Tue, Sept 23: Fly to Denver, Colorado to begin your adventure! Depart towards neighboring Nebraska with a stop along the way for lunch on your own in Ogallala. Be sure to check out Front Street and its Cowboy Museum along with the fascinating Petrified Wood Gallery! Continue east and arrive in North Platte to visit the Golden Spike Tower. Both open-air and enclosed observation decks offer a panoramic view of the world’s largest railyard, the Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard. No matter your interest in trains, the sheer scope of the yard, where 10,000 railcars are sorted and sent on to their next destination every single day, is fascinating. Check in to your hotel for the next two nights and freshen up before an included welcome dinner at a favorite local restaurant. (Meals: Dinner)

Wed, Sept 24: The morning is spent in downtown North Platte with a special breakfast experience and a short walking tour exploring the history of the rivers and railroads that built this city. Afterwards dive into the legend of the wild west’s most colorful showman, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, on a Ride with the Wild Bunch. Take a horse-drawn wagon to Buffalo Bill’s Scout’s Rest Ranch to visit his historic mansion and barn that now serves as a museum documenting a storied life from a Pony Express rider to his legendary Wild West shows performed with the likes of Annie Oakley and Sitting Bull. Depart for even more fun at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. After lunch learn the little-known, heartwarming story of the WWII Canteen and explore the wide range of exhibits and historical buildings. Pick up some souvenirs at the Fort Cody Trading Post and make sure to catch the spectacular “Buffalo Bill’s Miniature Wild West Show”, featuring over 20,000 figures hand carved out of wood. Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure with an included dinner. (B,L,D)

Thu, Sept 25: After breakfast at the hotel check out and travel along the aptly named Western Trails Scenic & Historic Byway. See the most significant landmark of the great western migration: Chimney Rock National Historic Site. Explore the newly renovated visitor’s center and take in the same view that the emigrants saw towering above the landscape; so notable that it was mentioned in more Oregon Trail diaries than any other physical feature. Continue to the twin towns of Gering and Scottsbluff. After a break for lunch on your own, arrive at the Legacy of the Plains Museum. This museum features an impressive collection of pioneer, agricultural, and other artifacts from the North Platte Valley. Explore the historic farmstead structures donated by area families, including the newest addition, The Japanese Hall. Round out the evening with wagon train cookout dinner before overnighting in Gering. (B,D)

Fri, Sept 26: Today begins at Scotts Bluff National Monument, another icon of the prairie. After exploring the visitor center enjoy a ranger-led tour to gain a better understanding of the rich history of the site. Take the motorcoach up to the summit for photo opportunities before a short drive to Wyoming. Explore Fort Laramie National Historic Site, at one time the largest military post on the plains. Several buildings have been restored to their original state while others reflect the powerful impact of weather and time. Stop in nearby Guernsey to take in the Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site. Walk a short, paved path to see several of the ruts where thousands of wagon wheels slowly wore away the soft sandstone up to a depth of five feet! Continue to Cheyenne, Wyoming and check in to your hotel. Take a moment to relax before a visit to the longstanding Terry’s Bison Ranch. Once nearly extinct, a majestic herd of North American Bison safely roam this working ranch. Ride on their custom-built train to get up close and personal with the animals. Celebrate nearing the end of your adventure with a delicious dinner before transferring back to the hotel. (B,L,D)

Sat, Sept 27:  This morning board a Street Railway Trolley for a city tour of Wyoming’s capital before time on your own to explore the shops or attractions downtown, such as the Wyoming State Museum or the Cheyenne Depot Museum. Fly home from Denver in the afternoon. (B)