Destination_Western_Nebraska_2023

Find your next

ADVENTURE.

WestNebraska.com

more to discover in Cheyenne County

SIDNEY - DALTON - LODGEPOLE - GURLEY - POTTER www.VisitSidneyNE.com

Gold Gold Rush Rush Days Days Potter Car Bowl Potter Car Bowl Cheyenne Cheyenne County County Fair Fair Potter Days & PNCC 120 Potter Days & PNCC 120 Lodgepole Lodgepole Old Old Settlers' Settlers' Days Days Oktoberfest Oktoberfest

2 • Destination western nebraska 2023

2nd Weekend in June Last Saturday in June Last full week of July Labor Day Weekend Labor Day Weekend 1st weekend in October

Cheyenne County Visitors Center 658 Glover Road, Sidney, NE 308-254-4030

NO BETTER DIRECTION FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

GET LOST & FIND YOURSELF HERE Call for your FREE Travel Guide!

308-432-3006

FOR FAMILY FUN

FOR FRONTIER HISTORY

www.discovernwnebraska.com

You never know what you’ll find when you go the extra mile.

V is itGe r i ng .c om

Sponsored Content

Legacy of the plains Museum The High Plains and the North Platte Valley have a special legacy and a unique place in American history. The private, nonprofit Legacy of the Plains Museum celebrates the people who made that history.

Located on the Oregon Trail, Legacy of the Plains Museum features an impressive collection of pioneer and early community artifacts, antique tractors, and farm implements; an 80-acre working farm; historic farmstead structures; and striking views of Scotts Bluff National Monument.

The Platte River Road The North Platte River basin has been a super highway of travel for thousands of years. Visitors can step back in time and follow the footsteps of our earliest inhabitants of the area, the Paleo-Indian, fur trappers and traders, travelers along our trails, and many others. You can also view an exciting Native American exhibit with arrowheads and tools from all over the country, a Teepee with the Lakota origin story playing in it, and an amazing, reproduced artifact collection.

A Legacy Tied to the Land Our legacy is tied to the land.

Hunting, gathering, ranching, and

farming have shaped the people that have called this area home.

The Legacy of the Plains has one of the largest agricultural equipment collections in the area, which feature hand, horse, and tractor drawn equipment. Our exhibits showcase livestock/ranching history of the area, both irrigated and dryland farming practices, and features the wide variety of crops grown in the region including: wheat, alfalfa, dry beans, potatoes, corn, sugar beets, and others. On the third full weekend in September, the Museum hosts its Annual Harvest Festival showcases this heritage. A crop is highlighted and live demonstrations are available using a wide variety of equipment.

Those that stayed Early American Settlement is a major focus of the museum and can be seen throughout our campus.

Our exhibit hall consists of exhibits that focus on industries; home life, art, and our interactive features help bring the past alive for our visitors.

Our Wiedeman Farmstead provides our visitors with a view into the lives of people in the 1930’s and 1950’s.

The barn, workshop, granary, windmill and sound of farm animals

add to the experience. The Gentry Cabin highlights life in the1890’s, including an outhouse. Both of these houses were moved to the museum, and during our festivals, visitors can talk to descendants of the people that built them.

The People The Legacy of the Plains Museum tells the stories of the diverse peoples that have called the high plains home. We feature Native American, Germans from Russia, Japanese, Hispanic, Greek, and many others that have shaped our community into what it has become today. Our Japanese Hall, a communal center built in 1929, will be opened in early 2024 and will tell the stories of the trials and triumphs of the Japanese Community.

The Legacy of the Plains Museum is open daily, closed during winter holidays, and has several events and activities going on throughout the year, which makes the Museum truly a must stop for everyone.

Legacy of the Plains Museum 2930 Old Oregon Trail Gering NE 69341 308.436.1989 info@legacyoftheplains.org www.legacyoftheplains.org

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.

6 • Destination western nebraska 2023

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 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.”

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

Table of Contents 8 master Map 10 Scenic Byways 12 tourism contact

information 14 Pine Ridge 22 info 17 Attractions 17 Chadron 20 Crawford 22 Harrison 22 Gordon 22 Hay Springs 22 Rushville 22 Ellsworth 26 Trails West 40 info 31 Attractions 31 Gering 34 Scottsbluff 35 Henry 35 Minatare 35 Morril 36 Mitchell 36 Bayard 37 Bridgeport 37 Broadwater 37 Lisco 39 Lewellen 39 Oshkosh

44 Wild West 54 info 49 Attractions 47 North Platte 48 Maxwell 48 Brady 49 Hershey 49 Sutherland 49 Sidney 51 Potter 51 Lodgepole 51 Dalton 51 Gurley 51 Lemoyne 53 Keystone 53 Paxton 53 Brule 53 Big Spings 53 Chappell 54 Kimball 54 Harrisburg

62 Sandhills &

Scenic Rivers

75 info 67 Attractions 65 Mullen 66 Alliance 67 Hemingford 68 Hyannis 68 Ashby 68 Seneca 68 Thedford 68 Halsey 68 Tryon 68 Arthur

westNebraska.com • 7

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

Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area

Berea

“Old Jules” Sandoz Grave Site Dobby Frontier Town

Sallows Military Museum and Conservatory

Mormon Trail

92

Riverside Discovery

Gering

92

Ellsworth Bingham

Chimney Rock Pony Express Station 27 min Gering to Bayard

43 min.

Bridgeport State Recreation Area

Bayard

Bayard Chimney Rock Museum

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

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

Scottsbluff Scottsbluff

Scotts Bluff National Monument Robidoux trading post 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

ic R i S c en 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

27

Fort Sidney Post Commander’s Home

ln By way 80

Sidney

Pony Express National Monument

Sunol

Hillside Golf Cabela’s Retail Store Course and Wildlife Exhibit 19

16 min

Lorenzo

30

Lodgepole Depot Museum

L a ke

1

McCo

44 min.

50 min.

30 min. Sidney to Chappell

Haythorn 92

Ash Hollow State Historical Park

Lodgepole Chappell

Bergstrom Rock & Gem Collection

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 8 • Destination western nebraska 2023

Madrid

Scenic Byways

Brandon

(see page 11)

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 and Valentine are in the 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

Sutherland Paxton

Buffalo Bill State Historical Park Hershey

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

Brady 30 From

Om aha

Mormon Trail

Oregon Trail

Dickens Wallace

80

Pine Ridge

40 min.

North Platte to Dickens

Grainton

Maxwell

Fort McPherson National Cemetery

Lake Maloney

25

Elsie

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

32 min.

