Rest Area - I-80E MM 159 — Local services in North Platte

Efforts made by the state of Nebraska and Federal Highway Administration really shine here at this I-80 Rest Stop. Spend some time walking through history that's still clearly visible and read the interpretations along the pathways. Well worth the efforts. Large red hoops are set up in several places denoting the wagon wheels of old, placed directly onto the old ruts and pathways as the Conestoga wagons and frieght wagons (larger and heavier than the "Prairie Schooner "Conestogas") cut their ruts deep enough into the grasses that they still survive today! It was interesting and rather compelling to be privileged to still be able to glimpse pieces of history itself before one day they too will finally vanish like flatulence in the breeze. Incidentlally, the company making the Conestoga wagon covers still survives today as "Eureka! Tents", and that's...

I once stopped here while driving through Nebraska during the oppressive heat of mid-summer. What I liked about this place was that there were plenty of trees for shade. I ended up having a picnic with a couple of talking dogs (whom I suspect were strays). At one point during our blanket feast, I got up and walked over to the main building to purchase a soda from the vending machine. When I returned to the blanket, my roast-beef sandwich and family sized bag of Doritos were gone. The two talking dogs were also gone. Coincidence? ...

Clean restrooms with multiple stalls.

Limited parking spaces. A semi was taking 5 car spaces when we stopped; we literally got the last available space for cars.

Nice tables for picnics. But no shelters from rain, wind, or sun. There are big trees, but their small leaf structure provides only light shade.

We had to hunt for pet exercise area. Unlike most stops, where this area is at either end, for this stop it's in the middle at the very back. Not convenient for...