Destination Western Nebraska 2026 Visitor Guide

Free! Official 2026 Travel Guide

DISCOVER 200 MILES OF TRAIL

DISCOVERNWNEBRASKA.COM

IT’S A TRAP! (A tourist trap)

DISCOVER MORE AT VisitNorthPlatte.com

Sure the Fort Cody Trading Post is a tourist trap. But it’s the best kind, the fun kind full of stuff that you never knew you needed. Or you could float down the Platte River in an unsinkable cattle tank, visit breweries, have a steak in the heart of cattle country, see the world’s largest railyard from 9 stories up, eat ice cream for breakfast, race go karts, play mini golf, or real golf. We could keep going but we’ve run out of space.

All of those activities and more is why North Platte gets Buffalo Bill’s Buffalo of Approval.

800-955-4528 | VisitNorthPlatte.com

A Collective Gathering, Potter, 308-879-4311

Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse, Paxton, 308-239-4500

Bags Bar, Potter, 308-316-4227

Point of Rocks Motel and Campground, Potter, 308-879-4400

Best Western West Hills Inn/Bird Dog Hospitality, Chadron, 308-432-3305

Post Playhouse, Crawford, 308-665-1976

CaLinda’s Pot Shop & Art Gallery, Ashby, 308-458-8051

Potter Duck Pin Bowling/Lions Club, Potter, 308-207-5908

Chadron/Dawes Area Chamber of Commerce, Chadron, 308-432-4401

Potter State Bank, Potter, 308-879-4451

Cheyenne County Tourism, Sidney, 308-254-4030

Quality Inn, North Platte, 308-532-6144

City of Alliance, 308-762-5400

Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, 308-872-8331

City of Bayard, 308-586-1121

Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau, Scottsbluff, 308-633-1808

City of Terrytown, 308-632-7212

Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce, 308-632-2133

Dawes County, Chadron, 308-432-3006

Sheridan County Tourism

Dawes County Historical Museum, Chadron, 308-432-4999

The Potter Sundry, Potter, 308-225-0740

Deuel County Visitors Committee, Big Springs Area, 308-889-3271

Trailside Museum of Natural History, Crawford, 308-665-2929

Earth Blessings, Kimball, 719-651-4899

Village of Potter, 308-879-4332

Eichner Sales & Service, Inc., Ogallala, 308-284-4852

Visit North Platte, Inc., North Platte, 308-532-4729

Fairfield Inn & Suites, Sidney, 308-254-9000

Western & Wildlife Art Show, Crawford

Five Rocks & Robidoux RV Park, Gering, 308-436-6836

Western Drug, Sidney, 308-254-2032

Garden County Visitors Committee, Oshkosh Area, 308-778-9557

Western Nebraska Pioneers, Gering, 308-633-2255

Gering Convention & Visitors Bureau, Gering, 308-436-6886

YMCA Trails West Scottsbluff, Scottsbluff, 308-641-9587

Glidden Canoe Rental, Mullen, 308-546-2207 Golden Spike Tower, North Platte, 308-532-9920 Hampton Inn & Suites, Scottsbluff, 308-635-5200 High Plains Auto Club, Scottsbluff, 970-219-4087 High Plains Homestead, Crawford, 308-665-2592 Holiday Inn Express, North Platte, 308-532-9500 Hooker County Visitors Committee, Mullen Area, 308-546-0636 Kimball County Visitors Committee, Kimball Area, 308-241-0573 Legacy of the Plains Museum, Gering, 308-436-1989 Maly Marketing, Lincoln, 402-875-6228 Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center, Chadron, 308-432-6401 Midwest Theater, Scottsbluff, 308-632-4311 Morrill County Visitors Committee, 308-586-2581 Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron, 308-432-3843 Niobrara Valley Vineyards, Nenzel, 402-823-4131

Proud members

of Western Nebraska Tourism Coalition

2 • Destination western nebraska 2025

Table of Contents 4 master Map 7 Scenic Byways 9 tourism contact

information 10 Pine Ridge 13 Attractions 18 info 13 Chadron 14 Crawford 17 Harrison 17 Gordon 17 Hay Springs 17 Rushville 17 Ellsworth 17 Nenzel 22 Trails West 26 Attractions 35 info 26 Gering 29 Scottsbluff 30 Henry 30 Minatare 31 Morrill 31 Mitchell 31 Bayard 31 Bridgeport 32 Broadwater 34 Lisco 34 Lewellen 34 Oshkosh

40 Wild West 45 Attractions 50 info 42 North Platte 44 Maxwell 44 Brady 45 Hershey 45 Sutherland 45 Sidney 46 Potter 47 Lodgepole 47 Dalton 47 Gurley 47 Lemoyne 48 Ogallala 49 Keystone 49 Paxton 49 Brule 49 Big Springs 49 Chappell 49 Kimball 50 Harrisburg

58 Sandhills &

Scenic Rivers

65 Attractions 68 info 61 Mullen 62 Alliance 63 Hemingford 64 Hyannis 64 Ashby 64 Seneca 67 Thedford 67 Halsey 67 Tryon 67 Arthur

westNebraska.com • 3

From Rapid City & Black Hills

Sidney-Deadwood Trail

Whiteclay

Ogalala National Grassland White River

Toadstool Geologic Park

37 min.

Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center

Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed

Fort Robinson State Park 28 min.

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

87

26 min.

Hemingford to chadron

Goldrush Byway

Hemingford

enic R i

Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area

Berea

“Old Jules” Sandoz Grave Site Dobby Frontier Town

Sallows Military Museum and Conservatory

Mormon Trail

92

Riverside Discovery

Scottsbluff Scottsbluff Gering

92

Ellsworth Bingham

Chimney Rock Pony Express Station 27 min Gering to Bayard

Bayard Chimney Rock Museum

43 min.

Bridgeport State Recreation Area

Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Northport Pioneer Trails Museum

61

Broadwater

92

88

Arthur

Wes te

Court House and Jail Rocks

rn T rails

27

Byw

1 hr.

3 min

ay

Lisco Nor

th P

71

Prairie Schooner Museum

Dalton

latt

eR

Historical Museum

ive

53 min.

r

Oshkosh

385

26

18 min.

Gurley Plains Historical Society 30

F

ne heyen rom C

Hyannis

27

Bayard

Chimney Rock Bridgeport National Historic Site

Harrisburg

Bushnell

Whitman

Ashby

62A

Robidoux Trading Post & Pioneer Graves

McGrew

Banner County Historical Museum

2

34 min.

Lake Minatare State Recreation Area North Platte Wildlife Refuge

Minatare

Melbeta

Wildcat Hills Nature Center

Lakeside

26 min.

385

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Five Rocks Amphitheater Legacy of the Plains Museum

Antioch

Alliance

Lake Minatare Lighthouse

14 min. Center 7 min.

Mitchell to Scottsbluff Scottbluff to Gering

26

Carhenge

Carnegie Arts Center

71

Midwest Theater

250

44 min.

Hemingford to chadron

Knight Museum

Mitchell

1 hr.

ve r

2

1 hr. 27 min.

Scottsbluff to Crawford

Henry Morrill

13 min.

53 min.

Box Butte Reservoir 51 min.

Hemingford to Crawford

27

Rushville

Walgren Lake State

Sc Nio b r a r a

1

16 min.

87 Recreation Area

Pine Ridge Mountain Bike Trail

Marsland

29

Metcalf Wildlife Management Area

385

2

1 hr.

17 min

Clinton

Hay Springs

Chadron State Park

Nebraska National Forest

Fort Laramie to Fort Robinson Trail

Oregon Trail

Gordon

20 min.

26 min.

Crawford

20

Museum of the Fur Trade

Dawes County Historical Museum

Soldier Creek Wilderness

Harrison

Tri-State Old Time Cowboy Museum

87

Whitney

High Plains Homestead Trailside Museum

Warbonnet Battlefield

Chadron

Kimball 18 min

Dix Duckpin Bowling Alley

Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area 71

Tri-State Marker Nebraska’s Highest Point Panorama Point

Railroad Museum Potter L inco 39 min

ln By way 80

Fort Sidney Post Commander’s Home

Sidney

Pony Express National Monument

30

Sunol

27

Lodgepole Depot Museum

L a ke

McCo

44 min.

50 min.

1

Haythorn 92

Ash Hollow State Historical Park

Lodgepole Chappell

Hillside Golf Cabela’s Retail Store 30 min. Sidney to Chappell Course and Wildlife Exhibit Bergstrom Rock & 19 Gem Collection Lorenzo 16 min

Lewellen

California Hill Historical Marker

Sudman-Neumann Heritage House Big Springs

30

Brule

naug

hy

Ogallala

Little Church of Keystone Roscoe

80

61 30 min.

Prehistoric Wonders Settling the west The Great OutDoors Pioneer trails One-of-a-Kinds Unique Geology Welcome Centers/Rest Areas 4 • Destination western nebraska 2025

Madrid

Scenic Byways

Brandon

(see page 7)

Bridges to Buttes Byway- Hwy 20 Valentine to WY Border 385 Gold Rush Byway - Hwys 385 & 87 Sidney to Chadron Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway - Hwy 2 East from Alliance Western Trails Byway - Hwy 26 Ogallala to WY Border Lincoln Highway - Hwy 30 East of Brady to WY Border

15 min.

Grant

57 min.

Grant to Dickens

MOUNTAIN

CENTRAL TIME

Need to know information Road Conditions

For Nebraska winter travel conditions, call (800) 906-9069. To check with the Nebraska Department of Roads, visit www.511.nebraska.gov, or call 511 (if calling from Nebraska).

Information centers

All major communities have tourist information centers, as do some rest areas along 1-80.

Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway

L oup River

Mullen

Time Zones ---

Seneca

2

45 min.

Thedford

29 min.

Tanking on the Middle Loup and Dismal River

While North Platte, Sutherland, Thedford and Halsey are in Central Time Zone, most of Western Nebraska is on Mountain Time, which is an hour earlier. Check the map to be sure of the time at your destination.

18 min.

Thomas County Historical Museum

Halsey 2

Dismal River

Nebraska National Forest

55 min.

Airports

Western Nebraska has airports with airline service to and from Denver at Alliance, (308) 762-4512; Chadron, (308) 252-5731; North Platte, (800) 864-8331; and Scottsbluff, (308) 635-4941.

83

Tryon

92

Ringold Stapleton 29 min.

92

Regional Intercity Bus Services

54 min.

97

Open Plains Transit Intercity Public Transit is based in Alliance. The bus fleet connects travelers with their desired Western Nebraska destinations, (308) 761-8747.

32 min.

Buffalo Bill State Historical Park

Sutherland Hershey Paxton

30

The Rail Road Museum

North Platte

Golden Spike Tower & Visitors Fort Cody Center Trading Post

Sutherland Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge Reservoir 47 min.

Ogallala to North Platte

Wallace

30 From

Om aha Mormon

Trail

Oregon Trail

Dickens Grainton

Brady

Pine Ridge

40 min.

North Platte to Dickens

Elsie

80

Fort McPherson National Cemetery

Lake Maloney

25

Maxwell

23

Sandhills & Scenic Rivers Trails West Wild West

83

MOUNTAIN

CENTRAL TIME

westNebraska.com • 5

Scenic byways

For more information turn to page 8

PICTURED ABOVE: 385 GOLD RUSH SCENIC BYWAY, BRIDGES TO BUTTES BYWAY, LINCOLN HIGHWAY SCENIC BYWAY, HWY 83 6 • Destination western nebraska 2025

Escapethe grind & travel Western Nebraska’s 5 Scenic byways.

1

2

3

20

4

20

Chadron

5

6

Bridges to Buttes Byway

18

Crawford

7 385 87

385 Gold Rush Byway 10

Scottsbluff & Gering 11

Kimball

14

26

92

Oshkosh

15

Potter

0

Alliance

Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway

2

Mullen

Thedford

385

12 13

8

9

Western Trails Scenic & Historic Byway 17

30

Sidney Miles

21

16

30

20

30

19

North Platte

Lincoln Highway National Scenic & Historic Byway

75

Follow our scenic byways

AND VISIT THESE EXCITING ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE WAY: 1 Toadstool Geologic Park 2 High Plains Homestead 3 Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center 4 Fort Robinson State Park 5 Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center 6 Museum of the fur Trade 7 Chadron State Park 8 Carhenge 9 Alliance Historic Main Street 10 Alliance Central Park Fountain 11 Scotts Bluff National Monument

12 Riverside Discovery Center 13 Chimney Rock 14 Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock 15 Tin Roof Sundae 16 National Pony Express Monument 17 Ash Hollow State Historical Park 18 Dawes County Historical Museum 19 Buffalo Bill State Historical Park 20 Golden Spike Tower 21 Sidney Museum

westNebraska.com • 7

Western Nebraska

Tourism Coalition Professional services offices Chairman – Hal Enevoldsen – Potter Vice Chairman – Tina Worthman – Gering Treasurer – Kendra Mitchell – Sidney info@VisitWestNebraska.com www.WestNebraska.com

OMAha magazine advertising information 402-884-2000

subscribe online omahamagazine.com/subscribe Omaha Magazine, LTD. is a publishing company in Omaha that prints six publications created in-house: Omaha Magazine, OmahaHome, B2B Omaha, FamilyGuide, 60PLUS in Omaha Magazine, and The Old Market Directory.

Omaha Magazine also produces the annual Best of Omaha™ and Best of B2B™ contests, Faces of Omaha, and other custom publishing products.

8 • Destination western nebraska 2025

Tourism CONTACT INFORMATION

Traveling Nebraska’s Western Frontier can be the adventure of a lifetime. All year round, quality merchants, entertaining attractions and exciting events await those seeking to explore the West. If you need a little help planning your trail, the helpful folks below would be delighted to throw you a rope or proudly tell you all about what makes their communities and the region such a special place in which to live, work, explore and play.

Alliance

Mitchell

Thedford

City of Alliance (308) 762-5400 Visitalliance.com

Mitchell Chamber of Commerce (308) 623-1523 Mitchellcity.net

Thomas County Tourism (308) 645-2715 Thomascountynebraska.us

Bayard

Morrill

Bayard City Office (308) 586-1121 Cityofbayard.net

Morrill Community Development Group (308) 247-3132 visitmorrillcounty.com

Big Springs

Mullen

Big Springs Chamber of Commerce (308) 889-3212 bigspringsne.org

Hooker County Visitors Committee (308) 546-0636 Co.hooker.ne.us

Bridgeport

North Platte

Morrill County Visitors Committee (308) 262-1825 bridgeportne.gov

Visit North Platte (308) 532-4729 Visitnorthplatte.com

Chadron

Oshkosh

Discover Northwest Nebraska (308) 432-3006 Discovernwnebraska.com

Garden County Visitors Committee (308) 778-9557 Visitgardencounty.com

Chappell

Potter

Deuel County Tourism (308) 464-0983 Visitdeuelcounty.com

Potter Community Improvement Group (308) 879-4451 Potternebraska.com

Crawford

Rushville

Crawford Chamber of Commerce (308) 665-5417 Crawfordnebraska.info

Sheridan County Tourism Visitsheridancounty.com

Gering Gering Visitors Bureau (308) 436-6886 Visitgering.com

Hemingford Village of Hemingford (308) 487-3465 Ci.hemingford.ne.us

Kimball Kimball Area Tourism (308) 241-0573 Visitkimball.com

Byways CONTACTS Hwy 2

Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway (308) 546-0636 Sandhillsjourney.com

Hwy 20 Bridges to Buttes Byway Discovernwnebraska.com Visitsheridancounty.com

HWY US 26/NE 92 Western Trails Historic & Scenic Byway (308) 284-4066 (Ogallala) (308) 436-6886 (Gering) Westerntrailsnebyway.com

Hwy 385 Gold Rush Byway VisitSidneyNE.com Discovernwnebraska.com

Hwy 30 Nebraska Lincoln Highway Historic Byway (800) 955-4528 Lincolnhighwaynebraskabyway.com

Scottsbluff Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau (308) 633-1808 Visitscottsbluff.com

Sidney Sidney/Cheyenne County Tourism (308) 254-4030 VisitSidneyNE.com

Sutherland Sutherland Chamber of Commerce (308) 386-4617 Villageofsutherland.com

westNebraska.com • 9

10 • Destination western nebraska 2025

CHADRON • CRAWFORD HARRISON • RUSHVILLE GORDON • HAY SPRINGS ELLSWORTH • NENZEL

A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

The general consensus from people outside Nebraska is that it is flat and uninteresting.

But, believe it or not, it’s rather hilly. Scattered with pine forests and tree-covered ridges, the Pine Ridge is a rolling, rocky region where golden eagles soar overhead and nest on cliffs overlooking pastures of grazing longhorn cattle and bison.

It’s wide open. There is plenty of room here for people, too.

The Pine Ridge is roughly 20 miles wide and 100 miles long, and is a place where cowboys still ride off into the sunset. Breathing in the scenic, rugged beauty is a feast for the senses.

Fort Robinson State Park pictured left

Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 11

Old West Trail PRCA Rodeo 80 th Anniversary Crawford, NE

Photos by Katie Cain (top & bottom right) and Moni Hourt (bottom left)

July 1st—Jr King and Jr Princess contest at 9 am • Kids Fun Day Rodeo at 10 am July 3rd & 4th— 8 pm Performance Each Night July 4th—Fireworks Display Following the Rodeo The only PRCA rodeo in the state of Nebraska over the 4th of July and part of the PRCA Cowboy Christmas run. The 3rd eldest in the state.

Ticket locations in Crawford and Chadron . owtrodeo.com PRODUCED IN PART BY A GRANT FROM THE DAWES COUNTY TRAVEL BOARD

Western & Wildlife Western & Wildlife Art Show

New Discoveries Kathy Sigle Spearfish SD

New Discoveries Kathy Sigle Spearfish SD

ArtVeterinary Show Hospital Fort Robinson Fort Robinson Veterinary Hospital

July 2026 July22-- 4, 4, 2026

westernwildlifeartshow.org westernwildlifeartshow.org July 2-4 History Speakers & Story Tellers

July Children’s 2-4 History & Story WallSpeakers of Art Contest July 3rdTellers FoodofVendors Children’s Wall Art Contest July 3rd 2026 Nebraska StateVendors Park permit required Food PO Box 531, Crawford NE 69339 2026 Nebraska State Park permit required PO Box 531, Crawford NE 69339 12 • Destination western nebraska 2025

MUSEUM OF THE FUR TRADE See the history of the first business in North America—the fur trade.

10 Unique Items to View!

John Kinzie’s gun • HBC Officer’s sword William Clark Fabric Samples Brass Handle Cartouche Knife Parchment HBC Officers Certificate Russian American Co. note Andrew Henry’s Leggings Oldest dated trap - 1755 Kit Fox Society Lance • Chief’s Coat

Open 8-5 | May 1 to October 31 3 miles east of Chadron on US Highway 20 www.furtrade.org | 308-432-3843 museum@furtrade.org

2

ormon Trail

regon Trail

From Rapid City & Black Hills

Sidney-Deadwood Trail

Whiteclay

Oglala National Grassland

2

Warbonnet Battlefield

4 5

37 min.

Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center

3

7

Fort Robinson State Park 28 min.

Chadron 12

Whitney

8

High Plains 15 Homestead Trailside Museum Soldier Creek Wilderness

Harrison

11

6

26 min.

6

Crawford

20

Fort Laramie to Fort Robinson Trail

9

1 1 hr.

17 min

51 min.

Hemingford to Crawford

29

Metcalf Wildlife Management Area

Pine Ridge Mountain Bike Trail

Hemingford

1 hr. 27 min.

Scottsbluff to Crawford

30 min.

13

16 min.

27

Rushville

13 min.

1 hr.

10 min.

61

enic R i

ve r

1 hr.

250 53 min.

Box Butte Reservoir

26 min.

Hemingford to chadron

Gordon

Clinton

Walgren Lake State 87 Recreation Area Sc Nio b r a r a

Marsland

14

20 min.

385

9

2

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Arthur Bowrin State Histori

Tri-State Old Time Cowboy Museum

87

Hay Springs

Chadron State Park

Nebraska National Forest

4

Museum of the Fur Trade

10

87

Goldrush Byway

Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed

Merriman

White River

Toadstool Geologic Park

Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area

44 min.

Hemingford to chadron

2

Berea

Attractions #PINE RIDGE 71

Knight Museum

Carhenge

15 27 13 26 “Old Jules” Sandoz Grave Site 28 Dobby Frontier Town Sallows Military Museum 14 Antioch and Conservatory Carnegie Arts Center

Lakeside 1 Agate Fossil Beds National Monument 9 Mountain Biking Alliance 2 Prehistoric Wonders Ashby Bingham Lake Minatare 2 Henry Oglala National Grassland 10 Dawes County Historical Museum Settling the west Riverside Discovery Lighthouse Morrill Center 16 10 385 3 Toadsto0l Geologic Park 11 Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center The Great OutDoors Mitchell 26 17 Scottsbluff Midwest TheaterEducation Lake Minatare 4 Hudson-Meng & Research CenterState Recreation 12 Area Museum of the fur Trade Pioneer trails 21 92 22 North Platte Wildlife Refuge 27 Scotts Bluff 5 Fossil Hunting 13 Metcalf WildLife Management Area One-of-a-Kinds National Monument 18 62A Minatare Five Rocks Amphitheater Gering 6 Horseback Riding19 14 Tri-state Old Time Unique Geology 92 Bridgeport State Cowboy Museum Crescent Lake Melbeta Bayard Legacy of the Plains Museum Recreation Area National Wildlife Refuge 8 Bayard Chimney 7 Fort Robinson State Park McGrew 15 Trailside Museum of Natural History Welcome Centers/Rest Areas Rock Museum 25 Wildcat Hills 20 Chimney Rock Northport Nature Center 16 8 High Plains Homestead Pony Express Station 23 Pioneer Trails Museum Ellsworth

26 min.

14 min.

Mitchell to Scottbluff

W Hyannis

34 min.

7 min.

Scottsbluff to Gering

43 min.

Robidoux Trading Post & Pioneer Graves

27 min Gering to Bayard

Harrisburg

Chadron |

Chimney Rock Bridgeport National Historic Site 88

pg. 20

Banner County 1 hr.

