"🎤 Abandoned Mines: The Underground Stars of Traffic Jams! 🚧 Welcome to a gripping saga of #sinkholes on #I80, where nature's comedic timing leaves commuters in a never-ending quest for alternate routes. Watch as the DOT performs its greatest vanishing act yet, with no magic wand in sight! 🕳️✨"
https://practical.engineering/blog/2025/5/6/when-abandoned-mines-collapse #AbandonedMines #TrafficJams #ComedicTiming #DOTVanishingAct #HackerNews #ngated

Light tunneling and squiggles.

#PhotoHour #abstract #AbstractPhotography #improvisation #night #nightphotography #street #interstate #I80 #icm #ics #photography #AltText

#travel #adventure #journey #rv #rvlife #vanlife #winnebago #winnebagoera #fog #desmoines #kindredcoffee #iowacity #vegan #i80 #moochdocking https://natureisourmedicine.com/f/east-across-iowa---30dec2024

HJC i80, RPHA60 und F100 – Drei neue Helme auf der EICMA 2024
https://themotorbikechannel.com/hjc-i80-rpha60-und-f100-drei-neue-helme-auf-der-eicma-2024/?feed_id=22687&_unique_id=674412c4221dc
Source: HJC i80, RPHA60 und F100 – Drei ...

#adventurehelm #Austria #Clemo #eicma #f100 #fahrberichte #helm #hjc #i80 #jethelm #K.OT #Motorrad #MotorradMagazin #motorradbekleidung #Motorradhelm #Motorradmagazin #motorradneuheiten #motorradnews #motorradprodukte #motorradtests #motorradvideos #motorra...

North Platte, Nebraska, was the primary home of Buffalo Bill otherwise known as William Cody. Indeed, you can even visit the Buffalo Bill State Historical Park to see his ranch. However, if you have limited time, the Fort Cody Trading Post is your best option to learn more about Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show!

Linda’s Pick of the Exhibits

While the Fort Cody Trading Post has lots of neat stuff to see, the miniature Wild West Show stands out above everything else.

What’s the miniature Wild West Show?

The miniature Wild West Show is a collection of 20,000 hand-carved figures powered by 20 motors. There are cowboys. There are Native Americans. There are cannons. There are tents. There’s all kinds of action in this animated, to-scale re-creation.

Imagine, if you can, going back to the late 1800s to watch one of the greatest travelling shows to ever be produced. The performance was — of course — Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. However, you don’t need an imagination to see the Fort Cody show.

Fast Fact: It took 12 years for Ernie & Virginia Palmquist to create all of the carvings in the narrated diorama of the Wild West Show. 

For me, one of the neatest things is that Ernie actually saw the Wild West Show as a child. He even met Buffalo Bill!

As well as the carvings for the Buffalo Bill Show, Ernie also created a traveling replica of the Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Show circus. The 50,000-piece collection of carvings was a big attraction at the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958 (from the Journal, August 29, 1962). Plus, it was featured across the U.S. in various locations.

This miniature show had a sideshow, circus parade, 30 tents, more than 20,000 circus performers including an Emmett Kelly figure wearing a wig of the famous clown’s own hair! There were tumblers. There were clowns. There were aerialists.

All of this combined into a 40-foot circus parade!

Ernie’s chief assistant was his wife, Virginia. She was a former Ziegfeld Follies dancer who sewed all the clothes for the circus people, as well as creating the tents.

Watch a video of the Miniature Circus Exhibition of 1979 here.

Today, Ernie’s miniature circus is owned by the Smithsonian.

The carvings are amazing pieces of art! Indeed, wood carving is a traditional art form that’s been around since ancient times.

While the craftsmanship of the wild west show is amazing, watching it come to life is even better (show starts every half hour). A cowboy twirls a lariat. Horses and riders go on parade. Annie Oakley shoots a target. A Native American performs a traditional war dance. Players show their cards and more.