23

Sandhills & Scenic Rivers Trails West Wild West

83

MOUNTAIN

CENTRAL TIME

westNebraska.com • 9

Scenic byways

For more information turn to page 12

PICTURED ABOVE: 385 GOLD RUSH SCENIC BYWAY, BRIDGES TO BUTTES BYWAY, LINCOLN HIGHWAY SCENIC BYWAY, HWY 83 10 • Destination western nebraska 2023

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

1

2

3

20

20

Chadron

5

6

4

Bridges to Buttes Byway

7

Crawford

18 385 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

16

30

30

19

North Platte

Lincoln Highway National Scenic & Historic Byway 75

Follow our scenic byways

AND VISIT THESE EXCITING ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE WAY: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Toadstool Geologic Park High Plains Homestead Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center Fort Robinson State Park Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center Museum of the fur Trade Chadron State Park Carhenge Alliance Historic Main Street Alliance Central Park Fountain Scotts Bluff National Monument

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Riverside Discovery Center Chimney Rock Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock Tin Roof Sundae National Pony Express Monument Ash Hollow State Historical Park Dawes County Historical Museum Buffalo Bill State Historical Park

westNebraska.com • 11

Western Nebraska

Tourism Coalition Professional services offices Chairman – Kerri Rempp – Chadron Vice Chairman – Mike Kesselring – Harrison Secretary – Karla Niedan-Streeks – Gering Treasurer – Kirsten Parker – North Platte Address for the WNTC Professional Services Offices: 1249 N. Homestead Road North Platte, NE 69101 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.

Tanking and toadstool park photos provided by nebraska tourism

12 • Destination western nebraska 2023

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 Villageofmorrill.com

Big Springs

Mullen

Big Springs Chamber of Commerce (308) 889-3212 Ci.big-springs.ne.us

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

Bridgeport

North Platte

Morrill County Visitors Committee (308) 262-1825 Morrillcounty.net

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) 665-1817 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 • 13

14 • Destination western nebraska 2023

CHADRON • CRAWFORD HARRISON • RUSHVILLE GORDON • HAY SPRINGS ELLSWORTH

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 • 15

The Very Best in

You’re invited to visit the

Family Dining

Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center At Chadron State College Carmen and John Gottschalk Mari Sandoz Gallery

The Carmen and John Gottschalk Mari Sandoz Gallery tells the story of the life and literature of Mari Sandoz. The exhibit examines the topics of her writing – landscape, advocacy for Native Americans, writing style, and dedication to research – through the lens of her personal experience.

Your Time in Pine Ridge Country begins with a hearty meal from the award-winning Country Kitchen menu. From breakfast classics such as our premium omelettes to our All-American sandwich board, fresh salads and homemade soups, there is delicious food for every appetite. We invite you to relax in the lounge with your favorite beverage and enjoy the very best in family dining.

C.F. Coffee Gallery

The C. F. Coffee Gallery is dedicated to the history of Cattle Ranching on the High Plains. Exhibits in the gallery space begin with the movement of cattle from Texas to the High Plains, the open range era, and the transition to the ranching system we know today. The primary focus of the Gallery’s work has been collecting archival resources for use by the students at Chadron State College and researchers from around the world.

1250 W. 10th, Corner of Hwy 20 & 385

Chadron, NE • 308.432.5111

www.countrykitchenrestaurants.com

Heritage Gardens

The Heritage Gardens reflect the region’s prairie, native, and ranching cultures. The Gardens are a cultural, historical, and environmental learning space and consist of several collections: Old Jules’ Orchard Immigrant Plants Traditional Plants of the Lakota The Sandhills Collection Woody Plants of the Pine Ridge The Claude Barr Collection

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

Free admission

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

Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to noon & 1 to 4 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. to noon.

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

16 • Destination western nebraska 2023

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

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

Fort Robinson State Park 28 min.

Chadron 12

Whitney

8

High Plains 15 Homestead Soldier Creek Wilderness 7 Trailside Museum

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

Hemingford

87

Rushville

13 min.

61 1 hr.

r 250

Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area

44 min.

Hemingford to chadron

Knight Museum

Sallows Military Museum and Conservatory

Carhenge

15 27 13 26 “Old Jules” Sandoz Grave Site 28 Dobby Frontier Town 14 Antioch

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

Lakeside

26 min.

Robidoux Trading Post & Pioneer Graves

Chadron |

Chimney Rock Bridgeport National Historic Site 88

pg. 24

24

Court House and Jail Rocks

92

Ellsworth

Prehistoric Wonders Ashby Bingham Settling the west The Great OutDoors Pioneer trails One-of-a-Kinds Unique Geology Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge Welcome Centers/Rest Areas 25 2

W Hyannis

34 min.

7 min.

Scottsbluff to Gering

Harrisburg

1 hr.

10 min.

2

Carnegie Arts Center

71

27 min Gering to Bayard

27

Berea

Attractions #PINE RIDGE 14 min.

Mitchell to Scottbluff

30 min.

53 min.

Box Butte Reservoir

1 hr. 27 min.

Scottsbluff to Crawford

13

16 min.

Walgren Lake State 87 Recreation Area

Pine Ridge Mountain Bike Trail

26 min.

Hemingford to chadron

Gordon

Clinton

ic R i v e S c en 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

Goldrush Byway

Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed

Merriman

White River

Toadstool Geologic Park

27

43 min.

61

Broadwater Wes te

rn T rails

16

Byw

Arthur 27

ay

paddle boats are available to rent. Be Lisco careful at the Chadron Chamber of Commerce & Historical cowboys, ranchwith fire in this wooded area. HikeNorand bike Visitor Center. Chadron State Park offers the th P Museum 53 min. latt eR 71 ive 26 r Dalton direction. (308)-432-6167.

Schooner Museum in every ers,and railroaders were known to get a little Prairietrails spread National Forest/Oglala National Grassland map Oshkosh 385 rowdy from time to time. The once tiny frontier showing trails.18 min.

(308)-432-0300.

26 town has grown to 5,400 residents and 3,000 Pine Ridge Ranger District of the Nebraska Lewellen 35 Gurley Oliver Reservoir students at Chadron State very well-behaved National Forest is 52,000 acres of Ponderosa Pine Ridge National Recreation Area is a Ash Hollow 92 Recreation Area Plains Historical Museum State Historical Park 27 L a ke Railroad pine and mixed grass prairies. Primitive campCollege.

The Dawes liesMuseum 6,600-acre parcel limited to non-motorized McCo Bushnell Kingsley D 27 KimballCounty community naug Dix Fort Sidney Post hy Hydro Pla Potter 29 L 44 min. i n c o Commander’s Home between the forested Pine Ridge and scenic ing is allowed.

The Red Cloud Campground has recreation.

