North West- any must see's or travel tips? About This Page:

[B.M.]

This coming summer, we will be traveling to the North West.

I've been planning this trip for quite some time.... and now the time has come to start booking.... before I start booking our lodging (which will make our plans firm/ not flexible)- I wanted to chime in here because you guys always have a lot of great suggestions....... And I want to hear these suggestions while there is still some flexibility in plans to add them!

So, here is an overview of our itinerary! If you know of some places in the vicinity that would be worth an additional stop, please chime in.... Or if you just have some tips for the places I have planned- I would love to hear that as well....

Thanks in advance!


Padukah, Kentucky- Apple Valley Roadside attraction

Dubuque, Iowa- Fenelon Place Elevator Company

Sioux Falls, South Dakota- Falls Park

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Wind Cave National Park & Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, South Dakota

Lewistown, Montana- Charlie Russell Chew Choo Dinner Train (*This may be closed on the dates we are there, so we may need a new thing to do here)

Glacier National Park, Montana

Spokane, Washington- Manito Park

North Cascades National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park, Washington

Seattle, Washington- Space Needle

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Salem, Oregon- State Mental Hospital Museum

Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor, Oregon

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Boise, Idaho- Old Idaho Penitentiary

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Parky, Wyoming

Alliance, Nebraska- Carhenge

Gretna, Nebraska- Holy Family Shrine

Nashville, Illinois- no plans

[chezp]

Can I say seriously jealous? There are so many amazing places on there - we've only visited a few, but of those, I know you'll love Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons and Seattle is a beautiful city. We spent a fun day there. One day I'd love to make it to places like Glacier, the Badlands, Mount Rainier etc. One day...

[manticorjenn]

Sounds like you have a very fun trip planned.

Not knowing how much time you have, let me just list some of the things to see and do around Mount Rushmore.

The town of Deadwood is a wonderful stop. The Original Deadwood Bus Tour gives an interesting highlight of the town. If you have time to stay a night, I would suggest the Celebrity Inn. It is one of the few places that have parking on site. Many of the hotels in the town do not. Thus you have to park in the parking garage or parking lots around town and trudge with your luggage.

The Reptile Gardens is another interesting stop, however, if you have an animal lover, it can eat up a lot of time.

The 1880 Train in Hill City is a neat steam train that takes you up the mountain from Hill city to Keystone. You can either ride just one way or round trip.

The Presidents Slide also gives you another view of Mt Rushmore and you can either ride the lift both ways or ride a concrete slide back down.

If you enjoy wine, Prarie Berry Winery has a nice tasting room and has some very nice wines. I tend to the sweet side on wines and love the "Poker Face" wine.

As far as Yellowstone goes, it is all wonderful. Make sure to pull off at some of the nature trails as you may get up close an personal to some of the animals on them. Just make sure to not approach them as they are wild and definitely are not Mickey friendly. The town of West Yellowstone has many tourist shops that are neat to walk through, but, can be Disney Souveneir expensive.

If you get close to Bozeman, let me know and I can give you advice on my home town!

Have fun planning and feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

[B.M.]

Originally Posted by chezp

Can I say seriously jealous? There are so many amazing places on there - we've only visited a few, but of those, I know you'll love Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons and Seattle is a beautiful city. We spent a fun day there. One day I'd love to make it to places like Glacier, the Badlands, Mount Rainier etc. One day...

We are really excited to visit these new places!!

Originally Posted by manticorjenn

Sounds like you have a very fun trip planned.

Not knowing how much time you have, let me just list some of the things to see and do around Mount Rushmore.

The town of Deadwood is a wonderful stop. The Original Deadwood Bus Tour gives an interesting highlight of the town. If you have time to stay a night, I would suggest the Celebrity Inn. It is one of the few places that have parking on site. Many of the hotels in the town do not. Thus you have to park in the parking garage or parking lots around town and trudge with your luggage.

The Reptile Gardens is another interesting stop, however, if you have an animal lover, it can eat up a lot of time.

The 1880 Train in Hill City is a neat steam train that takes you up the mountain from Hill city to Keystone. You can either ride just one way or round trip.

The Presidents Slide also gives you another view of Mt Rushmore and you can either ride the lift both ways or ride a concrete slide back down.

If you enjoy wine, Prarie Berry Winery has a nice tasting room and has some very nice wines. I tend to the sweet side on wines and love the "Poker Face" wine.