Station No. 1 on the Outlaw Trail: Old West Outlaws

https://www.amazon.com/Station-No-Outlaw-Trail-Outlaws-ebook/dp/B08G6J9V7W?pd_rd_w=OyVdQ&content-id=amzn1.sym.081392b0-c07f-4fc2-8965-84d15d431f0d&pf_rd_p=081392b0-c07f-4fc2-8965-84d15d431f0d&pf_rd_r=722328Y76ZQ717BN5YYV&pd_rd_wg=aPO2M&pd_rd_r=b48f9a1f-927a-4e65-8670-2b4082585c60&pd_rd_i=B08G6J9V7W&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=snowmaga-20&linkId=f67d95ec46424f68fd2f70cf82f5e019&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Badlands and Outlaws

Kidnapped by Outlaws (Sequel to Badlands and Outlaws)

https://www.amazon.com/Kidnapped-Outlaws-Old-West-Book-ebook/dp/B00OADBFKW?crid=31XORBCADL2ZO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Nk7aWaXVlsbODSHzhcgNGr0Gfqz0HyLSrsvDymhxzqjGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.6ySDjTxE_BWAXUPXubbSMOhsnjgX_Eqp6WimLnjvKrw&dib_tag=se&keywords=AKSOMITIS&qid=1726088282&s=digital-text&sprefix=aksomitis%2Cdigital-text%2C129&sr=1-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=snowmaga-20&linkId=45623d051ca1f88dea77456687cef5fa&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

What’s at the Fort Cody Trading Post Museum?

The Fort Cody Trading Post is what the name implies – a trading post. Situated on one of the U.S.’s first cross-country roads, the Lincoln Highway, it carries on the tradition of roadside souvenir stands.

Created in the traditional style of an old west trading post, it’s a stop that’s impossible to miss!

Outside, you’ll find a 30-foot-tall information sign with a drawing of Buffalo Bill Cody.

It includes information about Cody and the Wild West Show, which started in North Platte in 1883.

You enter the trading post through a door in the log stockade walls.

Fast Fact: Buffalo Bill started the World's first organized rodeo in North Platte, Nebraska, July 4, 1882. 

In addition to the feature art carving attraction of the miniature Wild West Show, there are six murals by artist Gene McConnell. The murals depict important moments in the life of Buffalo Bill.

What artifacts are in the Fort Cody Trading Post museum collection?

Throughout the trading post, you’ll find various relics along with souvenirs you can buy. The museum artifacts date back as far as 150 years and are from the manager’s personal collection.

Some of the things you’ll see include:

• McClellan saddle from the U.S. Cavalry
• Shotgun chaps from the 1880s
• Angora wool chaps from 1915
• Colt single action army pistol from 1874
• Winchester 73 rifle from 1879
• Photo of Buffalo Bill (age 22) from 1868 holding his favorite rifle, “Lucretia Borgia”
• Cheyenne Parfleche (painted buffalo rawhide case used to store dried buffalo mea) from 1870

• Coffeyville boots from the late 1870s – similar to cavalry-style boots with higher heels, more pointed toes, fitted tops, and made for right and left feet!
• Hand-forged cowboy spurs with silver inlaid wire from 1877
• John B. Stetson first cowboy hat from 1870

Outside in the stockade, the key attraction is a Native American Muffler Man.

You’ll also see a buffalo statue, various historic wagons, the Fort Cody Jail building, and picnic tables to relax and enjoy the afternoon.

Linda’s Road Trip Tips

We were traveling the US-83 Road to Nowhere through Nebraska when we stopped in North Platte. Unfortunately, it was late in the day, so we didn’t have time to check out some of the other attractions. However, I really missed not making it to the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park!

After our stop, we continued on US-83 for another hour into McCook for the night. Our favorite thing in McCook? The Taste of Texas BBQ restaurant where we had supper. The brisket was delicious!

We spent the night at the Cedar Inn, which was good value for the price.

Who Should Visit the Fort Cody Trading Post?

The Fort Cody Trading Post is a great, quick stop whether you’re traveling on I-80 or US-83. While combining a museum with a souvenir store may seem like a tourist trap — it’s not.

