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.

 

The Happy Dackle Market - Mitchell                              2025  

 

We took our time getting here but just couldn't get here late enough for them to open.  Because we had a lot of miles to go on our last day before heading back to Seward, we had to just stamp our phones and move on.

Lake Minatare State Recreation Area - Minatare        2025 

Yet another place we would have never gone except for the Passport.  It's a really beautiful lake near Scottsbluff.  It's also well hidden.  Even when you go over the last hill before entering the park, you can't see any of the lake because of the trees.  It was much bigger than I expected.  Since its well off any main road, it is quite secluded.  The park headquarters has plenty of things to help make your stay more fun and if you're fishing, more productive.

At the end of the peninsula is a lighthouse.  Not really.  I don't know if there ever was anything up there that emitted light but there isn't any evidence of it today.  If you stop here and climb the tower, you'll be rewarded with a great view of the lake.  

 

The stairs are very narrow and the walls are very thick.  I doubt there was ever a storm on earth that could have defeated this tower.  There is also a campground along the road leading to the lighthouse.  There were lots of tents and campers set up there.  Very nice place with lots of trees and shade.

Western NE Pioneers Baseball Club - Gering            2025 

 

We didn't get to go in here because the place was closed.  They were preparing for regional playoffs in Colorado.  We did get stamps in our books, though.  As we were walking by a couple of the coaches came out after a meeting and were able to do that for us.  The Pioneers were the only NE team that qualified for the Regional.

Savor & Grace - Sidney                                                        2025 

  

Nice little lunch stop for us.  Downtown Sidney at the north end of 10th Ave just a short walk from several historical signboards at Hickory Square.  All of their fare is fresh-made and the recipes provide great flavor profiles.  All of our dishes were created with care and very visually appealing.  

 

 

 Jill, the owner, was quite knowledgeable about Sidney and a fun person to visit with.  We've been in Sidney numerous times over the years and have seen great changes with Cabela's as they grew and after they sold out.  We're very happy to see places like Savor and Grace and others doing what they can to help Sidney renew themselves.

 

Interesting wall texture highlighted with all the roses attached to it.  Plus our friend Sandy just had to get into a photo sometime.

 

 

Burgies Bowling - Chappell                                                  2025   

A bowling alley in a small town is getting pretty hard to find.  Burgies is a really nice place.  I don't know the history of it but it must have been remodeled fairly recently because it looks great.

It brings back memories.  Cindy and I used to go bowling quite a bit.  I wish I could say I actually got better but ... well.....  Anyway, stop in and bowl a game if you have time.

 

Or have breakfast or lunch or dinner.  And maybe, if you lucky, you'll find Gordy here.  He enlightened us on a bunch of stuff because he's from the area.  If you have a few minutes, ask him about the Pony Express.  It's doubtful anyone else in Nebraska knows as much about it as him.  He can also provide you with a map of the route and all the stations, from end-to-end.