3 min Museum Chadron’s Historical early fur traders, cowboys, ranchers 71

24

Court House and Jail Rocks

92

61

Broadwater Wes te

rn T rails

Arthur

16

Byw

27

ay

Liscobike with fire in this wooded area. Hike and Nor trails spread in every direction. (308)-432-6167. th P la tte

Riv

Visitor Center. Chadron State Park offers the

Historical National Forest/Oglala National Grassland map Museum 53 min.

er 26 Dalton and railroaders were known to get a little rowdy Prairie Schooner Museum showing trails. (308)-432-0300.

Oshkosh 385 18 min. from time to time. The once tiny frontier town Pine Ridge Ranger District of the Nebraska 26 has grown to more than 5,000 residents, includNational Forest is 52,000 acres of Ponderosa Pine Ridge National Recreation Area is a 6,600-35 Lewellen Gurley Oliver Reservoir ing students attending Chadron State College. pine and mixed grass prairies. Primitive campacre parcel limited to non-motorized Ash Hollow 92 recreation.

Recreation Area Plains Historical Museum State Historical Park 27 L a ke Railroad ing is allowed. The Red Cloud Campground has The Dawes community lies between the There are corrals, a rider ramp, modern M c C o toilets, Kingsley D Bushnell County 27 Kimball Museum naug Dix Fort Sidney Post hy Hydro Pla Potter 29 L 44 min. i n c o Commander’s Home forested Pine Ridge and the scenic High Plains. picnic tables, fire grates, and vault toilets; it is and drinkable water.

Hiking, horseback riding l Lodgepole Depot Museum n 34 30 Bywa 18 min 50 min. y 30 Duckpin 80 40 39 min eight miles south of Chadron on Highway 385. and mountain biking are allowed. The recreSunol Bowling Sidney Boot Hill 30 Alley Lodgepole e Rosc 31 about 80 nnChadron e California Hill y e State Park was Nebraska’s first state Marked trails, miles worth, appeal to ation area and trailhead are connected by the Ogallala h Cabela’s Retail Store 32 om C Historical Marker Hillside 71 Chappell and Wildlife Exhibit Brule Sudman-Neumann Golf 16 minbikers, park. Founded in 1921, it encompasses nearly mountain hikers, and horseback scenic 3 Mile Loop.

30 min.

Sidney to Chappell riders.

33 Front Stre Course Pony Express Heritage House Big Springs 30 80 Tri-State Marker Bergstrom Rock & 19 Mansion on National Monument 1,000Nebraska’s acres of Pine Ridge public land nine miles The area’s most popular trailheads include Petrified Wo 1 Highest Point 39 min.

Gem Collection Lorenzo the Hill Ogallala to Gallery 28 of Chadron on Highway 385. The park Chappell south East Ash, West Ash, Soldier Creek, Spotted Tail, The best entry point to the Pine Ridge National 61 offers fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, Roberts, and Outrider. Roberts and Outrider Recreation Area is from the Roberts trailhead, 30 min. bird watching, and horseback riding. Cabins are trailheads have horse corrals and a rider ramp. eight miles west of Chadron on Highway 20 to available April 15-Nov. 15. A swimming pool, Off-road vehicles must be equipped with spark Eleson Road, then seven miles south to Bethel sand volleyball courts, a challenging disc golf arrestors to reduce wildfire danger. Maps of Road and then one and a half miles east.

Brandon Grant course, and a new indoor archery and pellet the Pine Ridge Trails system and the National 15 min. gun facility elevate the fun. Mountain bikes and Forest/Oglala National Grassland are available paddle boats are available to rent. Be careful at the Chadron Chamber of Commerce &

»

Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 13

Chadron 2026 Events FESTIVAL OF QUILTS April 24-26. Learn about quilts with lectures, demonstrations, appraisals, feature quilters and a large trunk show at the Dawes County Fairgrounds. (308) 430-5615

FUR TRADE DAYS July 9-12. Join the celebration commemorating America’s fur trade heritage and Museum of the Fur Trade. Events include a buckskinner camp, historic presentations, Traders Market and parade. (308) 432-4401.

DAWES COUNTY FAIR July 25-August 1. Enjoy livestock shows, 4-H projects, tractor pull, rodeos, Tough Truck and Rubber Check contests and more.

(308) 432-3373

HARVEST MOON FALL FESTIVAL Oct. 3. A family-centered day of fun at the Dawes County Fairgrounds. Kids can enjoy a haunted maze, archery, bounce houses, pumpkin painting and more. With more than 100 vendors on site, the Harvest Moon Fall Festival is a great spot to find unique gift items, sample great food and spend the day with family and friends.

« Museum of the Fur Trade is the only

museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the fur trade era. It is three miles east of Chadron on Highway 20 at the site of a trading post operated by the American Fur Co. from 1837 to 1876. The Bordeaux Trading Post has been reconstructed on the original foundation.

The museum’s three galleries interpret the fur trade industry from the American Southwest to the Arctic, from early colonial days to the 20th century.

Exhibits trace the everyday lives of British, French, and Spanish traders, mountain men, buffalo hunters and plains and woodland Indians. Among the museum’s artifacts are trade goods from the 18th and 19th centuries—such as “Northwest” muskets made for Native Americans (including one that belonged to the famous Shawnee chief, Tecumseh), trade silver, textiles, beads, and paints. Open May 1-Oct. 31 or by appointment. (308) 432-3843.

14 • Destination western nebraska 2025

Dawes County Historical Society, Inc. began as Pioneer Historical Society in 1935. The Museum proudly tells the story of Dawes County, its towns, and surrounding area. With artifacts, photographs, memorabilia, as well as thousands of documents of the settlement, growth, and development. The campus with its improved accessibility contains three large exhibit buildings, a log cabin and barn, school, church, blacksmith shop, and train caboose to explore. Collections of pens, license plates, radios, farm equipment, toys, military, railroad items, dollars, telephones, and quilts. Contact us at (308) 432-4999, on Facebook or visit the website at www.dawescountyhistoricalmuseum.org The Open Frontier Creative District highlights Chadron’s historical architecture, creative businesses and events. The district is anchored by three key attractions: Chadron State College, Art Alley and the Downtown Historical District, offering a unique combination of visual and performing arts and cultural attractions.

Explore Chadron State College’s walking trails and nature preserve, take in guest lectures, theatre and musical performances or stop by the Eleanor Barbour Cook Museum of Geology. Also located on campus is the C.F. Coffee Gallery, located at the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center.

Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center is dedicated to the study of Nebraska and High Plains culture, literature, and history. Located in Chadron State College, the center is named after Mari Sandoz (1896-1966), one of Nebraska’s best-known authors. Sandoz gained national prominence with her 1935 biography of her father, Old Jules. Sandoz wrote powerfully of plains subjects such as Crazy Horse, the Cheyenne Outbreak, buffalo hunters and homesteaders. (308) 432-6401.

Head into the Chadron downtown area to explore the Downtown Historical District, listed on the National Register in 2007, and Art Alley.

Many of existing buildings in the downtown core contribute to the Historical District, but two of the featured buildings are the Olde Main Street Inn and the Blaine Hotel.

In 1980, after the Wounded Knee Massacre, Gen. Nelson Miles commandeered the Chadron House while investigating the incident. The luxury hotel was the town’s showplace. Today, it is restored to its former glory and operates as Olde Main Street Inn. The inn offers lodging and

dining and includes the 77 Longbranch Saloon.

115 Main St. (308) 432-3380.

When the Chadron-to-Chicago Horse Race began in 1893, it did so with a shot fired by Chadron’s fire chief using a Colt revolver from the veranda of the Blaine Hotel. The event began as a joke, but then became a legitimate competition, garnering attention from around the world. Characters such as horse thief “Doc” Middleton, a race favorite among Chadron residents, and William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody were involved. Dishonesty and cheating were exposed before the winner crossed the finish line 13 days later in Chicago at the World’s Fair.

The Cowboy Trail east of Chadron covers part of the 1,000-mile race route. The former Blaine Hotel is an apartment complex today. Pose for a selfie at 159 Bordeaux St. Grab a selfie in Art Alley, where several murals have been designed by local artists and painted by community volunteers or take a swim at the Chadron Area Aquatics & Wellness Center.

To fully explore the Open Frontier Creative District, visit https://discovernwnebraska.com/ open-frontier-creative-district/ For more information about Chadron and Northwest Nebraska, contact Chadron Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Center at (308) 432-4401 or (308) 432-3006. Discovernwnebraska.com

Crawford |

pg. 19

Crawford is known as the “Big Game Capital of Nebraska.” Located in the heart of the Pine Ridge, whitetail and mule deer, antelope, elk, and bighorn sheep whet the appetites of hunters scouting for wild game. You never know when a shot at a legendary animal will present itself.

Northwest Nebraska High Country is a group of rural families opening their unique private properties as places to stay, ride, and hunt. www.nebraskahighcountry.com Legend Buttes Golf Course was once named Nebraska’s top nine-hole course by Nebraska Golfer magazine. Even if your game is over par, the view here is stunning. (308) 665-2431.

History abounds in Crawford. The Army scout known as Little Bat was killed on Main Street.

The Crawford Historical Museum chronicles this history and more at 341 Second St. (308) 665-1732.

White River Gallery features local artists and offers art workshops and youth camps in a renovated bakery. Stop down the street at 2nd Street Bakery for sourdough and baked goods or consider staying at Our Heritage Guest Ranch, a historic family ranch offering a variety of experiences.

Fort Robinson State Park is three miles west of Crawford on Highway 20. It began in 1874 as a military camp at the Red Cloud Indian Agency.

The park is Nebraska’s largest state park.

Lakota warrior Crazy Horse surrendered here in 1877. Two years later, the fort was involved with the Cheyenne Outbreak. Northern Cheyenne fled their Oklahoma reservation but were caught and imprisoned at Fort Robinson. One night in January 1879, 130 Northern Cheyenne escaped. Sixty-four Cheyenne and 11 soldiers died in the fighting. The Northern Cheyenne Breakout Monument stands west of Fort Robinson near Cheyenne Buttes.

Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center

Visitors can enjoy cookouts, trail rides, hiking, and a summer repertory theater at the Post Playhouse. There’s lodging in officers' houses, and camping at 172 RV sites and also 30 tent sites.

Fort Robinson is open mid-April through mid-November. A state park entry permit is required.

(308) 665-2900.

Fort Robinson History Center traces fort history from the Indian Wars through the 1940s. (308) 665-2919. Trailside Museum of Natural History explores the area’s geology and natural history. Don’t miss the “Clash of the Mammoths” exhibit. A pair of bull mammoths locked tusks more than 10,000 years ago and died together. Their fossilized skeletons lie in display at the museum. (308) 665-2929.

Soldier Creek Wilderness was once part of the military reservation. Today, the 7,794-acre area has 14 miles of twisting trails. Peterson State Wildlife Management Area is nearby, south of Highway 20.

Math Science Center of Innovative Learning The Dr. Lois Veath Planetarium

Eleanor Barbour Cook Museum

From Red Cloud Buttes, you can see Crawford to the east, Fort Robinson to the south, and the Red Cloud Agency site to the southeast. Six miles northeast of Crawford is the site of the Treaty Tree, where, in 1875, the U.S. government tried to buy the Black Hills from the Lakota.

Scan QR codes with a phone to access web pages for details.

These attractions are all handicapped-accessible.

Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 15

The Cliffs, Chadron Sioux and Crow warriors battled in 1849 at what is now known as Crow Butte. For the best view, travel 2 ½ miles south of Crawford down Highways 2/71, then four miles east to Ponderosa Wildlife Management Area. Keep an eye out for falcons, mule deer and golden eagles.

Take Highway 2/71 north to the Oglala National Grasslands, home of pronghorn, prairie dogs, and a few rattlesnakes. See scenic vistas and terrain unlike anything else in Nebraska.

(308) 432-0300.

Toadstool Geologic Park is a unique landscape within the grassland. Sediment layers have eroded at different rates, leaving sandstone formations perched on clay stems that early visitors compared to the shapes of toadstools.

The park has a hiking trail, picnic tables, a campground, and a reconstructed sod house. Go five miles north from Crawford on Highway 2, then 10 miles northwest on Toadstool Road.

Go slowly, as the non-paved roads can be challenging, especially when wet.

People thought rancher Albert Meng had found sheep bones. He and friend Bill Hudson invited scientists to take a look. It turned out the bones were the remains of more than 600 ancient bison.

The 10,000-year-old bones are still being studied in Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center. The facility is west of Toadstool Geologic Park. On Toadstool Road, turn on Sandcreek Road and go six miles west. Open selected days from May-September. Allow meandering cattle and rattlesnakes the right of way.

(308) 665-3900.

On your way to Hudson-Meng, stop by High Plains Homestead, an authentic 1880s village, local-consignment mercantile and group lodging facility. The village is open to the public daily.

Stop by and shop or bring your group out for

16 • Destination western nebraska 2025

the week and enjoy this “out of the way and out of the ordinary” place. Lodging reservations at highplainshomestead.com The 750-foot-long Belmont Tunnel is no longer used by trains, but railroad enthusiasts can watch trains climbing the 10-mile-long Crawford-to-Belmont grade south of Crawford on Highway 2.

For more information, contact Discover Northwest Nebraska at (308) 432-3006.

Discovernwnebraska.com

Harrison |

pg. 18

Harrison, south of the Oglala National Grassland, is the only incorporated community in Sioux County and is known as Nebraska’s “Top Town” because it has the highest elevation of any Nebraska community, Spend time exploring Harrison’s business district, where you’re sure to meet new friends along the way. Discover antiques and leather goods at the Village Barn, one-of-a-kind art at Saddle Bum Studio, or stop by Whitaker’s Western Wear, which has been doing business for more than 90 years. Poke around Herren Brother’s 100,000+ items grab a snack at the Harrison Market or challenge yourself with the 28-ounce Coffee Burger at the Longhorn Saloon.

Sioux County Historical Museum chronicles Sioux County from settlement through the 20th century with a schoolhouse, post office and more. Ask to see the museum’s rare hearse.

(308) 665-5175.

For a scenic drive, head north of town on Sowbelly Road. Make a pitstop at Coffee Park for a picnic, fishing, or birdwatching.

In 1876, the 5th U.S. Calvary clashed with Cheyenne at what is known as Warbonnet Battlefield. Buffalo Bill killed Yellow Hand here. Go three miles east of Harrison on Highway 20, then 16 miles north on Pants Butte Road, then four miles east on Montrose Road to see monuments north of the church.

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is home to important Native American artifacts. Visitors can walk among the fossils of ancient animals.

Located 22 miles south of Harrison or 34 miles north of Mitchell on Highway 29. (308) 665-4113.

For more information, contact Discover Northwest Nebraska at (308) 432-3006.

Discovernwnebraska.com

Gordon |

pg. 21

A willow tree known as a landmark to pioneers and Native Americans is where Gordon was founded. The tree along Antelope Creek is still alive. Cowboy artifacts from the late 1800s through today are displayed at Tri-State Old Time Cowboys Memorial Museum at Gordon City Park.

Scamahorn Museum is a restored 1880s church with military displays, Native American artifacts, and genealogical records at Wayland Park.

The Mari Sandoz Memorial Drive begins at Gordon and leads to Mari’s grave near the still-producing fruit orchards planted by her father, “Old Jules” Sandoz.

For information www.visitsheridancounty.com

Hay Springs |

pg. 21

A story in a 1922 issue of the Hay Springs News reported the sighting of a monster at Alkali Lake.

We can’t confirm anything larger than big snapping turtles and catfish in the reservoir now named Walgren Lake. We do know that Walgren Lake State Recreation Area has camping, fishing, and picnic areas. To find the lake, head south of Hay Springs on Highway 87 and follow the signs.

To find the monster—well, you’re on your own.

Heritage Center I and Heritage Center II are in the 1884 Methodist Church in the 200 block of Baker Street and in the building at Second and Main.

For more information, www.visitsheridancounty.com

Rushville |

Nenzel

Discover an island of grapes in an ocean of grass. In the heart of beef country, Niobrara Valley Vineyards produces hand-crafted wine.

Stop by their tasting room or consider staying at the on-site RV park. nvv-ne.com

Crawford 2026 Events

OLD WEST TRAIL RODEO July 3-4. The Pine Ridge’s only PRCA rodeo entertains all comers with thrilling visions of bucking broncos, bullish bulls, calf roping, food and product vendors and welcoming residents. July 4 also features a parade, fireworks, and other fun events like the 5K and Wild West Triathlon. www.owtrodeo.com

WESTERN & WILDLIFE ART SHOW July 2-4. The Western & Wildlife Art Show features juried art of over twenty artists from across the country showcasing the rural lifestyle at its finest. The Children’s Wall of Art Contest lets youngsters take part. westernwildlifeartshow.org

CRAWFORD ROCK SWAP pg. 21

The Sheridan County Historical Museum showcases the colorful and important history of Camp Sheridan and the Spotted Tail Agency.

Highway 20 and Nelson Avenue.

For more information, www.visitsheridancounty.com

Ellsworth

Ellsworth, pop. 14, began in 1888 as Spade Ranch headquarters. A Historical Marker in town tells its epic story.

Sept. 4-7. Rockhounds of all ages enjoy trading their finds with the many vendors who participate in the swap, and daily field trips allow new and experienced rockhounds to add to their collections. The event, Nebraska's largest outdoor rock show, also includes an auction, hot dog feed and the annual Fairburn Agate Collectors Gathering.

Harrison 2026 Events SIOUX COUNTY FAIR August Take in 4-H exhibits, livestock shows, an art show or the 5K race. Entertainment includes rodeos, a demolition derby and a BBQ and live band. (308) 668-2428.

Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 17

Harrison

HOTELS & MOTELS

Sage Motel, 398 E. US Hwy 20, Harrison

UNIQUE LODGING Harrison House Hotel, 115 Main St., Harrison

PHONE

ROOMS

308-665-5300

13

AMENITIES adjacent campground

RATE RANGE 69-89

PHONE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

308-665-5199

Restored historic hotel located in scenic Sioux County, rooms with shared bath, free continental breakfast

50-100

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

Sioux Campground and Horse Corrals, 410 E. US Hwy 20, Harrison sagemotelharrison.com

308-207-5370

May – October

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 12 trailers

25

Harrison City Park, 240 4th Street Harrison

308-668-2445

•

Gilbert-Baker Wildlife Management Area, 5 miles north of Harrison

18 • Destination western nebraska 2025

308) 665-2924

•

Two RV Pads with electrical hook-ups

2,535 acres filled with deer, dove, elk, rabbit, squirrel and turkey, along with fishing opportunities. Primitive camping available in a designated area with a vault latrine and hand water pump.

Free will donation

Free

Crawford

Landscape 3 - Brandon

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

Fort Robinson State Park, 3200 Hwy 20, Crawford

308-665-2900

•

Seasonal restaurant, pool, and activities.

Lodge, converted officers’ quarters, cabins and group facilities. Pets allowed in lodging areas.

190-500

Hilltop Motel 304 McPherson St., Hwy 2 & US Hwy 20, Crawford

308-665-1144

13

Pets allowed

80-100

UNIQUE LODGING

PHONE

Camp Norwesca, 79 Camp Norwesca Rd. Chadron

308-432-3872

Year-round facility with a lodge and cabins. Conference and meeting room space, in-house catering and dining hall for groups, hunters, weddings, reunions

•

Down Home Guest Ranch House 10 mi. S. of Crawford on Hwy 2/71 www.downhomeranchhouse.com

602-620-5755

Comfy old 2-story, 4 bedroom, 2 bath home fully furnished and equipped, big beautiful yard, gas grill, hunting, bird watching, stargazing, hiking, abundance of wildlife

Call for Rates

High Plains Homestead 263 Sandcreek Rd., 16 mi. N., Crawford www.highplainshomestead.com

308-665-2592

All our “Glamping” rooms have private baths, mini-fridge, microwave and coffeemaker. RV’s and tenting welcome, bath house available. Fully equipped Community Kitchen and large grill on village patio for all to share. Heated pool, group rates. Open seasonally, May 1-October 31.

80+

Our Heritage Guest Ranch 1041 Toadstool Rd, 16 mi. N.W., Crawford ourheritageguestranch.com

308-430-1239

2 lofts and a cabin with private baths, access to fully-equipped kitchen, laundry facility in the cabin. Sleeps 15. Ranch activities, hiking, fossil hunting and wedding venue.

1-75

Red Roof Cottage 713 5th St, Crawford, Ne

308-430-4732

Lay your head down at Red Roof Cottage. Two-night minimum with light breakfast provided.

•

RimRock Hunting & Guest Ranch 273 Rim Rock Road, Crawford, NE 69339

307-399-9759

Adjacent to Fort Robinson. Stay in our beautiful cabin or bring your RV. Pheasant and Chukar hunting available onsite.

•

Sweet Retreat 3554 Highway 20, Crawford, NE 69939

308-665-1323

Sleeps 4 comfortably, wifi, fridge, microwave, coffeepot, restaurant on site

CAMPGROUNDS

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

100+

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

Crawford City Park, First & Main St., Crawford crawfordnebraska.net

308-665-1462

Year Round

Amenities - Four camping pads, 3 non-pad sites, all with electricity; Dispersed camping allowed.

•

Fort Robinson State Park 3200 W. US Hwy 20, Crawford outdoornebraska.gov/fortrobinson

308-665-2900

•

172 RV sites, reservable & walk-in options, full hook-up, electric plus or basic.

Tent sites available

15-35

Soldier Creek Wilderness Trailhead 6 mi. N.W. of Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford

308-432-0300

Year Round

RV Amenities: water. Rest facilities: pit toilets

15

Toadstool Geologic Park Nebraska National Park, 19 mi. N.