There are corrals, a rider ramp, l Lodgepole Depot Museum n 34 30 Bywa 18 min 50 min. y 30 Duckpin 80 40 39 min picnic tables, High Plains. fire grates, and vault toilets; it is modern toilets, and drinkable water. Hiking, Sunol Bowling Sidney Boot Hill 30 Alley Lodgepole Rosc 31 nne e California Hill y e eight miles south of Chadron on Highway 385. horseback riding and mountain biking are Ogallala h Cabela’s Retail Store 32 om C Historical Marker Hillside 71 Chappell and Wildlife Exhibit Brule Sudman-Neumann Golf min Chadron State Park was Nebraska’s first state Marked16trails, about 80 miles worth, appeal to allowed.

The recreation area and trailhead are33 30 min.

Sidney to Chappell Front Stre Course Pony Express Heritage House Big Springs 30 80 Tri-State Marker Bergstrom Rock & 19 Mansion on National Monument park.Nebraska’s Founded in 1921, it encompasses nearly mountain bikers, hikers, and horseback riders. connected by the scenic 3 Mile Loop.

Petrified Wo 1 Highest Point 39 min.

Gem Collection Lorenzo the Hill Ogallala to Gallery Chappell 1,00028acres of Pine Ridge public land nine miles The area’s most popular trailheads include 61 south of Chadron on Highway 385. The park East Ash, West Ash, Soldier Creek, Spotted Tail, The best entry point to the Pine Ridge National 30 min. offers fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, Roberts, and Outrider. Roberts and Outrider Recreation Area is from the Roberts trailhead, 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 Brandon Grant sand volleyball courts, a challenging disc golf arrestors to reduce wildfire danger. Maps of Road and then one and a half miles15east. min. course, and a new indoor archery and pellet the Pine Ridge Trails system and the National gun facility elevate the fun. Mountain bikes and Forest/Oglala National Grassland are available Banner County 1 hr.

3 min Chadron’sHistorical earlyMuseum fur traders,

»

Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 17

Old West Trail PRCA Rodeo 76 th Anniversary

Free!Official 2020 Travel Guide

Crawford, NE icia Free!Off

l 2020

Travel

G uide

Free!Official 2020 Travel Guide Find your next

ADVENTURE.

Find your next WestNebraska.com 66 1.866.684.40a.com

ADVENTURE. WestNebrask

r next

d you URE. ADVENTURE.

Fin next your aska.com Find ebr 66 om WestN684.40a.c ask 1.866.ebr

VENT ADstN We

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.

Find your next

ADVENTURE.

Find your next

WestNebraska.com ADVENTU RE.

1.866.684.4066 WestNebrask a.com

Want to Advertise?

Contact Gil Cohen at

Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing 402.884.2047 | gil@omahapublications.com

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

50th Western wildlife art show Children's Wall of Art

Sioux County Museum Six Buildings of Sioux County History!

Annual Historic Trek

Fort Robinson State Park July 2nd - 4th, 2023

P.O. Box 531 Crawford, NE 69339 • westernwildlifeartshow.org 18 • Destination western nebraska 2023

Featuring: House & Telephone Office Post Office Schoolhouse Newspaper Office Main Museum Antique Tractor South Main Street Harrison, NE Facebook: Sioux County Historical Society Museum

Open Memorial Day to Labor Day Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday 1- 4 p.m.

Paid for by the Sioux County Travel Board

fort robinson

« 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Chadron 2023 Events FESTIVAL OF QUILTS April 28-30. Learn about quilts with lectures, demonstrations, appraisals, feature quilters and a large trunk show at Assumption Arena.

(308)-430-5615.

FUR TRADE DAYS July 13-16. 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 28-August 5. Enjoy livestock shows, 4-H projects, tractor pull, rodeos, Tough Truck contest, games, sports tournaments and concerts.

(308) 432-3373.

BANDS ON BORDEAUX July. The 100 block of Bordeaux Street is the place to be on Thursday evenings in July when music, food, drinks and vendors mix downtown.

(308) 432-4401.

HARVEST MOON FALL FESTIVAL Oct. 7. A family-centered day of fun at the Dawes County Fairgrounds. Kids can enjoy a haunted maze, petting zoo, archery, bounce houses, pumpkin painting and more. With more than 80 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.

Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 19

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.

Out of the Way and Out of the Ordinary!

Your next group event destination location!

Welcome to the Homestead!

1-308-665-2592

highplainshomestead.com

Find your next

ADVENTURE. WestNebraska.com 1.866.684.4066

For more information about Chadron and Northwest Nebraska, contact Chadron Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Center at (308) 432-4401 or (308) 432-3006.

Crawford |

pg. 23

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; legendbuttesgolfcourse.com

to Authors

DISCOVER MORE IN SHERIDAN COUNTY Come ride, run and enjoy the views from Nebraska’s first state recreation trail, the Cowboy Trail in Sheridan County. Travel the Mari Sandoz Trail to explore the childhood sites of author Mari Sandoz. Visit museums and schoolhouses and learn the tales of the infamous gunmen and outlaws like Doc Middleton.

Book your western vacation today!

ATTRACTIONS

• Mari Sandoz Trail • Potash Plant Ruins • Camp Sheridan • Spade Ranch Historical Marker • Scamahorn Museum • Tri-State Old Time Cowboys’ Memorial Museum • Sheridan County Historical Museum • Heritage Museum • Schoolhouse Museum • WWII Balloon Bomb Historical Site

EVENTS

• Sheridan County Fair • Hay Springs Friendly Festival • Rushville Fun Days • Gordon’s Willow Tree Festival

LODGING

• Nebraskaland Motel • Antlers Motel • Jefco Inn • Western Sands Motel

PO BOX 485 • RUSHVILLE, NE

For more details about attractions, events, and businesses in Sheridan County please visit our website:

visitsheridancounty.com

20 • Destination western nebraska 2023

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.

Down Home Ranch Guest House is located 10 miles south of Crawford on the Pine Ridge near Belmont. This 100-plus-year-old home is fully equipped with everything a guest may need for a weekend getaway or an extended stay and offers hunting for deer and turkey. 602-620-5755 White River Gallery features local artists and offers art workshops and youth camps in this renovated former bakery at 425 Second St. (308) 430-5882.

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.

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.

Chimney Rock 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.

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.

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 and 71, then four miles east to Ponderosa Wildlife Management Area.

Falcons, mule deer, and golden eagles often soar overhead here.

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.

Three and a half miles up Sandcreek Rd. you will discover High Plains Homestead, an authentic 1880’s village, mercantile, and group lodging facility. The village is open to the public daily.

