What to do on a cross country trip (Ghost towns, gold washing etc)?

[bikemaniac]

Hi,

As some of you might know, I am planning a cross country trip in my Ford Model A. It will be shipped from Europe to New York, I will drive it across following the historic Lincoln Highway and then sell it somewhere on the Westcoast - probably using ebay because I have to go back home and cannot wait for the "perfect" buyer.

Anyhow, besides driving 3300 miles I want to do something like this:

1. Try a DC3
2. Try a Wardbird
3. See the Big Ben in Cheyenne close up. Preferably talk to some folks wrenching the locomotive.
4. Visit some cool ghost towns off the beaten track
5. Try some gold washing in a remote area

Based on this map:

https://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/map/

Can anyone recommend some particular spots according to the list above?

Lucas

PS: If I arrive lets say 1-2 weeks too early in the Bay area - anything interesting to do, if you like technology and like to use your hands? Maybe a Ford A workshop?

[Y-Blockhead]

May I suggest while in Nebraska, swing over to the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln (not too far off of the Lincoln Highway). They have all kinds of Speed equipment on display. Check their hours, I don't know if they are open everyday. http://www.museumofamericanspeed.com...Your-Visit.dlp

Just an example, In-Line Fours;
http://www.museumofamericanspeed.com...-Cylinder.html

[Rowdy]

Possibly visit Buffalo Billl Cody's Scouts Rest Ranch and the Gloden Spike Tower ovelooking Bailey Yards ( the largest rail car classification yard in the world) in North Platte, Nebraska. Fort Kearney south of Kearney, Ne.and the Muesem of the Prarie Pioneer in Grand Island, Ne. Can not think of much more in this area of interest. Rod

[C26Pinelake]

You might want to investigate the legality of selling your car in the United States. Wayne

[glenn in camino]

Check online for ghost towns in different western states. If you're in the California/Nevada area don't miss Bodie state park. It's the best.

[ronn]

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If going through Chicago-Hit a Portillos and have a "beef with hots"

35 Portillos in the area................!

[Bill Wright]

NO!,!
A portillo's Hot Dog then a beef sandwich for dessert!

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by bikemaniac

Hi,
4. Visit some cool ghost towns off the beaten track


Can anyone recommend some particular spots according to the list above?

?

In Montana, a bit far off the beaten track, I recommend:


http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mt-nevadacity.html

[700rpm]

Several old gold towns around Denver, Colorado. Mountainous country, though. Make sure your cooling system is in good shape.

[C26Pinelake]

When is this trip going to begin? Wayne

[1crosscut]

When you get to Ogallala Nebraska take a 25 mile drive north on HWY 61 into the Sandhills. On the way at about the 12 mile mark you will drive across the dam of Lake McConaughy. Biggest puddle of water in the state with miles of sandy beaches if you want to cool your toes. Once you get across the dam you will be in very short order into the Sandhills. This is probably the quickest way for anyone traveling across the state to quickly get into and to get a really good feel for the beauty and vastness of this sparsely populated area. These are very large sand dunes that stabilized thousands of years ago and are now covered in native prairie. Once you get somewhere around the 25 mile mark pull off on one of the few side roads and drive a short distance to the top of a hill and shut off your car. Take a break, eat a sandwich and just take it in for a while. This is an area that you can drive miles and miles and not see a dwelling or another car. Night time in this area with a clear sky and no moon will give you a view of the Milky Way like no other.
It's not unusual for a ranchers driveway to be 5 or more miles long. If you have the time take a moment and stop in at one and introduce yourself. You'll probably end up at the dinner table eating a piece of pie along with a cup of coffee. Nice folks in the Sandhills.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by bikemaniac

Hi,

As some of you might know, I am planning a cross country trip in my Ford Model A. It will be shipped from Europe to New York, I will drive it across following the historic Lincoln Highway and then sell it somewhere on the Westcoast - probably using ebay because I have to go back home and cannot wait for the "perfect" buyer.

Anyhow, besides driving 3300 miles I want to do something like this:

1. Try a DC3 Do a search on the DC3 as there are several across the US that give rides
2. Try a Wardbird Do a search on warbird rides as there are several across the US that give rides
3. See the Big Ben in Cheyenne close up. Preferably talk to some folks wrenching the locomotive. Big Boy Locomotive No. 4014, http://www.cheyennedepotmuseum.org/t...4-steam-engine
4. Visit some cool ghost towns off the beaten track
5. Try some gold washing in a remote area http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/gold-fever/top-places-to-pan-for-gold/

Based on this map:

https://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/map/

Can anyone recommend some particular spots according to the list above?

Lucas

PS: If I arrive lets say 1-2 weeks too early in the Bay area - anything interesting to do, if you like technology and like to use your hands? Maybe a Ford A workshop?

....

[J Franklin]

See the Historic Winchester house. There is nothing like it in the world.

[KenCoupe]

Originally Posted by glenn in camino

Check online for ghost towns in different western states. If you're in the California/Nevada area don't miss Bodie state park. It's the best.

I agree with Glenn. Bodie is a very well preserved ghost town in the California Sierra Nevada mountains about 100 miles south of Carson city. It is extremely well preserved and even has some vintage cars and trucks sitting in the weeds around the town. I'll try to dig out a couple of photos and post them tomorrow.

Ken

[KenCoupe]

Here are a couple of pictures of Bodie with car & truck

[Tom Wesenberg]

Years ago I bought a book for my dad, as he did a lot of traveling out west. As I recall the title was "Ghost Towns of the West". That should lead you to several choices. I need to find that book, as I'd also like to travel out west and visit some ghost towns.

That Sport Coupe looks good enough to restore.

[Terry, NJ]

I don't particularily like Denver (Too Urban) although my Daughter lives there, but go to Idaho Falls, which is a old gold mining town to the north west. And if you get to Montana, don't forget the Custer Battlefield and the Little Big Horn. And if you get to Helena (Mont.) go to the Montana State museum, Best for last! Go to Alexandria, Minnesota and see the Kensington Stone Museum. A lot of early Viking artifacts and the Kensington Rune stone it's self, plus some of the best American Indian artifacts I've seen.
Terry

[Bill Cal.]

Could you please mention the model A you will be traveling in, maybe share a photo of it? What the year and body style? If it's a victoria what are you going to sell this proven car for? Thanks, Bill

[Rowdy]

Also the Big Boys little brother The Challanger is in Cody Park in North Platte. Rod

[Pinesdune]

MY Dad took our family here a couple times, lots in the area to see and do, no idea how "touristy" it is now tho

http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/

I remeber him saying how he wished we had more time as there was lots more to see in neighbouring States, but holidays only last so long