Day 9 takes you from the historic railroad town of North Platte through the vast landscapes of Nebraska and Wyoming. This stretch is packed with Old West history, Lincoln Highway landmarks, and some truly unique roadside stops—from a diner famous for its “Tin Roof Sundae” to a cabin built entirely of dinosaur bones.
Morning
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
📍 North Platte, NE
Start the day by stepping into the world of Buffalo Bill Cody. This was his home and ranch, offering a glimpse into the life of one of the West’s most famous showmen.
Golden Spike Tower
📍 North Platte, NE
A must-see for train lovers! This tower offers panoramic views of Bailey Yard, the largest railroad classification yard in the world.
Sutherland – Lincoln Highway Signs & Mural
📍 Sutherland, NE
A quick stop to see vintage Lincoln Highway signage, a local mural, and an old gas station that once served early road travelers.
Paxton – Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge
📍 Paxton, NE
A legendary Nebraska steakhouse filled with taxidermy from the original owner’s hunting adventures. Stop in for breakfast or a mid-morning break.
Midday
Restored 1922 Service Station
📍 Spruce St., Ogallala, NE
A beautifully restored gas station that transports you back to the early days of the Lincoln Highway.
Front Street Steakhouse & Crystal Palace Saloon
📍 519 E 1st St, Ogallala, NE
A Western-themed restaurant and entertainment spot featuring a saloon straight out of an Old West movie.
Boot Hill Cemetery
📍 Ogallala, NE
An authentic cowboy cemetery from the days of the cattle drives, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rough-and-tumble history of the region.
Petrified Wood Gallery
📍 418 E 1st St, Ogallala, NE
A unique museum showcasing incredible pieces of petrified wood, gemstones, and Native American artifacts.
Potter Sundry – Home of the Tin Roof Sundae
📍 324 Chestnut St, Potter, NE 69156
A must-stop for ice cream lovers! This small-town soda fountain is famous for inventing the Tin Roof Sundae—a Nebraska classic.
Afternoon
Big Statue of the Virgin Mary
📍 Statue Dr., Pine Bluffs, WY
A towering statue of the Virgin Mary standing on a hill, offering scenic views of the Wyoming plains.
Cheyenne Frontier Days & Museum
📍 Cheyenne, WY
A museum dedicated to the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, celebrating Wyoming’s cowboy heritage.
Cheyenne Depot Museum
📍 121 W 15th St, Cheyenne, WY
A beautifully restored historic train depot with exhibits on the transcontinental railroad and its role in Wyoming’s development.
Plains Hotel
📍 Cheyenne, WY
An elegant early 1900s hotel that has hosted cowboys, railroad magnates, and travelers for over a century.
Dome on the Range
📍 Harriman Rd, Granite, WY
An unusual geodesic dome house sitting alone on the Wyoming plains—a quirky and unexpected roadside sight.
Tree in the Rock
📍 Interstate 80, Buford, WY
A famous natural oddity—a lone tree growing out of a rock along the Lincoln Highway.
Ames Brothers Pyramid
📍 Sherman, WY
A massive stone pyramid in the middle of nowhere, built in honor of the Ames brothers, who helped finance the Transcontinental Railroad.
Evening
Sherman Hill (High Point of the Lincoln Highway in Wyoming)
📍 Sherman, WY
The highest point along the entire Lincoln Highway at over 8,000 feet elevation.
Henry Joy Monument
📍 Sherman, WY
A monument to Henry Joy, an early promoter of the Lincoln Highway.
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument
📍 136 US Forest Service Rd 705 A, Laramie, WY
A massive Lincoln bust sitting high in the mountains, honoring his role in westward expansion and the naming of the highway.
Breakin’ Through – Women’s Rodeo Statue
📍 Laramie, WY
A powerful bronze statue celebrating the history of women in rodeo, located near the University of Wyoming.
Fossil Cabin – Built from Dinosaur Bones
📍 Como Bluff, WY
One of the strangest roadside stops along the Lincoln Highway—this small building is entirely constructed from real dinosaur bones.
The Virginian Hotel
📍 Medicine Bow, WY
End the day at this historic Old West hotel, famous for being named after the classic novel The Virginian. The perfect place to spend the night in true Western style.
Day 9 blends classic Old West history with some of the most unique stops along the Lincoln Highway. From cowboy towns to a cabin made of dinosaur bones, today’s route is packed with history, roadside oddities, and scenic views.