308-432-0300

•

12 primitive RV sites available

3-15

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

Legend Buttes Golf Course, 3440 US Hwy 20, Crawford 1/2 mi. W. on US Hwy 20,

308-665-2431

9, public

•

Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 19

Chadron

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

Best Western West Hills Inn 1100 W. 10th St., 1/2 mi. S Jct., US Hwys 20 & 385, Chadron, www.bestwesternnebraska.com

308-432-3305

67

Wheelchair accessible, Close to dining options, indoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

75+

Bunk House Motel 901 E. 3rd St., Chadron,

308-432-5591

21

Pets allowed

60-80

Chadron Inn & Suites 755 Microtel Dr., S. US Hwy 385 & 8th St. Exit, Chadron

308-432-3000

45

Free continental breakfast

69-99

98+

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Holiday Inn Express 247 Ash St., Chadron

308-747-2223

68

24-hour fitness center, pool, business center, free breakfast, wifi, fridge & microwave in every room, manager receptions on select nights and Pour My Beer options available for purchase

Motel Grand 1050 W US Hwy 20, Chadron

308-432-5595

17

Pets allowed; kids stay free

59-89

Super 8 Motel 840 W. US Hwy 20, Chadron

308-872-9769

45

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

51-75+

Westerner Motel 300 Oak St., W. US Hwy 20, Chadron westernermotel99@gmail.com

308-432-5577 800-947-0847

27

Free wi-fi, cable TV, park in front of your door

60-80

UNIQUE LODGING

PHONE

Camp Norwesca, 79 Camp Norwesca Rd. Chadron

308-432-3872

Year-round facility with a lodge and cabins. Conference and meeting room space, in-house catering and dining hall for groups, hunters, weddings, reunions.

•

Crow Butte View Cabins & Camping (Aunt Myrna’s Cabin), 934 Bethel Rd., 5 mi. S. of Hwy 20 between Chadron and Crawford

308-665-5396

Trails, hunting, stargazing, horse lodging. Aunt Myrna's Cabin sleeps 10 and other camping sites and cabins are coming soon

95+

Lazy A Ranch 3180 Table Road, Hay Springs, NE 69347

308-430-0969

Unique environment on a working ranch, providing convenience and relaxation. Horse motel onsite

Northwest Nebraska High Country www.nebraskahighcountry.com

308-665-1580

The group includes 15-20 hunting lodges and bed and breakfast operations in this organization. Visit the website to view the list

•

Olde Main Street Inn 115 Main St., Chadron

308-432-3380

Rustic inn on the National Register of Historic Places, served as the headquarters for Gen. Nelson Miles following Wounded Knee 1890; Rooms with private bath, continental breakfast

75-110

Shared Outdoors 10 Old Dunlap Rd., Hemingford www.sharedoutdoors.com

308-487-3426

Fully equipped lodge with full kitchen, fireplace, laundry, WiFi, phone, satellite TV, 4 bedrooms able to sleep up to 12 people

Call for rates

Victorian Inn B&B 307 Shelton St., Chadron

308-430-2347

Two full kitchens, laundry, wifi. Sleeps up to 16.

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

100-200

100-125

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

Box Butte State Recreation Area, 35 miles south of Chadron.

•

•

Boating, fishing, camping. Basic and electrical sites, shower house, dump station. State Park Permit Required.

•

Chadron State Park 9 mi. S. on Hwy 385, Chadron www.outdoornebraska.gov

308-432-6167

•

Cabins, 70 RV pads with electricity, water fillup access, 18 tent sites.

Eagle’s Rest RV Park 1/4 mi. W. on Hwy 20, Chadron

308-432-4349

Full Hook-ups, Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 48 trailers. Rest facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 20 tents

35

Red Cloud Campground Nebraska National Forest 8 mi. S. on Hwy 385, Chadron fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recreation/camping-cabins

308-432-0300

Year Round

13 sites (tent, RV combined), pedestal grills, fire rings, and a vault toilet.

15

308-432-0300

Year Round

Horse corrals, a rider ramp and stock water are available, as are three tent sites with tables and fire rings. No potable water.

15

308-487-3426

•

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, Rest facilities: showers, pit and flush toilets Camping: available

20-40

Roberts Trailhead Campground Nebraska National Forest, 18 mi. S.W. fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recreation/horseriding-camping

Shared Outdoors 30 Old Dunlap Rd., Hemingford • Destination western nebraska 2025 20www.sharedoutdoors.com

15-140

« Chadron Cont.

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

Ridgeview Country Club 16611 US Hwy 385, Chadron, ridgeviewcc.net

308-432-4468

9 holes, semi-private

Green Fees: 27-65 Cart rental: 25-60

Gordon, Rushville, & Hay Springs HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

Jefco Inn 308 S. Cornell, W. US Hwy 20, Gordon

308-282-2935

22

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, guest laundry

Nebraskaland Motel, 508 E. 2nd St., Rushville

308-327-2487

15

Pets allowed, free wifi, large groups welcome, kitchenettes

59+ Weekly Rates Available

Western Sands Motel 107 W. US Hwy 20, Gordon

308-282-1795

20

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed, free wifi

74+

UNIQUE LODGING

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE 76+

PHONE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Flying Heart Ranch LLC 6473 440th Ln., Hay Springs, www.flyingheartranch.com

308-638-7426

Rooms with shared bath, 3-bedroom, 2-bath cabin. Solitude, wildlife, hiking/biking trails

Call for Rates

Hay Springs Rentals, 213, 221 & 230 N. Post St. & 339 N. Chambers St., Hay Springs www.hayspringsrentals.com

308-638-4466

Rooms with private and shared bath. 3-bedroom houses with kitchens and living rooms

Call for Rates

Horse Thief Cave Ranch, 1711 550th Trail Rd., 15 mi. S.E., Gordon, www.horsethiefcave.com

308-282-1017

Rooms with shared bath, continental breakfast

Call for Rates

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

Hamilton Park E. US Hwy 20, Gordon, www.gordon-ne.us

308-762-3860

Apr.-Oct.

Room for 6 trailers

Call for Rates

Rushville Service Center, W. US Hwy 20, Rushville

308-327-2375

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 6 trailers. Rest facilities: 5 tents

Call for Rates

Sunset RV Park, 110 S. Post St., Hay Springs

308-762-8660 800-767-8660

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 9 trailers. Camping: 9 tents (First come)

Call for Rates

Tomahawk Park 200 W. US Hwy 20, Gordon, www.gordon-ne.us

308-762-3763

•

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 15 trailers

Call for Rates

Walgren Lake SRA 4 mi. E. on US Hwy 20, 3 mi. S., Hay Springs

308-665-2900

Year Round

RV Amenities: water, room for 50 trailers Camping: 50. Rest facilities: Pit toilets

10 + State Park Permit

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

Gordon Golf and Country Club 6535 210th Ln., 2nd & Willow Sts., Gordon

308-282-1146

18, public

Call for Rates

Hay Springs

308-232-4436

9, public

Call for Rates

Sand Ridge 3rd St. & Golf Course Ln., Rushville

308-327-2966

9, public

Call for Rates

Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 21

22 • Destination western nebraska 2025

GERING • SCOTTSBLUFF HENRY • MINATARE MORRILL • MITCHELL BAYARD • BRIDGEPORT LISCO • BROADWATER LEWELLEN • OSHKOSH A ROMANTIC ADVENTURE AWAITS

It’s easy to romanticize the American West.

Retracing the steps of pioneers who journeyed along the 2000-mile-long trail beginning in the 1830s, modern-day adventurers can’t truly understand or appreciate the perilous adventures that existed along its dusty, dry and often dangerous path.

The Trails West region is a safe destination these days—a beautiful landscape. Colorful names like Ash Hollow, Courthouse and Jail Rocks, Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff National Monument inspire visions of adventure.

The thrill of discovery continues in this rocky land. Instead of passing through, stay for a while and discover the romances of Trails West country.

Scotts Bluff National Monument pictured left

Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 23

Out here in the pasture this horse (his name is Maximus) has looked up at that ridge in the distance most every day.

It changes with the seasons but for the most part it’s the same scene day after day, pasture, field, Ridgeline, sky.

Except for one weekend every year.

For that weekend, hot air balloons rise up from behind the rows of corn and take to the sky above that ridge.

Without guessing too much about what maximus thinks or remembers, on this day his landmark changed. Landmarks are more than Scotts Bluff and Chimney Rock.

Landmarks are how we find our way to new sights and new adventures.

Even if maximus still isn’t sure about the balloons.

800-788-9475 | NebraskaMonumentCountry.com

FAMOUS ROCKS & HISTORIC TRAILS Famous rocks were landmarks for many historic trails—such as the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, California Trail, Sydney to Black Hills Trail, Great Western Cattle Trails, and the Pony Express.

Chimney Rock is the most frequently mentioned landmark in diaries of pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Today you can visit the rock like the pioneers did by visiting The Ethel and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center—located just south of Bayard.

Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock are equally impressive, rising 340 feet above the valley floor five miles south of Bridgeport. Visit during the Camp Clarke Raiders Rendezvous for black powder shoots, reenactments, games, food, and more!

Morrill County Visitors Committee • 308-262-1825 • visitmorrillcounty.com Morrill County Visitors Committee • 308-262-1825 • MorrillCounty.net Angora • Bayard • Bridgeport • Broadwater Angora • Bayard • Bridgeport • Broadwater PHOTOS: Top Row—Chimney Row—Chimney Rock Rock by

by L. L. T. T. James; James;Courthouse CourthouseRock Rockand andJail JailRock RockbybyWestern WesternNebraska Nebraska Tourism Tourism Coalition.

Coalition.

Second Second Row—Pioneer Row—Pioneer Trails Trails Museum, Museum, Bridgeport; Bridgeport; The Farm The House Farm House B&B, Broadwater; B&B, Broadwater; Bridgeport Bridgeport State Recreation State Recreation Area; The Area; Pumpkin ThePatch Pumpkin at BEPatch Farm,atBayard.

BE Farm, Third Bayard.

Row—Bayard Third Row—Bayard Depot Museum, Depot TheMuseum, Ethel andThe Christopher Ethel and J. Christopher Abbott VisitorJ.Center, AbbottBayard; Visitor Camp Center,Clarke Bayard; Raiders Camp Muzzle Clarke Loading RaidersClub, Muzzle Bridgeport; LoadingBroadwater Club, Bridgeport; Museum.

Broadwater Museum.

Scottsbluff to Crawford

Berea Knight Museum

Carhenge

Carnegie Arts Center

71

“Old Jules” Sandoz Grave Site Dobby Frontier Town

Sallows Military Museum and Conservatory

Antioch

Alliance

Ellsworth

Lakeside

2

26 min.

Riverside Discovery 14 min. Center 7 min.

Henry Morrill

1

Mitchell

Mitchell to Scottbluff

26

385

Scottsbluff Lake Minatare State Recreation Area 5

Midwest Theater Scotts Bluff National Monument

92

6

3

Gering

Five Rocks Amphitheater Legacy of the Plains Museum

92

27

Robidoux Trading Post & Pioneer Graves

Chimney Rock Pony Express Station

Bayard

7

1

8

88

Harrisburg

Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Bridgeport State Recreation Area Northport Pioneer Trails Museum

Bayard Chimney Rock Museum

Chimney Rock Bridgeport National Historic Site

27 min Gering to Bayard

43 min

62A

McGrew

4

Banner County Historical Museum

North Platte Wildlife Refuge

Minatare

Melbeta

Wildcat Hills Nature Center

Wes te

rn T rails

Arth

Byw

1

27

ay

Lisco Nor

th P

71

Prairie Schooner Museum

9

Broadwater

92

Court House and Jail Rocks

1 hr.

3 min

Dalton

latt

eR

Historical Museum

10

ive

r

385

53 min.

Oshkosh 26

Gurley

Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area Bushnell 30

nne

Kimball

Plains Historical Museum Dix

18 min

Railroad Museum 29 Potter L incol

Duckpin Bowling Alley

39 min

80

n By

Attractions #TRAILS WEST 71

Tri-State Marker Nebraska’s Highest Point

Fort Sidney Post Commander’s Home

way

Sidney 16 min

Lorenzo

28

1 western trails scenic byway 2 riverside discovery center 3 scotts bluff national monument 4 wildcat hills state recreation area 5 Lake Minatare 6 north platte national wildlife refuge

Gering |

Hyannis

34 min.

Scottsbluff to Gering

2

Ashby

Bingham

Lake Minatare Lighthouse

pg. 35

The story of Gering is the story of the Oregon Trail. Where hopeful pioneers once passed by the hundreds of thousands, a city of more than 8,500 residents now thrives near the North Platte River.

Hard facts are scarce when it comes to Hiram Scott, but legends and lore abound about the fur trapper who died in 1828 near the bluff that bears his name all these years later. Historians argue over the real story of the man’s untimely demise. Was he coldheartedly left for dead while suffering from some unknown ailment, and how did his remains end up on the opposite side of the river from where his corpse was supposedly abandoned?

26 • Destination western nebraska 2025

19

Hillside Golf Course

30

27

Lodgepole Depot Museum

Sunol

32 Cabela’s Retail Store and Wildlife Exhibit

Lewellen

Ash Hollow 11 State Historical Park

Bergstrom Rock & Gem Collection

7 chimney rock 8 courthouse rock & Jail Rock 9 crescent lake national wildlife refuge 10 goose hunting capital 11 ash hollow state park

Scotts Bluff National Monument is in Scotts Bluff County, but it is closer to the city of Gering than it is to nearby Scottsbluff. No matter. To simplify things, folks living around here call it “The Monument,” a name as matter-of-fact as the wise Native American moniker for the bluff, Ma-a-pa-te, which means “hill that is hard to go around.”

Wagon trains from the Missouri River reached Scotts Bluff only after two months of hard travel across what is now the state of Nebraska.

More than 350,000 pioneers are estimated to have passed by here between 1836 and 1869.

The ruts left by their many possession-laden wagons still can be seen here, carved into clay and stone, a visible testament to the courage

1

92

L a ke

California Hill Historical Marker Sudman-Neumann Heritage House Big Springs 30

Prehistoric Wonders Settling the west The Great OutDoors Pioneer trails One-of-a-Kinds Unique Geology Welcome Centers/Rest Areas

McCo

44 min.

50 min.

Lodgepole Chappell

30 min. Sidney to Chappell

Pony Express National Monument

18 min.

naug

hy

Ogallala Brule 80

Mansion on the Hill

39 min.

Ogallala to Chappell

61 30 min.

Brandon 15 min.

and determination of those who were here before us. A harsh and arid land, yes, but ultimately beautiful.

Rising 800 feet above the floor of the Platte River Valley, Scotts Bluff is sometimes thought to be a small mountain, which it is not. Mountains are pushed up from below; Scotts Bluff is what remains of the ancient High Plains that were eroded by rivers over millions of years.

The uniquely Nebraska formation is part of a series of rocky escarpments known collectively as the Wildcat Hills.

Gran

Hot Air Balloon over Scotts Bluff National Monument The Scotts Bluff National Monument is near Gering along the North Platte River and encompasses nearly 3,000 acres of arid land. Among its badlands of sandstone and siltstone, the fossilized remains of ancient oreodonts, tortoises, rhinoceroses, horses, camels, and other prehistoric creatures have been discovered.

From atop Scotts Bluff on a clear day, visitors can see Chimney Rock to the southeast. Wyoming’s Laramie Range of the Rocky Mountains can sometimes be viewed when looking to the west.

You can drive to the top by way of Summit Road.

The route provides a stunning view and takes vehicles through three tunnels carved through the bluff. If you have the stamina, hiking the Saddle Rock Trail from the visitor center to the top is more of an adventure. Rock slides occasionally cause trail closures here. Check in at the visitor center for current information.

Seeing the bluffs’ walls up close is spectacular, and at one point, the trail passes through a narrow, rocky tunnel carved through part of the bluff itself.

The less strenuous Oregon Trail Pathway allows visitors to walk the same ground where pioneers and their wagons passed long ago. The visitor

center/museum displays the remains of ancient creatures that once lived here, the paintings of William Henry Jackson, and artifacts from the pioneer era. Look at the taxidermy rattlesnakes at the front desk for a glimpse of the creatures rarely ever seen on the trails.

The monument is three miles west of Gering on the Old Oregon Trail. It is open daily, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and closes at 5 p.m. the rest of the year. A fee-free park, rangers give interpretive programs on many weekends throughout the year. (308) 436-9700.

The community of Gering is named for early settler Edson Gering and his wealthy investor father, Martin Gering. The town was founded in 1887. The community of Scottsbluff sprung up just north of the North Platte River three years later in 1890. Each town retains its own unique identity despite appearing in many ways as one large community.

Just east of the monument on the Old Oregon Trail, Legacy of the Plains Museum shows visitors the history and development of the North Platte Valley and High Plains region. The museum’s 80-acre campus includes a machine annex,

a historic farmstead house, a late 1880s log cabin, and a working farm. (308) 436-1989.

Across the road from the museum and overlooking the monument is the Five Rocks Amphitheater, which features concerts, car shows, and other community events held each summer at this striking, open-air venue unlike anything else in the West. (308) 436-6886.

Monument Shadows Golf Course is an 18-hole course with outstanding views of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Clubhouse, cart rental, and pro shop available. The course’s gourmet Monument Grill restaurant is known for its steaks and selection of beer. 2550 Clubhouse Drive. Reach the pro shop at (308) 635-2277. Call Monument Grill at (308) 635-6868.

Eight miles south of Gering on Highway 71, the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Nature Center offers more than four miles of winding and scenic hiking trails, picnic facilities, and cross-country skiing on more than 1,000 acres of pine and cedar-covered canyons. The Nature Center was recently renovated and received an 8,720-square-foot expansion. A realistic tree “grows” from the bottom floor to tower over visitors on the second level.

»

Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 27

Robidoux R.V. Park

BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF SCOTTS BLUFF NATIONAL MONUMENT Only minutes from...

Monument Shadows Golf Course • Premier Softball/Baseball Complex Disc Golf Course • Swimming Pool • Pickleball Courts Wildcat Hills Nature Center

Midwest theater

Gering 2026 Events

FATHER’S DAY ROCK-N-ROLL CLASSIC CAR SHOW June 19-20. More than 300 classics from seven states roll into Five Rocks Amphitheater for this day-long show and shine. (308) 436-6886.

OREGON TRAIL DAYS

Full Hook-up -- Electric & Water • Tent Sites Available All Sites 30amp/50amp Service • Large Pull-thru Sites Asphalt Roads • Concrete Pad Sites Playground • Pets welcome!

TO MAKE RESERVATIONS:

Call 308.436.2046 or go to: gering.org/robidoux-rv-park

585 Five Rocks Road, Gering, Nebraska

July 9-12. Nebraska's oldest continuous celebration. Events include parades, a food fair, bands, chili cook-off, art show, and a Hill Climb bicycle competition to the top of Scotts Bluff National Monument. (308) 436-6886. oregontraildays.com

OLD WEST BALLOON FEST August 13-16. Scotts Bluff County skies fills with over 30 hot air balloons, bright hues during daybreak launches, balloon glows, food vendors, beer garden, and live entertainment. theoldwestballoonfest.com

HARVEST FESTIVAL September 19-20. Enjoy a rare glimpse of antique farm machinery in action demonstrating the hard work involved in the annual harvest at Legacy of the Plains Museum. This family-friendly event includes daily parades of horse-drawn equipment and tractors; food vendors; demonstrations of blacksmithing; and kids’ activities, including a hay bale fort, pedal tractor course, a barrel train ride, and games. Don’t miss the resident chickens, goats, and the museum’s herd of longhorns. www.legacyoftheplains.org

HORIZON MUSIC FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 5-6. The ultimate summer experience for Christian music lovers at Five Rocks Amphitheater, this festival brings together the best Christian artists from around the world in one electrifying celebration of faith and music.

The festival provides non-stop entertainment and fun for everyone. horizonmusicfest.org

28 • Destination western nebraska 2025

Walking and biking trails along the North Platte River connect Scottsbluff, Gering, and Terrytown. Monument Valley Pathways includes 6.3 miles of trails; 26 miles are planned.

For all hiking maps in the area, please visit www. visitscottsbluff.com for a digital version of the Trail Treks Guide.

« Displays include educational exhibits about

fossil animals and modern wildlife. Classes and workshops take place here regularly. Viewing wildlife coming and going from the center’s many feeders is a popular activity. A small prairie rattlesnake is known to lurk below the feeders while trying to snatch small birds that are feeding on the ground. Please allow this natural predator some space when visiting. A Nebraska state park entry permit, which can be purchased on site, is required on each vehicle entering the recreation area. The area also includes a shooting range equipped to handle most caliber of firearms and has archery and air gun ranges, too.

(308) 436-3777.

Three spectacular Nebraska artists grace the beautiful Gering Civic Plaza in downtown Gering.

Sculptures by Kaneko, Ferguson and Hansen beautifully enhance the native grasses, flowers and trees in the Plaza showcasing the unique landscape that is Western Nebraska. The Gering Civic Plaza is the central gathering place for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy the offerings in the Plaza and engage in the scheduled yearround activities and events.

For more information on Gering, contact the Gering Visitors Bureau at (308) 436-6886 or www.visitgering.com.

Scottsbluff |

pg. 35

The rugged lands surrounding Scottsbluff are home to mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, elk, bobcats, mountain lions, golden eagles, and many other hardy animals. A wild menagerie of chimpanzees, zebras, tigers, cranes, red

pandas, and other critters live in town at Riverside Discovery Center. The zoo is home to more than 70 animal species from around the world.

They include rare species such as Amur tigers, addax, and several different kinds of primates. Other special exhibits include the Big Cat Complex, Chimpanzee Conservation Center, and Heritage Barn with a petting zoo.

Not a fan of the furry? The Riverside Discovery Center has tortoises, turtles, hedgehogs, and boa constrictors, too. When visiting during summer, bring swimsuits and flip-flops to enjoy the splash-pad, a refreshing zero-depth water feature. South Beltline Highway W. is half a mile west of Highway 71. (308) 630-6236. www.riversidediscoverycenter.org.

Riverside Campground is open May through September and includes a playground, disc golf, fishing ponds, hiking, and extensive arboretum near the scenic and refreshing North Platte River. (308) 630-6238.

Family-friendly attractions abound in Scottsbluff. Westmoor Pool at Avenue I and 20th Street includes water cannons, swimming pool, diving boards, slippery slides, an island, and a lazy river. (308) 632-8881.

West Nebraska Arts Center, at 106 E. 18th St., is a hub for painting, sculpture, artists-in-residence, and the performing arts. (308) 632-2226.

Affiliated programs are Theatre West, a summer theater company, and the historic Midwest Theater, a downtown movie palace of yesteryear. (308) 632-6311.

