Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
Montana Capitol, Charcoal Kilns and Bannack
I returned to the Montana Capitol early for another round of photographs before heading south toward the Canyon Creek Charcoal Kilns. The rough washboard road led past the ruins of Glendale and finally to the old beehive-shaped kilns once used to produce charcoal for the mining district. From there, I continued to Bannack State Park and arrived in time for an evening walk through the ghost town before settling in for the night.
Serendipitous Sunday in Helena
What began as a quiet Sunday morning in Helena turned into one of the most unexpected days of my Montana travels. I toured the State Capitol, ran into a friend I had known decades earlier in Switzerland, watched the Septemberfest soapbox derby, wandered through Reeder’s Alley, photographed downtown Helena and ended the evening back near the Montana Heritage Center.
Drive South To Helena
Instead of taking I-15 from Wolf Creek to Helena, I followed back roads through the Missouri River valley and into Montana ranch country. The day brought fishermen, mountain valleys, creeks, old bridges, abandoned farms, red barns, a long conversation with fellow van travelers, a stop for new tires in Helena and an evening photographing the Montana State Capitol.
A Day in Juneau, AK
My first full day in Juneau began with a visit to the Alaska State Capitol and ended photographing Celebration 2026, the largest gathering of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people in the world. Along the way I explored Alaska history, discovered the story behind the territory's Liberty Bell, wandered the waterfront, and met locals who made the city feel far more personal than the cruise ships and souvenir shops would suggest.
Haines to Juneau
What began as an uncertain morning on the ferry standby list turned into a scenic crossing from Haines to Juneau aboard the Alaska Marine Highway. The journey included mountain views rising from the sea, hours on deck with a camera, gulls following the ferry, abstract patterns in the water, and a scramble to find a campground after arriving in Juneau.
Whitehorse, YT
After five days of heating problems in the van, I drove north to Whitehorse, Yukon. What began as a routine travel day turned into the discovery of a developing wheel issue, a visit to the Robert W. Service memorial, an evening exploring the territorial capital, and a reminder that summer nights in the North seem to last forever.
Olympia, WA State Capitol
I toured the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, Washington after unexpectedly joining a tour already in progress. Inside, I explored the marble rotunda, legislative chambers, and the enormous Tiffany chandelier hanging beneath the dome. Outside, the capitol steps were filled with a National Day of Prayer gathering that raised questions about religion, public spaces, and what religious freedom really means in practice.
Salem Capitol, Oregon
A day in Salem, Oregon—starting with a solo tour of the State Capitol, followed by a walk along the riverfront, coffee shops, chance conversations, and a visit to the historic Reed Opera House. It’s a mix of small moments, local places, and the kind of day that unfolds without much planning.
Utah State Capitol
A detailed visit to the Utah State Capitol, exploring its history, architecture, materials, and symbolism, followed by time photographing the interior, grounds, and downtown Salt Lake City after dark. From neoclassical design choices and Chief Washakie’s statue to trams, winter lights, and quiet streets, the city revealed itself slowly, unevenly, and without spectacle.
Charleston, WV
The drive into Charleston wound through tight turns and across the bridge to the Capitol Complex. I spent the morning at the West Virginia State Museum, a well-designed walk through time that tells the story of how the state came to be. Outside, I stopped at the Veterans Memorial and the Lincoln statue before exploring the Capitol. Inside, a long talk with a former police chief led to the story behind the Robert C. Byrd statue and its controversy. As the day ended, I photographed Kanawha Falls from the roadside, the light fading fast over the water.
Frankfort, KY - Capitol City
A day in Kentucky’s small but fascinating capital—starting with espresso at Engine House Coffee in a restored 19th-century fire station, wandering from the Old Capitol to Rebecca Ruth Chocolates, and tracing the stories that tie Dolley Madison’s family, Frank Lloyd Wright, and the War of 1812 to the streets of Frankfort.
Nebraska State Capitol & Sunken Gardens
A visit to Lincoln starts at the Nebraska State Capitol, with its mosaics, marble floors, and murals telling the story of the state. The tour highlights Nebraska’s unique unicameral legislature and even the governor’s office, complete with a life-size pig in a Huskers jersey. Just across town, the Sunken Gardens—once a neighborhood dump and later a Depression-era project—now bloom with flowers, ponds, and statues. Two very different places, but together they capture the history and character of Nebraska.
Pierre Capitol Tour and Prairie Homestead
My South Dakota day took me from the marble halls of the State Capitol in Pierre, to the underground world of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, and finally to the Brown Homestead where pioneer life came alive. Three places, each with a very different story, but all part of South Dakota’s past.
Sioux Falls To Pierre SD
A windy drive along Route 14 led me to Pierre, South Dakota’s quiet capital. I explored the expansive capitol grounds, the Trail of Governors, and downtown’s small-town charm before ending the day at Walmart with dinner and rest.
Bismark, ND - State Capitol
Touring North Dakota’s Capitol gave me a look at one of only three “tower” capitols in the country, complete with Art Deco details, massive wheat-inspired chandeliers, and sweeping prairie views from the 18th floor. I also stopped at the new Governor’s Residence, with its Prairie School feel, and wandered the historic grounds of Fort Abraham Lincoln where the Custer House stands on its original foundation—a place filled with both family life and frontier history.
Minneapolis, MN - Capitol
Exploring Minneapolis brought a mix of history, art, and local charm. The day began with a tour of the Minnesota State Capitol, where gilded sculptures, mosaic floors, and a massive unsupported marble dome told the state’s story with bold symbolism. From there, the city’s creativity shone at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden—home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry—and inside the Walker Art Center, where free admission and unexpected conversations with locals made the visit memorable. Evening settled in with a smoky Lake Superior sunset, the perfect close to a day spent discovering Minnesota’s capital city.