlery Museum. The King family has spent over three decades collecting Western and cowboy memorabilia from all over the world, showcasing perfectly preserved wagons, coaches, Indian artifacts, guns, Western tack and original artwork. In their connecting store they have a large inventory of merchandise for the cowboy, cowgirl and the city slicker. That’s us! From saddles to ropes to jewelry and gifts, it is definitely a place to find “all things cowboy”. After walking around Sheridan, we’ll cross over into Montana known as Big Sky Country. It has also been referred to as the Treasure State due to all of the gold, sapphires and garnets that were discovered. Our destination for today is Great Falls, Montana where we’ll take a guided tour of the CM Russell Museum. Russell was an artist that truly captured the art and soul of the American West as it was transformed right before his eyes. His dream was to be a true Montana cowboy, experiencing all it entailed. He accomplished what he set out to do but, in the process, left us the most magnificent gift. He left behind a visual record of what he experienced as a cowboy. From a celebration of the Indigenous culture to Western narratives, grand landscapes, and majestic wildlife, it is historic art with the old west spirit shining through. You will thoroughly enjoy this guided tour. (B, D)

Friday, August 15th – Today will be another great day for we will travel to Glacier National Park. We’ll explore on an authentic 1933 red bus (some refer to it as a “red jammer”) as we travel the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It’s truly an experience! The gorgeous mountains, the glaciers, valleys, waterfalls, wildflowers, wildlife . . . it will be quite an experience. We’ll also cross the Continental Divide on this 50-mile-long drive. We’ll stop at one of the lodges so we can eat lunch before continuing on our way to Choteau, Montana for the night. What a spectacular day this will be!!! (B, D)

Saturday, August 16th – After breakfast we will travel to Helena, Montana, the” Queen City of the Rockies.” People often say that Helena has long been blessed. From the early roots of the native American tribes who found abundant natural resources and bison to the four lucky prospectors who, in their last efforts, struck gold in 1864 (thus “Last Chance Gulch”), Helena is a place rich with history, beauty, and life. It’s a great place to spend two nights and to explore. We’ll arrive at noon, in time for you to have lunch, shop at Last Chance Gulch, wash clothes or just relax. We have reservations to eat dinner as a group this evening. (B, D)

Sunday, August 17th – This is the morning that you can sleep late, finish washing clothes, attend a local church service or shop. This afternoon we will visit the spectacular Missouri River Canyon known as the Gates of the Mountains. On the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Meriwether Lewis wrote in his journal, “the rocks seem ready to tumble on us. . . I shall call this place “gates of the mountains”. Remarking on how the towering 1,200-foot-high cliffs seemed to close upon them like gates, he also wrote that the canyon was “the most remarkable cliffs that we have yet seen”. And so, we too, will travel to the Gates of the Mountains by boat to see and learn about this spectacular place. Then we’ll travel back into town for a guided driving tour of Helena, learning about its past and present way of life. (B, D)

Monday, August 18th – After a relaxing day, we will continue our western adventure. We’ll travel to Virginia City, Montana where we will go back in time on an authentic stagecoach ride through Alder Gulch. You’ll learn about the discovery of the richest gold strike in North America, discover what life was like in the 1860’s, as well as what the dangerous lives of the famous Vigilantes and Road Agents were like. Then it’s just a little bit up the road to Nevada City, Montana. Now a ghost town, it was once a vibrant mining town. When the mining ended in 1922, it was estimated that miners had extracted 2.5 billion worth of gold from the area. Today, it is a ghost town, but I guarantee you that you will feel you are experiencing a true frontier mining town when you walk around. Historical buildings and collections of Old West artifacts bring the past to life. After an exciting morning, we will head to Cody, Wyoming, the Cowboy State. We will spend two nights in Cody. Did I hear someone say, Yippee? (B, D)

Tuesday, August 19th – Rise and shine! It’s going to be another glorious day! Cody is named after Buffalo Bill Cody for his part in founding this city back in 1896. It is considered the gateway to adventure and so, our adventures will begin with a trolley ride. We will be entertained and educated as we learn about the historic Old West as well as Cody’s “new west”. Then we’re off to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West which has five museums under one roof. You can explore Plains Indian cultures, trailblazing cowboys and cowgirls, classic and modern western artworks, the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Western Firearms Museum and more — all focused on the thrilling stories of the West. Then you’ll experience what it was like for a cowboy out on the range. You’ll learn about traditional Dutch oven cooking methods, enjoy the scenic outdoors and get a delicious fire-cooked dinner — just like the cowboys used to eat. And since Cody is known as the Rodeo Capital of the World, we will end the day by attending a real rodeo. You’ll surely be entertained as the cowboys and cowgirls showcase the traditions and skills of rodeo in a lively atmosphere. (B, D)