Come spend the day or bring your group out for the week and enjoy this "out of the way and out of the ordinary" place. Lodging reservations call 308-665-2592.

Our Heritage Guest Ranch provides lodging in a historic guest cottage and the nicely furnished loft of its barn and offers fossil hunting, train watching, vacation packages, and more near the Oglala National Grassland and Toadstool Geologic Park. (308) 430-1239.

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.

Crawford 2023 Events

CRAWFORD 4TH OF JULY 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. www.owtrodeo.com

CRAWFORD ROCK SWAP Sept. 1-4, 2023. 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 2023 Events SIOUX COUNTY FAIR July 28-August 6 Take in 4-H exhibits, livestock shows, an art show or the 5K race. Entertainment includes rodeos, a demolition derby and the ever-popular hog wrestling for brave souls willing to jump in a mud pit and attempt the feat (308) 668-2428.

For more information, contact the Crawford Chamber of Commerce at (308) 665-1817.

Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 21

Harrison |

pg. 22

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, 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.

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. 25

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 |

pg. 25

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.

Contact the Sioux County Travel and Visitors Board (308) 430-8493.

Gordon |

pg. 25

Harrison

HOTELS & MOTELS

Sage Motel, 398 E. US Hwy 20, Harrison

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

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

ROOMS

308-665-5300

13

PHONE 308-665-5199

Pets allowed, adjacent campground

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

PHONE

OPEN

Corral Campground, 410 E. US Hwy 20, Harrison sagemotelharrison.com

308-665-5300

Year Round

Harrison City Park, 240 4th Street Harrison

308-668-2445

22 • Destination western nebraska 2023

AMENITIES

AMENITIES RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 12 trailers Two RV Pads with electrical hook-ups

RATE RANGE 65-75

RATE RANGE 50-100

FEES • Free will donation

Crawford

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

Fort Robinson State Park, 3200 Hwy 20, Crawford

308-665-2900

•

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

308-665-1144 800-504-1444

13

UNIQUE LODGING

PHONE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Restaurant on premises, indoor pool, pets allowed Pets allowed, Pizza place on site open Thursday-Saturday

50-245+ 51-75

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Crow Butte View Cabins & Camping, 934 Bethel Rd, 5 mi. S. of Hwy 20 between Chadron and Crawford aunt-myrnas-cabin.com

308-665-5396

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

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

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. & 7 mi. N.W., Crawford ourheritageguestranch.com

308-430-1239

Wheelchair accessible, rooms with private and shared bath, full breakfast. Sleeps 15. Ranch activities, hiking, fossil hunting, and wedding venue.

1-75

Spring Creek Ranch 90 Holmgren Road, Crawford, NE 69339

308-430-1717

Open for hunting seasons and extended stays of one week or more. Private setting with scenic views.

Schoolhouse B&B, 1312 W. Ash Creek Rd., Crawford

308-665-1814

Cozy schoolhouse with private bath, full breakfast, bird watching, stargazing, hunting

Bridges to Buttes Cottage, 1113 6th St, Crawford, NE 69339

CAMPGROUNDS

605-641-3852 or 308-360-0508

95+

Call for rates

200-300 51-75

Settle in to this cozy cottage with a full kitchen, Wifi and a private backyard.

PHONE

OPEN

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

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

•

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 103 trailers. Rest facilities: showers, flush and pit toilets. Cabins: 34

12-21 100 cabin

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

•

Room for 6 trailers, $15 camping, $3 day use.

3-15

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

PHONE 308-665-2431

AMENITIES

100-150

HOLES & TYPE

FEES

Call for hours & tee times.

9, public

RATE RANGE Under 15

Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 23

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 877-432-3305

67

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

75+

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

308-432-5591

21

Pets allowed

1-50

Motel Grand 1050 W US Hwy 20, Chadron

308-432-5595

20

Restaurant next door, pets allowed

Holiday Inn Express 247 Ash St., Chadron

308-747-2223

68

Amenities: 24-hour fitness center, pool, business center, free breakfast, wifi, Keurig, fridge, microwave in every room

Super 8 Motel 840 W. US Hwy 20, Chadron

308-872-9769

45

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

51-75+

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

308-646-3838

43

Amenities Kids stay free! Free morning coffee, expanded cable, coin laundry, and indoor pool; Wi-Fi access, refrigerators, and microwaves in every room

51-75

Westerner Motel 300 Oak St., W. US Hwy 20, Chadron westernermotel@gpcom.net

308-432-5577 800-947-0847

27

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

60-80

UNIQUE LODGING

PHONE

AMENITIES

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Rate Varies

98+

RATE RANGE

Crow Butte View Cabins & Camping, 934 Bethel Rd., 5 mi. S. of Hwy 20 between Chadron and Crawford facebook.com/CabinAuntMyrnas

308-665-5396

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

95+

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

75-110

Olde Main Street Inn 115 Main St., Chadron

308-432-3380

Rustic country inn on National Register of Historic Places, rooms with private bath, full continental breakfast

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

•

Sheepwagon Hideouts 61 Country Club Road, Chadron, NE 69337

308-432-5954

Stay in a primitive sheepwagon for a unique experience.

Sunshower, wood burning stoves, horse motel onsite.

•

Victorian Inn B&B 307 Shelton St., Chadron www.chadronvictorianinn.com

308-432-5696

Built in 1910. High-speed internet, grand piano, central A/C. Rooms with shared bath, full continental breakfast.

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

CAMPGROUNDS

1-75+

1-75

Call for rates

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

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

308-432-6167

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 70 trailers Rest Facilities: Showers, flush and pit toilets. Camping: 18 tents, Cabin rentals

11-65 NE Park Permit

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

RV Amenities: room for 6 trailers Rest facilities: Pit toilets Camping: 7 tents

15

308-432-0300

Year Round

RV Amenities: water. Rest facilities: Pit toilets Horse corrals available

308-487-3426

•

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 www.sharedoutdoors.com

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

15 8 vehicle

20-40

Chadron Cont. » 24 • Destination western nebraska 2023

« Chadron Cont.

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

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

308-432-4468

Gordon, Rushville, HOTELS & MOTELS

&

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE

Call for hours & tee times.

•

9 holes, semi-private Under 15

Hay Springs ROOMS

RATE RANGE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

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

308-282-2935

22

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, guest laundry

65+

Western Sands Motel 107 W. US Hwy 20, Gordon

308-282-1795

20

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed, free wifi

55+

Antler’s Motel, 607 E. 2nd St., Rushville

308-327-2444

20

Free continental breakfast, pets allowed, Patio BBQ grill

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

308-327-2487

15

Pets allowed, free wifi, large groups welcome, kitchenettes

UNIQUE LODGING

PHONE

AMENITIES

42-77 45+

RATE RANGE

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

50+

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

90+

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

•

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

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

308-762-3860

Apr.-Oct.