As far as Yellowstone goes, it is all wonderful. Make sure to pull off at some of the nature trails as you may get up close an personal to some of the animals on them. Just make sure to not approach them as they are wild and definitely are not Mickey friendly. The town of West Yellowstone has many tourist shops that are neat to walk through, but, can be Disney Souveneir expensive.

If you get close to Bozeman, let me know and I can give you advice on my home town!

Have fun planning and feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

We will definitely be walking some trails at Yellowstone!!

As for Mount Rushmore.... We plan to camp at Wind Cave NP for two nights and drive over to Mt. Rushmore.... It looks like it will be about a 40 minute drive one way.... Does this sound right? The website says to allow two hours to visit Mount Rushmore... Does this sound right? The hours are listed as 5am-11pm.... I was thinking we would go when they first open and hopefully beat out the crowds...

As for the town of Deadwood, it looks like that would be less than fifteen minutes out of our way between Mount Rushmore and Theodore Roosevelt NP. We almost certainly will not stay the night there, but I'm going to look more into the activities you listed and see if we might want to do one of them as a pit stop...

Thanks for the great information!

[manticorjenn]

Originally Posted by B.M.

As for Mount Rushmore.... We plan to camp at Wind Cave NP for two nights and drive over to Mt. Rushmore.... It looks like it will be about a 40 minute drive one way.... Does this sound right? The website says to allow two hours to visit Mount Rushmore... Does this sound right? The hours are listed as 5am-11pm.... I was thinking we would go when they first open and hopefully beat out the crowds...

As for the town of Deadwood, it looks like that would be less than fifteen minutes out of our way between Mount Rushmore and Theodore Roosevelt NP. We almost certainly will not stay the night there, but I'm going to look more into the activities you listed and see if we might want to do one of them as a pit stop...

Thanks for the great information!

You will find that travelling around the Black Hills doesn't take a lot of time and the scenery is wonderful. So, I would say that 40 minutes is probably right. However, if you are like us, we found things to stop and see in between places and thus it took us a little longer to get between places.

For Mount Rushmore 2 hours may be just enough or not close. It all depends on how much of the "museum" type you are. They have a lot of displays and information that can eat up time if you are interested. Or, if you aren't you can just walk up to the viewing section, see the mountain and go away. Depending on the time of year, opening may be too chilly to enjoy yourself. You may want to wait until closer to mid day as the sun will be out to warm things up and give some beautiful views of the mountain.

Deadwood would definitely be a good pit stop.

Enjoy your planning and your trip.

[Ashli]

Just subscribing to the thread because we are doing Portland - Seattle - Vancouver next summer and I'm interested in everyone's comments too.

[Huntermom]

My kids loved Mr. Rainier, Olympia National Park and Mt. St. Helens. We also love Snoqualmie Falls and the surrounding area (we spent a week just relaxing and had the best weather.) They would probably skip the Space Needle and other touristy attractions.

My kids were and are outdoorsy and there is much to do outside.

We like Portland although our trip was short.

If I remember both Portland and Tacoma had nice zoos but it has been a few years.

MY middle son is an avid bird watcher and he and my ex stayed a few extra days and did a boat trip off the coast which let them see lots of unusual animals.

Also we took a boat to the San Juan Islands and saw a good number of Orcas.

It's been a few years but it was an enjoyable vacation.

[nebula5]

I don't know if this is the sort of advice you're looking for, but this is a list I sent to a friend several years ago, when he asked for recommendations for places his son might like to visit when in Seattle.

