Over 500,000 immigrants/travelers passed through here to get to their destinations in search of a new life in the mid-1800’s, American history is still alive and well today, tucked away the heart of Wyoming.
Located near Sweet Water, Wyoming, this rare gem is a delight to see and worth traversing the prairies to see it. Thankfully, we don’t have to travel by Schooner or horses anymore–unless your heart so desires!
The placards along the way mark and memoralize the history of Independence Rock, a marker for the Oregon and Mormon trails to traverse the vast and ardous prairies of the wild west. The history, while relatively young by world standards, is a true establishment of American History and how the west was won over the last 2 centuries.
150 years in the making of historyIt’s an archeological site now but the inscriptions of travelers names can still be seenIndependance Rock, Wyoming The “head” of the rock looks like a sleeping dragon. Sweetwater, Wyoming and Independence Rock, carved in stone Independance Rock looks like a sleeping Trex, a landmark passage amongst the Oregon and Mormon Trail
Overlooking the North Platte River here in Guernsey, Wyoming, all month long has been quite an outstanding experience. The beauty of Wyoming never ceases to amaze me.
Located just off of Hwy 26, entering Guernsey, the sunsets over the river and buttes are always a blessed sight and a true amazment of God’s wonderful bounty.
The Local deer population also enjoy munching and grazing the grass and fauna along the riverbanks and foliage there about! It’s all worth visiting!
Tucked away in Goshen County, in the Southeast corner of Wyoming is a small town of Guernsey. It sits right along the banks of the North Platte River. The water trickles along as the wind howls. The sunsets never fail to show their beauty each and every day!
The local deer population often come into town for a visit. They chatter and conversations along the way. The deer gossip and enjoy people watching here in Guernsey. While I haven’t seen any buffalo yet but I have heard the sweet melodic tunes of the Jackalope…the sweet serenading of cowboys resonating on the air streams of the winds.
Sunsets in WyomingSouthwest WyomingGuernsey, WyomingCobblestone Inn and Suites, Guernsey, Wyoming
The Views are taking from the N. Platte Bridge and barbecue area of the Cobblestone Inn and Suites. Want to stay at this beautiful hotel? Click Here to Call or make a reservation!
Fort Laramie was the first settlement in Wyoming. Wheatland. However, Wheatland has definitely left its mark. It has established itself as quite the place to visit and enjoy!
Wheatland is located in Southeast Wyoming. It is just an hour’s drive north of Cheyenne on I-25. Wheatland is a place to stop, stay, and enjoy!
The murals and statues are located along 8th and 9th streets in downtown. The views and imagery are spectacular. It is very conducive to walking the dog or spending time with friends. Pixie and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time. We checked out many of the lovely little shops along the way, too!
A lot of culture and history in a small town but it’s a true Gem that shouldn’t be missed.
Vetaran Memorial StatueWild Wonderful WyomingFlour Mills Wheatland The Irrigator and his Dog, an honor to those whom settled and established the area and continue to support and make the area thriveWild BisonWife WantedMap outside Landmark Bar, a true piece of historyLocal HistoryPioneer Days in the Breeze way picnic area and hang out, located next to the Windy Peaks Steak HouseLocal Farmers and Ranchers historyWheatland Highlights and historyWheatlands CentiennialStatue of Liberty Outside the CourthouseBloedorn Lumber MuralMarking my passage in Wheatland at the LandmarkMural art on the sidewalk outside the Library for Pixie and Children to have interactive funThe Castle depicted in a muralChapel of EasterbrookHistory of WheatlandWagon Ride and deliveryWorking the fields of WyomingDepicton of the North Platte River, Platte CountyDamn! That’s some fine art
Stones of all sorts were used to make this delight gem, tucked away in Platte County, Wyoming (not too far from Guernsey!)
Built during the depression era, this shelter was created as a project to shelter and add fun to the community.
A friend’s mom actually recommended that I adventure here and check it out. She wasn’t wrong. It’s a spectacular gem hidden in the enclaves of Wild, Windy Wyoming.
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (the regional version of the infamous TVA) during the depression. Now, it’s a perfect place to take a packed lunch or picnic. Bring beverages as there aren’t any vending machines or potable water sources but latrines are available (including handicap accessible.) It is also dog friendly, as long as you keep Fido on a leash.
It’s picturesque views are absolutely stunning and would make a great location to host a family event, photography shoots (i.e.senior pictures, wedding photos and more).
The wall Mural painting of the Castle is located on 8th Street in Wheatland, Wyoming. I “discovered” it while walking my dog later on in the day. It was a fortuitous finding.
