You're invited to join us for the Dam Outlaw MINI Trip!

Starting in South Sioux City Nebraska and ending at a really old place you may have heard of in Nebraska.... We'll be on a few parts of the Outlaw Trail across Nebraska and venture across the Missouri River three times into South Dakota, and cross the Niobrara river once. Oh yeah, there is a Dam along the route...a good number of scenic overlooks, a landfill with sentinels of the prairie, some cool bridges, a couple state parks, the Kolache Capital of the World, and lots of interesting little towns.

We will be starting our route at 8AM Saturday, September 18th and we will be heading for our evening lodging at 4PM. This leaves those not spending the night time to get home before it gets too late. After those of us who stay get settled in, we'll all go eat dinner nearby.

Meet at Heritage Express gas station in South Sioux City near the old Atokad Park just off Nebraska Highway 77/75. 8AM SHARP!

We have reserved cabins at a very remote lodge within 15 minutes of the end of our trip for those interested in spending an unforgettable night in the Nebraska wilderness. Prices are very cheap, and will be based on occupancy. There are only three cabins. Each has two sleeping areas. Cabins have heat, water, electricity and air conditioning, plus bedding, towels, etc. We recommend you bring an alarm clock....(story available on request) We also recommend if you want snacks and beverages of the adult variety, you had best bring them, there's not a lot of choices near our lodging, so come prepared.

The trip is designed so that if you're not interested in spending a night in the area, you can make it back to the Omaha area at a reasonable timewith the drive ending at 4PM. Omaha is under 3 hours from our last stop.

We have a planned fuel stop in Vermillion South Dakota for some 92 octane gogo juice (fuel). Bring some snacks and drinks because many of our destinations don't have services available. Lunch will be determined based on our schedule as we motor on. If we have time to stop and go in for lunch, we will, if we're pressed for time, we'll stop and get something to go.

All the roads but one are in great condition, easy driving conditions, with many planned stops on the route. Cameras are recommended!!

Remember, this will be mid September so we recommend some warmer clothing, and this is cacti and rattlesnake area, wear sensible shoes!

We will need a head count as soon as possible for those that want to spend the night.

Did we mention these cabins are very remote?

You will need a 2010 Nebraska State Park sticker.

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There are other accommodations available that are not so rustic within 10-25 minutes of our finish point. Those would be in Verdigre or even Niobrara itself. Motels or Bed & Breakfasts. If anyone is interested in either of these places, drop me a line, and I'll recommend some of the better places we saw while we scouted the route.

Optional Overnight Suggestions:
Commercial Hotel B&B, Verdigre NE, http://www.commercialhotelbb.com/ Ask about driving in with a MINI, many B&Bs up there are on gravel roads.

Hilltop Lodge Motel, Niobrara NE, 402 857 3611 Right in town, a tiny old motel.

Whitetail River Lodge http://www.whitetailriverlodge.com/w.../About_Us.html Easy access, right off a highway.
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We realize we've left some mystery here, but if you've motored on our previous adventures... you know we don't do crappy rides, and if you haven't motored with C.O.R.N., you might be surprised if you join us!

Start/meeting spot is on the map.



A larger map is available in my Gallery, which is the Gallery link in the top right of this post.

In the bottom image, the green arrow is the gas station we're meeting at.

 

An 8am start in Soux City means I'd have to get up earlier than 5am to make it from Lincoln. Stay Friday in Soux City? What am I... made of money?

 

wow sounds like great trip, wish I lived closer

 

@Nabeshin...from Fremont to the start spot, 50 minutes with a stop because the passenger...We can also be downtown Lincoln in 50 minutes.

Are you getting out of 1st gear on the highway often...?

@Lil Pigg, bring that cool classic on over! Nice ride!

 

Yeah, it's going to be an early morning ... have to get things ready Friday night and set the Coffee pot to auto brew.

It'll be a fun trip though. Well worth it.

 

I put together a sample of a few things we saw along the trip.

But no...I did not give the entire trip away...surprises are good right?

http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...0Pre-Scouting/

Above is a link to my Photobucket account where I have a folder with photos of the weekend...just a few photos...not all we shot.

 

Okay, this looks good! I've asked for the weekend off and my boss owes me a favor. I might even be able to get someone to come with me for the ride.

ps we'd be going for the overnight package with the rustic option!

 

Beebe we look forward to Motoring with you!

I forgot to mention everyone will need a 2010 Nebraska State Park sticker, as we're visiting three state parks.

 

I'm in. Overnight in the cabins.

 

We'll be stopping at 3 Nebraska State Parks. Ponca, Niobrara, and Ash Falls State Park.

A photo from Ash Falls State Park Hubbard Rhino Barn...yes...rhinos in Nebraska!

 

Courtesy of WildThang:

Dam Outlaw MINI Tour Map

 

Oh, and count us in for the overnight package, too.

 

So far we are four MINIs roughin it!

 

I can't make this after all. Sorry, guys.

 

My wife tells me I should post where we're staying, so here ya go:

http://www.milliron-v-lodging.com/

Getting to Mill Iron V Lodge is on a gravel road, about a mile south of Verdigre NE. The cabins are about a half a mile from the lodge, up a very steep and primitive road. The owner graciously loaned us a 4x4 Suburban to drive up to the cabins, so we just parked at the Lodge itself during our scouting trip. When we were there it had been raining often then, which made a couple spots on the road into the cabins very muddy. It's an adventure we had not expected, but it was great fun!

We found the cabins comfy and cozy, well equiped with most items such as coffee makers, kitchen ware, linens and towels, even puzzles and board games. One of my wife and I favorite things there was each cabin had a grille, fire ring, and tables and chairs outdoors. Each cabin is surrounded by cedar trees which you can see on their website and the photo I'll add to this post.




@Tancred: We'll miss having Vera Deux & you along.

 

Corperate cousin here, wondering if its ok to join you?

I have been talking to my bud Rainman768, and this sounds like fun. I really enjoyed the Ho Chunk run, and I promise not to run out of gas this time.

I would not be staying overnight.

 

Rkan you're welcome to tag along!

 

I don't have a park sticker . . . I'm hoping I can get one at the gate?

 

Yep, should be able to do that, no worries Beebe!

 

It's only $4 for a temporary day pass. Not sure if you can use it at multiple parks. I think the full pass is $21.

 

The web site doesn't differentiate between the daily and annual pass. The later is good at all NE state parks so I'm assuming the daily is. The annual pass is $21 and you can get a duplicate one for $11 (that can be given to who ever you want).

Also, the Missouri River Outdoor Expo coincides with our trip.

 

 

Is that pic from somewhere along the upcoming route, WildThang?

 

Yes it is Moltenhalo...

 

Hello! I am the new proud owner of a MINI Cooper S and my husband and I are hoping to join you for the drive on Saturday. Sounds like fun.