Introduction to Great Plains
Spanning across ten states in the USA, Great Plains is a vast region boasting of fascinating museums, abundant wildlife preserves, plus scenic landscapes. Great Plains is known for its cowboy culture, Native American history, plus 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 plus 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 plus 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 plus Scenic Views
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina plus 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 plus 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 plus Tours
There’s nomor shortage of things to do in Great Plains. Here are some activities plus 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 plus 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
Food plus 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, plus tacos
Jambalaya, gumbo, plus po’boys in New Orleans
Bison burgers plus 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, plus Oklahoma
Margaritas in Texas
Where to Stay in Great Plains: Hotels, Hostels, plus 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 plus Local Products to Bring Home
Great Plains has many unique souvenirs that you can bring back home:
Cowboy hats plus boots from Texas
Native American artwork plus jewelry
Bourbon from Kentucky
Western-style artwork
Local honey, salsa, or hot sauce
Local Culture plus Customs of Great Plains
Great Plains has a rich history plus culture. Here are some things to know before you go:
Cowboy culture is prevalent throughout the region, plus dressing in Western-style attire is common
Respect Native American customs plus 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 plus October. Summer is the busiest season with higher hotel rates, so consider visiting during the spring or fall for more moderate crowds plus better pricing.
Do’s plus Don’ts of Great Plains
Do:
Explore the great outdoors plus historic landmarks
Sample the local cuisine
Respect the region’s culture plus traditions
Don’t:
Litter or damage the natural environment
Disrespect Native American customs plus traditions
Safety plus 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 plus keeping valuables safe.