Yellowstone, Black hills and more

[jpm777]

Ok all, you were so helpful with my last trip (http://www.irv2.com/forums/f38/north...post2856520) I thought I would get input for my next trip.

Northern California through Nevada to west Yellowstone. Then on to the Black Hills and swing back down to the Grand Tetons on the way back. I already have all the major tourist attractions covered, I'm looking for the not-so-famous fun and interesting things to do that you have found in your travels, not the stuff you can get off the internet.

Thanks again in advance.

[Robmat]

Here is a few suggestions of out of the way destinations in that general area.

Blackfoot ID - Idaho Potato Museum - nice stop for a hour or so. Learned a lot about potatoes.

Promontory UT - Golden Spike Historic Site - not many people take all the back roads to get to it. Not crowded and quite nice stop over - plan a hour and half - more or less depending on the next scheduled recreation of the two trains meeting.

Cody, WY - Every night during the summer is the Night Rodeo - had a great time there. Went to Peter's Cafe for breakfast. Stopped at the Irma Hotel and the Buffalo Bill Cody museum. Took the city tour learned that there is a deer herd of about 300 deer that wander throughout the city. You'll see them in back yards or crossing the roads.

Deadwood, SD - of the Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane fame - Stayed at the Whistler's Gulch Campground and it is on the free city bus route. Took the trolley tour of the town, cemetery and walked around the shops. Saw the shoot out on the streets that is recreated every so many hours. Lot to see but easy to get around if you take the free city buses.

A little further North than most people include in the Black Hills is the Little Big Horn Battlefield. Small road in to the site and a crowded place but well worth the stop. We did it by heading to Billings, MT for the night before heading to Cody.

The area is loaded with sights to see, so much so we are heading back this summer to Cody, WY; Custer, SD; and on to Glacier National Park Mt.

[UTTransplant]

Jewel Cave and Wind Cave National Monuments in the Black Hills. Try to catch an astronomy presentation in Badlands National Park. Rent a canoe and paddle Slim and Leigh Lakes in Grand Teton NP; lovely beaches with the backdrop of the Tetons.