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

308-762-3763

•

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

•

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)

25+

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

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

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

AMENITIES

FEES

Room for 6 trailers

HOLES & TYPE

Call for rates

Call for hours & tee times.

6 NE Park Permit 10

RATE RANGE

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

308-282-1146

18, public

15-23

Hay Springs

308-232-4436

9, public

5

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

308-327-2966

9, public

15-30

Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 25

26 • Destination western nebraska 2023

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 • 27

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 • MorrillCounty.net Angora • Bayard • Bridgeport • Broadwater PHOTOS: Top Row—Chimney Rock by L. T. James; Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock by Western Nebraska Tourism Coalition. Second Row—Pioneer Trails Museum, Bridgeport; The Farm House B&B, Broadwater; Bridgeport State Recreation Area; The Pumpkin Patch at BE Farm, Bayard. Third Row—Bayard Depot Museum, The Ethel and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center, Bayard; Camp Clarke Raiders Muzzle Loading Club, Bridgeport; Broadwater Museum.

40+ Murals // 2 Art Galleries VisitGardenCounty.com Lewellen • Oshkosh • Lisco

Nebraska’s most

BEAUTIFUL

RACE

Free!Official 2020 Travel Guide

Free!Off

icial 20

20 Trav

Find your next

ADVENTURE.

Find your next WestNebraska.com 66 1.866.684.40a.com

ADVENTURE. WestNebrask

r next

d you

URE.

Fin next your aska.com Find ebr 66 om WestN684.40a.c ask 1.866.ebr

ADVENT

E. VENTUR ADstN We

STAY

AT THE

FARM HOUSE

Free!Official 2020 Travel Guide Find your next

ADVENTURE. WestNebraska.com

el G uide

Find your next

ADVENTURE.

Find your next

WestNebraska.com ADVENTU RE.

1.866.684.4066 WestNebrask a.com

Want to Advertise?

Contact Gil Cohen at

Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing 402.884.2047 | gil@omahapublications.com

Sept. 30, 2023

26.2, 13.1, 13.1 Relay, 5k monumentmarathon.com

Take a trip down memory lane when to stay at the Historic Hotel known as the Farm House B & B. Reserve your getaway today in Broadwater!

102 E. Guthrie St. Broadwater, Ne. 1.308.279.1024

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

Lakeside

2

26 min.

Riverside Discovery 14 min. Center 7 min.

Henry Morrill

1

Mitchell

Mitchell to Scottbluff

26

4

3

Robidoux Trading Post Five Rocks Amphitheater Legacy of the Plains Museum

Gering

Lake Minatare State Recreation Area North Platte Wildlife Refuge

7

92

Robidoux Trading Post & Pioneer Graves

Chimney Rock Pony Express Station

8

88

Harrisburg

43 min

Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Bridgeport State Recreation Area Northport Pioneer Trails Museum

Bayard Chimney Rock Museum

1

Chimney Rock Bridgeport National Historic Site

27 min Gering to Bayard

Banner County Historical Museum

Bayard

McGrew

5

27

62A

Minatare

Melbeta

Wildcat Hills Nature Center

9

Wes te

rn T rails

Arth

Byw

1

27

ay

Lisco Nor

th P

71

Prairie Schooner Museum

10

Broadwater

92

Court House and Jail Rocks

1 hr.

3 min

Dalton

latt

eR

Historical Museum

11

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 Lincoln Bywa y Duckpin 80 39 min Bowling Alley

Attractions #TRAILS WEST 71

Tri-State Marker Nebraska’s Highest Point

28

1 2 3 4 5 6

western trails scenic byway riverside discovery center scotts bluff national monument Robidoux trading post wildcat hills state recreation area Lake Minatare

Gering |

Hyannis

34 min.

385

Scottsbluff Scottsbluff 6

Midwest Theater Scotts Bluff National Monument

92

Ashby

Bingham

Lake Minatare Lighthouse

Scottsbluff to Gering

2

Ellsworth

pg. 40

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?

32 • Destination western nebraska 2023

7 8 9 10 11 12

Fort Sidney Post Commander’s Home

Sidney 16 min

Lorenzo

19

Hillside Golf Course

30

27

Lodgepole Depot Museum

Sunol

32 Cabela’s Retail Store and Wildlife Exhibit

Lewellen

Ash Hollow 12 State Historical Park

Bergstrom Rock & Gem Collection

north platte national wildlife refuge chimney rock courthouse rock & Jail Rock crescent lake national wildlife refuge goose hunting capital 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

McCo

44 min.

50 min.

Lodgepole Chappell

30 min. Sidney to Chappell

Pony Express National Monument

18 min.

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

Brule

hy

Ogallala

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.

»

naug

Gran

« 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.

Hot Air Balloon over Scotts Bluff National Monument 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.

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.

In 1851, Plains Indians brought their trapped mammal furs to Robidoux Trading Post (pronounced Roo-bi-doo). In the early days of the Oregon Trail, it was one of the first signs of habitation after many weeks and months spent crossing prairie. The sod-roofed building has been reconstructed with authentic 100-year-old handhewn logs and period furnishings.

Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 33

Robidoux Trading Post is relocated to a new site on the original Oregon Trail near Five Rocks Amphitheater in Gering. The post sits on the grasslands amidst the backdrop of the sandstone beacons of Saddle, Eagle, Sentinel, Crown, and Dome Rocks. A short drive west from the post takes travelers along Robidoux Road through rugged country past pioneer graves marked and unknown and visible wagon swales. Travel slowly to glimpse elk, mule deer, golden eagles, and huge flocks of wild turkeys.

Entrance to the Robidoux Trading Post is at the intersection of Five Rocks Road and D Street on the south side of Gering.

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

Gering 2023 Events

FATHER’S DAY ROCK-N-ROLL CLASSIC CAR SHOW June 16-17. More than 300 classics from seven states roll into Five Rocks Amphitheater for this day-long show and shine. (308) 436-6886.

ROBIDOUX RENDEZVOUS

THE FIRST BREWERY IN THE NEBR ASK A PANHANDLE, FLYOVER BREWING COMPANY TAKES PRIDE IN IT’S BEER, FOOD AND LOCATION. EVERY MENU ITEM IS MADE FROM SCR ATCH IN OUR KITCHEN.

June 24. A meeting between seasoned and intermediate riders looking for a fun and challenging day on the bike. The roads we ride follow the same paths as Native Americans, fur traders, and travelers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. See for yourself as you ride by literal wagon ruts, covered wagons, and pioneer graves on the final stretch over Robidoux Pass. www.robidouxrendezvous.com

OREGON TRAIL DAYS July 13-16. 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.

