Discover The Great Plains Of The United States
The Great Plains of the United States is a vast region that stretches from Canada to Mexico, covering over 1,125,000 square miles. It is known for its rolling hills, prairies, and grasslands that offer a unique experience for travelers.
Top Attractions
The Great Plains offers a wide range of attractions that cater to all types of travelers. Some of the top attractions include:
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Located in South Dakota, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a must-visit attraction. The memorial features the faces of four American presidents carved into the granite mountain. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of this iconic national monument.
The Badlands National Park
The Badlands National Park in South Dakota is a unique landscape of rock formations, canyons, and prairies. Visitors can go hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in this breathtaking national park.
The Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, is a symbol of the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River.
Hidden Gems
The Great Plains is also home to many hidden gems that are off the beaten path. These include:
The Flint Hills
The Flint Hills in Kansas are a unique landscape of tallgrass prairies and rolling hills. Visitors can go hiking, birdwatching, and explore the local towns to get a taste of the local culture.
The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas is one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies in the world. Visitors can go hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in this untouched wilderness.
The Black Hills
The Black Hills in South Dakota is a stunning landscape of pine forests, mountains, and lakes. Visitors can go hiking, camping, and explore the local towns to get a taste of the local culture.
Food Scene
The Great Plains has a unique food scene that combines traditional American cuisine with local flavors. Some of the must-try dishes include:
Barbecue
Barbecue is a staple of the Great Plains cuisine. Visitors can enjoy slow-cooked meats, tangy sauces, and classic sides like baked beans and coleslaw.
Bison Burgers
Bison burgers are a local delicacy that can be found in many restaurants across the Great Plains. These burgers are made with lean bison meat and topped with local cheese and toppings.
Chislic
Chislic is a South Dakota dish made with cubed meat that is deep-fried and served with garlic salt and crackers. It is a must-try for adventurous foodies.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling to the Great Plains can be affordable if you know where to look. Some budget-friendly tips include:
Camping
Camping is a great way to save money on accommodations. Many national and state parks offer affordable camping options that allow visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.
Local Markets
Visiting local markets is a great way to try local food and save money on meals. Many towns and cities in the Great Plains have weekly farmers markets where visitors can find fresh produce and artisanal products.
Free Attractions
There are many free attractions in the Great Plains, including parks, museums, and historical sites. Visitors can save money by visiting these attractions instead of paid ones.
Outdoor Adventures
The Great Plains is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the top outdoor adventures include:
Hiking
The Great Plains has many hiking trails that offer stunning views of the landscape. Visitors can choose from easy hikes to challenging ones that take them through canyons, forests, and mountains.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is a popular activity in the Great Plains, with many rock formations and cliffs that offer a challenge for climbers of all levels.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities on the many lakes and rivers in the Great Plains. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful paddle through scenic waterways.
Historical Landmarks
The Great Plains has a rich history that is reflected in its many historical landmarks. Some of the top landmarks include:
The Alamo
The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, is a symbol of the Texan struggle for independence from Mexico. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of this iconic landmark.
The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana is a tribute to the Battle of Little Bighorn, one of the most famous battles of the American Indian Wars. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of this historic site.
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is a route that follows the path of the famous explorers as they traveled westward. Visitors can explore the historic sites and learn about the history and significance of this iconic trail.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Great Plains offers many family-friendly activities that cater to all ages. Some of the top activities include:
The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center
The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Topeka, Kansas, is a hands-on museum that offers interactive exhibits and activities for children of all ages. Visitors can explore the museum and learn about science, technology, and culture.
The Omaha Children’s Museum
The Omaha Children’s Museum in Omaha, Nebraska, is a fun and educational museum that offers interactive exhibits and activities for children of all ages. Visitors can explore the museum and learn about science, art, and culture.
The Children’s Museum of South Dakota
The Children’s Museum of South Dakota in Brookings, South Dakota, is a hands-on museum that offers interactive exhibits and activities for children of all ages. Visitors can explore the museum and learn about science, art, and culture.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Great Plains is full of hidden gems that are off the beaten path. Some of the top experiences include:
The Corn Palace
The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, is a unique attraction that is covered in murals made of corn. Visitors can explore the palace and learn about the history and significance of this iconic landmark.
The World’s Largest Ball of Twine
The World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, Kansas, is a quirky attraction that is made of over 8 million feet of twine. Visitors can see the ball and learn about its history and significance.
The World’s Largest Petrified Wood Park
The World’s Largest Petrified Wood Park in Lemmon, South Dakota, is a unique park that features petrified wood sculptures and fossils. Visitors can explore the park and learn about the history and significance of this unusual attraction.
Natural Wonders
The Great Plains is home to many natural wonders that are worth exploring. Some of the top natural wonders include:
The Grand Tetons
The Grand Tetons in Wyoming are a stunning mountain range that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can go hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in this untouched wilderness.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park
The Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado is a unique landscape of towering sand dunes that offer a unique experience for visitors. Visitors can go hiking, camping, and sandboarding in this breathtaking national park.
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado is a stunning canyon that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can go hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in this untouched wilderness.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Great Plains has a vibrant nightlife scene that offers something for everyone. Some of the top nightlife spots include:
The Power and Light District
The Power and Light District in Kansas City, Missouri, is a lively entertainment district that offers bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Visitors can enjoy a night out on the town in this vibrant district.
The Old Market
The Old Market in Omaha, Nebraska, is a historic district that offers a wide range of bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Visitors can enjoy a night out on the town in this charming district.
The East Village
The East Village in Des Moines, Iowa, is a trendy district that offers a wide range of bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Visitors can enjoy a night out on the town
