Dip Cravers - Bellevue                                                            2025 

Apparently, this is a pretty popular place.  While we were there, numerous customers came and went.  People were also sitting inside.  

This is really a nice little shop.  Take time to introduce yourself to the owner, Sarah, because her mission in life is to make people feel better about themselves, spiritually and mentally.

 

There are a variety of things for consumption of display here and, of course, ice cream.  Turns out Dip Cravers get their ice cream from the same place as What's the Scoop in Seward.  We can attest that the ice cream is very good.

The Roost Bed & Breakfast - Ashland                            2025 

  

Unfortunately, The Roost was closed.  We arrived here at a posted time to be open.  They may have been assisting a guest.

Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame      2025 

 This place is amazing!  I didn't know what this building was and I drove somewhat close to it hundreds of times when I've gone to Lincoln.  Every high school in Nebraska is represented in some way for an athlete that hailed from that school, even schools that have since closed.

Every year new people are added and placed on this wall.  When you enter, these plaques are the first display you will see.

 

Unfortunately, Clarkson, where Vicki and I went to high school, didn't have any Hall of Fame athletes.  But as you can see here, Clarkson is still represented and historically described.  Who knows, maybe someday someone will standout and get into the Hall of Fame.

 

 Cindy graduated from Snyder and they didn't have anyone either who managed to get inducted.  (Snap fingers here)

 

 

Every single high school sport is represented here.  Even though our schools didn't have any award winners, it was still fun looking around.  Naturally, we did know some individuals from neighboring schools.

 

 

If you're from Nebraska or went to school here or met people from here, you will certainly enjoy wandering around.  Chances are high you'll run across a name that's familiar.  There is a lot here so plan on spending a fair bit of time.

Historic Oshkosh Water Tower - Oshkosh                    2025 

  

Not many of these old water towers left.  I wonder how much longer it will be serviceable.  I wish we could have seen it lite up, especially on a Saturday night.

Dobby's Frontier Town - Alliance                                    2025 

  

Fascinating town with numerous buildings depicting various professions.  Each one contains many items actually from this era.  

Even though we've been through many old and restored frontier towns over the years, we always find something in them that's new to us.  Such as this coffin with a window.  Look at the intricate carving in the wood.

My sister Vicki was finally put in jail!  I've been waiting for over 60 years for this.  Alas, she was just taunting me, look at that smile.

It's always fascinating how printing presses used to work.  I went to school in Clarkson and the Colfax County Press office had one.  I don't know if it's still there but it was when I was last there around 20 years ago.  Complete with thousands of lead type.  They showed me how images were created and the lead molds were made.

Interesting town.  Free-will donations for admission.  Very well laid out.  Certainly worth the time to wander around.

 

CocoShack - Chadron                                                             2025 

 

We've probably driven by this store 50 times over the years.  It used to be a liquor store and now it's "The Cool Stuff Store".  Depending on the time of year, you might find an Amish tent near by selling their farm produce.

When you go in for a stamp, make sure to engage Lee Ann in conversation.  She is certainly someone you don't expect to find in Chadron, NE.  Her expertise comes from the Interior Design profession and the store is full of "Cool Stuff" that can help you get that 'just right' accent on a wall or shelf.

 

 

 Plus there are some consumables such as jellies, sauces and more.

 

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument - Harrison    2025 

I like coming here.  The fossils are really well preserved and seeing the fossilized corkscrews gives you a real sense of wonderment and bewilderment.  

If you have time, hike to the two hills you see in the distance.  That's where many of the fossils were found.   On your way there, you'll cross the Niobrara River.  It's only about 4 feet wide and is so peaceful.  Yet, in about a 150 miles, it becomes big and world famous.

This place probably owes it's existence to James Cook.  Without his interest and realization that these fossils were important, who know what would have happened.  Fossils can be found all over if you just look.  

Along with fossils, Cook also maintained a personal friendship with Red Cloud and other Lakota and Cheyenne Indians.  They gifted him with many of their personal and valuable items.  Some of those are on display here in a special climate controlled room.

Of course, what most people come here to see are the fossils.

 

There are lots of other displays related to the natural history of the area, in the visitor center.  Plus a video and like all videos in the National Park Service Visitor Centers, its very good.  Hopefully, the weather cooperates for you during your outdoor explorations.