Visiting Tampico, Illinois, the Birthplace of President Ronald Reagan – Part 3

July 28, 2023 We toured the restored 1920’s bank downstairs from the Reagans’ apartment. The bank failed during the Great Depression. The bank’s paperwork, books, and furniture was carried into the basement and forgotten. When the building was being renovated to be a museum, the bank’s paperwork, books, and furniture were discovered in excellent shape […]

Visiting Tampico, Illinois, the Birthplace of President Ronald Reagan – Part 2

July 27, 2023 The next part of the tour was through the beautifully restored bank. We then climbed the stairs to the apartment Ronald Reagan was born in. It was a three bedroom apartment, heated by wood stoves. There was no running water, so water had to be carried into the apartment. There was an […]

Visiting Tampico, Illinois the Birthplace of President Ronald Reagan – Part 1

July 26, 2023 On July 15 (Saturday), after breakfast, we rode the motorcycle to Tampico, Illinois, the birthplace of President Ronald Reagan. Tampico is a small village that is very proud of its native son. They have an excellent museum dedicated to Ronald Reagan. We parked the motorcycle outside the museum and birthplace of President […]

US Army Corp of Engineers Rock Island District Visitor Center

July 19, 2023 After our visit to the Matthiessen Waterfall, we decided to visit Buffalo Rock State Park. On the road to Buffalo Rock State Park, I noticed the US Army Corp of Engineers had a visitor center for the Starved Rock Lock and Dam. We pulled into the parking lot and got out of […]

Prairie Arts Center in North Platte, NE and Historic Canteen District

June 25, 2023 We continued our ride to the Prairie Arts Center in North Platte, NE. We arrived in the Historic Canteen district and parked the motorcycle in the Prairie Arts Center parking lot. We walked into the building from the parking lot. The volunteer at the desk was welcoming and explained what was on […]

Cody Park Railroad Museum in North Platte, NE

June 23, 2023 After our tour of the Golden Spike Tower, we rode the motorcycle to the Cody Railroad Museum. The last bit, Google sent us down a dirt road and showed us parking on the dirt road and climbing over the tall fence to get to the railroad museum. It was easier to ride […]

The Golden Spike Tower in North Platte, NE

June 21, 2023 I was very excited to see the Golden Spike Tower. It is an eight story tower overlooking the largest rail yard in the world. The tower is not owned by Union Pacific and is operated and owned by a nonprofit organization. The satellite photos of the rail yard are impressive, as well. […]

Fort Hays Historical Site in Hays, Kansas

June 2, 2023 Since we had some time before our dinner invitation on May 20th, we decided to check out the Fort Hays Historical Site. I enjoyed this walking tour. It was free, but I think they normally charge. All the prices were marked out, with free written next to them. The simulated bison ( […]

Tabasco Tour on Avery Island, Louisiana – Part 2

May 5, 2023 After we walked through the small greenhouse, the next part of the tour was the Tabasco Barrel Museum. Just a few steps away from the Tabasco Barrel Museum, is a view into one of the warehouses that stores barrels full of the Tabasco pepper mash. Notice the salt on top of the […]

Tabasco Tour on Avery Island, Louisiana – Part 1

May 4, 2024 For many years, I have wanted to go to Avery Island and tour the Tabasco Factory. This was the year I got to do the Tabasco tour! We road the motorcycle to Avery Island. There is a gate to let you on the island. They give you a parking pass at the […]