If you’re interested in the old west and the Wild West Show, this is the perfect stop.

Indoor artifacts likely won’t appeal to small children, but the stockade will give them plenty of space to charge around outside. The picnic area under Nebraska’s bright blue skies begs to be used.

Plan on an hour or less for your visit (unless you’re shopping and then it may take you much longer!), as the miniature wild west show runs every half-hour. The trading post is wheelchair accessible.

Admission, of course, is free.

How Do You Visit the Fort Cody Trading Post?

The Fort Cody Trading Post combines opportunities for buying some Nebraska souvenirs with a quick museum visit focused on Buffalo Bill Cody and his wild west show.

Parking: There's lots of free parking right in front of the trading post. 

Location: The Fort Cody Trading Post is located at 221 Halligan Drive, North Platte, Nebraska.

It’s right off of I-80 and US-83.

Visit online at the Fort Cody website.

Keep up to date with what’s happening at the Fort Cody Trading Post Facebook page.

Take a virtual tour with the YouTube video, Welcome to Fort Cody Trading Post.

Plan your visit with Google maps.

More Places to See in Nebraska

Check out all of guide2museum.com’s reviews of museums in Nebraska.

Read More Reviews of Art Museums

• Fort Cody Trading Post: Miniature Wild West Show in North Platte, Nebraska

• Museum of Northern British Columbia: Indigenous Art & History in Prince Rupert, BC

• The Enchanted Highway: Giant Metal Sculptures in North Dakota

https://guide2museums.com/2024/08/30/fort-cody-trading-post-north-platte-nebraska/

#carvings #cowboys #I80 #museums #Nebraska #oldWest #travel #US_

Saw something new today on the freeway. On both WB & EB approaches to Vacaville on I-80: there are now stay in your lane signs, curve signs, & ALL lanes are separated by a solid white line for a short distance. Not sure if this is temporary as a part of the managed lanes construction project or a permanent measure. #I80 #SFBA #SolanoCounty #Vacaville

Via @SolanoNewsNet
UPDATE: Fairfield police have set up a command post at the Solano County Library along the 5000 block of Business Center Drive, where they are staging equipment and personnel associated with the freeway. #Fairfield #CHPSolano #Cordelia #I80 #I680 #SolanoCounty #SFBA #Traffic

##SFBA folks and those headed to #Tahoe be aware: CHP : Severe traffic alert and Police department activity on I-80 Westbound at Suisun Valley Rd (Fairfield). All lanes blocked. Avoid the area.
Updated: 04:08 PM 05/03/24. CHP : Severe traffic alert and Police department activity on I-80 Eastbound at I-680 S (Fairfield). All lanes blocked. Avoid the area.
Updated: 04:06 PM 05/03/24 https://511.org. #Fairfield #Cordelia #I80 #

LIVE: Storm chaser captures jaw-dropping footage of wedge tornado crossing I-80 in Nebraska

Tornadoes and damaging thunderstorms blasting across the central United States, and will continue to threaten lives and property in more than a dozen states through the weekend.

Updated Apr. 26, 2024 5:55 PM EDT

https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/live-news/live-storm-chaser-captures-jaw-dropping-footage-of-wedge-tornado-crossing-i-80-in-nebraska/1644457

#ExtremeWeather #Tornadoes #Nebraska #I80

Jonathan Petramala (at 7:46pm)

"UPDATE: Hundreds of cars stranded on I-80 near the Donner Summit…blizzard winds and heaviest snow of the storm starting. It’s a race to see if they can clear the interstate before cars get too buried."

#DonnerSummit #I80 #blizzard #snow #CAwx

Blockbuster #CaliforniaStorm to deliver crushing blow of 10 feet of #snow and #blizzard conditions

By Mary Gilbert and Elliana Hebert, CNN
February 29, 2024

"An extremely-dangerous winter storm has arrived in California and will unload feet of snow, powerful winds and rare blizzard conditions in the mountains through the weekend.

"The storm will bury California under its biggest snowfall of the year, posing a significant danger to travelers – but provide a huge boost for the state’s water supply and tourism.

