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!
On a shoulder of I-80, you'll pass by Thunder Mountain Monument, a very special outsider art installation. Built by a WWII veteran and self-identified Creek Indian, the monument is a series of buildings and sculptures meant to provide shelter for people during the "imminent apocalypse" and serve as a spiritual haven for the hippies of the era. Only three of the seven buildings remain (one was a three-story hostel where many hitchhikers slept), and there are also thousands of sculptures depicting the struggles of the Native Americans, which are made of concrete and found objects. The buildings were subject to a lot of vandalism before they were declared a state historic site, and they're now open for self-guided tours.
For more interesting history along the highway, stop at the Western Folklife Center. It contains a gallery, museum, and gift shop but it's so much more than just that. They offer concerts, classes, lessons, and tons more, and work to preserve the aspects that make the American West so unique. And, if you're lucky, you'll be passing by here during the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
The next city you'll reach if you stay on the interstate is Salt Lake City, Utah. The mountains, forests and (of course) the lake make for a beautiful natural setting for this city, with its many unique attractions. Science-lovers will appreciate the Clark Planetarium and The Leonardo, a museum that explores the intersection of art, technology, creativity, and science. Or, if you're a culture nerd, check out the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art and the Utah Museum of Natural History. Plus, as the home base for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka the Mormon Church) you can learn about this unique religion at the Gilgal Sculpture Garden, Temple Square, and the Museum of Church History and Art.
If you're looking for a quaint hotel in Salt Lake City, you're in luck, because there are more than a few options here. The Peery Hotel and the Ellerbeck Mansion are two excellent choices!
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.
There's also Natural Corrals Archaeological Site, which is a really special place for a few reasons. It's a geologically important site, because ancient lava flows formed a rugged landscape dotted with caves, some of which have ice all year round. It's also historically important; there's evidence that Native Americans used this place for buffalo kills. Spend some time taking in the unique views 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.
Named for Union Pacific president Edd H. Bailey, Union Pacific Railroad's Bailey Yard manages 10,000 rail road cars every single day on its 2,850 acre spread. It's the world's largest train yard, and it's kind of hard to fully appreciate it unless you go to the top of the Golden Spike Tower and view it all from the observation deck. It's one of the best places to learn about the crucial role railroads played in American history!
Another great attraction is The Heartland Military Museum, which has a huge collection of military vehicles that is incredibly impressive, with helicopters, jeeps, tanks, and tons more. You'll also find displays of weapons, uniforms, and equipment among other things. The chance to sit in some of the restored vehicles is definitely an opportunity you won't want to miss out on!
Kearney, NE's Classic Car Collection is an ever-growing display of well-maintained and super cool vintage cars from across history. Even if you don't know a ton about cars, you'll love poring over the details and aesthetic of these retro beauties!
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.
Omaha is the next big city you'll pass through while on I-80. Explore the Heartland Park of America or the Lewis and Clark Landing, check out the Durham Museum, housed in a 1931 train station, or visit the awesome Henry Doorly Zoo! And, while you're in cattle country, get a steak at Drover... it'll change your life.
And there are plenty of great hotels in Omaha as well. The Magnolia and Hotel Deco XV are super swanky and will have you feeling like royalty!
One of the more offbeat and lesser-known attractions along I-80 is the Monument to the First Train Robbery in the West. The year was 1873, and Jesse James and his gang of bandits had the (admittedly genius) idea to move a section of track to derail a train, and use the diversion to make off with some of the cargo. The monument features a wheel with a plaque, as well as the section of track that the gang shifted to derail the locomotive. It's an interesting and quick stop!
There's plenty to see and do in Iowa's capital, Des Moines. Go back in time at Living History Farms, go for some thrills at Adventureland Park, or check out what's on display at the Des Moines Art Center. Or, if you're just making a quick pit stop here, take a ride on the Heritage Carousel, grab a bite to eat at Drake Diner, or snap some pics at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
The Des Lux Hotel and The Hampton Suites in Downtown are great hotels in Des Moines.
You'll find plenty of great parks in Illinois as well. There are tons of hiking trails at Starved Rock State Park, taking you past waterfalls, through twisting gulches, into mossy canyons, and around shaded forests. Make a day of it by camping out or booking a room at the onsite lodge and bask in the beauty of this natural wonder!
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!
