Families across the Great Plains once eagerly anticipated specific trips that shaped their yearly calendars.
These excursions, filled with tradition and excitement, provided memorable experiences and cultural connections.
Here are ten such trips that generations once held dear.
The County Fair Circuit — Hutchinson, Kansas
In Hutchinson, Kansas, the county fair was the highlight of the year for many families. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, it was a gathering place for communities across the region.
Before becoming the Kansas State Fair, this event showcased agricultural advancements, thrilling rides, and local crafts. Families eagerly attended, creating memories through lively parades and competitions.
The fairground buzzed with excitement, as children darted between stalls and parents reveled in the festive spirit. This annual tradition fostered a deep sense of community and celebration.
State Fairs — Des Moines, Iowa
The Iowa State Fair in Des Moines was a spectacle of grand proportions. Since 1886, it has drawn families with its promises of entertainment and education.
From livestock exhibitions to innovative car showcases, it offered something for everyone. Parents and children alike were captivated by the grandstand acts and eclectic food stalls.
The fair was a melting pot of rural ingenuity and urban flair, setting the stage for unforgettable family memories. Its legacy as a cultural touchstone continues to this day.
National Park Trip — Cody, Wyoming (Gateway to Yellowstone)
Cody, Wyoming served as the quintessential gateway to Yellowstone, captivating travelers with its Western charm.
Families often paused here to stock up on supplies and enjoy a rodeo, adding a touch of adventure to their journey. The allure of Yellowstone was complemented by Cody’s cultural offerings and scenic beauty.
This stop was more than just a logistical necessity; it was an integral part of the trip, enriching the experience with a taste of the Wild West.
Mount Rushmore & Black Hills — Rapid City, South Dakota
Rapid City, South Dakota, was the launchpad for exploration of the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore.
This iconic journey was both a pilgrimage and a family adventure, combining awe-inspiring landscapes with history. The Badlands, Custer State Park, and the majestic carvings of Mount Rushmore offered diverse experiences.
For many, this trip represented a connection to national heritage, leaving indelible impressions on young minds and providing tales for future generations.
The Big Amusement Park Trip — Denver, Colorado (Elitch Gardens & Lakeside Amusement Park)
For many Great Plains families, the annual trip to Denver’s amusement parks was the closest thing to a summer pilgrimage.
Elitch Gardens and Lakeside Amusement Park offered a level of excitement no small-town fair could match—twinkling midway lights, wooden roller coasters, landscaped gardens, and live entertainment that felt almost magical to kids who’d spent the year on farms or in small prairie towns.
Parents planned travel routes, saved spare dollars, and packed picnic baskets weeks ahead of time, knowing this trip marked the true highlight of the summer. Denver wasn’t just a destination—it was a promise of adventure.
Dodge City Days — Dodge City, Kansas
For generations of Great Plains families, Dodge City Days was the signature late-summer celebration that brought cowboy lore to life.
Centered in one of the West’s most storied cattle towns, the festival mixed longhorn cattle drives down Wyatt Earp Boulevard, rodeos, parades, boot-stomping street dances, and living-history reenactments.
Families packed the car and made a full weekend of it—wandering the old Front Street boardwalks, visiting the Boot Hill Museum, and watching rodeo riders under hot prairie sunsets. For many, this was the trip that signaled summer’s grand finale.
Medora Musical Trip — Medora, North Dakota
For many northern Plains families, the annual getaway to Medora became a cherished summer tradition.
Nestled on the edge of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this tiny western town transformed each night with the Medora Musical—an outdoor, high-spirited blend of singing cowboys, live horses, fireworks, and sweeping Badlands backdrops.
Families booked cabins months ahead, toured the park’s wildlife drive, and capped the night with the famous Pitchfork Steak Fondue. For many, this was the one trip each year where the rugged beauty of the Badlands met pure family fun.
Lakeside Vacations — Branson, Missouri (Table Rock Lake)
Before Branson, Missouri, became an entertainment hub, it was a serene retreat for families seeking lakeside relaxation.
Table Rock Lake offered fishing, boating, and cabin stays, providing a perfect escape from everyday life. Families from Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska cherished these tranquil vacations.
The lake’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities created cherished memories, fostering a love for nature and simple pleasures shared with loved ones.
Frontier Trail Sites — Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Scottsbluff, Nebraska, was a key stop on the Oregon Trail, inviting families to delve into pioneer history.
With landmarks like Chimney Rock and preserved wagon ruts, it offered a tangible connection to the past. Families explored museums and historic sites, deepening their appreciation for their heritage.
This journey was more than a history lesson; it was an adventure, sparking imaginations and linking present to past through storytelling and exploration.
Ranch & Rodeo Weekends — Cheyenne, Wyoming (Cheyenne Frontier Days)
Cheyenne, Wyoming, came alive with the excitement of Frontier Days, known fondly as “The Daddy of ’Em All.”
Since 1897, families have gathered to experience thrilling rodeos, vibrant parades, and ranch exhibits. This annual event was a summer highlight, reflecting the spirit of the West.
More than entertainment, it was a celebration of culture and tradition, drawing people from across the Plains for a taste of cowboy life and camaraderie.