I-90 is probly the roughest interstate of those 3. The mouse trap in Denver isn't that bad as long as you don't hit it during rush hour. If you take I-80 through Nebraska don't go through Omaha, Get off I-80 in Lincoln and take highway 2 southeast to link up with I-29.

 

I think my head needs to just be pointed forward, or else this poor college student will be even poorer just looking towards Cabelas . You can’t just go and look around ! I’ll send you a PM if/when I pass through Oak Grove anytime after May, and we’ll go to PT’s !

3500lly-
Thanks for the suggestions!

Thanks again fellas! Now I have to finish this 7 page take-home-test that I’ve been putting off all Spring Break that’s due in the morning !

Nick

 

One last thing...which is obvious, but no one has mentioned it yet so here goes...you can always go out one route and back another for the experience, eh? :-) This is just one of those 6 of one/half dozen the other type things, maybe let the pending weather help determine the best/safest route? Anyways, good luck on the test and the trip(still wishing I could go myself...), enjoy!! :-)

 

I live in Rapid City now, and have gone across the state 4 times now, and I gotta say that it's THE most boring drive I've ever done. Once you get here, the Black Hills are nice to look at and great for camping.
Be careful of all the Wall Drug signs !!! they'll drive you nuts.
Also this state has some of the highest diesel prices in the mid-west.

 

Right now I'm thinking I-90 going to Wy, I-80 coming back. I've been to South Dakota once, and the Black Hills are kinda neat, so I'm think'n I'll go those two routes. Yeah I'll be going when diesel prices are on the rise !

Nick

 

I've done that trip more times than I can count. When I was making money doing it, I took the 2nd route every time. It's quicker and better.

 

Sounds like fun. A couple things to keep in mind - Nebraska and Colorado fuel is higher than Wyoming by quite a bit. If you can time yourself to top off in Cheyenne, where I-25 and I-80 cross, that's some of the best prices around. Likewise, if you top off in Casper before going up to Worland or coming back, their prices on the east side of town are pretty good.

That little jog on your map from Buffalo on I-90 (you leave I-90) over to Worland is Powder River pass. It can be winter up there anytime this month, and it's 9666', just so you know. It's two lane also. Going over empty is fine for your trip up. Even if you come out on I-70 you can just stay on I-25 and go north to Buffalo, then go over the pass. I wouldn't drag a trailer over it unless I had to. If you have time you can just leave it on cruise and go up to Billings on I-90, then come back south through the Bighorn Basin by way of Hardin MT, and Lovell, Greybull, etc. down to Worland. Surrounded by mountains but easy driving.

Fuel stops if you have to do them across Nebraska are easy enough. Lots of food and fuel at the Cabelas' exit, I think you'll have to pull off there. My steering wheel just jumps out of my hands if I try to go by.

I'd go home by route 2, Worland Casper Cheyenne I-80. It's the easiest for sure.

If you come up to I-80 from MO you don't go through Omaha, so that isn't a worry. If you come through Denver, you take I-270 and cut over diagonally to I-25 North, so that mousetrap doesn't come into play either. Don't take the E-470 toll road to cut over, it's big bucks for a short trip with a trailer, just not worth it going either way.

Just drove across NE yesterday, only one short stretch of choppy pavement, not bad at all.

Wallypedal from Wyo

 

Wally-

Thanks for all the tips! I'm thinking of going up on I-90 and back to MO on I-80. I'll check the weather before I leave and see how it looks along Hwy 16 off of I-90. If all else fails, I'll take I-80 both ways. When we go, we'll leave in the evening, so we won't reach South Dakota till 3:00am and Wyoming till 10:00am if we take I-90 . Thanks for everything guys !

Nick

 

Well guys we'll be leaving tomorrow evening around 7:30, and the weather looks good for the whole trip. I really appreciate all of the tips and suggestions you’ve provided. I’m still thinking about going to WY on I-90 and back to MO on I-80. The only reason I’d go I-90 is the scenery, but driving at night might not matter much, so I don’t know . Thanks again guys and I’ll post some good pictures or stories from this trip if I get any.

Thanks,
Nick

 

As the signs say don't forget to get your free Ice Water at Wall Drug.

Got to love all the signs.

 

don't forget if you I-80 in nebraska you have to stop at the weigh station if you are in a pickup pulling a trailer (no rv's) ...... if they are open

 

Wow, all trucks and trailers? So they just weigh me and have me pay according to my weight? Never had to have my truck weighed, that's why I ask . So if they're closed, keep on truck'n? Do I have to hit every weight station, or just one, if there is more then one open?

Thanks,
Nick

 

i questioned a ne dot guy about the reason for checking pickups,he couldn't give me a straight answer, but i think there's a lot of hotshotters on I-80 and the state wants their share... they won't bother you if you are hauling household stuff,or firewood

 

Flatbed with a vehicle on it will not be required to weigh.

Of the 3, through Nebraska will be the fastest. It will also have the highest fuel prices though.