Who Says Interstates are Boring? --Part 2

Still in Iowa along I-80

5. Antique City, Walnut, Exit 46-- Can burn time and cost you lots of money, but, enjoy. Main street is now antique drive. www.Iowaantiquecity.com/welcome.php

6. Maid-Rites, Avoca, Exit 40-- Iowa-born delicacy. Fast-food long before McDonald's (over 80 years now) with a loose-meat sandwich you might have to eat with a fork and watch out for the mess. This is a new store, though, not from the 1920s in the Wings of America Travel CenterYou can also stop at Exit 225, Williamsburg at the Amana Colony which is a trip in itself. www.maid-rite.com


NEBRASKA

7. Robert Henri Museum, Cozad, Exit 222-- famous artist. Family home at 218 E. 8th Street. www.roberthenrimuseum.org

8. Pony Express Station, Gothenburg, Exit 211-- Moved from original location outside of town to Ehmen Park downtown. The entire route covered 1,996 miles using alternation riders and horses. Abraham Lincoln's inaugural address carried length in a then-record 7 days, 17 hours. Put out of business by telegraph.

9. Bailey Yard Switching Station, North Platte, Exit 177-- Eight story observation tower overlooking 2,850 acre railroad yard. Huge canteen to greet soldiers in WW II as well. Also, Fort Cody Souvenir store, a classic old-timey tourist trap with lots to see and do. Also, Buffalo Bill's home and the old Lincoln Highway, the nations first transcontinental highway. www.goldenspiketower.com

10. Ole's Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge, Paxton, Exit 145-- Definitely not your same old, same old cookie cutter eating places. Stuffed big game animals from around the world. "This place makes the Field Museum of Natural History look like an amateur operation." Ole's opened at 12:01 AM, August 9, 1933, the day after Prohibition ended. It's been a place to slake your thirst and get a bite to eat ever since. www.olesbiggame.com

11. Boot Hill Cemetery, Ogallaha, Exit 126-- The real deal in this authentic wild west town referred to by some as "Gomorrah" and considered more dangerous than Dodge City.

Are We There Yet? --RoadDog