OLD WEST BALLOON FEST

308-575-0335 FLYOVERBREWINGCOMPANY.COM WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 11A M - 11PM

1824 BROADWAY, DOWNTOWN SCOTTSBLUFF

34 • Destination western nebraska 2023

August 9-12. Scotts Bluff County skies fills with over 80 hot air balloons, bright hues during daybreak launches, balloon glows, food vendors, beer garden, and live entertainment. www.theoldwestballoonfest.com

HARVEST FESTIVAL September 16-17. Celebrate historic agriculture of the High Plains at Legacy of the Plains Museum. Pick your own potatoes. Admission charge of $5 per carload. (308) 436-1989.

Scottsbluff |

pg. 40

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.

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.

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.

The other marker, which depicts a Pony 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.

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.

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 Derek Ordway 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

Henry

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.

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.

Minatare |

pg. 42

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. 42

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, Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant serves traditional Mexican dishes, 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.

Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 35

Scottsbluff 2023 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. 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

RIVERSIDE DISCOVERY CENTER All year. Special events throughout the year create unforgettable family memories at Western Nebraska’s only accredited zoo. Birthday parties, live music concerts, after-hours events and holiday celebrations have visitors and the zoo’s many big cats, roaring loudly with approval. (308) 630-6236.

Garden County

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 western 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. 42

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.

2023 Events

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

GARDEN CO. ART & MURAL TOUR

Creations by other artists are also shown and sold here. (308) 672-2628. 1402 Center Ave.

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.

36 • Destination western nebraska 2023

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. 41

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. 41

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.

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.

Broadwater |

pg. 41

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 and residence 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.

Lisco |

pg. 43

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. 43

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.

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.

Morrill County 2023 Events

GREEK FESTIVAL–TRADITIONAL DINNER Febuary 23. Greek lamb/roast beef dinner with Greek potatoes, Greek salad, spinach pie (spanakopita) and Greek walnut cake.

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 28-31. Camp Clarke Days is an annual tradition in Bridgeport and includes a full weekend of activities for families to enjoy.

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.

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

Oshkosh |

pg. 43

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.

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 ala 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.

Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 37

Get Outside: Enjoy hiking, biking and picnicking in the Pine Ridge Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands. Watch wildlife in the Oglala National Grassland. Discover special places like Toadstool Geologic Park and Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed while journeying through “Nebraska’s Badlands.”

Download the National Forest Explorer App and let it guide your explorations.

Find your next A nonprofit partner with Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands

ADVENTURE. WestNebraska.com

308.432.0300 • fs.usda.gov/Nebraska

Almost Glamping has it all!

Fishing, Kayaks, Canoe and a Pontoon boat will keep you busy for hours on a small private lake.

Spend your day splashing around on the swim beach on a hot summer day or listening to scary stories and eating S’mores around a campfire.

Cabin rental open year round. Perfect for hinters, families, and stargazers. almostglamping.net • 225.335.4240 •Bridgeport, Nebraska

Trails West is beautifully designed and nestled on the banks of the North Platte River. You will find a stunning view of the Scotts Bluff National Monument. Whether you are interested in our camping or lodging options, our summer camp programs, holding a business meeting, hosting a family reunion or planning a wedding, Trails West is the place to be!

To reserve any facilities at the Trails West Camp, please visit www.ymcaofscottsbluff.com/reservations

308-635-2318

trailswest@ymcaofscottsbluff.org

38 • Destination western nebraska 2023

Play Nebraska’s Scenic Golf Destination Call for Tee Times

308.635.2277 or Book Online at

monument-shadows.com

A slice of TRADITION Taste cupcakes, breads, cabbage burgers and more— baked daily in Gering.

VISIT OUR SISTER BAKERIES: Scottsbluff’s Bluffs Bakery & Sidney’s Rolling Pin Bakery

1446 10th St.,• Gering• 308-436-5500

ROBIDOUX

R.V. PARK • Full hook-up, electric & water, tent sites available • All sites 30amp/50amp service • Large pull-thru sites • Asphalt roads and concrete pad sites • Pets welcome! • Playground • Beautiful views of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Minutes from premier softball/baseball complex, frisbee golf course, Monument Shadows Golf Course, swimming pool, and Wildcat Hills Nature Center.

the village of

MORRILL

a recreator’s dream 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 tennis match at the courts.

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

Reservations - 308.436.2046 Book online gering.org/robidoux-rv-park 585 Five Rocks Road, Gering, Nebraska

START PL ANNING YOUR GETAWAY TODAY

VILLAGE OF MORRILL VillageOfMorrill.com

308-247-2312 | 118 S. Center Morrill, NE Mon-Fri, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 39

Gering

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

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

308-635-3176

39

Refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, DVD player

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

308-436-2157

30

Pets allowed

25+

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, 960 M St., Gering www.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+

75+

51-75

Hotel 21 & Co. 2605 10th St., Gering www.hotel21Gering.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 www.monumentinnsuites.com

308-436-1950 866-436-1950

60

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast and we allow dogs.

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

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

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

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

308-436-3777

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

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

CAMPGROUNDS

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

GOLF COURSES Monument Shadows Golf Course 2550 Clubhouse Dr., Gering

Scottsbluff

HOTELS & MOTELS

308-672-1114

PHONE 308-635-2277

HOLES & TYPE

RATE RANGE

Call for hours & tee times.

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

PHONE

ROOMS

Candlelight Inn, 1822 E. 20th Place, Scottsbluffs

308-635-3751

56

Wheelchair accessible, outdoor pool, free continental breakfast

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+

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+

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

308-632-1000

70

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast

75+

40 • Destination western nebraska 2023

AMENITIES

29-48

RATE RANGE 51-75+

Scottsbluff Cont. »

« ScottsBluff Cont.

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

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+

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

308-275-4555

55

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

59-75

UNIQUE LODGING

PHONE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

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 Riverview Country Club, 100928 Cty Rd. 19, Scottsbluff

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE

308-635-1555

Call for hours & tee times.

18 holes, public

RATE RANGE Under 115

PHONE

OPEN

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

•

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.