"'There are only so many ways that we can say it will be treacherous to be traveling on the roads or even exiting your home during this [storm],' the National Weather Service [#NWS] office in #RenoNevada, warned Wednesday. '#Whiteout conditions are very disorienting, so this is not the time to gamble with you or your family’s lives.'

"Snow began to fall in the Pacific Northwest late Wednesday and spread into California’s Northern Coast Range, the #KlamathMountains and the Sierra Nevada early Thursday. As snow continues to spread across California, so will strong winds and blizzard conditions.

"Snowfall rates are expected to reach extreme levels of 3 to 5 inches an hour from Friday through Saturday – especially along the Sierra Nevada.

"The prolonged extreme snowfall means 6 to 10 feet of snow could bury parts of the Sierra in just a matter of two to three days.

"The most extreme conditions will unfold at the highest elevations, with #WindGusts in excess of 100 mph expected on the highest peaks of the Sierra in addition to feet of snow. Winds are expected to blow so hard that it may be difficult to measure snow accurately with the potential for huge snow drifts.

"Heavy snow and roaring winds are expected to combine to produce rare and long-lasting blizzard conditions for much of the Sierra and parts of the northern ranges. Visibility could plummet to near-zero, meaning it’s impossible to see farther than a few feet – or at all – in the most intense blizzards.

"Given these conditions, there is a 'high chance of substantial, long-lasting disruptions to daily life in the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada Friday through Saturday,' the Weather Prediction Center warned.

"Unlike other storms this winter, snow will fall well below pass levels for all impacted ranges. Close to a foot of snow is expected through the weekend for areas as low as 5,000 feet. Several inches are also possible for even lower elevations, including #RenoNevada. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph will be blowing through the lower elevations alongside snow.

"The intense conditions at lower elevations increase the risk of danger on the road.

"Travel will be 'extremely dangerous to impossible' across the Sierra through the weekend, the weather service warned. Parts of major roadways like #I80 could be shut down for long stretches. "

Read more:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/29/weather/california-storm-snow-blizzard-climate?cid=external-feeds_iluminar_msn

#WinterStorm #NorthwestUS #ExtremeWeather

View of Donner Pass Rd. exit. #Tahoe #I80 #snow #CAwx

Driving West from DC to Denver last September, with Pretzel (depicted) and Pam on I-80 in Nebraska. #Dogs #i80 #Nebraska #GoldenRetriever

For updates on continuing #weather / #flooding / emergency response / road closure situations happening in #California & #Nevada - I suggest following MsMerope https://sfba.social/@MsMerope & karen https://mstdn.social/@geekaren - if you find good sources of info - please add in the comments. My daughter & many friends live in Cali, so a good list is good prep for me. Thanks! #wx #SacWx #CAwx #NVwx #CA #NV #I80 #Colfax #California #SouthLakeTahoe #Snow #rain #CalTrans #LArain #ScannerTraffic

You can *BARELY* make out the cars stuck at I80/Castle Peak in the Caltrans CCTV. There are a lot of them #Blizzard #DonnerPass #CAwx #Tahoe #I80 #Storm

New Year Blizzard disaster brewing at #DonnerPass - entire Greyhound bus stuck, 2 year old and family stuck in the snowstorm, vehicle stuck on railroad tracks... you name it. #CAwx #Tahoe #I80 #Blizzard #Snow

Add "Stranded on the I-80 in a Blizzard" to what you do not want to be doing on New Year's #blizzard #I80 #DonnerParty #DonnerPass #snow

Fine, I'll add a bot for Caltrans District 3. #DonnerSummit #I80 #closure #Hwy50

Road trip toot #6 #wyoming billboard shows windmills along a ridge with the text "No Windmills! Keep Wyoming Beautiful!". I assume they mean that ironically?

#roadtrip #enterprise #rentalcars #southwestairlines #flight #cancelled #cancelculture #DrivingHomeforChristmas #ugly #oil #refineries #everywhere on #I80