Small Town, USA

Small Town, USA

When we planned our trip, we were not only drawn to the allure of popular sites like The Badlands, Mount Rushmore, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park but were equally excited about the hidden treasures in the area. The anticipation of these undiscovered places added an exciting twist to our journey and the thrill of discovering these lesser-known spots added a unique flavor to our trip.

 Our journey was enriched by the insights and stories of our friends deeply connected to the area. Should we be driving through Utah, we needed to stop in Bountiful, where the Brough family had homesteaded many years ago. I have long listened to the stories of my dear friend Gib and her brother Steve about their family life growing up. We picnicked in the area and relived their tales of perseverance in a bygone era.

Our friend Ron Behlen’s family, who have been settlers in Platte Center, a town outside of Columbus, Nebraska, for five generations, have a profound influence. They not only boast the largest agriculture equipment company in the nation but also built one of the early Baptist churches in the area, a testament to their enduring legacy.

My friend and colleague Sherri Hyatt’s family is also from Nebraska—Ogallala, to be precise. We were advised to visit if we were in the area. And for a truly memorable dinner, we were recommended to go to Paxton and dine at Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse. We followed the advice, and it was a delightful experience. The food was exquisite, the atmosphere was eclectic, and we even had the opportunity to meet the village superintendent (mayor) and listen to him explain that they were now the largest village in Nebraska—a unique distinction.

We will also visit a few military bases along the way. Here, we will check out the Space A capabilities, get gas, pick up a few sundries, and do our laundry for free. There is a sense of familiarity here, and we both enjoy it.

If we are on the base on the right day we will catch a movie in the theater. It is the best $3.00 entertainment around.

Our pace is beginning to slow as we adapt to our travels. I met a woman in Ole’s Big Game house who gave me a locally made candle that smelled of Bay Rum. She told me Ogallala is just about famous for its locally made Bay Rum products and is a must for travelers coming through. In fact, the drugstore would be open tomorrow if I wanted to get a jump on purchasing any of the products. 

I think I’ll start a list of things to do and put that at the top.

You are loved…