»

The area’s frontier history is commemorated on the Oregon Trail west of Scottsbluff near the intersection of Highway 92 and Hunt Dairy Road.

Two markers stand here. One is for Fort Mitchell, a cavalry outpost built in 1864. All traces of the fort have vanished, but this marker stands as a reminder of the role the men stationed at Fort Mitchell played in the settlement of the region.

The marker was erected in 1923 when people with memory of the Oregon Trail were still alive.

Gering 2026 Events

THE HEIRLOOM MARKET SEPTEMBER 18 -19 . Specializing in vintage, handmade, boutique, and home décor, enjoy two days of shopping with vendors from across the Midwest in an open-air event at Five Rocks Amphitheater. Enjoy live music and fantastic food trucks throughout the day! theheirloommarket.com

MONUMENT MARATHON SEPTEMBER 26. Runners experience the gorgeous, rocky landscape that is home to historic stretches of the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail. The annual race features a Full, Half, Half-Marathon Relay and 5K, all of which take runners through the 3,000-acre Scotts Bluff National Monument. monumentmarathon.com

GERING MERCHANTS’ SANTA VILLAGE NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 31. Gering Merchant's Santa Village at the Gering Civic Plaza has been a great interactive family experience for 20 years. Write letters to Santa, have cookies and hot cocoa and more!

Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 29

Scottsbluff 2026 Events

18TH STREET FARMERS MARKET Saturday mornings June through September.

Backyard produce, farmers' veggies, locally raised meat, craft and home décor items and more are for sale from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday mornings downtown between Broadway and First Avenue. www.Facebook.com/ScottsbluffFarmersMarket.

PAPA MOON CIDER HOUSE FIREFLY FESTIVAL July. Papa Moon Vineyards and Cider House annual firefly viewing; fireflies are only visible at nightfall and tours begin around 8:45 pm.

Fireflies are only out when weather is nice; additional events include food vendors, wine and cider tastings.

OLD WEST BALLOON FEST August 13-16. Scotts Bluff County skies fill with over 80 hot air balloons, bright hues during daybreak launches, balloon glows. It includes food vendors, beer garden and live entertainment. www.theoldwestballoonfest.com

BANDS ON BROADWAY Thursdays June/July. 8-week summer concert series from 6-9 PM in the 18th Street Plaza.

Bring a lounge chair. Beer and food trucks are there weekly.

FLYOVER TO FLYOVER June 26-27. "It's a Gravel Party!" Take the dirt rides and ride from the Flyover Brewing Company in Scottsbluff to their second location in Potter. All Cyclists are invited! Upon arrival at the finish line, enjoy entertainment, drinks, and food during the Potter Car Bowl celebration.

NEBRASKA WEST FEST March 21. @ Papa Moon Headquarters.

Local brewers and distillers Papa Moon, The Flyover Brewing Co., Scott Free, Second Chapter, Brewery 719, Boss City, and Great Plains Distillery team up to bring a kid-friendly family event in the greenhouse.

Enjoy music, food trucks, craft vendors, wine, beers, and spirts from across the state.

« The other marker, which depicts a Pony

Henry is Nebraska’s westernmost town. One mile south, Stateline Island is part of the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge. The 130-acre refuge is a bird-watching mecca and popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Scottsbluff, with 15,000 residents, is the Panhandle’s largest city. Combined with sister city Gering (pop. 8,500) and with Terrytown (pop. 1,200) sandwiched between, the Scottsbluff/Gering metro area is the largest population center in Western Nebraska.

One mile east of Henry is the place where in 1847 Brigham Young called a special prayer circle. Prayer Bluffs is accessible by a service road.

The much younger Terrytown was founded by businessman and politician Terry Carpenter in 1949. Terry’s Lake is a Terrytown landmark and popular fishing, picnic, and recreation spot not far from the North Platte River.

(308) 632-7212.

The pioneering spirit of early Scottsbluff pioneers continues today in the tasty and creative brews produced downtown at the Flyover Brewing Company. The brewery opened in 2018, and staff use brewing equipment made in Lincoln, malt grown in Nebraska, and locally grown sugar beets. The historic building housing the Panhandle’s only brewery has a relaxed atmosphere, and head brewer Daniel Warburton is known for his pilsners and experimental India Pale Ales. It also includes a restaurant popular for its variety of pizzas.

1824 Broadway. (308) 632-2133.

For more information, contact the Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau at www.VisitScottsBluff.com

30 • Destination western nebraska 2025

Henry

Express rider, commemorates the Scotts Bluff Pony Express Station. The exact location of the original station is unknown and lost to time, but is believed to have been on or nearby Fort Mitchell.

Minatare |

pg. 38

Lake Minatare isn’t so large that it needs a lighthouse, but it has one anyway and is one of seven inland lighthouses in the United States. It was built by the Veteran’s Conservation Corps, a New Deal agency that provided jobs to unemployed veterans. (308) 783-2911. Located seven miles north of the community of Minatare, Lake Minatare State Recreation Area offers swimming, boating, and fishing. A state park entry permit is required.

Lake Minatare is part of North Platte National Wildlife Refuge, which also includes nearby Winters Creek Lake, Lake Alice and Stateline Island near Henry. All are good bird-watching areas. To provide undisturbed wildlife habitat during the autumn and winter migration season, all but Stateline Island are closed to visitors Oct. 15-Jan. 15. (308) 635-7851.

Morrill |

pg. 38

Morrill, population of 921, is a terrific place to stay to explore western Nebraska. Morrill’s Travelodge motel makes a great starting point as it is conveniently located off US Highway 26 and 20 miles from Western Nebraska Regional Airport (BFF).

Morrill is perfectly positioned to explore the area’s attractions such as Chimney Rock, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Wildcat Hills Recreation Center, Agate Fossil Beds, Fort Robinson, Fort Laramie in Wyoming, and Kiowa State Management Area as well as Stateline Island with walking trails and wildlife refuge.

In 1851, 10,000 Plains Indians from 10 tribes met with government officials near Horse Creek to form a peace treaty. Never in recorded history had so many Native Americans gathered at one place at the same time.

From the government’s perspective, the purpose of the treaty was to ensure safe passage for people using the Oregon Trail and to put a halt to intertribal warfare. The government broke the treaty almost immediately.

Horse Creek Treaty Marker is 3 ½ miles west of Morrill on Highway 26. Every July, Morrill’s Horse Creek Rendezvous commemorates the event.

Morrill has a variety of restaurants such as Penny’s Diner, which is a 24-hour train car diner offering traditional American dishes and desserts in a '50s-themed interior, and the Rustic Tavern Bar and Grill prepares one of the best steaks in the valley along with some great down-home-cooked lunch specials.

The Village of Morrill offers an outdoor heated pool, one of few in the valley along with a separate baby pool. The pool also has both a high and a low dive. Morrill boasts four parks; City Park with playground equipment and picnic shelters; Veteran’s Park with veteran markers and a gazebo; Legion Baseball field on FoMo Park and three ballfields at Brownsfield Park. FoMo Park also offers a very popular Farmer’s Market with vendors from Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska. The Sandpits just south of Morrill features three ponds that are stocked with fish annually. Morrill also offers a nine-hole golf course which was established in 1929. Rolling Green Golf Course features a driving range, putting green, fully stocked pro shop, and some of the friendliest employees around. There are also 13 other golf courses close to Morrill in eastern Wyoming and west-

ern Nebraska, and the staff at Rolling Green Golf Course would gladly help you plan your golf excursion.

The Village Office is located at 118 S. Center Street.

(308) 247-2312.

Mitchell |

pg. 38

Mitchell is the usual point of departure for adventurous travelers bound for unique Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, 30 miles north of the community on Highway 29.

Other recreation includes a motocross track at the old airport, Centennial Park, and the historic Nile Theater.

Scenic Knolls Golf Course is a public, nine-hole course, two miles north of the intersections of highways 26 and 29.

American West Gallery features the original paintings of award-winning local artist LB Smith.

Creations by other artists are also shown and sold here. (308) 672-2628. 1402 Center Ave. Mitchell is also home to the Old West Balloon Fest and Balloon Federation of America’s national hot air ballooning competition in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

For more information about Mitchell, contact the city offices. (308) 623-1523.

Bayard |

pg. 37

Visible to wagon trains from days away, Chimney Rock’s 120-foot spire was unlike anything Oregon Trail pioneers had ever seen. The Landmark’s story is told at the Ethel and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center at Chimney Rock National Historic Site. It is located 1 ½ miles south of Highway 92 near Bayard. (308) 586-2581.

Bayard Depot Museum is housed in a refurbished railroad depot at the south end of downtown. Exhibits of pioneer machinery, tools, quilts, a schoolroom, kitchen, and bedroom in the museum document the development of the area and the railroad, farming, and sugar industries. Free admission. Open 1-4:30 pm daily during the summer and at other times by appointment. (308) 586-2297.

Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing offers a gift shop, snacks, a stocked fishing hole, tepee

sleeping, RV parking, and camper hookups.

Take in stunning views while golfing at the ninehole Chimney Rock Golf Course north of town.

(308) 586-1606.

The Pumpkin Patch at BE Farm is nestled northwest of Bayard off US Highway 26. Looking south, the patch boasts a beautiful view of one of Nebraska’s most iconic landmarks, Chimney Rock. All pumpkins and squash are planted by hand using organic farming principles. With 60 varieties, you will find your perfect pumpkin here! Located seven miles off the Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway. Open every weekend in October. (308) 637-1699.

For more information, contact Bayard Area Development. (308) 586-1234.

Bridgeport |

pg. 37

The Camp Clarke Bridge, which opened in May 1876, was the first bridge to span the North Platte River in western Nebraska. It was built to serve Fort Robinson, Indian reservations, gold rush travelers, pioneers, and multiple cattle drives headed north. When the railroad arrived, the original site was abandoned in 1899 and relocated to establish the town of Bridgeport also known as “Trail City, USA.” Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock are prominent in history as two of the most famous landmarks of the westward migration and ancient legends.

Westward migrants named Nebraska’s rocky formations after things familiar to their eastern lives. They thought the blocky shape looked like a courthouse; the smaller formation nearby was therefore the jail. They are the easternmost rocky outliers of Nebraska’s Wildcat Hills.

The rocks, which are located five miles south of Bridgeport on Hwy 88, are visible from many miles away.

Pioneer Trails Museum exhibits items of early settlers and collections of fossils and arrowheads. A tour of the museum highlights stories of the Skidi Pawnee and Sioux Indians, the history of Camp Clarke, local pioneer families, the Old Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, Pony Express, and many other trails that went through the area. Open seasonally from May through September. Free admission. Located at 103 Bell Road north of the river. Learn more by contacting museum@cityofbport.com or visiting the Bridgeport Pioneer Trails Museum Facebook page.

»

Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 31

« Courthouse and Jail Rock Golf Club, a ninehole public course complete with cart rentals and a club house provides golfers a scenic view of nearby Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock.

(308) 262-9925.

Just off Hwy 26 and 92 on the west edge of town, Bridgeport State Recreation Area offers primitive camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, and swimming. Five sandpit lakes are the heart of this recreation area. Center Lake is open to motorboat traffic. Boat ramps are available for boating enthusiasts and fishermen. Trout are stocked in Northwest and Center lakes. (308) 436-3777.

Many community events are held at the Prairie Winds Community Center located on North Main Street. Travelers are welcome to take advantage of the facilities, including exercise room, shower, outdoor swimming pool, and more. For more information call (308) 262-1825.

Garden County 2026 Events

GARDEN CO. ART & MURAL TOUR

Broadwater |

pg. 37

Among the exhibits at the Broadwater Museum are a petrified turtle measuring 48 inches around, believed to be from the Mesozoic Era, which was excavated from the local area, and a bronze ship’s bell from the H.M.S. Broadwater that was presented to Broadwater from the British Embassy in 1951. Visitors can also experience other exhibits portraying the history of the area. Located in the Village Hall, the museum is open the 1st through the 10th of each month or by appointment by calling (308) 279-1024.

The Farm House B&B is an extensively renovated and refurbished historic hotel which offers travelers, hunters, and community friends a cozy night’s stay and a place to reminisce and dream of yesteryear. Visitors are also provided a tour of these unique properties by calling (308) 279-1024.

»

View more than 40 murals in three towns for a self-guided art scavenger hunt. Lewellen has two art galleries—Blue Water Gallery and The Most Unlikely Place.

Blue Water features art and photography from local artists and photographers in a restored art deco gas station that also houses a body shop.

The Most Unlikely Place is a unique combination of cafe, art gallery, gift shop, and events venue.

Reach both at (308) 778-9557.

Morrill County 2026 Events

CAMP CLARKE SPRING RENDEZVOUS: MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND Enjoy the sport of traditional muzzle loader shooting, mountain man runs, breakfast cookoffs and hawk and knife throwing. Step back into the time of the early 1800s as people wear authentic clothing, camp in tipis and cook over fire. See what the mountain man saw as he trapped and traded throughout the Western United States. Vendors are welcome. Activities start time from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday and 9 a.m. to noon on Monday.

CAMP CLARKE DAYS May 29-31. Camp Clarke Days is an annual tradition in Bridgeport and includes a full weekend of activities for families to enjoy.

32 • Destination western nebraska 2025

BROADWATER DAYS June. Broadwater Nebraska’s Annual Community Celebration. Fun for the whole community and surrounding area. Call (308) 279-1024 or check the Broadwater Buzz Facebook page for activities and dates.

CAMP CLARKE STAMPEDE RODEO July 3-4. One of the oldest rodeos in Nebraska.

All events and fireworks nightly at the Morrill County Fairground, 1 mile south of Bridgeport on Hwy 88.

MORRILL COUNTY FAIR July. There is something for everyone as events are open to all ages. Contact Prairie Winds Community Center (308) 262-1825 for dates and more information.

GREEK FESTIVAL August (2nd or 3rd Saturday) Authentic Greek food a la carte, dancing and music and other activities. Located at the Prairie Wings Community Center in Bridgeport. Call (308) 262-0281 for more information.

CHIMNEY ROCK PIONEER DAYS September. Pioneer Days features BBQ kickoff night with live music, free pancake feed, 5K run, parade, other events and food vendors.

Check Chimney Rock Pioneer Days on Facebook for more information.

CAMP CLARKE FALL RENDEZVOUS: LABOR DAY WEEKEND Activities are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Monday.

See more details at www.nshsf.org/walk-to-rock/

NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION Century House, 1201 Lincoln Mall, Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68508 | 402.435.3535 | www.nshsf.org Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 33

Lisco |

pg. 39

Ancient Bluff Ruins is the most extensive bluff formation on the north side of the North Platte River. The buttes were named by pioneers who thought they resembled European castles.

Riverview Lodge and Event Center hosts weddings and other events, and has goose hunting pits for lease. (308) 770-0740.

Lewellen |

pg. 39

Scars from pioneer wagons remain at Windlass Hill at Ash Hollow State Park. Abundant water and trees made it a favorite resting place. The park is 1½ miles southeast of Lewellen on Highway 26. Check out hiking maps on trailheads and at the Visitor’s Center. (308) 778-5651.

Morrill Village has everything a family vacation needs.

Just 20 minutes from the bustle of Scottsbluff, you can hit the range at the public 9-hole golf course, go for a dip at the community swimming pool, stroll through the city park or pick up a pickleball match at the courts.

And don’t forget to pack your tackle box and poles for some fishing at the sand pit ponds!

West of town 1½ miles along Highway 26 is the Blue Water Battlefield marker. It marks the site of an Army raid that destroyed a Lakota village.

Lewellen features The Most Unlikely Place, a 1908 opera house that is now a café and art gallery. (308) 778-9557.

Oshkosh |

pg. 39

Oshkosh is known as the Goose Hunting Capital of Nebraska. Outfitters accommodate sportsmen from around the world.

Oshkosh is a point of departure for the 46,000acre Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Other local attractions include Oshkosh Swimming Pool. 200 E. First St. Oshkosh Country Club is a nine-hole course 1 mile south of town.

Oregon Trail ruts cross the second fairway.

(308) 772-3881.

Contact the Garden County Visitors Committee.

Visitgardencounty.com.

34 • Destination western nebraska 2025

Gering

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Arcadia Hotel, 3655 N. 10th St., Gering. thearcadiahotel.com

308-633-8888

39

Refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, Smart TVs

51-75

Circle S Lodge, 400 M St., Hwys 92 & 71, Gering. circleslodge.com

308-436-2157

30

Pets allowed

25+

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, 960 M St., Gering staycobblestone.com

308-633-7660 888-693-8262

54

24-hour convenience store, complimentary hot breakfast, fitness center, indoor pool, onsite beer and wine bar

95+

100+

90+

Hotel 21 & Co. 2605 10th St., Gering hotel-21-gering.com

308-633-5795

32

Elegant hotel suites, private off-street parking, meeting-banquet facilities, 24-hour front desk, lounge and bar, free Wi-Fi, family and business suites, fitness center and coffee and tea makers in all rooms.

Monument Inn & Suites, 1130 M St., Gering monumentinnsuites.com

308-436-1950 866-436-1950

60

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast and we allow dogs.

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES 38+

CAMPGROUNDS Peaceful Prairie Campgrounds, 140170 County Road 20 – Gering, peacefulprairiecampsites.com

308-672-1114

April 1Nov 10

On 200 acres of stunning prairie featuring excellent hiking, drinking water, cell phone reception, a portable toilet, nearby access to electricity and an outdoor shower.

Minimum 2-night stay. Book through website using Hipcamp or The Dyrt

Robidoux RV Park, 585 Five Rocks Rd., 1/2 mi. S. of Jct. of Hwy 92 & Five Rocks Road, Gering. gering.org/robidoux-rv-park

308-436-2046

Year Round

49 RV sites: Electricity, water, sewer and Wi-Fi. Showers, flush toilets, meeting room with kitchen and playground. Tent sites.

16-40

Year Round

12 Campsites; 5 support smaller RV’s. All basic sites, 2 vault latrines and water available at the Nature Center. No hookups for water or power.

15 – NE Park Permit Required

Wildcat Hills SRA, 210615 Hwy 71, Gering outdoornebraska.gov

308-436-3777

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

308-635-2277

Championship 18-hole golf course with 4 tees ranging from 4901 to 6870 yards. Fun and challenging course for players of all levels. Amenities: Driving range, putting green, full-service restaurant and the most scenic views of Scotts Bluff National Monument

29-48

Monument Shadows Golf Course 2550 Clubhouse Dr., Gering. monument-shadows.com

Scottsbluff

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Candlelight Inn, 1822 E. 20th Place, Scottsbluffs

308-635-3751

56

Wheelchair accessible, outdoor pool, free continental breakfast

51-75+

Capri Motel, 2424 Ave. I, Scottsbluff

308-635-2057

30

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

1-50

Comfort Inn, 1902 21st Ave., Scottsbluff www.choicehotels.com

308-632-7510

49

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

75+

EconoLodge, 2202 Delta Dr., Scottsbluff www.choicehotels.com

308-275-4555

55

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

59-75

Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott, 902 Winter Creek Dr., Scottsbluff, www.marriott.com/hotels

308-633-3500

85

Wheelchair accessible, free Wi-Fi, free parking, balcony, outdoor fire pit, complimentary hot breakfast, pool & spa

75+

Hampton Inn & Suites Conference Center 301 W. Hwy 26, Jct of Ave B & Hwy 26, Scottsbluff www.hampton-inn.com

308-635-5200 800-HAMPTON

81

Meeting rooms onsite, Indoor Pool and Spa, Fitness Room, Wheelchair accessible and free continental breakfast.

75+

Scottsbluff Cont. »

Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 35

Come live the timeless stories of the Nebraska prairie.

2930 Old Oregon Trail Gering, NE 69341

308-436-1989 info@legacyoftheplains.org

BEEF, BEANS & BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 3 R D A N N UA L

Call for Tee Times

308.635.2277

or Book Online at

monument-shadows.com

One of the region’s largest events, highlighting the local beef & bean industries!

Friday, August 21

Kickoff Dinner at Weborg 21 Centre in Gering

Saturday, August 22 Downtown Scottsbluff

Sunday, August 23 Frank Park in Scottsbluff

Live music from both local and out-of-state bands, 100-plus market vendors, food & drink vendors, huge inflatables, car show, chef demos, contests for kids and adults, educational booths, free food samples, street performers, circus acts, games & activities, kickball and corn hole tournaments, beer garden, and more!

For more information, visit the festival’s Facebook page (Beef, Beans & Bluegrass Festival) or website at beefbeansbluegrass.com.

Find your next

ADVENTURE. WestNebraska.com 36 • Destination western nebraska 2025

« ScottsBluff Cont.

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Holiday Inn Express, 1821 Frontage Rd., Scottsbluff www.hiexpress.com/scottsbluffne

308-632-1000

70

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast

75+

Lamplighter American Inn, 606 E. 27th St., Scottsbluff

308-632-7108

40

Restaurant on premises, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

50

Scottsbluff Days Inn, 1901 21st Ave., Scottsbluff www. daysinn.com

308-635-3111

136

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

75+

UNIQUE LODGING

PHONE

Elderberry Lane, on old Oregon Trail Rd., 3 mi. W. of Scottsbluff, https://elderberrylane.com

308-632-8647

100-year-old barn in the shadow of Scotts Bluff National Monument, private rooms, full breakfast

75+

YMCA Trails West Camp, 1918 S Beltline Hwy, Scottsbluff, www.ymcaofscottsbluff.org

308-635-2318

Best views of Scotts Bluff National Monument right out of your cabin door; full-service cabins, outdoor pool and wheelchair accessible.

•

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

Riverview Country Club, 100928 Cty Rd. 19, Scottsbluff

308-635-1555

18 holes, public

Under 115

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

Captain Critter Campgrounds, 180454, US-26, Scottsbluff, www.captaincritters.com

308-765-4260

Year Round

36 sites-all pull thru with full hookups, electricity, fresh potable water, sewer at all sites, free Wi-Fi, mature shade trees at most sites.

