Because Interstate 80 connects two major US cities (San Francisco and Teaneck, NJ, right outside New York City), it's a popular and well-traveled route. But, even though its endpoints are two of the country's coolest destinations doesn't mean that everything in the middle isn't worth checking out! Along the way, you'll pass through Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Omaha, Des Moines, and more, and travel across states like Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, which are all loaded with offbeat and interesting attractions. Here are some of the coolest things to see and do along I-80!
Then the route takes you into Wyoming. Just because the state is known for its wide open spaces doesn't mean there aren't plenty of things to see in Wyoming! Get a deep appreciation for the state's landscape at Bear River State Park. With views of the surroundings, a few miles of trails, and a chance to see some of that famed Wyoming wildlife (the park is home to herds of elk and bison), it's a great place to experience the Wild West.
One cool attraction in Wyoming is Fort Bridger. Established in 1843 as a supply stop on the Oregon Trail, Fort Bridger saw many, many old-timey road-trippers passing through its gates. Today the Fort Bridger Historical Association has recreations of the trading post and fort buildings, an archaeological site preserving the remains of the original structures, and a museum housing artifacts from the Fort here.
Stop by Fort Fred Steele to stretch your legs by walking among the remains of an old army post, built to protect the railroad. Several buildings and loads of interpretive signs and exhibits, not to mention a beautiful setting in the Wyoming landscape, make this a quick educational stop.
Another interesting historic stop along I-80 is the Wyoming Territorial Prison Museum. Built in 1872, it saw many famous outlaws (including Butch Cassidy!) pass through its doors. Walk into the cells, see pictures of old convicts, and learn what life was like for outlaws who weren't able to escape arrest!
Located on Wyoming's F.E. Warren Air Force Base, the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile and Heritage Museum is a fascinating look into the science and history of ICBMs and the 90th Missile Wing, which operates Minuteman-III missiles across the west. It's all housed in a turn-of-the-century building at the oldest continuously active military installation within the Air Force!
I-80 makes its way into Nebraska next, where you'll find even more natural beauty and interesting history. From Apache Indians to the Oregon Trail, Ash Hollow State Historical site is loaded with fascinating stories from the past. It's not hard to see why Native Americans chose to settle here, as it has caves for shelter and tons of wildlife. The park's Windlass Hill is notable as it was a challenge for emigrants on the Oregon/California Trail.
Keep going on I-80 and you'll hit Seward, NE, which is home to the World's Largest Time Capsule. It's a 20-foot by 8-foot by 6-foot concrete vault filled with 5,000 objects from the town's history, donated by its citizens; there's even supposed to be a car inside! It was dedicated in 1975 and is set to be open in 2025, but in the meantime, you can check out the memorial and ponder what might be within.
There's no bad time of year to road trip along I-80. Snow might make traveling a little tougher in the winter, closing some attractions and slowing down your drive, and Iowa can get some bad storms and tornados in the spring, but there are enough big cities along the way and people driving the highway that something will always be open!