As spring and summer are upon us, it is time to start thinking about vacations, family reunions, class reunions and road trips. One of the first places a person could visit this summer is Fort Robinson and Crawford area. It offers some of the most beautiful sites in the Panhandle.
Going for just a day, there are so many things to do. Some of the options for treats or meals are BBQ from Dairy Sweet, or a tasty ice cream treat. Also the Perk Up offers a fine selection of coffee and bagels. Then head for the park in Crawford.
Or a person could plan a stay at Fort Robinson, where there is food and lodging available: the main lodge, Capt. quarters, Comanche Hall and many buildings to choose from. Some can hold up to 250 guests. There is definitely a place for a family reunion. Different groups from church to scouts would find plenty of room there. There also is tent camping and RV camping. The main lodge houses a restaurant.
The activities are plentiful: Jeep rides, horseback riding, hay rack rides into the Buttes for a steak feed and a bit of cowboy folklore, buffalo stew cookout out on the Red Cloud Indian Agency ending the evening with singing around the campfire, stage coach rides, museums, historical tours, swimming, fishing, activity center, rent a bike, or bring your own, bird watching, live theater at the Post Playhouse, tubing or kayaking down the river.
You can bring your own horses as they have stables available. People can also just walk and look through all the amazing history that has been preserved there. You would learn about the death of Chief Crazy Horse at the Fort. There are two tributes to Chief Crazy Horse and Captain Levi Robinson, whom the Fort was named for, even though he never served there. The history of the Calvary and K-9 Corps are right at your finger tips.
There are also places nearby, you can go Glamping at High Plains Homestead which is just outside of Crawford. Your family may even just drive out to have a dip in the pool. Take your horses out and enjoy the countryside. It is a wonderful place for a reunion, or getting friends together. This is on the road on the way to Toadstool Park Geological Site and the Hudsen-Meng Buffalo Kill Bed. Cabin rentals, camping sites and RV camping are also available.
The Heritage Ranch is also nearby offering lodging and many activities. Being on the edge of the Badlands, the terrain is amazing. The Buttes overlook the prairie. Horses are welcome here, as well as four wheelers. There are many healing and holistic opportunities, as well as spending time on a working ranch. A day or a week here will leave you feeling refreshed and feeling new.
Hiking in the area around Crawford and Fort Robinson is plentiful: Saddle Rock, Lovers Leap and the Seven Sisters.
If you are a golfer, the Legends of the Butte is a very well known course, and it is said to be one of the best. It sits right between Crawford and Fort Robinson. It is a beautiful nine hole golf course. Call for a tee time and experience a course you will want to play on more than once.
The Fourth of July in Crawford is where you want to be. This little town knows how to celebrate. It starts with a parade, then follows with many food options available, including a well-known BBQ. Up next is the PRCA Rodeo, that brings in the best on the circuit. Then to end the day fabulous fireworks.
This is a destination vacation that is full of beauty, history and entertainment, yet very peaceful and interesting. Visit Fort Robinson and Crawford, and you will love it. For those of us who live in the Panhandle, it is a very easy day trip with so many things for everyone in your family to enjoy.