Great Plains Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Great Plains with our comprehensive guide. Find out the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, stay, and more.


Introduction to Great Plains

Spanning across ten states in the USA, Great Plains is a vast region boasting of fascinating museums, abundant wildlife preserves, and scenic landscapes. Great Plains is known for its cowboy culture, Native American history, and mouth-watering cuisine. This travel guide will help you plan your trip to Great Plains, so you don’t miss out on the best attractions and activities the region has to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Great Plains

Here are our top picks for places to visit in Great Plains:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National World War II Museum, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone, South Dakota
  • The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas
  • National Museum of American History, Washington D.C.
  • Cowboy Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • The National Quilt Museum, Paducah, Kentucky

Natural Attractions of Great Plains: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Badlands National Park, South Dakota
  • Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
  • Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
  • Niagara Falls, New York
  • Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming

Hiking/Biking Routes of Great Plains

Great Plains offers fantastic opportunities to explore on foot and by bike. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Katy Trail State Park, Missouri
  • Black Elk Peak Trail, South Dakota
  • Mount Scott Trail, Oklahoma
  • North Rim Trail, South Dakota
  • Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Kansas

Best Things to Do in Great Plains: Activities and Tours

There’s no shortage of things to do in Great Plains. Here are some activities and tours to consider during your trip:

  • Go horseback riding at a ranch in Texas or Oklahoma
  • Take a hot air balloon ride in Colorado
  • Visit a powwow and learn about Native American culture
  • Explore the stunning caves of South Dakota
  • Go whitewater rafting in Missouri
  • Take a paddleboat tour of the Mississippi River

Week-Long Itinerary for Great Plains

Here’s a week-long itinerary to make the most of your trip to Great Plains:

Day Activity
1 Visit the National World War II Museum in New Orleans
2 Hike the Black Elk Peak Trail in the Black Hills of South Dakota
3 Explore the Badlands National Park in South Dakota
4 Visit Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park in South Dakota
5 Go horseback riding at a ranch in Texas or Oklahoma
6 Take a hot air balloon ride over the Rocky Mountains in Colorado
7 Tour the Mississippi River on a paddleboat in Missouri

Food and Drink Scene of Great Plains

Must-Try Dishes

Great Plains is known for its hearty, flavorful cuisine, including:

  • Kansas City-style barbecue
  • Tex-Mex dishes such as chili, enchiladas, and tacos
  • Jambalaya, gumbo, and po’boys in New Orleans
  • Bison burgers and steaks
  • Rocky Mountain oysters (deep-fried bull testicles) in Colorado

Local Beverages

Great Plains has a range of refreshing drinks to try, including:

  • Sweet tea, a staple in the South
  • Sarsaparilla or homemade soda in old-fashioned soda shops
  • Bourbon in Kentucky
  • Craft beer in Colorado, Missouri, and Oklahoma
  • Margaritas in Texas

Where to Stay in Great Plains: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Great Plains has an array of accommodation options available. Here are some recommendations:

  • The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado
  • The Driskill, Austin, Texas
  • The Peabody Hotel, Memphis, Tennessee
  • 21C Museum Hotel, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • The Historic Plains Hotel, Cheyenne, Wyoming

What to Buy in Great Plains: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Great Plains has many unique souvenirs that you can bring back home:

  • Cowboy hats and boots from Texas
  • Native American artwork and jewelry
  • Bourbon from Kentucky
  • Western-style artwork
  • Local honey, salsa, or hot sauce

Local Culture and Customs of Great Plains

Great Plains has a rich history and culture. Here are some things to know before you go:

  • Cowboy culture is prevalent throughout the region, and dressing in Western-style attire is common
  • Respect Native American customs and traditions, as they are significant throughout Great Plains
  • Tipping your server is customary in restaurants

Best Time to Visit Great Plains

The best time to visit Great Plains is between May and October. Summer is the busiest season with higher hotel rates, so consider visiting during the spring or fall for more moderate crowds and better pricing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Great Plains

Do:

  • Explore the great outdoors and historic landmarks
  • Sample the local cuisine
  • Respect the region’s culture and traditions

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment
  • Disrespect Native American customs and traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in Great Plains

Great Plains is considered to be a safe destination. However, it’s always wise to take precautions, such as locking your car and keeping valuables safe.

Health in Great Plains

Make sure to stay hydrated during the daytime, especially if you’re hiking or undertaking outdoor activities. Additionally, be aware of the risk of ticks during warmer months, and protect yourself by covering up and using repellents.

Getting to Great Plains: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Great Plains

  • Denver International Airport, Colorado
  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Texas
  • Memphis International Airport, Tennessee
  • Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • Pierre Regional Airport, South Dakota

Bus Stations Near Great Plains

  • Covington Bus Station, Tennessee
  • Jefferson Lines, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • Greyhound, Denver, Colorado
  • Megabus, Dallas, Texas

Other Options

  • Amtrak has several routes through the Great Plains region
  • Road tripping through the region is popular and can be a fun and adventurous way to see the sights

How to Get Around in Great Plains

The best way to get around Great Plains is by car. Renting a car is recommended for maximum flexibility and the ability to explore the region’s many attractions.

Where to Go Next from Great Plains: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to extend your trip beyond Great Plains, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Santa Fe, New Mexico
  • Austin, Texas
  • Denver, Colorado
  • Rapid City, South Dakota

Conclusion

Great Plains has something for every kind of traveler, whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or delicious food. Use this travel guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this vast and fascinating region.

An American Bison grazes on the plains An American Bison grazes on the plains


    Kansas
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    North Dakota
    Oklahoma
    South Dakota