45

Riverside Campground, 1514 Beltline Hwy W.S. www.scottsbluff.org

308-632-6342

May 1Sept. 30

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 43 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 50 tents

•

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Bridgeport, Broadwater & Bayard HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

Cobblestone Inn & Suites, 517 Main St., Bridgeport

308-262-7900

35

Modern room, fitness center, beer and wine bar

109-135

Los Tres Gallos (The Three Roosters) N. US Hwy 385, Bridgeport

308-262-5434

22

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

51-75

Mac's Meadow Park Motel & RV Park, 2 mi. N.W. on US Hwy 385 to Mile Marker 77, Bridgeport

308-279-1176

8

Pets allowed

65+

UNIQUE LODGING

PHONE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

The Farm House B&B 102 E. Guthrie St., Broadwater

308-279-1024

Hunters, friends and family alike will enjoy a step down memory lane in this historic bed and breakfast with a homestyle breakfast.

The Hatheway House B&B 502 N Starr St, Broadwater

308-279-1024

Two story renovated and furnished home with 4 bedrooms.

(6 beds range from twin to Queen. Full kitchen, 2 baths

65+

$250/nite

bridgeport, broadwater & bayard » Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 37

« bridgeport, broadwater & bayard

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

Bridgeport SRA, N.W. on US Hwy 26, Bridgeport www.outdoornebraska.gov

308-436-3777

Year Round

RV Amenities: water, room for 50 trailers.

Rest Facilities: pit toilets. Four sandpit lakes totaling 78 acres. Camping: 100 tents

6 NE Park Permit

Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing, 3 mi. S. of Bayard at Jct Cty Rd. 75 & Hwy 92 www.chimneyrockpioneercrossing.com

308-631-4478

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 16 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 30 tents

20-30

Meadow Park Annex RV, 2 mi. N. on US Hwy 385, Mile Marker 77, Bridgeport www.outdoornebraska.gov

308-262-0410

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 18 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush and pit toilets. Camping: 10 tents

•

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

Chimney Rock Golf Course N. US Hwy 26, Bayard

308-586-1606

9, public

Under 15

Courthouse & Jail Rock Golf Course 5 mi. S. on Hwy 88, Bridgeport

308-262-9925

9, public

Under 15

Morrill, Mitchell & Minatare HOTELS & MOTELS

Oak Tree Inn 707 E. Webster, US Hwy 26, Morrill

UNIQUE LODGING Angel Wing Outfitters, 400 3rd St. Gering www.angelwingoutfitters.com

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

ROOMS

308-247-2111

97

AMENITIES

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, pets allowed

RATE RANGE 51-75

PHONE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

308-641-3528

•

•

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

Lake Minatare SRA 7 mi. of Minatare on Stonegate Rd.

308-783-2911

•

RV Amenities: water, room for 50 trailers Rest facilities: showers, flush and pit toilets Camping: 110 tents

7-18 NE Park Permit

Scenic Knolls Campground 20548 Hwy 29, Mitchell, www.mitchellcity.net

308-623-2468

Mar.-Sept.

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 6 trailers

15

Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds, 130625 Cty Rd. E. Mitchell, www.scottsbluffcountyfair.net

308-623-1828

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 80+ trailers. Rest facilities: showers, flush toilets, 14+ tents Horse boarding: $10

15

Zeigler Park, 1280 Center Ave., Mitchell www.mitchellcity.net

308-623-1616

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, room for 4 trailers Rest facilities: flush toilets

5

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

Rolling Green Golf Course, 520 Railroad St., Morrill

308-247-2817

9 holes, public

Under 15

Scenic Knolls, 20458 Hwy 29, Mitchell

308-623-2468

9 holes, public

Under 15

38 • Destination western nebraska 2025

Oregon Trail

Lewellen, Lisco & Oshkosh HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

Lewellen Lodge & Living, 215 E. Church St., Lewellen www.lewellenlodge.com

308-672-0690

22

Wheelchair accessible, workout room, pets allowed

65-100

Marina Landing, 5051 Albees, Hwy 92, mile marker 127, Lewellen, www.lakemacmarinalanding.com

308-355-3535 888-767-7791

8

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises

51-75

Mesa View Lodge NE Hwy 92 W, Lewellen, Lake McConaughy

308-355-5000 888-568-7620

10

Pets allowed

1-75

Otter Creek Lodge, 100 Otter Creek Ct., Lewellen, Lake McConaughy, 12 mi. from dam on Hwy 92

308-355-2372

9

Restaurant on premises, pets allowed

1-50

Riverview Lodge & Events Center, 14518 Rd. 70, 1 mi. S., 1 mi. W., Lisco, www.riverviewlodgelisco.com

308-772-3829

11

Full bath, satellite TV, hair dryer, broadband internet, handicap accessible, microwave and refrigerator

81-119

Shady Rest, 201 Main Street, Oshkosh www.visitgardenco.com

308-772-4111

12

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed

1-75

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

UNIQUE LODGING

PHONE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Clear Creek Retreat, 2220 Road West O N., Lewellen

308-778-9546

Three bedrooms, full kitchen; cater to hunters and fishermen

90+

Gander Inn B&B 105 E. Church St., Lewellen

308-778-5616

Small-town peaceful setting. Game room & gift shop.

Wheelchair accessible, rooms with private and shared baths, full breakfast. Meals arranged around guests

51-75+

Hunt the Rackett 9250 Rd. 193, Lewellen, www.hunttherackett.com

303-680-2462

Private sleeping quarters, clubhouse, dining hall, weathertight dog kennels

200+

Nancy B's Backyard Bunkhouse, 19150 Rd. 44, US Hwy 26 to Rd. 44 W., Lewellen, www.ilovelakemac.com

308-778-5408

3-bedroom guesthouse or tepee, continental breakfast

51-75+

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

Highway 26 RV Park and Camping 311 Home St., Lewellen, www.hwy26rvpark.com

308-778-9552

•

RV Amenities: electricity, water. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: available

Call for rates

Oregon Trail Campsite, 402 W. Ave. A, Oshkosh www.oregontrailcampsite.com

308-778-7395

Apr. 1-Nov. 1

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 15 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 7 tents

Call for rates

Oregon Trail Trading Post E. of Lewellen on US Hwy 26

308-778-5879

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 8 trailers. Rest Facilities: pit toilets. Camping: 8 tents. Cabin Rentals: 10

Call for rates

Pleasant View Lodge at Otter Creek 1290 NE Hwy 92 W, Lewellen

308-355-5000 888-568-7620

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 15 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 7 tents

5-20 fees

GOLF COURSES Oshkosh Country Club South Hwy 27, 2 mi., Oshkosh

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

308-772-3881

9 holes, public

18

Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 39

40 • Destination western nebraska 2025

NORTH PLATTE MAXWELL • BRADY HERSHEY • SUTHERLAND SIDNEY • POTTER LODGEPOLE • DALTON GURLEY • LEMOYNE OGALLALA • KEYSTONE PAXTON • BRULE BIG SPRINGS • CHAPPELL KIMBALL • HARRISBURG HISTORY ABOUNDS IN NEBRASKA'S WILD WEST Outlaw Sam Bass got away with $60,000 in gold and currency he stole from a train at Big Springs. Is the missing gold buried nearby?

Maybe. Who knows?

This is just one of the questions raised from Wild West folklore—stories that continue today and drive interest in Nebraska’s Wild West.

Buffalo Bill is a big part of those old tales. He dreamed big, and he dreamed up his Wild West Show in North Platte. Today, the Golden Spike Tower provides a bird’s eye view of Bailey Yard, the world’s largest railroad classification yard.

You can’t drive I-80 through Nebraska without hearing the call from Chappell and its 52-by-100-foot American flag painted on towering grain silos. Come create your own stories in Nebraska’s Wild West.

Sidney Golf pictured left

Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 41

North Platte |

pg. 50

North Platte boasts a heritage of hospitality dating back to one of its most famous residents, Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody.

In 1878 Buffalo Bill settled in North Platte and built Scout’s Rest Ranch. He and his wife Louisa loved to entertain. They welcomed locals as well as dignitaries from across the nation and around the world. Buffalo Bill State Historical Park showcases their Victorian home, expansive horse barn, and outbuildings of Scout’s Rest Ranch. The site features Wild West Show memorabilia, period household furnishings, shaded picnic areas, and easy walking trails.

During World War II, North Platte continued this spirit of hospitality by starting the North Platte Canteen. Everyone in the community pitched in to greet and serve over six million service men and women with food, drinks, gifts, and much needed kindness. As you step through the doors of the Lincoln County Historical Museum, you will find a wide array of local history, including the story of the North Platte Canteen and how a case of mistaken identity started this selfless act. Behind the museum is a village of historical buildings, including a genuine Pony Express station and the old Fort McPherson headquarters.

You will notice that the legacy of the North Platte Canteen is sprinkled across the city, including the newly renovated downtown area. Now known as the Canteen District, this area is thriving with unique shops, restaurants and historical buildings. The 1913 Federal building now houses the Prairie Arts Center, which host art galleries, classes and many other unique events. The Carnegie Library is home to the North Platte Area Children’s Museum, a fun hands-on learning center offering children a place to experience the wonders of science, technology, culture and the arts. The historic Fox Theater is still entertaining North Platte with the North Platte Community Playhouse hosting live theater throughout the year as well as playing movies. Tour the historical Canteen District for an experience you won't soon forget.

Located just south of Interstate 80, the 20th Century Veterans Memorial honors all military men and women of the past century. A brick bas-relief sculpture depicts the major wars from World War I to the Persian Gulf. Bronze statues depict the United States armed forces and the women of the North Platte World War II Canteen. Located next to the Veterans Memorial the Lincoln County Law Enforcement Memorial honors law enforcement members who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

42 • Destination western nebraska 2025

North Platte is also the home of Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard. This is the world’s largest classification rail yard, and it covers nearly 3,000 acres.

More than 10,000 rail cars pass through daily.

The Golden Spike Tower rises eight stories above Bailey Yard to give visitors a bird’s-eye view of the operation. An elevator takes visitors to the seventh floor open-air observation deck, or the eighth floor for a one-of-a-kind enclosed viewing experience. This incredible view is something you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Another North Platte treasure is Fort Cody Trading Post. You can’t miss this unique building, which resembles a frontier fortress. Take a step inside Fort Cody, and you will find Nebraska’s largest souvenir and western gift shop, plus a museum with authentic Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild West memorabilia. Near the back, a mini mechanized Wild West Show is on display with 20,000 handcarved pieces. This one-of-a-kind machine comes to life every half hour with moving parts and storytelling. The surprises don’t end there, though, as they also have a taxidermied two-headed calf on display. Out back, there is a stockade complete with a jail, wagons, and a log cabin. Each summer the Fort Cody Summer Music Series takes place here under the watchful eye of one of the few remaining Muffler Man sculptures, now decorated as a Native American.

The Buffalo Bill theme doesn’t end there. He is also memorialized at Cody Park on North U.S. Highway 83. The Wild West Memorial is at the entrance of the park and includes a bronze statue of Cody as well as a flag from each state and nation where his Wild West show performed. As you continue into the park, you will find the Cody Park Railroad Museum, where you can sit in the driver’s seat of a Union Pacific 3900 Series Challenger locomotive and a diesel locomotive. Railroad history can be found in the train cars behind the Challenger, and you can check out the old depot that was brought to the park from the neighboring town of Hershey.

After the train museum, stop at the concession stand, where you will find some of the best soft serve ice cream, as well as other sweet treats and snacks. There is an antique carousel, ferris wheel, and other fun rides that every kid is sure to love. The park is also home to animals that you can watch and feed such as bison, deer, elk, peacocks, llamas, and more.

North Platte is also located along America’s Great Platte River Road, which means that it is rich in the great westward migration history.

ce sin 63 19 North Platte's Premier Roadside Attraction!

I-80 & Hwy 83 Interchange • 221 Halligan Drive • North Platte • (308) 532-8081 Monuments for the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, California Trail, and the Pony Express can be found in the area. North of Sutherland on Prairie Trace Road, remnants of the Mormon Trail can be seen. At the Sutherland Eastbound Inter-

A YEAR OF FUN - A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES

state 80 rest area there are remains of ruts left by pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail.

For a true Nebraska experience you can tank down the North Platte river with Dusty Trails, LLC. The perfect vessel for a lazy river float happens to be an empty cattle tank filled with chairs, a cooler, and friends. Nothing says summer like a great day on the river. If water sports aren’t your thing, Dusty Trails also offers horseback riding and a petting zoo.

If you are looking for a fun place to stop and stretch your legs Cody Go Karts has fun for the whole family with two go-kart tracks, bumper boat and water slides. Next door you will find a mini golf experience you won’t soon forget at Crystal Cave and Falls Adventure Mini Golf with beautiful botanical gardens, caves, waterfalls and more.

To unwind from a long day of traveling, you can stop at one of North Platte’s local breweries.

Pals Brewing Company offers unique craft beer, like their Jalapeno Cream Ale. They also offer a full menu of pizza and appetizers. Peg Leg Brewing is another local favorite and offers a variety of wonderful craft beers, including their Irish Red. Peg Leg often hosts food trucks and has a great snack menu. APEShip Brewing is a quirky brewery located in the Canteen District. Offering delicious craft beer such as their Nauti Booty Blonde and great menu including Pig Wings! If wine is more your style, then a stop at Feather River Vineyard is a must. The mineral rich soil offers a unique flavor to their wine made from grapes grown right on-site.

Save by using promo code:

WESTERNNE

GETOUTpass.com

If you are looking for a unique shopping experience, Grain Bin Antique Town is the place for you! What started as a “She Shed” has blossomed into a boardwalk of 20 antique grain bins and a barn filled with all the antiques you can imagine.

The North Platte River Valley is also home to the magnificent Sandhill Crane Migration.

Each spring hundreds of thousands of Sandhill Cranes stop in Nebraska to fuel up before heading on north to their breeding grounds.

While they are here, they spend their days in cornfields and meadows eating grains and bugs and their evenings bedding down in the shallow rivers. Dusty Trails offers morning viewing blinds, evening viewing blinds, and afternoon bus tours that allow guests to experience this incredible migration.

Five miles south of town, Lake Maloney State Recreation Area provides fishing, boating, camping, and picnicking as well as archery, golf and wildlife watching. For indoor recreation, visitors can head to WB’s Fun Center for bowling, laser tag, and more. Axes and Aces is another great stop for indoor fun, they offer axe throwing, a golf simulator and pickleball.

»

Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 43

Banner County Historical Museum

CANTEEN CRUISEFEST

March. Every year beginning in late February, hundreds of thousands of Sandhill Cranes migrate into the Platte River Valley in Lincoln County. They will spend about six weeks here, roosting in the river bottoms at night and spending their days in the cornfields, alfalfa, and meadows between North Platte and Sutherland. Dusty Trails offers multiple viewing experiences for this magnificent migration. visitnorthplatte.com/springbirding

July. Calling all car buffs, enthusiasts and admirers. Rev up your engine and show off what you have at the Canteen CruiseFest or just come to admire all the cars. There will be music, food, kids’ activities and more. visitnorthplatte.com/ canteen-cruisefest

NEBRASKALAND DAYS June. NEBRASKAland Days is the official celebration of the State of Nebraska, held annually the third week of June. The excitement kicks off with four nights of the legendary PRCA Buffalo Bill Rodeo and closes with the Summer Jam Concert Series. This year the performers will be Treaty Oak Revival and Zach Top. Other activities include a craft beer festival, parade, art show, quilt show, pork breakfast, and more.

NEBRASKAlandDAYS.com

FORT CODY SUMMER MUSIC SERIES Summer. Managed by NRoute Entertainment, the Fort Cody Summer Music Series has been entertaining music lovers since 2011, every Thursday night in the summer running from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Bring your favorite lawn chair and join us! Single admission or season tickets available.

July. The North Platte Pow Wow showcases Native American dancing, singing, and drumming.

There are contests for traditional, fancy, jingle dress, and grass dances. There are also special dances for golden age, tiny tot, and veteran participants. A special dance for local interest is the Men’s Chicken Dance, which mimics the dancing rituals of the Greater Prairie Chicken. visitnorthplatte.com/north-platte-pow-wow

44 • Destination western nebraska 2025

1 hr.

3 min

Bushnell 30

yenne m Che

Kimball

Plains Historical Society Dix

18 min

71

Tri-State Marker Nebraska’s Highest Point 1 Panorama Point

August. Where would you expect to find the greatest rail celebration in the world? Why, at the home of the world’s largest rail yard! The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center invites you to North Platte to experience our incredible railroad heritage held annually in early August. Rail Days is the one and only time throughout the year when visitors can experience Bailey Yard up close and personal with a motorcoach tour through the yard. goldenspiketower.com

« North Platte offers two 18-hole golf courses, so

WESTERN NEBRASKA CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL AND BOOTS N' BEEF MUSIC FESTIVAL

When Fort Cottonwood was renamed Fort McPherson in 1886, its soldiers were already fetching great tasting water from the well of John “Mac” McCullough. Soon, other travelers were also stopping for this crisp, refreshing treat. As the community formed, it was decided to name it after Mac’s well—and Maxwell was born.

Maxwell remains a welcoming community today. A Veterans Memorial honoring local veterans adorns the route through town to Fort McPherson National Cemetery, south of Maxwell. Soldiers from conflicts dating back to the Indian Wars, including at least four Medal of Honor recipients, are interred here. The original Pony Express route and Oregon Trail passed through what is now the national cemetery. One mile southeast of the cemetery, a stone monument marks the sight of the original frontier military post.

August. Hosted by Pals Brewing Company this two day festival features a Craft Beer Festival for your chance to taste wonderful craft beer from across the state. The Boots N' Beef Music Festival is a day packed with live music, great food and local vendors. You won’t want to miss either of these events! palsbrewingcompany.com/beerfest

FALL FUN October. If you are looking for fall fun in North Platte there are two great pumpkin patches that are sure to get you in the autumn mood.

Homestead Pumpkin Patch features a corn maze, zip lines, a bounce pillow, and much more.

Dusty’s Pumpkin Fest at the Cody’s is brought to you by Dusty Trails and has a corn crib, horse drawn hayrack rides, a petting zoo, and more.

There really is no better way to spend a fall day! visitnorthplatte.com

Every December North Platte transforms into a winter wonderland of Christmas lights. Visit Buffalo Bill State Historical Park to see the house and barn all decked out with holiday cheer during Christmas at the Cody’s. Every building at the Lincoln County Historical Museum also gets lit up with tons of lights and decorations for their Christmas Village. Cody Park joins in the holiday spirit with Santa’s Workshop which has over a dozen tiny, animated houses. visitnorthplatte.com/holiday-fun

plan to play a round at Lake Maloney Golf Course, or River’s Edge Golf Course—or check out Indian Meadows for a beautiful nine-hole course.

For more information about North Platte, contact Visit North Platte at (800) 955-4528 or visitnorthplatte.com.

Maxwell

Maxwell Heritage Days, generally held the third weekend in August, welcomes visitors and former residents home to celebrate the community. Activities include a Bratwurst feed, live music, car show, parade, kids’ fun in the park, sand volleyball, and a demolition derby.

Brady

Railroad Museum Potter

Duckpin 39 min Bowling Alley

Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area

Fro

2

NORTH PLATTE RAIL DAYS

CHRISTMAS IN NORTH PLATTE NORTH PLATTE POW WOW

88

71

SANDHILL CRANES

March-April. In the Spring, the hearts of the Nebraska Greater Prairie Chickens turn towards love. To successfully attract a female mate, the male prairie chickens must impress them with their dancing prowess. Males will gather in large numbers on dancing grounds known as leks. They will cackle, jump, and stomp their feet, sometimes scuffling with a rival. Dusty Trails hosts an excursion to a large, busy lek south of Sutherland. visitnorthplatte.com/springbirding

Chimney Rock Brid National Historic Site

Harrisburg

2026 Events

PRAIRIE CHICKEN DANCE

Chimney Rock Pony Express Station 27 min Gering to Bayard

Lincoln County

Bayar Rock

McGrew

Wildcat Hills Nature Center

On the eastern end of Nebraska’s Wild West Country, Brady is home to several outdoor adventures. Jeffery Canyon Reservoir, known for its massive flathead catfish and large mouth bass, is five miles south and one mile west of Brady.

Recreation Area

rd Chimney k Museum

National Wildlife Refuge

25

Northport Pioneer Trails Museum

dgeport

92

Court House and Jail Rocks

61

Arthur

Wes te

rn T rails

27

Byw

ay

hP

Dalton

92

latt

eR

ive

53 min.

r

Fort Sidney Post Commander’s Home

Sidney

27

Lodgepole Depot Museum

29 min.

Oshkosh

385

92

18 min.

Gurley

n By 3 wa y 80

Ringold Stapleton

Historical Museum

26

L incol

Tryon

Lisco Nort

Prairie Schooner Museum

83

Broadwater

54 min.

Lewellen

6 Haythorn

Ash Hollow State Historical Park

97

32 min.

92

Kingsley Dam/ Hydro Plant

44 min.

50 min.

13

Sunol

30 Lodgepole Pony Express 4 California Hill 5 National Historical Marker Chappell Monument Brule Hillside Sudman-Neumann 16 min Golf Cabela’s Retail Store 30 min. Sidney to Chappell Heritage House Big Springs 30 80 and Wildlife Exhibit Bergstrom Rock & 19 Course Mansion on 39 min.

Gem Collection Lorenzo the Hill Ogallala to Chappell

Buffalo Bill State Historical Park

Sutherland Hershey

Little Church Boot Hill of Keystone Roscoe

Petrified Wood Gallery

61

Golden Spike Tower & Visitors Fort Cody Center Trading Post

Sutherland Reservoir

47 min.

Ogallala to North Platte

North Platte

8

7

Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge

9 11

30

Paxton

Brady

80

Fort McPherson National Cemetery

Lake Maloney

25

Maxwell 10

30 From

Om aha Mormon

Trail

30 min.

40 min.

North Platte to Dickens

Madrid Brandon 15 min.

Grant

Elsie

57 min.

Grant to Dickens

Oregon Trail

Dickens Grainton

Wallace

23

83

Attractions #WILD WEST| 1 Panorama Point 2 Potter sundry 3 Lincoln Highway 4 National Pony Express monument 5 Cabela's 6 Haythorn ranch

Potters Pasture, in the beautiful hills south of Brady, consists of 1,300 acres of privately owned land crisscrossed with 15 miles of mountain biking trails and is open to the public. Old Depot Winery, a family-friendly winery with delicious Nebraska wine and menu items.