The Castle, Platte County, WyomingEntering the CastleA working fireplace is located inside the castle, along with tables for a true experience of the rustic lifeA “kitchen” area, compelte with working area and benches and storage shelves for your ease of use A passage way to the stunnigng views From atop the tower, a spectuclar view of Guernsey Lake State ParkAnna Potthoff Enjoying the Castle Guernsey Lake and State parkGuernsey Lake and State park A mural wall painting of the Castle Found on 8th Street, Wheatland, Wyoming
The pioneers are making their mark again along the Oregon Trail here. It is just outside of Jackolope City, Wyoming. The trail is along the I-25, so it’s easily accessible now!
Looming gently over LaPrele Creek, Ayres Natural Bridge provides beautiful splendor amongst the red rocks of Converse County.
According to the tourist site,is only one of three natural bridges “LaPrele Creek flows beneath the rock formation. It creates one of only three rock archways in the nation that span water.” I feel so fortunate and blessed that I got to see one of them!
While driving up to the location, it’s clearly posted that any animal, leashed or not, is not welcome onsite. Tickets with fines will be issued for those bringing in an animal with them. So please, remember to leave Fido and kitty at home.
The drive is an easy method, with wide open colorful views and spectacular scenery. While most of the path to get there is unpaved, it’s still manageable-just take your time!
The area also hosted a small flock of wild turkey.That is the bird, not the alcoholic beverage, just for clarity.
Bring a picnic basket or other goodies. It is an ideal way to spend a lovely afternoon here at Ayres natural bridge and park. Do you want to enjoy it longer? Camping is also available here. I am not sure if I would want to brave the Wyoming chill in the winter for camping. I would consider it if I were in a recreational camper toy. Nonetheless, I am a princess who likes the amenities, and I might not even brave it then.
Watch this little youtube video I made of the area. I hope you thoroughly enjoy it!
La Prele CreekAyres Natural Bridge LaPrele Creek Runs wild under the bridgeBluffs along the way Ayres Bridge Park-Perfect location to enjoy a picnic and moreRed Rocks at AyresSpectuculars views at Ayres Enjoying the LaPrele Creek and Red Rocks, Glenrock, Wyoming
While the beach is located on private property, it’s open to the public, near Guernsey, Wyoming-
Located along a very full North Platte River, the lovely, secluded location is perfect for enjoying a walk. It’s also a great spot to have a picnic or to take a date with your sweetheart.
There are a few rules and requests made, posted on the sign (read the picture carefully for a good laugh!)
Located not but 2 miles from the Register Cliff historical site, this beach is well worth visiting.
Madison BeachNorth Platte RiverGuernsey, WyomingAnna PotthoffWyoming Wildflowers along the North Platte
Traversing the country in an SUV is a long trip. It is even more challenging when traveling alone with a goofy dog. Still, it is cheesecake compared to what the pioneers did to settle this country.Fueling up at easy to find gas station (thank you, GPS!) and packing snacks, finding food is a breeze–but for the settlers that came long before me, it wasn’t easy, safe or simple!
We who are, um, more advanced in years recall playing the game “The Oregon Trail.” It had limited graphics. The features went “ping” when a shot was missed at hunting. The game never highlighted the intense journey. It never truly reflected on the scary, long haul it took on body and soul. This was in the quest to cross the nation in search of space, freedom, and expansion.
The history at the Archway Bridge and museum shares the story of the pioneers. It reveals the truth behind their journey, reflecting in the sculptures and museum. There is much more to express, but it’s too much for here. I think you should visit it and see for yourself. I wouldn’t want to spoil a wonderful opportunity. The Buffalo is nice, and the covered wagon is stationary!
The Museum offers some wonderful postcards. It also has a mail depository. You can share the adventures with your friends and family! Another perk, a pressed penny machine (I call them squished pennies as they are elongated in a squished fashion with a cool design imprinted of the location!)
My road trip across the USA continues–and what a truly spectacular country to be living in! The beauty and splendor of this amazing land never disappoints.
I pulled over to take a pit stop at the McDonalds (and get an iced coffee, of course!). Pixie let me know that she also needed a pit stop. As we dismounted our ride, we saw a beautiful little chapel across the way. Of course, we had to make a visit to this wonderful hidden gem!
The small church chapel is easily accessible. It has parking out front, which is ideal. It is also pet friendly, a must in my world.Inside the chapel is a small altar and a few benches, comfortable and accommodating. The interior smells delicious of incense and time, a lovely combination to the olfactory.
It’s worth pulling off to just experience this rare gem of American life and thoroughly enjoy it all!
Just outside of Nashville, IllinoisHidden Gems of AmericaChapel for prayer along the wayAcross the way from the McDonalds
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