Top 12 Unusual Destinations to Visit in the Great Plains

The American
plains, often referred to as the “great plains,” are often overlooked as a
travel destination. Characterized by the flat terrain and farmlands, the
plains lack the visual appeal that some of the southern and coastal states
possess. With that being said, these states offer much more than what appears
at first glance, and those that choose to visit are often surprised at the
amount of interesting sights and activities available. Not surprisingly,
there are an abundance of unusual attractions to see in the great plains,
from legendary caves to historical monuments. Take some time to check out the
plains and make sure to visit these top 12 unusual destinations along the
way.

North
Dakota

1.) Geographical
Center of North America– The small town of Rugby, in
northern North Dakota, takes pride in their position as the geographical
center of North America. In 1931, the town erected a fifteen-foot rock
obelisk that flies both the U.S. and Canadian flags to mark the location.
Visitors to this attraction can buy postcards and take memorable
photographs.

2.) Enchanted
Highway– In the late 20th century, the town of
Regent, in southwest North Dakota, was struggling. Visitors to the town were
scarce, and the economy was suffering as a result. In 1990, metal sculptor
Gary Greff came up with a plan to attract tourists by creating massive sculptures
along the Regency-Gladstone Road. So far, seven of these sculptures have been
built, one of which was named the world’s largest scrap metal sculpture by
the Guinness Book of World Records.

(Sculptures along the Enchanted Highway,
minnemon)

South Dakota

3.)
1880
Town– Ever wondered what a small cowboy town would
have felt like in the late 1800’s? The 1880 Town in Stamford, central South
Dakota will give you a pretty good idea. The “town” was built by a
movie company in 1969 as a set for a western. The movie was abandoned shortly
after production began and the set was given to Richard Hullinger, the owner
of the land. Over the years, Hullinger has collected historical artifacts to
add to the town and several attractions to give it a more authentic feel. It
is a surreal place to visit and one that anyone traveling through South
Dakota should check out.

4.) Chief
Crazy Horse Memorial– Most people traveling through
South Dakota will go out of their way to visit Mt. Rushmore. For a more
unique experience, check out the massive sculpture of Chief Crazy Horse in
Crazy Horse, western South Dakota. Standing an incredible 563 feet high and
641 feet long, this sculpture is actually bigger than Mt. Rushmore. Make sure
to check out the nearby museum that sheds light on the history of Chief Crazy
Horse and the process that went into making the sculpture.

5.)
National
Presidential Wax Museum– One of the more interesting
wax museums in the country lies in Keystone, western South Dakota. Most wax
museums mold their creations after famous celebrities, but the National
Presidential Wax Museum pays tribute to each President of the United States.
The Presidents are molded at pivotal times during their terms, such as Nixon
speaking with the Apollo astronauts from inside their space capsule, and
George W. Bush standing with a New York firefighter after September 11th. The
museum is a fascinating attraction and well worth a
visit.

(Chief Crazy Horse Memorial, Christopher,
Tania & Isabelle Luna)

Nebraska

6.) Museum
of the Fur Trade– Fur trading is one of the oldest
business practices in the United States. In the country’s early years, people
had to rely on the fur of animals to stay warm. One of the best places to
learn about this trade, and the effect it had on the national economy is at
the Museum of the Fur Trade in Chadron, northwest Nebraska. This museum had
some fascinating exhibits on display including a parka made entirely of seal
intestine.

Kansas

7.) Kansas
Underground Salt Museum– The Kansas Underground Salt
Museum in Hutchinson, central Kansas, is not your typical mine. There are no
narrow passageways or dirt floors here, instead, it is one massive 67 mile
long room. Visitors here are given tours on electric trams, stopping at the
numerous exhibits on display.

8.) Subterra
Castle– For a home tour unlike anything you have
seen, check out the Subterra Castle in Shawnee County, eastern Kansas. Ed and
Dianna Peden were some of the very first people to convert a nuclear missile
silo into a livable home. Ed bought the silo in 1982 and has spent the last
36 years renovating it. Tours are arranged through
email.

(South Haven, Kansas, Lane
Pearman)

Missouri

9.) Bonne
Terre Mine– The Bonne Terre Mine was a fully
functioning lead ore mine until 1962. Not long after the mine shut down,
fresh groundwater began pouring in, quickly flooding over 88 miles of
passageways and forming the worlds largest subterranean lake. The owners of
the mine, Doug and Cathy Georgens, saw an opportunity with the newly formed
lake, and opened it to the public for tours and scuba divers to
explore.

10.) Ozark
Distillery– The only legal distillery ever created
in Camden County, central Missouri, has gained a reputation as a must-visit
place in the “show me state.” Ozark is a family run distillery that
specializes in making moonshine, vodka, and whiskey. Tours are available
daily, walking you through the distilling process and offering tastings of
the various spirits. These tours are free and offer great insight into how
these popular drinks are made.

(Fields near Springfield, Missouri, Heath
Cajandig)

Iowa

11.) Spook
Cave– The spook cave in Mcregor, northeast Iowa,
adds a fun twist to the traditional cave tours across the country. There is
no walking inside the cave, instead you float through on a canoe, learning
about the discovery and development of the cave. Anyone looking to escape the
hot summer heat will love a visit here.

12.)
Lewis
and Clark Interpretative Center– In 1806, Lewis and
Clark made history as the first Americans to cross the western portion of the
United States. Their journey, from what is modern day St. Louis to the coast
of Oregon, helped America gain a better understanding of the land and
established contact with many different Native American tribes. The Sioux
City Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City, western Iowa,
commemorates their voyage and showcases exhibits about how they completed it.
History lovers will enjoy learning about what these early Americans endured
to help expand our nation.

(Traditional Cornfield in Lyon, Iowa,
Don
Graham)