In August, this small town celebrates Brady Days in a big way with a barbecue meal, classic car show, live music, children’s games, a parade, and more.

Hershey

Along Highway 30, Veterans Memorial Park has a half-mile long walking trail, playground equipment, and outdoor exercise equipment.

The local baseball and softball fields are also located in the park.

Hershey Fall Fest is held the last week in August and provides family fun for residents and visitors alike.

7 Sutherland reservoir 8 golden Spike tower at bailey yard 9 buffalo bill ranch state historical park 10 fort mcPherson national cemetery 11 bird watching

Sutherland |

pg. 52

Sutherland Reservoir offers swimming, camping, birdwatching, and fishing. Releases of warm water from the Gerald Gentleman Station power plant means open water fishing opportunities all year long. The reservoir is also home to hundreds of Bald Eagles and thousands of waterfowl.

Oregon Trail Golf Course is a nine-hole course on the north shore of the Sutherland Reservoir.

The course’s grass bunkers challenge even the best golfers.

Anchor Memorial Park in the northeast part of town has a dog park, playground, and disc golf course. The local swimming pool located just off Highway 30 has a zero-depth entrance, small frog slide, and a big water slide. It’s the perfect place to go for a summer cool down.

You can also visit the Sutherland History Center, which features memorabilia and biographies of Sutherland’s citizens, school, civic, and business community.

Prehistoric Wonders Settling the west The Great OutDoors Pioneer trails One-of-a-Kinds Unique Geology Welcome Centers/Rest Areas

The annual Independence Day celebration is one of the largest in the area. The festivities include a rodeo on July 3rd and 4th, plus a full day of family fun and entertainment on July 4th.

Sidney |

pg. 53

Let’s step back in time to the year 1875. What was once a town of 500 people was now the jumping-off point for fortune seekers headed to the Black Hills of South Dakota. The following year, up to 1,500 people a day passed through the dusty streets of Sidney. It was what every great western movie was made of, with the rumored 80 saloons, gaming halls, brothels, and dance halls that lined the streets along the tracks. Business was booming, and the town had earned a reputation as “The Toughest Town on the Tracks,” “Wickedest Town in the West,” and the one that stuck — “Sinful Sidney.”

»

Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 45

The Sidney Aquatic Center features a six-lane competition pool, Tree House Slide, and Water Bug spray dome, offering aquatic fun for all ages. Open late May through early August.

Overlooking town, Hillside Municipal Golf Course incorporates Sidney’s rugged western terrain into an 18-hole adventure with stunning canyon views. 308-254-2311.

« As the legend of the town grew, so did its population. Some of the biggest names of the Old West walked these streets — Buffalo Bill Cody, Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Butch Cassidy, Doc Middleton, and Walter Reed all had Sidney dust on their boots. Between 1876 to 1881, over 1,000 murder cases were prosecuted here. The robberies, murders, and hangings prompted trains to stop a mile out of town to let passengers off, then lock their doors as they passed through Sidney. When business began to suffer, local merchants took matters into their own hands by rounding up 16 of the worst offenders — ending in a public hanging from the courthouse tree.

The rowdy days of Sidney are long gone, but its colorful history is still embraced. Sidney is the only Western Nebraska community with a “Historic District” designation, with 29 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can enjoy a GPS-enabled walking tour of highlighted downtown buildings and historic sites by downloading the TravelStorys app for Apple or Android devices, or by visiting travelstorys.com. While on the tour, stop in at the shops, Western Drug—a locally owned pharmacy known for its great selection of gifts and the popular “cowpie” treat made by Old West Kettle Fudge—as well as the restaurants, brewery, and theater in historic downtown.

To explore Sidney’s rich frontier history, start at Camp Lookout, located at 940 East Elm Street.

Built in 1867, it originally housed soldiers from Fort Sedgwick, Colorado, who were sent to protect railroad surveyors and workers. The eight-room blockhouse, later used as a local jail and gold vault lookout, was restored by the Boot Hill Restoration Committee. To schedule a tour, call 308-254-5395.

46 • Destination western nebraska 2025

Sidney Boot Hill Cemetery was active from 1868 to 1894 and became a national story in 1922 when the U.S. government exhumed and relocated 21 soldiers to Fort McPherson.

After decades of farmland use, locating their graves required uncovering more than 200 others — leaving an unknown number behind.

The cemetery has since been restored, with a monument telling its story. To schedule a tour, call 308-254-5395.

In 1869, the outpost at Fort Sedgwick was relocated and renamed Fort Sidney Barracks. At its height, the fort included 40 buildings, from officers’ quarters and hospitals to stables and shops. Three original buildings are all that remain of the historical Fort Sidney and are owned by the Cheyenne County Historical Association. The Officers Quarters are now the home of Cheyenne County Museum and located at the corner of 6th Ave. and Jackson Street. The Post Commander’s Home has been restored with original and period furnishings.

The third building is the fort's powder magazine.

It is an octagonal stone structure that is located at 1047 5th Ave. All three buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Fort Sidney Complex is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Annual Christmas Lamplight tours are a popular attraction.

Legion Park is one of Sidney’s most scenic community spaces, encompassing the Memorial Gardens, Angel of Hope, War Memorial with Nebraska’s tallest flagpole (140 feet tall with a 20-by-38-foot flag), a large inclusive playground, a peaceful pond, picnic areas, a shelter house, and the Sidney–Deadwood Walking Trail, a 4.45mile route that winds through beautiful parts of the city.

Sidney, now home to about 6,300 residents, is also where brothers Dick and Jim Cabela founded the “World’s Foremost Outfitter.”

Visit Cabela’s first retail store at 115 Cabela Drive to see the original “Cabela’s Mountain,” featuring mounted wildlife from around the world. Nearby, travelers can also visit the Pony Express National Monument, visible from I-80, commemorating Sidney’s link to this historic route.

For more information about Sidney, contact Cheyenne County Visitors Center. (308)254-4030.

Potter |

pg. 53

Visit Potter as you travel along the historic Lincoln Highway or zip across the state on I-80. When you first cross the tracks into town, you will see the Railroad Park complete with playground and lots of shade for a quick picnic. Bags Bar is located on the corner with the mural painting of Herbie Husker and serves lunch and dinner (308)316-4227. The original 1913 route of the Lincoln Highway was rerouted through downtown because of a large livestock operation where the Potter State Bank stands today with the only ATM available (308)879-4451.

The Potter Sundry – home of the famous Tin Roof Sundae is open for breakfast and lunch Monday-Saturday (308)225-0740. Next door, you will find A Collective Gathering featuring local artisans with antiques, collectibles, and handmade gifts (308)879-4311. The only operational Duckpin Bowling Alley this side of the Mississippi River is upstairs and operated by the Potter Lions Club (308)-879-4451.

Up the street, you will find a delightful coffee shop and tap room converted from a 1930’s service station.

The Visitors Center on the east side of Chestnut Street has clean public restrooms and information about the area’s attractions.

Potter has two museums preserving the local history of agriculture and pioneer life. Call (308) 879-4332 to set up a time to visit both.

Three miles east of Potter on U.S. Highway 30 is the Point of Rocks, or Buffalo Bend. There were several notable clashes between railroad crews and Native Americans here; this spot is the sharpest curve along the Union Pacific Railroad.

Check out the golf course and lodging options in Potter on page 53.

For more information about Potter, contact Cheyenne County Visitors Center. (308)254-4030.

Lodgepole

Lodgepole honors its founders during Old Settlers’ Days Celebration with a barbeque, parade, and tractor pull on Labor Day weekend.

Lodgepole Depot Museum, 722 McCall Street, displays Pony Express items and antique farm implements. Wheelchair Accessible.

(308) 483-5353.

For more information about Potter, contact Cheyenne County Visitors Center. (308)254-4030.

Dalton

South Park has picnic areas, a playground, and a basketball court. North Park has plenty of shade and the Prairie Schooner Museum along HWY 385 (Gold Rush Byway). It features a log cabin and detailed railroad engine models (308) 377-2413.

For more information about Potter, contact Cheyenne County Visitors Center. (308)254-4030.

Gurley

Fanny’s Fruit Farm & Pumpkin Patch celebrates summer and fall with pick-your-own berries and pumpkins. Plenty of activities abound for the whole family during October at the pumpkin patch. Enjoy snacks and warm beverages at the Carriage House year-round. 11549 Rd. 4.

(308) 249-2990.

For more information about Potter, contact Cheyenne County Visitors Center. (308)254-4030.

Lemoyne |

pg. 55

The original community of Lemoyne was flooded when Lake McConaughy filled in 1941. In dry summers, the old foundations of its buildings are sometimes exposed. The relocated community is holding its own today. With sandy beaches, boat docks, recreational facilities, fuel, bait, food, resorts, lodging, and storage available nearby, little Lemoyne is a relaxing place to be for a hot day, summer or lifetime.

Sidney

2026 Events

GOLD RUSH DAYS

Second weekend in June. Sidney relives its historic role as a jumping off point for prospectors traveling the Sidney-Deadwood Trail.

The Old West comes alive with this outdoor festival including cannon firing, live music, and demonstrations of blacksmithing, spinning, woodworking, weaving, and gold panning. www.SidneyGoldRushDays.org

CHEYENNE COUNTY FAIR & RODEO Late July. This county fair reaches to the roots of such events with 4-H exhibits, livestock shows, barrel racing, PRCA Rodeo, carnival, fair food, tractor pull, live concert, and a Rubber Check Race. www.CheyenneCountyFair.com

SIDNEY OKTOBERFEST First full weekend in October. Continuous free entertainment and a great variety of food and beer from noon to midnight on Friday and Saturday in the big tent plus two buildings of crafts, and Wiener Dog Races at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds. Plus, a parade downtown on Saturday morning. www.SidneyOktoberfest.org

ALL IS BRIGHT CHRISTMAS TOUR Weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit starting the Saturday following Thanksgiving and happening every weekend leading up to Christmas. All nights are from 4pm to 8pm.

This family-friendly event is completely free and features enchanting light displays, reindeer stables, Santa’s workshop, activities for children, and a nativity scene. www.VisitSidneyNE.com/events

Potter

2026 Events

POTTER CAR BOWL

Last Saturday in June. Enjoy a car show, BBQ competition, beer garden, duckpin bowling, craft show, live bands, food vendors, and other fun activities to benefit local nonprofit groups. www.LincolnHighwayCruisers.com

POTTER DAYS Labor Day Weekend. This annual event includes a 5k color run, cornhole tournament, prize drawings, food vendors, golf tournament, parade, live music, free family entertainment, Tin Roof Sundae eating contest, duckpin bowling, and more.

ROD & ROLL CAR SHOW

PNCC

First Saturday in October. Show and shine care show in Sidney’s Legion Park held annually by Cruise ‘N Class Car Club. www.SidneyCruiseNClass.org

Labor Day Weekend. Potter, NE was host to off-road and enduro races in the mid 70’s, now the next generation in our small community is bringing back this exciting style of racing - PNCC is a CORCS sanctioned event spanning over 200 acres with classes for pro, amateur, and youth riders. After the race, stay for the PNCC Party in the Pasture featuring live music and a beer garden. www.PNCCracing.com

LAMPLIGHT TOURS Select Weekends in December. Fort Sidney Museum and Post Commander’s Home come alive every year for this festive event. Enjoy hot cider and cookies while touring historic rooms extravagantly decorated for the holidays. www.

FortSidney.org

»

Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 47

« Vogl’s Lodge & Lure offers lodging, fishing tackle, supplies, fuel, groceries, and bait just north of Highway 92. (308) 355-2321.

Travelers can join locals for homemade lunches, see a display of fossils found near the lake, and receive fishing advice at Lemoyne Senior Center.

(308) 726-5753.

Visitors to Nebraska’s “Cowboy Capital” can enjoy Wild West entertainment at Front Street.

Crystal Palace Revue and Shoot Out is Nebraska’s longest-running summer theater, a musical comedy family show where dance hall girls kick up their heels and shots ring out. Adjacent attractions are Front Street Steakhouse and the Cowboy Museum, a free museum that includes a jail, barbershop, funeral parlor, and authentic cowboy and Native American artifacts.

(308) 284-6000.

The renowned Petrified Wood Gallery is at 418 E. First St. It features the petrified wood art of twin brothers Howard and Harvey Kenfield, as well as fossils, gemstones, geodes, Western sculpture, and Native American artifacts collected locally.

(308) 284-9996.

Ogallala |

pg. 56

Museum on the Hill was Ogallala’s finest home when it was built in 1887. Open Memorial Day through mid-September at the corner of Spruce and 10th streets.

Three blocks west of the mansion on 10th Street is the original Ogallala cemetery, long known as Boot Hill for the cowboys who were “buried with their boots on.” Haythorn Land & Cattle Co. is a fifth-generation ranch offering wagon rides and chuck wagon dinners to visitors wanting a taste of the old ways. (308) 355-4000.

What the old-time cowboys needed but didn’t have was a really big lake in which to cool off.

Eight miles north of Ogallala, Lake McConaughy is Nebraska’s largest irrigation reservoir. At full capacity, McConaughy is four miles wide, 22 miles long and 142 feet deep at the dam with more than 100 miles of shoreline. When irrigation season is in full swing, miles of white sand beaches provide the perfect perch for a summer vacation.

Situated on 4 beautiful acres, Pals Taproom and Outdoor Beer Oasis is the perfect spot to relax while enjoying our locally handcrafted brews and other drinks!

With pizzas, ribs, quesadillas & fresh cheese curds from our kitchen; or a juicy burger & fries from our food trailer, you wont leave hungry. Our warm and friendly staff will treat you like apart of the pals family.

Come as strangers, leave as pals!

bring your pups out and enjoy our dog friendly outdoor space, and let them unwind in our Brand new dog park!

Pals “bark”yard is located out in the North West corner of the North Lot, next to the brewery.

4520 S BUFFALO BILL AVE. PALSBREWINGCOMPANY.COM I 308-221-6715

48 • Destination western nebraska 2025

Just below Kingsley Dam is Lake Ogallala. It covers half a square mile and offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout and yellow perch. This reservoir is often called “Ogallala’s Little Lake.”

South of Ogallala at Meadowlark Hill one might expect to see birds. What people come here to see, and smell, are lilacs in full bloom. Max and Darlene Peterson’s passion has grown to fill 14 acres with the flower, and it’s the world’s largest private collection of lilacs. (308) 284-2524.

Contact the Ogallala/Keith County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 658-4390.

Keystone |

pg. 55

Keystone is home to the Little Church of Keystone. The town was too small for two churches, so residents built this one as a combined Catholic/Protestant church in 1908.

There is a Catholic altar at one end and a Protestant one at the other. Reversible pews face either way. (800) 658-4390.

Paxton |

pg. 55

Ole’s Big Game Streakhouse began as a bar in downtown Paxton. Original owner Ole Herstedt decorated it with the antlered head of a deer he shot and followed that with more than 200 big game trophies over the next three decades. Great food and drink accompany the menagerie known around the world. 123 N. Oak St. (308) 239-4500.

Brule |

pg. 55

The town of Brule is nine miles west of Ogallala.

The annual Brule Day event includes a parade, fun run, egg toss, street dance, flower show, races, and food stands. (308) 287-2596.

Big Springs |

pg. 54

Texas outlaw Sam Bass and his gang robbed a train of $60,000 in gold and currency here in 1877.

A marker at Eiker Park tells the story of the heist.

Phelps Hotel was built in 1993 to house railroad workers. It is open for tours by appointment.

(308) 889-3625.

Chappell |

pg. 54

Travelers see lots of grain elevators along I-80, but none like the Farmer’s Elevator with a giant American flag painted on its south side.

Golfers swing at the nine-hole Chappell Golf Course. (308) 874-2729, which is right next to Chappell Lake where anglers cast for bass, bluegill, and catfish.

Sudman-Neumann Heritage House at Fifth and Vincent streets is restored to its 1911 glory.

The architecture includes an interesting dogleg staircase. (308) 874-3441.

For more information, contact Chappell Tourist Information at (308) 874-2401.

Kimball |

pg. 56

While exploring the beauty of the western panhandle, admiring its windswept landscapes, you will find the community of Kimball. This charming oasis sits high on the rolling plains, offering the opportunity to visit the highest point in all of Nebraska (Panorama Point) and see herds of antelope and buffalo, cattle, and abundant wildlife.

Kimball began as a railroad construction camp, founded in 1870. Because of the large herds of pronghorn in the area, the railroad called the new station Antelope and the new village, Antelopeville. Later, the settlement was renamed for railroad executive, Thomas Lord Kimball.

Kimball is a focal point for traveling from all directions with Interstate 80 and Highway 30 (the historic Lincoln Highway), intersecting with Highway 71. There are tasty, hometown eateries, a number of overnight accommodations, and a plethora of outdoor activities!

Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area has 917 acres of land and a 270-acre lake for fishing, boating, jet skiing, camping, picnics, lazing on sandy beaches, swimming and bird watching!

It is a wonderful place for photography buffs, with astounding sunrises and sunsets. Located just eight miles west of town along Highway 30, the South Platte Natural Resources District manages it. More information is available at www.spnrd.org>oliverreservoir.

»

Kimball County 2026 Events

KIMBALL RANCH RODEO– KIMBALL June. Competitors from surrounding states come to Kimball to ride broncs, milk wild cows, load trailers and brand cattle. Vendors will keep everyone fed and a beer garden will be available. Real cowboys show the skills they use every day. facebook.com/kimball.rodeo (308) 241-1035

KIMBALL-BANNER COUNTY FAIR – KIMBALL First full week of August. The fair in Kimball is fun for the whole family, featuring 4-H and FFA livestock shows, animal showmanship, livestock auctions, rodeo, gymkhana, fashion reviews, home environment projects, free barbecue, music, dance, games for the kids, and more! (308) 235-3122

BUSHNELL DAY– BUSHNELL Third Saturday of August. A fun filled day for the whole family in Bushnell, featuring a parade, vendors, shows, kids activities, antique truck and tractor show, cornhole tournament, hog roast, live music and more! (308) 360-1358

ANTELOPE STAMPEDE GRAVEL BICYCLE RACE – KIMBALL End of September during Farmer’s Day. A September gravel bicycle race in the Western Panhandle of Nebraska, with a 100 mile rolling course traveling through Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming, and 25 and 50 mile courses in Nebraska. A barbecue and cornhole/horseshoe tournament follow the race. (303) 913-3954

FARMERS DAY– KIMBALL Last full weekend of September. Kimball honors those who grow our food in their annual event. Events include demolition derby, parade, gun raffle, RC air show, beer garden, dance, music, bake sale, book sale, craft show, car show, bike race, soup supper, free hamburger feed and much more! facebook.com/KimballFarmersDay

PARADE OF LIGHTS – KIMBALL Saturday after Thanksgiving. To kick off the Christmas Season, the city comes alive with the Parade of Lights in downtown Kimball.

After the parade Santa and hot cocoa are available and it is a great time to get pictures of the kids with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There are other events and shopping available at local businesses throughout the day and evening. facebook.com/kimballparadeoflights

Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 49

« History abounds in the county, with the Plains

Historical Society hosting two museum buildings.

The staff can guide you through the rich agricultural history, including the Flumes, a rustic aqueduct once used for irrigation. The Fraternal Hall was built in 1904 (200 S Chestnut Street) and the Historic Kimball High School built in 1910 (816 E 3rd Street) house the many displays. Call Jowain Sherman at (323) 491-5463 for more information.

Also of historic significance is the Goodhand Theater, first opened in 1954 by Marie Goodhand.

The Friends of the Goodhand renovated the venue and reopened it in 2016, providing the full movie theater experience at home-town pricing.

Movies are shown on the first and third weekends each month. You can find more information at goodhandtheater.com.

North Platte

HOTELS & MOTELS

Four Winds Golf Course is known in the region as a premier full 18-hole championship course with a driving range and putting greens. Cart and club rentals are available. Just two miles east of Kimball, you can contact them at (308) 240-4653 or see fourwindsgolf.com.

Kimball also hosts an annual county fair and several cultural celebrations. As the county seat for its 2153 residents (2023 census), you can visit the courthouse daily. A large US Air Force presence is apparent in the soon-to-be-upgraded missile silos in the county. Additional information is available at the county website (www.kimballcountyne.gov/) and at the Visitor’s page (visitkimball.com/).

Harrisburg Turning north from Kimball, State Highway 71 will take you to Harrisburg Banner County Museum, an 11-building complex with a 19th-century log schoolhouse, sod house, log cabin, 1910 barn, pioneer church and the old Banner County Bank.

(308) 575-0808.

PHONE

ROOMS

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

83 Motel 920 N. Jeffers St

308-532-2313

38

•

85+

Americas Best Value Inn 602 E. 4th

308-534-4020

33

Outdoor Pool, Pets Allowed, Complimentary Breakfast

65+

Avid/ Candlewood Suites 202 E Eugene Ave

402-217-9255

123

Extended Stay, 'Go Round' Breakfast, Internet

100+

Best Western Plus 3201 S. Jeffers St.

308-534-3120

146

Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast, Pets Allowed

100+

Comfort Inn & Suites 2809 Halligan Drive

308-562-2736

90

Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast, Pets Allowed

100+

Days Inn 3102 S. Jeffers www.daysinn.com

308-532-9321

47

Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast, Pets Allowed

75+

Fairfield Inn and Suites 319 W. South River Road www.marriott.com/lbffi

308-532-9900

82

Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast

100+

Hampton Inn North Platte 200 Platte Oasis Pkwy

308-534-6000

111

Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast, Pets Allowed

100+

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 300 Holiday Frontage Rd. www.hiexpress.com/northplattene

308-532-9500

151

Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast

100+

Hospitality Inn 501 Halligan Drive

308-532-0151

64

Complimentary Breakfest, Pets Allowed

75+

Husker Inn 721 E. 4th Street

308-534-6960

13

La Quinta Inn & Suites 2600 Eagles Wing Place wyndhamhotels.com

308-534-0700

65

Indoor Pool,Complimenatry Breakfast, Pets allowed

100+

Motel/Studio 6 2701 Halligan Drive

308-532-7038

91

Pets Allowed

75+

50 • Destination western nebraska 2025

•

50+

« North Platte

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

North Platte Inn & Suites PO Box 788

308-532-0130

75

Pets Allowed

75+

Quality Inn 2901 S. Jeffers

308-532-6144

90

Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast, Dogs Allowed

90+

Ramada by Wyndham 2102 S. Jeffers www.sandhillcc.com

308-535-6166

123

Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast, Pets allowed, restaurant on premises

75+

Super 8 Motel By Wyndham 220 Eugene Ave. www.super8.com

308-532-4224

11

Complimentary Breakfast , Pets Allowed

75+

Travelodge 451 Halligan Drive

308-535-9900

135

Complimentary Breakfast, Pets Allowed

90+

Tru by Hilton 2400 Halligan Drive

308-532-8700

98

Complimentary Breakfast , Pets Allowed

100+

UNIQUE LODGING McNeil House Bed & Brew at Pals 2351 W State Farm Road. Book at airBnB.com

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE 308-221-6715

PHONE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Cute Cottage in the woods, Sleeps 4.

