Category
- Art 3
- Bike Rides 11
- Boondocking 3
- Capitals 4
- Food on the Road 2
- Hikes & Trails 4
- Historic Sites 2
- History & Architecture 3
- History & Culture 15
- Kayaking 1
- Museum 3
- National Park 6
- Natural History 1
- Nature & Outdoors 33
- Photography 9
- Sculptures 1
- Shorelines & Water 1
- Travel Journal 45
- Van Life 66
- capitals 11
- hike 1
- historic sites 6
- parks 3
- photography 3
- trails 2
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways felt like stepping into living history—where clear spring-fed rivers still run wild and small towns like Eminence hold onto their frontier spirit. I spent the day exploring Alley Mill’s red reflection on the Jacks Fork, hiking around Round Spring’s turquoise waters, talking with local craftspeople and riders in Eminence, and watching the light fade over Rocky Falls. It’s a place that reminds you how deeply people and rivers are connected.
Fort Robinson & Toadstool Geologic Park
I started the day with a deep clean of the van before heading to Fort Robinson in Crawford, Nebraska. The museum and film walked me through the fort’s long history—from Crazy Horse’s death to Buffalo Soldiers, cavalry horses, and even German POWs in World War II. Later, I drove north to Toadstool Geologic Park, where a rough road and a hike on the Bison Trail led me through Nebraska’s strange badlands and geologic puzzles.
Badlands National Park
From Cold War history at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site to the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park, my day was packed with contrasts. I wandered the chaos of Wall Drug, stood above the Delta-09 missile silo, and hiked the Badlands at golden hour. History, kitsch, and landscapes all came together in one unforgettable loop.
Petrified Forest Theodore Roosevelt National Park
My day started boondocking outside Theodore Roosevelt National Park and led me deep into the North Trail of the Petrified Forest. Between herds of cows blocking the road, wild horses watching my every step, and a lone bison cooling itself among fossilized tree stumps, the hike was a mix of ancient geology and living wildlife. Wide-open prairies, sweeping badland views, and even a glowing cell tower at sunset made it a day to remember.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit)
The South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park turned into a day of detours, surprises, and reflections. From road construction delays and an unexpected film about the James Webb Space Telescope, to prairie dogs stealing the show on the scenic drive, the trip was less about perfect views and more about the experience of being there—even when the loop ended with a forced turnaround.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Unit)
The North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park surprised me with its rugged beauty, quiet roads, and some unexpected geology lessons. Driving the 14-mile scenic road brought me to wide river overlooks, bison herds, and one of my favorite features of the park—the Cannonball Concretions. These perfectly round rock formations are still partly a mystery, but standing among them felt like walking through nature’s own sculpture garden. At moments, during the golden hour, the display of colors on the sides of the mountains was spectacularly breathtaking.