• The Space Needle – I advise all visitors to Seattle to visit the Space Needle, mainly because when you tell people you’ve been to Seattle they will ask “did you go to the Space Needle?” and you don’t want to be a disappointment to them. Going up to the top is optional; unless it is sunny and clear, there’s honestly not much reason to do so. You can also stroll around the grounds of the Century 21 Exhibition; a surprising amount of it is still visible.
• Pike Place Market – See above reason for visiting. However, there is much more to see and do here, and it’s not (despite what some may say) all fishmongers. You can even see the very first Starbucks location.
• EMP Museum – Houses a rotating fraction of Paul Allen’s massive collection of rock & roll and science fiction memorabilia and artifacts. Worth going to see the Gehry architecture. Whether it’s worth going inside depends on your level of interest in the current exhibit(s), or the static ones.
• Other museums & such, among them: Pacific Science Center (of great interest to those who like science museums); Seattle Aquarium (ditto, sea critters); Seattle Art Museum (ditto, art); Museum of Flight (ditto, airplanes & space stuff).
• Pioneer Square – Retains much of the atmosphere of early Gold Rush times. The Underground Tour is entertaining, especially if you’re into history.
• Fremont Troll – Just plain cool; a must-see in my book.
• Archie McPhee store – Fun for all, especially those with twisted sensibilities.
• Ye Olde Curiosity Shop – Ultimate tourist trap kitschy oddball junk souvenir shop, on the waterfront; their mummy Sylvester is a highlight.
• Graves of famous people: Jimi Hendrix; Bruce Lee, Brandon Lee; Kurt Cobain (not a gravesite but an informal memorial, near his house on Lake Washington).
• Concrete can too float! Two floating bridges cross Lake Washington; crossing over one or both is always a thrill. Unless you’re a commuter.
• Washington State Ferries. I never tire of taking a ferry across Puget Sound and back, particularly on a nice day, although bad weather can add to the excitement.
• Corporate Seattle: One can see the headquarters of Microsoft, Starbucks, Amazon, REI, Costco, Nordstrom, and various Boeing facilities (there’s a tour of the big one up in Everett, supposed to be fascinating). Also, Bill Gates’ home (compound) on Lake Washington can be seen from the 520 bridge.
• Redhook Brewery; Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. These and other similar places can be visited, and their products consumed.
• Things to eat. Seafood and every type of Asian cuisine abound, but there’s much more.
• Look around, just look around. Especially on a sunny day, which we do have. To the west, over Elliott Bay and Puget Sound, you can see the Olympic Range. To the east, the Cascades. And south – Mt. Rainier; looks frighteningly close some days, considering that it’s a (dormant) volcano. A great place for this view is the University of Washington Campus, which is especially pretty when the cherry trees are blossoming.

[Her Dotness]

You'll see roadside signs for South Dakota's Wall Drug in bordering states even. It's THAT famous. Great place for souvenirs. And the soda fountain is NOT to be missed.

Yes, I know--"You're suggesting we stop off at a DRUGSTORE? Are you serious?"

Yes and yes. Trust me, the place really is something to see.

[lauriep]

You're getting some great suggestions here! Wall Drug was featured on the Travel Channel and is definitely worth a visit! In Seattle it's nice to see the city from the water, but the tourist cruises are expensive. Take a commuter ferry instead!

[B.M.]

Originally Posted by Her Dotness

You'll see roadside signs for South Dakota's Wall Drug in bordering states even. It's THAT famous. Great place for souvenirs. And the soda fountain is NOT to be missed.

Yes, I know--"You're suggesting we stop off at a DRUGSTORE? Are you serious?"

Yes and yes. Trust me, the place really is something to see.

Originally Posted by lauriep

You're getting some great suggestions here! Wall Drug was featured on the Travel Channel and is definitely worth a visit! In Seattle it's nice to see the city from the water, but the tourist cruises are expensive. Take a commuter ferry instead!

Okay, I'm sold! Wall Drug has officially been added to the itinerary. It's only five minutes out of the way between Badlands and Wind Cave!

[B.M.]

Originally Posted by nebula5

I don't know if this is the sort of advice you're looking for, but this is a list I sent to a friend several years ago, when he asked for recommendations for places his son might like to visit when in Seattle.

• The Space Needle – I advise all visitors to Seattle to visit the Space Needle, mainly because when you tell people you’ve been to Seattle they will ask “did you go to the Space Needle?” and you don’t want to be a disappointment to them. Going up to the top is optional; unless it is sunny and clear, there’s honestly not much reason to do so. You can also stroll around the grounds of the Century 21 Exhibition; a surprising amount of it is still visible.
• Pike Place Market – See above reason for visiting. However, there is much more to see and do here, and it’s not (despite what some may say) all fishmongers. You can even see the very first Starbucks location.
• EMP Museum – Houses a rotating fraction of Paul Allen’s massive collection of rock & roll and science fiction memorabilia and artifacts. Worth going to see the Gehry architecture. Whether it’s worth going inside depends on your level of interest in the current exhibit(s), or the static ones.
• Other museums & such, among them: Pacific Science Center (of great interest to those who like science museums); Seattle Aquarium (ditto, sea critters); Seattle Art Museum (ditto, art); Museum of Flight (ditto, airplanes & space stuff).
• Pioneer Square – Retains much of the atmosphere of early Gold Rush times. The Underground Tour is entertaining, especially if you’re into history.
• Fremont Troll – Just plain cool; a must-see in my book.
• Archie McPhee store – Fun for all, especially those with twisted sensibilities.
• Ye Olde Curiosity Shop – Ultimate tourist trap kitschy oddball junk souvenir shop, on the waterfront; their mummy Sylvester is a highlight.
• Graves of famous people: Jimi Hendrix; Bruce Lee, Brandon Lee; Kurt Cobain (not a gravesite but an informal memorial, near his house on Lake Washington).
• Concrete can too float! Two floating bridges cross Lake Washington; crossing over one or both is always a thrill. Unless you’re a commuter.
• Washington State Ferries. I never tire of taking a ferry across Puget Sound and back, particularly on a nice day, although bad weather can add to the excitement.
• Corporate Seattle: One can see the headquarters of Microsoft, Starbucks, Amazon, REI, Costco, Nordstrom, and various Boeing facilities (there’s a tour of the big one up in Everett, supposed to be fascinating). Also, Bill Gates’ home (compound) on Lake Washington can be seen from the 520 bridge.
• Redhook Brewery; Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. These and other similar places can be visited, and their products consumed.
• Things to eat. Seafood and every type of Asian cuisine abound, but there’s much more.
• Look around, just look around. Especially on a sunny day, which we do have. To the west, over Elliott Bay and Puget Sound, you can see the Olympic Range. To the east, the Cascades. And south – Mt. Rainier; looks frighteningly close some days, considering that it’s a (dormant) volcano. A great place for this view is the University of Washington Campus, which is especially pretty when the cherry trees are blossoming.