Walk To Pals Brewing Company

•

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

RV Amenities: electricity, water. Restroom Facilities: pit toilets. Camping: tent sites available . No reservation required. Nebraska State Park Permit Required

25+

Buffalo Bill State Historical Park 2921 Scouts Rest Ranch Road

308-535-8035

Year Round

Cody Park 1400 North Jeffers St. www.ci.north-platte.ne.us/publicservices

308-535-6700

May 1 Oct 15

Room for 40 trailers. Restroom Facilities: Flush Toilets. Tent sites available

15

Year Round

RV Amenities: Electricity( 30 and 50 amp) water, sewer, Extended Length Pull through sites. Showers, Flush Toilets and Laundry (April - October). Tent sites available.

30+

35+

I-80 Lakeside Campground 3800 Hadley Dr. www.i80lakesidecampground.com

308-534-5077

The Hideaway 206 W. North Lake Rd

308-539-3983

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity (year-round) water and sewer (April - October) Restroom Facilities: Showers and Flush Toilets. Tent sites available.

Holiday RV Park 601 Halligan Drive www.holidayrvpark.com

308-534-2265

Year Round

RV Amenities: Electricity, water, sewer.

Restroom Facilities: showers, flush toilets.

Tent sites available

30+

10+

30+

Lake Maloney State Recreation Area North Lake Road

308-535-8025

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water. Restroom Facilities: Showers, flush and pit toilets. Tent sites available. Nebraska State Park Sticker Required

Lincoln Highway RV Park 4684 Rodeo Road lincolnhighwayrvpark.com

308-534-4910

Year Round

RV Amenities: 50 AMP electrical hookups, water, sewer, cable and wireless internet.

Extra-large pull-through sites.

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

Indian Meadows Public Golf Course 2746 W. Walker Rd., North Platte

308-532-6955

9, public

20+

Lake Maloney Golf Club 608 Birdie Ln., 5 mi. S. of I-80 on US Hwy 83, 2 mi. W., North Platte

308-532-9998

18, public

25+

Rivers Edge Golf Course 1008 W. 18th St., North Platte

308-532-7550

18, public

25+

Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 51

lake mcconaughy

Sutherland

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

308-386-4384

19

•

1-75

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

Oregon Trail Golf Course Campground 31200 W Tower Rd., Sutherland

308-386-4653

Mar- Nov

RV Amenities: Electricity and water Restroom Facilities: flush and pit toilets. Tent Sites Available.

Call for rates

Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area Sutherland Reservoir Inlet, S. Highway 25

308-535-8025

•

RV Amenities: Electricity and water Restroom Facilities' toilets. Tent Sites Available.

Nebraska State Park Sticker Required

10+

Park Motel 1110 First Street

CAMPGROUNDS

Journey to Deuel County

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Free!Official 2020 Travel Guide Find your next

ADVENTURE.

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Chappell and Big Springs offer a taste of small-town American Life. An abundance of wildlife provides great fishing and hunting in the area. Easily accessible from Interstate 80, restaurants, lodging, camping, and pioneer history await you. Journey to Deuel County for a relaxing vacation!

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VISITDEUELCOUNTY.COM • 308.464.0983 PO BOX 14 • BIG SPRINGS, NE 69122 52 • Destination western nebraska 2025

« sutherland & Hershey

GOLF COURSES Oregon Trail Golf Course, 1 mi. S., 1/4 mi., S. of I-80, Exit 158, 25 S. Tower Rd., Sutherland

Potter

HOTELS & MOTELS

1912 Nostalgic Train Crew B & B Potter, dorihoux.wixsite.com/bedandbreakfast Point of Rocks Motel & Campground 8175 US Hwy 30, Potter

CAMPGROUNDS Point of Rocks Motel & Campground 8175 US Hwy 30, Potter

GOLF COURSES Prairie Pines Golf Course, 402 Prairie Pine Dr., Potter

Sidney

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

308-386-4653

9, public

12+

PHONE

ROOMS

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

•

2

Bed and Breakfast, Free parking, Wi-Fi, DIRECTV close to Park and Main Street

51-75

308-879-4400

5

In country setting

45-65

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

308-879-4400

May - Nov.

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 24 trailers

20-25

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

308-879-4469

7, public

Under 15

PHONE

ROOMS

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

America's Best Value Inn & Suites 2115 W. Illinois St., W. on US Hwy 30, Sidney

308-254-2081

58

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

55-75

Best Western Plus Sidney Lodge 645 Cabela Dr., I-80 Exit 59, Sidney www.bestwestern.com

308-254-0100

64

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

99+

Blue Iron Oasis, 11552 US Hwy 30, 2 mi. N. of I-80, Exit 59, Jct US Hwys 30 & 385, Sidney

308-250-9911

9

WiFi. Walking Trails. Bird Watching. Pets allowed ($).

50-80

Comfort Inn and Suites, 825 Hoffies Dr., Sidney

308-254-4423

81

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, indoor pool, dogs allowed ($)

95+

Country Inn & Suites, 664 Chase Blvd, Sidney

308-254-2000

85

Wheelchair accessible, breakfast included, indoor pool, dogs allowed ($)

99+

Days Inn, 3042 Silverberg Dr., I-80 Exit 59, Sidney www.daysinn.com

308-254-2121

47

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

89+

Fairfield Inn and Suites, 889 E. Jennifer Ln., Sidney

308-254-9000

75

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, alcoholic beverages available for purchase, indoor pool

99+

Hampton Inn, 635 Cabela Dr., Sidney www.hamptoninn.com

308-254-2111

74

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast

99+

The King's Inn, 2031 Illiniois St, Sidney www.thekingsinnsidney.com

308-254-4581

10

WiFi, Cable TV, Mini Fridge, Microwave, Coffee Pot

55-75

Motel 6, 3040 Silverberg Dr., Sidney www.motel6.com

308-254-5463

47

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed

Rodeway Inn & Suites, 935 9th Ave, Sidney www.choicehotels.com/ne213

308-203-1890

50

50 newly remodeled rooms, free breakfast, laundry, truck parking, handicap accessible (B), Pets allowed ($), free WiFi.

Call for Rates

60-100

Sidney » Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 53

« Sidney

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Sleep for Less Motel, 954 Elm St, I-80 Exit 59, 2 1/4 mile N. to US Hwys 30 & 385 www.sleepforlessmotel.com

308-249-1007

10

Fridge, Microwave, and Wifi in every room.

Pets allowed ($). Homemade "Breakfast in a Basket" can be pre-orderd ($)

55-100

Quality Inn, 730 E. Jennifer Ln., I-80 Exit 59, Sidney www.choicehotels.com

308-254-5011

54

Wheelchair accessible, breakfast included, indoor pool, dogs allowed ($)

75+

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

Blue Iron Oasis

308-250-9911

Year Round

Electric & Water hookups, WiFi, Shower House. Horses allowed. Dry camping and tent sites also available.

35

Cabela's Campground, I-80 Exit 59, Sidney

308-254-7889

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 31 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets.

Camping: 6 tents

Call for rates

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

Hillside Golf Course, 2616 Hillside Dr., Sidney

308-254-2311

18, public

15 - 30

Big Springs & Chappell HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

Motel 6, 111 Circle Rd., I-80 Exit 107, Big Springs

308-889-3671

62

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

The Bunkhouse RV Park and Stables 30914 Rd 2, 3 mi. S. of I-80 Exit 107, 1/2 mi. E., Big Springs

308-464-1224

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 2 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Cabin rentals: 1

Call for rates

Creekside RV Park, N. of I-80 Exit 85, Chappell

308-874-2267 888-871-2267

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 28 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower, flush toilets. Camping: Unlimited tents

12-25

HQH Stables & Campground, 1625 Rd. 203, Big Springs, www.a-chordpublishing.com

877-241-8653

•

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 6 trailers. Riding area available 10-20

•

McGreer Camper Park, 693 Rd. 209, Big Springs www.mcgreercamperpark.com

308-889-5093

Apr.-Oct. 31

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 28 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 8 tents

25-30

UNIQUE LODGING

PHONE

AMENITIES Indoor pool, pets allowed

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE 1-75

RATE RANGE

The Bunkhouse B&B and Stables 30914 Cty Rd. 2, Big Springs www.cowboybunkhouse.com

308-464-1224

Rooms with private and shared bath, full breakfast, full kitchen, 2 full RV hookups and horse stables

51-78

Phelps Hotel 401 Pine St., Big Springs

308-889-3580

Historic hotel built in 1885, rooms with shared and private bath

51-75+

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

308-874-2729

9, public

51-75

GOLF COURSES Oregon Trail Golf Course, US Hwy 385, Chappell

54 • Destination western nebraska 2025

Lemoyne

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

Admiral’s Cove Resort 999 Lemoyne Rd., Lemoyne, Lake McConaughy Gate 6, wwwadmiralscoveresort.com

308-555-2102

23

Restaurant on premises, pets allowed

1-75+

North Shore Lodge, 5 North Shore Rd., Lemoyne, Hwy 92 near Lake McConaughy, www.northshorelodge.net

308-555-2222

21

Restaurant on premises, pets allowed

51-75+

Mesa View Lodge, 1290 Hwy 92 W., Lemoyne.

Lake McConaughy, homesatlakemac.com

308-355-5000 888-568-7620

10

Pets allowed

1-50

Vogl’s Lodge and Lure, 721 Hwy 92 W., Lake McConaughy, www.voglslodgeandlure.com

308-355-2321

12

Pets allowed

51-75+

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

Admiral’s Cove Resort, 999 Lemoyne Rd., Lemoyne Lake McConaughy Gate 6, wwwadmiralscoveresort.com

308-355-2102

May-Sept. 3

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 5 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets Camping: unlimited tents. Cabin Rentals: 25

15

North Shore Lodge, Lake McConaughy Gate 5, Lemoyne, www.northshorelodge.net

308-355-2222

•

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 23 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush and pit toilets. Cabin Rentals: 18

Call for rates

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Keystone, Paxton & Brule

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

Days Inn, 851 Paxton Elsie Rd., I-80 Exit 145, Paxton

308-239-4510

34

UNIQUE LODGING

PHONE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Bayside Golf Club, 865 Lakeview West Rd., Brule

308-287-4653

Open Mar-Oct 30. Remodeled cabins, bedroom suites, full minikitchens, full baths, patios/decks, laundry, Wi-Fi and satellite TV

75+

The Beach House, Lake McConaughy, Keystone www.lakemacbeachhouse.com

308-762-2892

Luxury townhomes with lake views, rooms with shared and private bath

75+

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

1-75

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

Eagle Canyon Hideaway, 1086 Lakeview W. Rd., Brule www.eagle-canyon.com

866-866-5253

Apr.-Sept.

RV Amenities: electric, water, sewer Rest Facilities: Wi-Fi, showers, flush toilets, rec room, swimming pool, playground and general store

25+

The Lodge, 851 Paxton Elise Rd., I-80 Exit 145, Paxton

308-239-4510

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 12 trailers. Camping: 12 tents

20

Riverside Campground 1000 S. State St., I-80 Exit 117, Brule

308-287-2474 800-809-2921

Apr. 1-Oct. 30

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 45 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets

15+

AMENITIES

FEES

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

Bayside Golf Club, 865 Lakeview W. Rd., Brule

308-284-4358

18, public

15-30

Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 55

Hillside golf course

Kimball

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

Days Inn, 611 E. 3rd St., Kimball, wyndhamhotels.com

308-235-4671

30

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

80+

Kimball Extended Stays, 607 E 3rd St., US Hwy 30, Kimball

308-230-2220

16

Internet/cable, kitchenette, wheelchair accessible. Weekly and Monthly rates.

•

Motel Kimball, 1017 E. 3rd St., E. US Hwy 30, Kimball

308-235-4606

19

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed, daily and extended stays available

40-75

Super 8 Motel, 1701 S. Hwy 71, I-80 exit 20, Kimball wyndhamhotels.com

308-235-4888

57

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

79-99

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

Dix RV Park

308-230-0241 308-682-5296

Year Round

30/50 amp services

•

High Point RV Park 1508 S Hwy 71, I-80 exit 20, Kimball

308-230-2003

Year Round

15/30/50 amp, water, sewer, showers, laundry facilities, WIFI, storage, dog park, tent camping, gift shop

•

Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area, 8 mi. W. on US Hwy 30, Kimball. 270 acres of water and 917 acres of land

308-254-2377

Year Round

47 camping sites, potable water, pit toilets, dump site. Overnight camping available from March 1-October 31

•

ROOK RV Park 28 Rook Drive, Kimball

308-241-1210

Year Round

Full Service Sites, Oversized Spaces, Heated water hookups, 20/30/50 Amp, Extra Parking area.

•

Stahla’s North RV Park 9 Laura St, Kimball

308-235-2750 308-235-5373

Year Round

30/50 amp services – RVs, campers, and 5th wheels

•

AMENITIES

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

FEES

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

Four Winds, 4530 Gilliland Drive, Kimball, FourWindsGolf.com

308-241-4653

18 hole public golf course, driving range, practice putting greens, cart and club rentals

35+

Ogallala

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

Americ Inn by Wyndham, 501 Stage Coach Trail – Ogallala, NE 69153, www.wyndhamotels.com

308-210-2162

•

Off I-80 and near Lake McConaughy; yearround, free breakfast, wi-fi, pet friendly rooms and easy reach to the lake, golf courses and historical sites.

75+

Quality Inn, 201 Chuckwagon Rd., Ogallala I-80 Exit 126 N., www.choicehotels.com

308-284-3623

101

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, outdoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

75+

56 • Destination western nebraska 2025

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Sponsored Content

ole’s big game steakhouse Rosser “Ole” Herstedt was a Paxton native who started a bar the very night that Prohibition ended in 1933. The bar’s name, of course, was Ole’s. Ole worked long hours to feed, and provide drink for, the town’s guests.

But he always left time for hunting. In 1938, he bagged a big white tail buck and hung the mount in the bar. Nobody could have suspected where that would lead.

Over the next few years, Ole embarked on a hobby of big game hunting that took him to every continent. For 35 years, he brought his trophy mounts home and hung them above the bar tables and booths. A moose from Canada came to Paxton; a black bear from Alaska; a red fox from England; even a python from Honduras. Eventually, over 200 trophies were on display, and Ole’s Bar became one of the most unusual farm town taverns in America.

In 1969, Ole shot a polar bear on Russia’s Chukchi Sea while hunting on a 70-acre ice flow. A full mount of the huge white bear was brought back to the bar and put on display just inside the door. Within four years of that hunt Ole quit his hunting trips. But he continued to run the bar.

In 1988, when he was 87, Ole decided he’d had enough. Tim Holzfaster, a 28-year-old Paxton native, called to ask if Ole’s was indeed closing. “He told me he couldn’t find anybody local to buy the business.” Holzfaster said. A few weeks later, he became the second owner of the business in 53 years.

“There’s nothing fancy about Ole’s.

We just try to provide good food and good service.”

—Tim Holzfaster

Holzfaster eventually bought the adjacent bars, and used much of the old décor and furnishings of these businesses in a redo, but he opened walls between the three side-byside lounges, which greatly expanded Ole’s seating capacity. He also restored a big dance hall above Swede’s for prom parties, wedding dances, banquets and meetings.

Ole’s is open every day of the year except Christmas. Holzfaster isn’t able to travel like his predecessor, but he does get away.

America’s hunting tradition and love for the land explain the unusual steakhouse. But why Paxton? Two reasons: Ole Herstedt and Tim Holzfaster.

123 N Oak St. Paxton, NE 69155 olesbiggame.com 308.239.4500

Holzfaster created a family-friendly atmosphere at Ole’s. But the polar bear stayed.

So did the Canadian moose and Ole’s other trophies. Holzfaster was determined from the start not to let Ole’s Bar become touristy.

“There’s nothing fancy about Ole’s,” he said. “We just try to provide good food and good service.”

Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 57

58 • Destination western nebraska 2025

MULLEN • ALLIANCE HEMINGFORD • HYANNIS • ASHBY SENECA • THEDFORD HALSEY • TRYON ARTHUR BUILD SAND CASTLES IN NEBRASKA

Nebraska’s Sandhills is an expansive grassland that’s been compared to beautiful waves rolling in from the sea. Many believe this is the most beautiful part of Nebraska. We think they’re right.

At nearly 20,000 square region of grass-covered dunes, the cowboy way continues its western adventures every day.

The Platte River runs along the southern Sandhills, and three branches of the Loup River reach across this region where cattle outnumber people. Come build your own sand castle in Nebraska.

kayaking down the niobrara river Pictured left

Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 59

• Located in the Sandhills of Western Nebraska • Annual Sandhills Sharptail Shootout (Competitive Hunt) • Clean Rivers with Kayaking, Canoeing and Tanking • Scenic Byway and Adventuresome Back-Country Roads • World-Class Golf Courses

• Friendly Locals and Affordable Amenities • Frisbee Golf Course • Tennis Courts • Grassed and Fenced Dog Park • Art Center Feauturing Local Artists

Hooker County Visitors Committee • 308-546-0636 • PO Box 28 • Mullen, NE 69152 • www.Hooker-County.com

Carhenge

Mullen 2026 Events

SHARP-TAILED GROUSE AND PRAIRIE CHICKEN VIEWING March and April. Observe the breeding displays of native birds. Other animals are typically spotted, too. (308) 546-2206.

POLAR BEAR TANK RACE March 6-7. Competitors, some much more serious than others, race on the scenic Middle Loup River seeking the fastest times, but this contest is mostly about bragging rights. (308) 546-2206.

Mullen |

pg. 68

For a region known for its striking beauty, it’s appropriate that one of the world’s best golf courses stretches out across the land here in the geographic center of the Nebraska Sandhills. Sand Hills Golf Club is an 18-hole private golf course designed by pro golfer Ben Crenshaw. Golf Digest has ranked the Sand Hills Golf Club number one on its Modern List. To get there, travel 12 miles south of Mullen on Highway 97 to mile marker 55, then go west three miles. Visitors are welcome at the clubhouse, but to golf, players must be members or sponsored guests.

The region is also home to the world-class Dismal River Club. Designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, this is links golf: rugged, windblown, hard, and fast. The course is located two miles south and 17 miles southwest of Mullen. (308) 546-2900. Mullen also has a fine public nine-hole course called Mullen Golf Club.

(308) 546-2446.

Experienced canoers and kayakers can test their paddling skills on the Dismal River south of Mullen. It is a fast-flowing, spring-fed prairie river with plenty of twists and challenging submerged debris.

People looking for a family-friendly river trip can float the Middle Loup River just north of Mullen. The Middle Loup’s spring-fed and mostly calm waters meander through sloping Sandhills canyons.

Glidden Canoe Rental offers canoe and kayak rental for both rivers and stock tank rental for the Middle Loup. They take you upstream, then you float down to where your car is parked. This is also headquarters for the annual Polar Bear Tank Race in March. Besides offering lodging, the motel provides tours to view the spring mating rituals of greater prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse. (308) 546-2206.

Nebraska National Forest, Bessey Ranger District, lies between the two rivers, and campsites are adjacent to the rivers. Fishing is allowed where forest property touches the rivers. A stocked pond near the headquarters provides other aquatic fun. Hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing is allowed. (308) 533-2257.

The Dismal River meets the Middle Loup River east of Dunning. For more information on Mullen or the rivers, call (888) 278-6167.

Dismal River Outfitters is a big-game hunting ranch with more than 50,000 acres available for bison, elk, whitetail deer, mule-deer, and turkey hunting. Sporting clay shooting and predator hunting are also available. The lodge offers cozy accomodations and a menu heavy on Angus beef. Shuffleboard and billiards keep hunters occupied following the hunt. The ranch is 14 miles south of Mullen. (308) 546-0567.

»

Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 61

Yellow Calf Studio Exceptional beauty.

Western Inspiration.

Linda Egle 308.650.0855 lindaegle.com 83881 Yellow Calf Lane P.O. Box D • Thedford, NE 69166

• Tanks, Kayaks and Canoes on

the Middle Loop River • River Adventures in the Sandhills • Wild River Adventures

308-546-2207 308-546-9329

GLIDDENCANOERENTAL.COM • LOCATED IN MULLEN, NE

Find your next

ADVENTURE. Western Nebraska

Explore the scenic beauty of Western Nebraska through outdoor adventures and historic attractions.

WestNebraska.com 1.866.684.4066

62 • Destination western nebraska 2025

Alliance |

pg. 69

Alliance, founded in 1888 is located at the intersection of highways 2 and 385 and is a historic city where you’ll discover the unexpected.

Carhenge, built in 1987 by Jim Reinders and his family, may be the strangest roadside attraction in all of Nebraska. The replica of England’s Stonehenge is built from 39 old cars jutting from the ground, just as Stonehenge’s stones.

Souvenirs and gifts can be purchased at the Pit Stop Gift Shop seasonally or online year round.