35; weekly and monthly rates available

Bridgeport, Broadwater

&

AMENITIES

FEES

Bayard

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

Cobblestone Inn & Suites, 517 Main St., Bridgeport

308-262-7900

35

Modern room, fitness center, beer and wine bar

Meadow Park Campground & Motel, 2 mi. N.W. on US Hwy 385 to Mile Marker 77, Bridgeport

308-279-1176

8

Pets allowed

1-75

Meadowlark Motor Inn N. US Hwy 385, Bridgeport

308-262-0557 800-510-1210

22

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

51-75

UNIQUE LODGING The Farm House 102 E. Guthrie St., Broadwater

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE 308-279-1024

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

AMENITIES

109-135

RATE RANGE

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

AMENITIES

50+

PHONE

OPEN

FEES

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

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

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

•

bridgeport, broadwater & bayard » Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 41

« bridgeport, broadwater & bayard

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 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

308-247-2111

Minatare ROOMS 97

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, pets allowed

RATE RANGE 51-75

PHONE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

308-641-3528

•

•

PHONE

OPEN

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

308-783-2911

•

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

308-623-2468

Mar.-Sept.

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

308-623-1828

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

308-623-1616

GOLF COURSES

AMENITIES

PHONE

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

FEES 7-18 NE Park Permit

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 6 trailers

15

Year Round

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

15

Year Round

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

HOLES & TYPE

Call for hours & tee times.

5

RATE RANGE

Scenic Knolls, 20458 Hwy 29, Mitchell

308-623-2468

9 holes, public

Under 15

Rolling Green Golf Course, 520 Railroad St., Morrill

308-247-2817

9 holes, public

Under 15

42 • Destination western nebraska 2023

Oregon Trail

Lewellen, Lisco HOTELS & MOTELS

&

Oshkosh

PHONE

ROOMS

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

308-672-0690

22

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

308-355-3535 888-767-7791

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

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Wheelchair accessible, workout room, pets allowed

65-100

8

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises

51-75

308-355-2372

9

Restaurant on premises, pets allowed

1-50

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

308-355-5000 888-568-7620

10

Pets allowed

1-75

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

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

308-772-4111

12

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed

UNIQUE LODGING

81-119

1-75

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+

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+

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

303-680-2462

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

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 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

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

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

PHONE 308-772-3881

HOLES & TYPE

Call for hours & tee times.

9 holes, public

200+

RATE RANGE 18

Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 43

44 • Destination western nebraska 2023

NORTH PLATTE MAXWELL • BRADY HERSHEY • SUTHERLAND SIDNEY • POTTER LODGEPOLE • DALTON GURLEY • LEMOYNE • 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 • 45

Join us for plays, movies, concerts, comedians, parties and more!

ENTERTAINING NEBRASKANS FOR 94 YEARS!

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Northplattecommunityplayhouse.com | 308.532.8559 | 301 East 5th, North Platte, NE

Tent, Car, Van, Pop Up, RV Hook Up

Incredible hiking bordering Scotts Bluff Natl. Monument!

Making Unforgettable Memories

Cody

GO KARTS Family Fun Park

Gering, Nebraska • www.peacefulprairiecampsites.com • 308.672.1114

• • • • •

2 Go Kart Tracks 3 Water Slides Bumper Boats 18-Hole Mini Golf Kiddie Slides

308.534.8277 • codygokarts.com I-80 Exit 177 • 505 Halligan Dr. • North Platte

Sidney, Nebraska

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

I-80 & Hwy 83 Interchange • 221 Halligan Drive • North Platte • (308) 532-8081 46 • Destination western nebraska 2023

308-254-9000

889 E Jennifer LN. Sidney, NE 69162 marriott.com/hotels/travel/bffsnfairfield-inn-and-suites-sidney

North Platte |

pg. 54

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 buidings. One of these historical buildings is the 1913 Federal building that now houses the Prairie Arts Center, which hosts art galleries, classes, and many other unique events throughout the year. Tour the historic 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 Word War II Canteen.

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 concessions 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.

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 Interstate 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.

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. 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.

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.

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

Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 47

Lincoln County SANDHILL CRANES

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

2023 Events

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

PRAIRIE CHICKEN DANCE 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

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 Cody Sonnson and Jason Aldean. Other activities include a craft beer festival, parade, art show, quilt show, pork breakfast, carnival, 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

NORTH PLATTE POW WOW 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

48 • Destination western nebraska 2023

Chimney Rock Pony Express Station 27 min Gering to Bayard

NORTH PLATTE RAIL DAYS

Chimney Rock Brid National Historic Site 88

Harrisburg

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

Bayar Rock

McGrew

Wildcat Hills Nature Center

Banner County Historical Museum

1 hr.

3 min

71

Bushnell 30

ne Cheyen From

Kimball 18 min

Plains Historical Society Dix

Duckpin Bowling Alley

Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area

Railroad Museum Potter

2

39 min

71

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

WESTERN NEBRASKA CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL September. Hosted by Pals Brewing Company the Western Nebraska Craft Beer Festival is your chance to taste wonderful craft beer from across Nebraska. Purchase VIP tickets for early access and you will be able to sample beer that may be gone by the afternoon. Food trucks and live music make this an event you won’t want to miss. palsbrewingcompany.com/beerfest

NATIONAL AVOCADO LAUNCHING September. The National Avocado Launching Championship is exactly what it sounds like: a national avocado launching championship.

Teams of three will prepare for the competition by building and testing a launching mechanism all of their own, and then compete to score the most points by launching avocados at targets. There is not only prize money on the line, but also ultimate glory, and a national title. AvocadoLaunching.com

NORTH PLATTE CANTEEN FESTIVAL October. This celebration honors the selflessness of the World War II Canteen efforts, a time when North Platte served over six million military persons passing through. This event takes place in the newly revitalized downtown area, which is now known as the Historic Canteen District. This event features performances of a Canteen themed production, live music, and a vendor show. visitnorthplatte.com/north-platte-canteen-festival

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/celebrate-fall

Lincoln County »

Maxwell 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.

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

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.

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.

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

92

hP

Dalton

latt

eR

ive

53 min.

r

27

Fort Sidney Post Commander’s Home

Sidney

Lodgepole Depot Museum

Sunol

30 Pony Express 4 5 National Monument Hillside 16 min Golf Cabela’s Retail Store and Wildlife Exhibit 19 Course Lorenzo

Bergstrom Rock & Gem Collection

92

18 min.

54 min.

Lewellen

6 Haythorn

Ash Hollow State Historical Park

97

32 min.

92

Kingsley Dam/ Hydro Plant

44 min.

50 min.

Lodgepole Chappell

30 min. Sidney to Chappell

29 min.

Oshkosh

385

Gurley

n By 3 wa y 80

Ringold Stapleton

Historical Museum

26

L incol

Tryon

Lisco Nort

Prairie Schooner Museum

83

Broadwater

13 California Hill Historical Marker

Sudman-Neumann Heritage House Big Springs

30

Sutherland

Little Church Boot Hill of Keystone Roscoe

80

Mansion on the Hill 61

Petrified Wood Gallery

9 11

30

Paxton

North Platte

The Rail Road Museum

Brule

39 min.