We are definitely going to the Space Needle!

Okay, as for Pike's Place- you are not the first person to encourage me to do this.... I must admit- I've been reluctant.... but since I don't know if I will ever have the opportunity to visit Seattle again.... I have officially added it to my itinerary.

The concrete bridge and the ferry sound like things we would like to do also (if time permits)- time is always a consideration.

[B.M.]

Originally Posted by Ashli

Just subscribing to the thread because we are doing Portland - Seattle - Vancouver next summer and I'm interested in everyone's comments too.

Hope yall have a great trip!!

Originally Posted by Huntermom

My kids loved Mr. Rainier, Olympia National Park and Mt. St. Helens. We also love Snoqualmie Falls and the surrounding area (we spent a week just relaxing and had the best weather.) They would probably skip the Space Needle and other touristy attractions.

My kids were and are outdoorsy and there is much to do outside.

We like Portland although our trip was short.

If I remember both Portland and Tacoma had nice zoos but it has been a few years.

MY middle son is an avid bird watcher and he and my ex stayed a few extra days and did a boat trip off the coast which let them see lots of unusual animals.

Also we took a boat to the San Juan Islands and saw a good number of Orcas.

It's been a few years but it was an enjoyable vacation.

Snoqualmie Falls looks AMAZING! It is only about a thirty minute drive from Seattle.... So, I think we should be able to pull that off easily!

I'm still trying to gather more info on Mt. Saint Helen's Volcano- it definitely sounds like something we want to see! MapQuest is showing it would be less than an hour out of the way on our route between Crater Lake NP, Oregon and Boise, Idaho which would be great.... but I'm a bit confused as most literature refers to it being in Washington state.... So, I'm still researching this one.... Apparently there are four entrances.... If you have any additional info on this, let me know...

We have been whale watching once in Alaska.... but I've heard Seattle is a great place for this also! *I've also heard Hawaii to be a great place for whale watching.... I think this is something we would definitely enjoy.... I'm not 100% sure were going to have the time for it though...

[DrDolphin]

One correction which will be a large one as far as driving is concerned - Theodore Roosevelt National Park is in North Dakota, not South Dakota - and it about a 4-5 hour drive up there.

Also - since you are right near it in the Badlands - consider Devils Tower National Monument too. We just went to Badlands, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, Devils Tower and Theodore Roosevelt as well as Mt Rushmore this past September. Really enjoyed the trip. If you have time - take a few hours to drive through Custer State Park and the Needles Highway while in the Black Hills. Beautiful drive!!

We also visited The Minute Man Missile National Historic Monument - about 20 minutes east of Badlands.

How long will your trip take? Wind Cave has some really great tours that you can take down into the caves to see the boxwork. So does Jewel cave national monument, but I don't see it on your list.

Mt Rainer is beautiful - we took an entire day to drive around and hike all over the mountain, and since you are right in the neighborhood - don't forget to visit Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - the have a great visitor's center and some really nice hiking too.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Home

Devils Tower National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)

[DrDolphin]

Oh - another thing - be sure to budget no less than 4 days in Yellowstone (that wasn't even enough for us) and 2-3 days in Grand Teton. There is a great float raft trip down the Snake River in Grand Teton - we saw lots of wildlife.