Admission is free; donations are welcome. www.carhenge.com A more traditional approach to art can be found at the Carnegie Arts Center, where three galleries regularly rotate exhibitions from Nebraska and neighboring states. www.carnegieartscenter.com

Dobby’s Frontier Town, created by Kenneth “Dobby” Lee, features 26 restored buildings and businesses preserved in history, where you can get a hands-on experience with free admission. Donations are welcome. www.dobbysfrontiertown.com

Alliance’s park system spreads throughout the city and includes our legendary Rolling Prairie Disc Golf Course, mesmerizing Central Park Fountain, Historic Pillars & Sunken Gardens, and the beautiful Laing Lake. www.cityofalliance.net

The Knight Museum & Sandhills Center showcases aspects of early western life including Native American artifacts, railroad memorabilia, and ranch life. www.knightmuseum.com

Nebraska Veteran’s Cemetery opened in 2010 at the former Alliance Army Air Field on acres once used as a troop training field. www.vscaf.org

The Sallows Military Museum honors the many brave men and women who served their country in time of conflict. www.sallowsmilitarymuseum.com Skyview Golf Course is a beautiful 18-hole championship course located in the rolling Sandhills where tee times are seldom necessary. www.skyviewgc.com

Hemingford |

pg. 70

Hemingford is a patriotic town. The community located 18 miles northwest of Alliance displays more than 200 American flags along its famous Avenue of Flags during holidays such as July 4th weekend, Flag Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. Each flag once draped the casket of a veteran from the area, some of whom served in conflicts dating back to the Civil War.

Hemingford is home to the Box Butte County Fair in August. During the holiday season, Hemingford displays its Christmas Diorama.

The drive-thru diorama, which dates to 1955, depicts scenes painted on wood panels. The impressive display stretches nearly three football fields in length. 1100 Niobrara Ave. Box Butte Reservoir, a 1600-acre lake, is part of the 2,212-acre Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area. The park, located 10 miles north of town, offers excellent boating, swimming, windsurfing, sailing, picnic areas, hiking, and primitive camping. Anglers hope for catches of smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and yellow perch.

For more information on Hemingford, contact the Hemingford Chamber of Commerce.

(308) 487-3300.

Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 63

Fro Bla

Sidney-Deadwood Trail Ogalala National Grassland Toadstool Geologic Park

Mari Sandoz Her

Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed

Whitney

High Plains Homestead Trailside Museum

Warbonnet Battlefield

26 min.

Soldier Creek Wilderness

Fort Robinson State Park

Harrison

Crawford

20

28 min.

Nebrask Nationa Forest

Fort Laramie to Fort Robinson Trail 2

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Marsland

1 hr.

17 min

51 min.

Hemingford to Crawford

29

1 hr. 27 min.

Scottsbluff to Crawford

71

Mormon Trail Oregon Trail

Riverside Discovery

Henry Morrill

14 min. Center 7 min.

Mitchell to Scottsbluff Scottbluff to Gering

Mitchell 26

Midwest Theater

Lake Minatare Lighthouse

Scottsbluff

Lake Minatare State Recrea North Platte Wildlife Re

92

Scotts Bluff National Monument Five Rocks Amphitheater

Gering

62A

Minatare

Melbeta

Legacy of the Plains Museum

92

Robidoux Trading Post & Pioneer Graves

Bayard

Bayard C Rock M

McGrew

Wildcat Hills Nature Center

Chimney Rock Pony Express Station

Pine Ridge

Chimney Rock

Sandhills & Scenic Rivers 27 min National Historic Site Gering to Trails Bayard West

2026 Events

THUNDER ON THE PRAIRIE June. Classic cars cruise to ‘50s and ‘60s music.

Poker run, car show, BBQ and dance at the Park.

(308) 762-2761.

BANDS ON THE BRICKS June/July. Friday night's live music, street dancers, and food vendors. (308) 762-5400.

HERITAGE DAYS July. Visit Alliance for sidewalk sales, a carnival and parade downtown. (308) 762-1520.

AUTUMN IN ALLIANCE September. A fall celebration with bounce houses, live music, vendors and dancing.

308-792-5400.

DOBBY’S FALL FESTIVAL September. Fall Festival at Dobby’s Frontier Town with live entertainment, vendors and so much more (308) 762-4321.

64 • Destination western nebraska 2025

a

Banner County Historical Museum

Alliance

88

Wild West

Harrisburg

1 hr.

3 min

71

Prairie S

Alliance central park Fountain

Hyannis |

pg. 70

Hyannis is home of the Windmill Days celebration each June. To find the event, look for the windmill toward the top of the hill in the center of Main Street. Grant County Museum in the courthouse, 104 E. Harrison St., displays regional history and rare oddities, such as props from actor John Wayne’s stunt man and a worldclass barbed wire collection seen nowhere else.

Open 1-4 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, or by appointment. (308) 458-2371. Golfers can shoot nine holes at Pelican Beach Golf Course just east of town. (308) 458-2579.

Frye Lake Wildlife Management Area offers fishing access northeast of Hyannis. Anglers hook largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.

Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area

Ashby

Bushnell 30

18 min

Kimball

Plains Historical Museum Dix

Duckpin

Northern Plains Studio near Seneca has Native American and Western art for viewing and for sale by appointment. (308) 639-3227. Stable Productions Exotic Animal Ranch offers views of zebra, emu, elk, and other critters in scenic settings along the Middle Loup River (308) 639-3218.

»

Railroad Museum

29 Potter

Bowling CaLinda’s Pot Shop & Art Gallery showAlley ne Cheyen cases clay and From owner Linda Lacy’s unique 71 canvas art of award-winning western designs Tri-State Marker Nebraska’s Highest Point in her newly remodeled gallery in a quaint '60s 28 style recycled café. The artist invites any visitor, young or old, to try their hand at throwing a pot on the wheel themselves. Enjoy specialty coffees, “Soapwood Squeeze” sundaes, and edible “cowpies” in the cedar pergola. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (308) 458-8051. www.calindaspotshop.com. Find her on Facebook.

Seneca

Bridg

39 min

L inc

8

om Rapid City & ack Hills Whiteclay

Merriman 9

White River 37 min.

z High Plains ritage Center

Chadron Museum of the Fur Trade

Metcalf Wildlife Management Area

16 min.

Niobrara National River

Sc Nio b r a r a

1

ve enic R i

Snake River

61

S16B

1 hr.

r 250

87 Hemingford

26 min.

Hemingford to chadron

Goldrush Byway

53 min.

Box Butte Reservoir

Snake River Falls

1 hr.

10 min.

Walgren Lake State 87 Recreation Area

Pine Ridge Mountain Bike Trail

Sparks

12

97

Samuel R. McKelvie 11 National Forest

27

385

ka al

Cherry County Historical Museum

Valentine

30 min.

Rushville

13 min.

Kilgore Crookston

Clinton

Hay Springs

Chadron State Park

Gordon

20 min.

Nenzel

Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park

Tri-State Old Time Cowboy Museum

87

Cody

Eli 20

1 hr.

15 min.

North Loup River

Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area

44 min.

Hemingford to chadron

2

Berea 83

Knight Museum Carnegie Arts Center

2 Sallows Military Museum 7 and Conservatory Dobby Frontier Town 5

3

Carhenge

4

“Old Jules” Sandoz Grave Site

Middle Loup River

Antioch

Alliance

6

Lakeside

26 min.

2

Ellsworth

Whitman Bingham

Nebraska Veterans Cemetery

Ashby

Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway Mullen

Hyannis

Seneca Thedford

29 min.

Tanking on the Middle Loup and Dismal River

385

ation Area efuge

2

15

45 min.

34 min.

L oup River

18 min.

Thomas County Historical Museum

Halsey

10

2

Nebraska National Forest Bessey Ranger District

Dismal River

27

43 min.

55 min.

Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Bridgeport State Recreation Area

d

Chimney Museum

8

Northport Pioneer Trails Museum

geport

61

Arthur

Wes te

Court House and Jail Rocks

rn T rails

27

Byw

ay

hP

latt

92

Dalton

eR

ive

53 min.

r

29 min.

Oshkosh 26

Gurley

30

92

18 min.

54 min.

Lewellen

97

Attractions #SANDHILLS & #SCENIC RIVERS Fort Sidney Post Commander’s Home

Sidney

Ringold Stapleton

Historical Museum

385

coln B ywa y 80

Tryon

Lisco Nort

Schooner Museum

83

Broadwater

92

27

Lodgepole Depot Museum

Ash Hollow State Historical Park

32 min.

92

L a ke

44 min.

50 min.

McCo

naug

hy

34

40

Sunol

Kingsley Dam/ Hydro Plant Little Church of Keystone Boot Hill Roscoe

Buffalo Bill State Historical Park

Sutherland Hershey

38

North Platte Paxton 1 Box 32Butte ReservoirLodgepole 10HillNEBRASKA NATIONAL FOREST BESSEY The Rail Road Museum California Ogallala Cabela’s Retail Store Historical Marker Hillside Chappell and Wildlife Exhibit 37 4 Brule DISTRICT RANGER Sudman-Neumann Golf Golden Spike 36 Maxwell 33 Front Street 2Course Carnegie Arts Center Tower & Visitors Fort Cody Heritage House Big Springs Pony Express Ole’s Big Game Sutherland Bergstrom Rock & Center Mansion on National Monument Brady Steakhouse & Lounge 39 Trading Post Petrified Wood 1 Reservoir Gem Collection Lorenzo Hill GalleryNATIONAl FOREST 11 SAMUEL R.the MCKELVIE Fort McPherson 3 Knight Museum & Sandhills CENTER Mormon National Cemetery Lake Maloney Trail 2026 Events Prehistoric Wonders 4 CARHENGE Settling the west Oregon 5 DOBBY'S FRONTIER town WILDLIFE VIEWING – HALSEY Madrid Elsie Trail Dickens Brandon The Great OutDoors The Nebraska National Forest is a year-round 6 NEBRASKA VETERANS CEMETERY Grant Grainton Wallace destination for birders. Grouse viewing blinds Pioneer trails 7 SALLOWS MILITARY MUSEUM available in March and April. (308) 533-2257.

One-of-a-Kinds 8 CRESCENT LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Unique Geology THOMAS COUNTY FAIR – THEDFORD 9 ARTHUR BOWRING SANDHILLS RANCH July. Thedford’s biggest bash includes a STATE HISTORICAL PARK Welcome Centers/Rest Areas 31

16 min

19

30

30 min. Sidney to Chappell

30

80

39 min.

Ogallala to Chappell

61

30

T homas County 80

47 min.

Ogallala to North Platte

25

30 From

Om aha

30 min.

40 min.

North Platte to Dickens

15 min.

57 min.

Grant to Dickens

23

83

parade, live entertainment, food, vendors, children’s games and a fishing tournament.

(308) 645-2646.

Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 65

Bring the family and make memories in Western Nebraska.

Explore historic trails, meet wildlife, discover hands-on museums, and enjoy wide-open spaces perfect for every age.

Start planning with Destination Western Nebraska your guide to fun across our region’s counties.

66 • Destination western nebraska 2025

westnebraska.com

Camping by Niobrara River

Thedford |

pg. 71

Thedford is a crossroads community along Highway 2. Highway 83 leads north to Valentine and south to North Platte.

In May of 1891, five miles north of Thedford, sisters Tillie and Retta Haumann became lost.

Four-year-old Retta was found alive after three days of searching. Eight-year-old Tillie perished after wandering an estimated 75 miles. A state historical marker near the Thomas County Courthouse in Thedford preserves the memory of the children.

Thedford Art Gallery, 509 Court St., sells framed photos, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and other creations made by regional artists. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, May 1-Dec. 3, open the rest of the year 1-5 p.m. or by appointment. (308) 645-2396. Don't miss the bronze sculptures of two girls by artist Linda Egle. Yellow Calf Studio shows and sells sculptures by appointment.

(308) 645-2537.

One block west of the art gallery, Thomas County Historical Museum depicts Sandhills history by displaying artifacts used by settlers. The museum in the former Paxton home includes firearms and historic photos. (308) 645-2477.

Thedford Golf Course is a nine-hole public course built by local volunteers in 2009. The course follows the natural lay of the Sandhills, and in addition to the challenging buttes of this course are its scenic overlooks of the Middle Loup River.

Cart rental and driving range available. One mile west of Highway 83. (308) 645-2233.

Halsey |

pg. 71

Highway 2, also known as the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway, begins at Grand Island, passes the Nebraska National Forest at Halsey, crosses the lake country of the western Sandhills, and exits the region near Alliance. This byway is rated in the top 10 scenic routes in the United States.

Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest is the largest hand-planted forest in the world. It’s a favorite for camping, ATV riding, horseback riding, hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, fishing, and backpacking. Hunting for male deer, whitetail deer, turkey, and grouse is allowed.

Seasonal bird-viewing blinds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. March and April.

platform, climbing to the top is not for the faint of heart. (308) 533-2257.

Tryon

The Tryon area is sparse in human population but huge cattle herds live here. The local school mascot is the Longhorn, but Angus and Hereford cattle also graze area pastures. The long history of local ranching is chronicled in the McPherson County Historical Society Museum. It includes a historic bank, sod house, and implements. Open by appointment. (308) 587-2376.

Arthur

West of Tryon about 40 miles on Highway 2, Arthur is the only town in Arthur County. This ranching town boasts the world’s smallest courthouse. The 26-by-28-foot white frame building was built after Arthur County seceded from neighboring McPherson County in 1913.

The former Pilgrim Holiness Church is one of the few places of worship ever made from baled straw. How is that for a true blessing of Nebraska ingenuity?

Scott Lookout Tower offers a panoramic view of the forest and hills. Used by staff as a fire watch

Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 67

Mullen

HOTELS & MOTELS

Sandhills Motel, W. Hwy 2, Mullen www.sandhillsmotel.com

UNIQUE LODGING

PHONE

ROOMS

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

308-546-2206 888-278-6167

19

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, close to public pool, pets allowed

1-75

PHONE

AMENITIES

308-546-2288

Fully furnished 2-bedroom guest house, sleeps 9, laundry facilities

Double R Guest Ranch LLC 86091 Double R Dr., Mullen, www.rrguestranch.com

800-217-2042

Two Private Country Properties: The Lake View House and The Country Cabin. Both fully equipped, big green spaces, Wi-Fi, gas grill. Hunt, fish, stargaze or hike the country trails.

Variety of birds and wildlife.

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

308-546-2206

Year Round

Carter Morris House, 102 N.W. 3rd St., Mullen

Sandhills Campground 5078 S.W. 1st, Mullen (W. Hwy 2) www.sandhillsmotel.com

GOLF COURSES

AMENITIES RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 10 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower and flush toilets

RATE RANGE 51-75+

95+

FEES 25 nightly, 115 weekly

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

Dismal River Club, 83040 Dismal River Trail, Mullen

308-546-2900

18, semi-private

30+

Mullen Golf Course, 102 N. Veteran, W. Hwy 2, Mullen

308-546-2445

9, public

15-30

68 • Destination western nebraska 2025

Niobrara River

Alliance

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

1st Interstate Inn 1207 W. 3rd St., W. on Hwy 2 & Hwy 385, Alliance

308-762-4040

42

Pets allowed

1-50

Alliance Hotel & Suites 117 Cody Ave, Alliance www.alliance-hotel.com

308-762-8000

42

Free Wifi, Breakfast, Business Center, Fitness Center, Accessible, Air Conditioned

75-107

Econo Lodge, 1419 W. 3rd St., Alliance www.choicehotels.com/nebraska/alliance

308-762-8300

39

Breakfast, pet friendly

54-80

Holiday Inn Express, 1630 Holsten Dr., Alliance www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/alliance

308-761-0970

71

Free Wifi, Breakfast, Pool and Whirlpool, Accessible, Laundry, Business Center, Pet Friendly

82-117

Quality Inn, 1420 W. 3rd St., Alliance www.choicehotels.com/nebraska/alliance

308-762-7600

60

Free Wifi, Breakfast, Pool and Whirlpool, Accessible, Laundry, Business Center

93-130

Rainbow Motel, 614 W. 3rd St., Alliance

308-762-4980

13

Call for Amenities

Call for Rates

Sunset Motel & RV Park, 1210 NE-2, Alliance

308-762-8660

20

Call for Amenities

Call for Rates

UNIQUE LODGING

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

PHONE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Go West Guesthouse, 1023 Toluca Ave., Alliance gowestguesthouse@gmail.com

308-760-5072

Room for 1-13 guests, 6 bedrooms, 8 beds, 305 baths, 1 jacuzzi tub, 2-car garage. Full kitchen appliances, cooking and dishware. Washer/dryer, enclosed backyard.

150+

Grandma Lala's Bed and Breakfast 1232 Box Butte Ave., Alliance www.facebook.com/GrandmaLalasBedAndBreakfast

308-762-2925

Four rooms with private bath, morning brunch included

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

J&C RV Park 2491 US-385, Alliance

308-762-3860

Year Round

Full Hook Up Room for 13 trailers

Call for rates

Jeske's Over the Hill Campground 2131 Cty Rd. 59, Alliance dalejeske.wixsite.com/jeskes-campground

308-762-3763

Year Round

Full Hook up

Call for rates

Sunset Motel & RV Park, 1210 NE-2, Alliance

308-762-8660

Year Round

Full Hook up

Call For Rates

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

308-762-1446

Championship 18-hole course. Tee times seldom necessary.

Lessons offered

5-75

Sky View Golf Course 2613 Cty Rd. 57, Alliance www.skyviewgc.com

AMENITIES

Call for Rates

FEES

Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 69

kayaking down the niobrara river

Hemingford & Hyannis HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

Double JT & Hyannis Hotel, 1025 Main Ave., Hyannis

308-458-2332

11

Restaurant on premises

51-75

Ranchland Motel, 305 E. Hwy 2, Hyannis

308-458-2264

6

•

51-75

UNIQUE LODGING

PHONE

AMENITIES

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

RATE RANGE

Pelican Beach Cabin 43863 E. Hwy 2, 1 1/2 mi., E. on Hwy 2, Hyannis

308-458-2444

Rooms with shared bath. Sleeps 6, full kitchen, laundry facilities, bedroom loft, overlooks lake

75+

Whisperin’ Angel Inn,101 S. Manderson Ave., Hyannis

308-458-2300

Historic bed and breakfast, rooms with shared bath, full breakfast

•

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

Box Butte Reservoir SRA 9 1/2 N. Hemingford, on the Niobrara River www.outdoornebraska.gov

308-665-2900

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 64 trailers. Rest Facilities: pit toilets.

Camping: 60 tents

6-12 & NE Park Permit

Ranchland Motel Campground 305 Hwy 2, Hyannis

308-458-2264

•

Simpson’s Trailer Court 316 Morton St., Hyannis

308-458-2354

Year Round

GOLF COURSES

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 6 trailers. Camping: unlimited tents

• Call for rates

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

Hemingford Golf Course Fremont St., Hemingford

308-487-3639

7, public

Under 15

Pelican Beach Golf Club 2 1/4 mi. E. on Hwy 2, Hyannis

308-458-2579

9, public

Under 15

70 • Destination western nebraska 2025

Halsey & T hedford HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

Arrowhead Lodge & Café 39293 Hwy 2, Thedford, Jct Hwy 2 & US Hwy 83 arrowheadlodge.webs.com

308-645-2246

19

Restaurant on premises, pets allowed

1-50

Redwood Inn at Halsey 503 NE Hwy 2 Halsey, NE 69142 www.facebook.com/RedwoodInnHalsey

308-533-2240

11

Family Friendly, In-room Refrigerator, Free Parking, Picnic Areas

•

Roadside Inn, 39357 Hwy 2, Thedford www.roadsideinn.net

308-645-2284

42

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

51-75

UNIQUE LODGING Middle Loup River Ranch Guest House 4 mi. W. of Halsey, Hwy 2; Mile Marker 221 www.middleloupriverranch.com

CAMPGROUNDS

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

PHONE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

402-450-2268

Two bedroom guest house, rooms with shared bath, sleeps 9, laundry, AC, sat TV, Wi-Fi, gas grill. Next to Nebraska National Forest

75+

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

Belle's Bunkhouse and Campground 202 Main St., Halsey, Adjacent to Hwy 2, cabin adjacent to campground

308-539-1462

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 9 trailers. Camping: available. Cabin Rental: 1 (2 night minimum, 75+)

•

Bessey Recreation Complex Nebraska National Forest, 2 mi. W., Halsey https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska

308-533-2257

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 21 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower, pit and flush toilets. Camping: 13 tents

8-11 3 vehicle

Roadside Inn Campground 39357 E. Hwy 2, 1 mi. E. on Hwy 2, Thedford www.Roadsideinn.net

308-645-2284 800-373-1648

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 10 trailers. Rest Facilities: flush toilets .Camping: 3 tents

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

308-645-2634

9, public

Under 15

Thedford Golf Course 1 mi. S. on US Hwy 83, Thedford

Arnold & Stapleton HOTELS & MOTELS

18.5

PHONE

ROOMS

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

The Bunkhouse, South end of Main Street, Arnold

308-764-2476

4

Pets allowed

1-50

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

Arnold SRA, 1 mi. S. of Jct Hwys 40 & 92, Arnold www.arnoldne.org

308-848-2228

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, room for 20 trailers.

Rest Facilities: pit toilets. Camping: 100+ tents

•

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

308-636-2428

9, public

Under 15

Augusta Winds Public Golf Course, 1 mi. S. on US Hwy 83, Stapleton

Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 71

72 • Destination western nebraska 2025

RETT

DON’T MISS THESE GREAT EVENTS. GOLD RUSH DAYS 2ND WEEKEND IN JUNE

The frontier comes alive in Sidney through interactive activities for the whole family.

POTTER CAR BOWL LAST SATURDAY IN JUNE

Car show, Duckpin bowling, live music, auctions, and fireworks.

CHEYENNE COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO 3RD WEEK OF JULY

Live music, PRCA rodeo, tractor pulls, demo derby, 4-H events, and more.

SIDNEY OKTOBERFEST

FIRST FULL WEEKEND OF OCTOBER

An Oktoberfest celebration with a real fest tent, great food, and beer.

ALL IS BRIGHT CHRISTMAS TOUR

WEEKENDS BETWEEN THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS

Indoor Christmas light experience with Santa at Cheyenne County Fairgrounds.

THERE’S MUCH MORE TO CHEYENNE COUNTY. TO SEE ALL EVENTS GO TO VISITSIDNEYNE.COM

SIDNEY

D A LT O N

GURLEY

LODGEPOLE

POTTER