Wednesday, August 20th – This morning we will travel to Fort Laramie. Forts were not always used for protection against enemies. They contained life, not death and in fact, some never saw battle. Fort Laramie fits into that category. It was started as a private fur trading fort and eventually became the largest and best-known military post on the Northern Plains. This fort saw it all. From the western expansion and Indian resistance to the treaty negotiations between the US Army and Native American tribes, Fort Laramie definitely played a major role in the old west. Afterwards, we will travel to Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming. (B, D)

Thursday, August 21st – After breakfast we will take a Wild West History driving tour of Cheyenne. The rich history, interesting sites, historic buildings and 30 hand painted, 8-foot-tall boots along with a lively storyteller will make this a most interesting morning. After some time to meander along the streets and enjoy lunch, we’ll say goodbye to Wyoming and continue our travels back east, stopping in North Platte, Nebraska for the night. Though we have left Montana and Wyoming, the fun will definitely continue on for tonight, we will be visiting the Golden Spike Tower and the heart of the Union Pacific Railroad. Rising 8-stories above the tracks, this tower offers panoramic views of Bailey Yard, the largest classification yard in the world. Over 10,000 rail cars pass through Bailey Yard each day. It’s amazing. A private tour followed by a special Taste of Nebraska dinner and a magnificent sunset seen from the 8th floor. Wow! (B, D)

Friday, August 22nd – We normally start our day with a great breakfast, and you can surely do that this morning but . . . midmorning you will be having ice cream for breakfast. Can’t you just imagine a glazed donut ice cream sandwich or a freshly baked waffle sundae? A “healthy” breakfast and a tour of the Canteen District will be a great way to start a day. Then it’s off to the Cody Park Train Museum, which would certainly get Buffalo Bill’s “Buffalo of Approval” for having the only Challenger 3900 series steam locomotive on public display in the world. Number 3977 is not only on display, but you can also actually climb up and get the engineer’s view before you walk through a series of old rail cars, including a mail car and a caboose, filled with old railroad memorabilia from the time when trains were America’s main mode of transportation. Then we’re off to Buffalo Bill State Historical Park, home of the man who made the Wild West famous. Did you think we had left the Wild West behind when we left Wyoming yesterday? Well, no one personifies the frontier spirit better than Buffalo Bill Cody, the west’s most colorful showman. You’ll tour his home and get to actually know the man himself. Then we’ll experience the WWII Canteen in Lincoln. This museum features an inspirational exhibit showing how the community came together to nourish troops on brief stops during WWII. The presentation will surely give you insight into something that is not widely proclaimed in history books but something that will surely warm your hearts. Lunch at the Canteen follows before we continue on to Kearney, Nebraska for the night. (B, L, D)

Saturday, August 23rd – As we continue to make our way back east, we will stop in St. Joseph, Missouri. Here we will visit the Pony Express Museum which documents the history of the Pony Express, the first fast mail line across the continent of North American. We’ll also visit the Patee House, a museum of communications and transportation. You’ll be able to stroll down the Streets of Old St. Joseph, view the dentist office of Dr. Walter Cronkite, father of the television news commentator, operate the toy carousel and Ferris wheel in the antique toy shop, climb on board the 1860 Hannibal and St. Joseph locomotive and railway mail car invented to speed the mail on the Pony Express, visit the Buffalo Saloon where you can sip some sarsaparilla and munch on popcorn while listening to the marches on the saloons’ Nickelodeon, visit Jessie James’ home and so much more. It is just going to be an exciting afternoon of discovery. We will spend the night in St Joseph but since “the gang” and Wild West are long gone, we will sleep easy. (B, D)

Sunday, August 24th – It’s Sunday so we will focus on a more peaceful time as we travel to Hannibal, Missouri and the Mark Twain Museum. You’ll visit his boyhood home and be able to explore the Hannibal of Samuel Clemens’s childhood and experience the beloved stories he created as Mark Twain. From Becky Thatcher’s House to Huckleberry Finn’s home, you will feel as if you are walking back in time. It will be the perfect outing for a Sunday afternoon: just like Huck and his friends would have had. After a visit to days gone by, we’ll drive to Mt. Vernon, Illinois for the night. (B, D)

Monday, August 25th – Illinois? That means we’re almost back home. And what else can we do along the way after a peaceful Sunday tour in St. Joseph? Well, I say let’s stop in Bardstown, Kentucky, where we can take the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience for Bardstown is considered the Bourbon Capital of the World. After a wee tasting, we will continue east, stopping in Huntington, West Virginia for the night. (B, D)

Tuesday, August 26th – After breakfast we will make our way home, driving through beautiful mountains. . . almost heaven, West Virginia! We will stop enroute at Tamarack, a popular destination for West Virginia art, crafts and food. A great stop and a leisurely drive through the mountains. It’ll be a relaxing last day of our Montana and Wyoming trip. But truly, the trip will never be over for Montana and Wyoming are a state of mind . . . and you experienced it first-hand. Awe, the magnificent crown jewels of the American west!

---

---