Roadside Stops Might Be Hidden Treasure

A few years ago we took a wacky tour of Eastern Colorado, making sure we hit every wacky little museum and stop in sight.  It was truly one of our favorite adventures that taught us to never overlook something that seems like “no big deal.” 

So, with that new mind set we now travel and take our breaks at some pretty unique spots.  Today was no exception. 

I needed a few things for lunch so while I ran into the Powell Wyoming IGA my husband and 2 children checked out the Powell Homesteader Museum. 

First, it was free…a bonus.  Second, it had a caboose that my children loved climbing all over.  It also had some great little bits of history from Powell Wyoming that also represented as wonderful memorabilia for all Americans.  We saw a Perm machine from a 1940’s beauty shop, toy trains, old phones, a blacksmith shop and a fabulous dime store horse.  This horse was something else.  It was a dime store horse that had a 6-shooter mounted to the saddle horn.  Once the imaginative child was saddled up they got to shoot at a mountain scene where little Indians popped up and tried to attack the rider.  Yes, yes it was COMPLETELY politically incorrect but WOW was it cool. 

Our second stop today was the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center.  This could have easily been passed by many travelers but EVERYONE needs to put it on their “to do” list when they visit the greater Yellowstone area near Cody, Wyoming. 

Starting in 1942 it was a “camp” for relocated Japanese American citizens.  When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, America became afraid of their Japanese neighbors even though they were American Citizens. Some of them were even too young to have ever stepped foot in Japan.  The government gave these citizens a moment`s notice to pack and they were sent on trains to internment camps in remote areas of America.  They called it a relocation camp but really it was a concentration camp.  There was a fence, a guard and they were not allowed to leave. 

The museum did a wonderful job describing life at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center from 1942 thru 1945.  When the war was over the internees were given a train ticket and $25.  It was amazing to hear about these lives during the war and how they had to begin again after the war. 

So, don’t pass that spot that looks like a roadside oddity.  Your kids need to go to the bathroom anyway and you just might find an amazing gem out there!   

Whatever you do just get out there and get GON4FUN!

Beverly