Trip Ideas for the American Solar Challenge 2022

The location of frenzied outfitting activity throughout the mid-1800s, Independence was the jumping-off point for the Santa Fe and Oregon trails and one of the starting points of the California Trail. Looking to visit other sites near Independence Courthouse Square? Use this trip itinerary to find other historic trail sites!

Visiting Topeka, Kansas and interested in learning more about the national historic trails and other historically significant sites? Check out this trip itinerary for ideas on where to stop and learn more!

The treeless Nebraska plain made some emigrants feel exposed and vulnerable—especially when black thunderclouds threatened. Other travelers found the flower-freckled prairie a place of beauty and wonder. Travelers also began encountering that great icon of the Plains, the American buffalo. Many later recalled this as the easiest, most pleasant stretch along the combined Oregon-California Trail. Learn more at these stops between Grand Island and Kearney.

As they followed the North Platte River across western Nebraska, covered wagon emigrants gradually left the prairie behind and entered an area of monumental geological formations: Courthouse and Jail Rocks, Chimney Rock, and Scotts Bluff. These served as milestones to the emigration, but also piqued travelers’ curiosity and served as artistic subjects for many a trailside “Rembrandt.” Check out these places near Gering, and one more not-to-be-missed site about an hour’s drive

By the time their covered wagon caravans reached this area, emigrants had traveled the Oregon Trail for about two months. From here the Great Plains stretch back to the east. To the west loom the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide. Now the Oregon Trail leaves its North Platte River lifeline to start up toward South Pass, where it crosses the Continental Divide. Explore the combined Oregon-California-Mormon Pioneer-Pony Express national historic trails corridor.

The town of Lander is about 42 miles north of South Pass, a mountain crossing so gentle that most emigrants did not even realize they had entered the Pacific watershed — the gateway to Oregon Country! The trek to the Willamette Valley was not yet half over, and the most dangerous miles lay ahead. At this point, many emigrants began to worry whether their provisions would hold out until they reached their destination. Visit these sites and cross the Continental Divide.

Are you visiting Montpelier, Idaho and are interested in learn more about the national historic trails? Use this travel itinerary to find places to visit and learn more!

Visiting Pocatello, Idaho? Are you interested in learning more about the national historic trails? Use this trip itinerary to find places to visit to learn more!