The adventure has begun! This morning, I kicked off my bucket-list road trip from Edmond, Oklahoma, to Alaska in my trusty 2015 Chevy Silverado. Day one was a 450-mile journey through the heart of Oklahoma and into Kansas, filled with wide-open plains, small-town charm, and a deep sense of history. From a coffee stop to scenic state parks and a comfortable overnight stay in Atwood, Kansas, here’s how the first day unfolded—and a look at the rich history of the land I traveled through.
Starting the Day Right
I rolled out of Edmond at 7 a.m., but not before a mandatory stop at Starbucks for a strong cup of coffee to fuel the journey. With the Silverado packed and my playlist ready, I headed northwest, eager to hit the open road. My route took me through Kingfisher, Watonga, and Fairview, where the Oklahoma plains stretched out endlessly under a big summer sky. I passed the striking Gloss Mountains, their red-tinted mesas glowing in the morning light, and cruised by Little Sahara State Park, where massive sand dunes offered a surreal contrast to the surrounding grasslands. These stops were a reminder of Oklahoma’s diverse landscapes, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
Crossing into Kansas: A Land Steeped in History
As I crossed into Kansas, the landscape shifted to rolling fields and tidy rural towns. I stopped for a hearty lunch in Coldwater, a small town that exudes the quiet pride of rural Kansas. From there, I continued through Dodge City—famous for its Wild West history—and followed state highways until I reached Atwood, where I settled in for the night. The drive was peaceful, with golden wheat fields and endless horizons that gave me plenty of time to reflect on the history of this region.
The Great Plains I traveled through today were once the domain of the Comanche, a powerful Native American nation known as the “Lords of the Plains.” For centuries, the Comanche ruled this region, mastering horsemanship and hunting vast buffalo herds that sustained their way of life. Their nomadic culture thrived here, with the buffalo providing food, clothing, and tools. However, the arrival of white settlers in the 19th century changed everything. Settlers, driven by westward expansion, slaughtered millions of buffalo, decimating the herds and undermining the Comanche’s way of life. By the late 1800s, the Plains were transformed as settlers established farms and ranches, turning the region into the agricultural heartland it is today.
Now, the land is a patchwork of farms, with fields of wheat, corn, and sorghum stretching as far as the eye can see. The history of the Comanche and the buffalo lingers in place names and stories, but the modern landscape is defined by farming communities that take pride in their land. Driving through these areas, I couldn’t help but admire the resilience of both the Native peoples who thrived here and the farmers who now steward the plains.
The Charm of Rural Kansas
One of the highlights of today’s drive was experiencing the neat, clean, and welcoming rural towns of Kansas. Places like Coldwater and Atwood feel like hidden gems, with well-kept streets, friendly locals, and a palpable sense of community pride. The citizens here take great care of their land, from manicured lawns to thriving farms that line the highways. There’s something refreshing about these small towns—they’re quiet but vibrant, with a simplicity that feels like a step back in time. Stopping for lunch in Coldwater, I chatted with a few locals who were eager to share stories about their town, and in Atwood, the warm welcome continued as I checked into my motel for the night.
Settling in for the Night
By the time I reached Atwood, the temperature had climbed to a sweltering 93 degrees, so I decided to skip camping in my truck bed tent for the night and opted for comfort instead. I checked into the charmingly named “It’ll Do” Motel, a clean and cozy spot that lived up to its no-nonsense name. After a long day of driving, it was a treat to relax in air-conditioned comfort, recharge, and reflect on the day’s journey. With the Silverado parked outside and my Starlink Mini keeping me connected (check out my earlier post for details on that setup!), I’m ready for another day on the road as I continue north toward Calgary to pick up Kay.
Day one was a perfect mix of adventure, history, and small-town charm. Stay tuned for more updates as I make my way through the Great Plains and into Canada! Have you driven through rural Kansas or explored the history of the Plains? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!