Ogallala to Chappell

Buffalo Bill State Historical Park Hershey

8

7

Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge

Golden Spike Tower & Visitors Fort Cody Center Trading Post

Sutherland Reservoir

47 min.

Ogallala to North Platte

80

Fort McPherson National Cemetery

Lake Maloney

25

Maxwell 10

Brady 30 From

Om aha

Mormon Trail

30 min.

40 min.

North Platte to Dickens

Madrid Brandon 15 min.

Grant

57 min.

Grant to Dickens

Elsie

Oregon Trail

Dickens Grainton

Wallace

23

83

Attractions #WILD WEST 1 2 3 4 5 6

Panorama Point Potter sundry Lincoln Highway National Pony Express monument Cabela's Haythorn ranch

Hershey |

Stones and Bones Gallery and Emporium offers a unique assemblage of Stone Age artifacts and fossils from western Nebraska, along with antique firearms and western art.

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.

Sutherland |

pg. 57

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.

7 8 9 10 11

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

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.

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.

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

Sidney |

pg. 58

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 in the town was booming. The town had made a name for itself: “The Toughest Town on the Tracks," “Wickedest Town In The West," and the one that stuck, “Sinful Sidney.”

As the legend of the town grew, so did its population. Some of the biggest names of the Old West walked down the streets here. The likes of 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 in Sidney. The everyday robberies, murders, and hangings prompted

Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 49

the trains to stop a mile out of town to let people off, then lock the doors as they passed through Sidney. Because these trains were the lifeblood of the town, business owners took things into their own hands by rounding up 16 of the worst offenders that ended in a public hanging from the courthouse tree.

came from all over the country to watch this gruesome task. Both Camp Lookout and the Boot Hill Cemetery were restored by the Boot Hill Restoration Committee. The story of this cemetery is told on the monument at the entrance behind the flag. To schedule a tour, please call 308-254-5395.

The rowdy days of Sidney are long gone. But the colorful history of the town 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 places of the city by downloading the TRAVELSTORYS app for Apple or Android phones, or by visiting travelstorys.com. While on the tour, you may want to stop in the shops, restaurants, brewery, and theater located in the downtown.

In 1869, the outpost in Fort Sedgwick was relocated to its present site in Sidney. It was renamed the Fort Sidney Barracks. While the fort was active it had 40 buildings, including quarters for three companies of soldiers, five officers, a three-ward hospital, guardhouse, bakery, laundress quarters, stables, store house, and carpenter and blacksmith shops. After the fort was decommissioned in 1894, all buildings were put up for auction.

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.

If you are looking to enjoy some of the rich history of Sidney, your first stop would be Camp Lookout. This structure is located at 940 East Elm Street and was built in 1867.

It was originally built for soldiers from Fort Sedgwick, Colorado, to set up an outpost along Lodgepole Creek. As the Union Pacific railroad moved across Nebraska, the surveyors and workers came into conflict with Native Americans who already occupied the land. The soldiers established a post at the top of the hill north of town. This eight-room block house, which also served as the local jail, initially had a cupola with swing-out shutters. Four soldiers could stand in the cupola at a time while defending the camp. This building later served as a lookout for the gold vaults for gold coming back from the Black Hills. To schedule a tour, please contact 308-254-5395.

Sidney Boot Hill Cemetery was once a national story. The cemetery was active from 1868 to 1894. It was originally created for fallen soldiers sent to protect the railroad. As Sidney grew, so did the cemetery. Buried there were soldiers, business owners, gunslingers, and anyone else who died in Sidney during that time. What made it a national story was the fact that in 1922 the United States government ordered the bodies of 21 soldiers to be exhumed and relocated to Fort McPherson. Since the cemetery had been used as farmland after 1894, there was no way of knowing where to start. In the end, every soldier was accounted for. It took uncovering 211 graves to find those soldiers and leaving an unknown number of graves behind. People

50 • Destination western nebraska 2023

Sidney Legion Park and Memorial Gardens feature the tallest flagpole in Nebraska. The pole itself is 140 feet tall; the flag is 20 feet tall and 38 feet wide. The war memorial is to honor the sacrifice of Cheyenne County Veterans.

The Living Memorial Gardens is the home of “Nebraska’s First Angel of Hope,” which is based on the Richard Paul Evans bestselling book, 'The Christmas Box.' The park also has a new playground that promotes inclusion, exposure, and exploration through play, featuring playground equipment for all children. The pond at the park is the perfect place for a picnic. Deadwood Walking Trail is a 4.45-mile improved trail for walking, jogging, or riding your bike. This trail takes you through some of the scenic parts of Sidney.

Aquatic exercise opportunities flow from the six-lane competition pool at the Sidney Aquatics Center. Water polo and the aquatic versions of volleyball and basketball entertain teams while the Tree House Slide and Water Bug spray

dome delight younger visitors. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Located on the scenic bluffs overlooking Sidney, Hillside Municipal Golf Course incorporates the area’s rugged western terrain into its 18 hole adventure. The course twists through a beautiful canyon and offers spectacular views of Sidney and the surrounding countryside. 308-254-2311.

The community of 6,300 residents is home to Cabela’s first retail store. Brothers Dick and Jim Cabela started the “World’s Foremost Outfitter” at their kitchen table in Chappell and grew it to over 87 stores. See the first “Cabela’s Mountain” with mounted wildlife from all over the world. 115 Cabela Drive.

Near the Cabela’s store is the Pony Express National Monument. The monument’s flags can be seen from a long distance by travelers motoring on I-80.

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

Potter |

pg. 57

There are many reasons to 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. The bar & grill is located on the corner where the Lincoln Highway Café used to exist. The original 1913 route of the Lincoln Highway was positioned through the main street because a livestock operation where the bank stands today spanned the street that is now Front Street.

For an amazing dessert, look no further than The Potter Sundry – home of the famous Tin Roof Sundae. They are open for breakfast and lunch Monday-Saturday. (308)879-4548.

Next door to the Sundry, you will find an antique & flea market with the only operational Duckpin Bowling Alley this side of the Mississippi River upstairs. (308)-879-4451.

The Visitors Center across the street offers clean public restrooms and information about the area’s attractions. Up the street, you will find a delightful coffee shop and tap room converted from a 1930’s service station.

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.

Another unique stop in Potter is Prairie Pines Golf Course – the only public seven-hole course in Nebraska! (308) 879-4332.

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. The Point of Rocks Motel and Campground is located beneath the Point and offers scenic views for visitors.

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

Lodgepole

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

(308) 483-5353.

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

(308) 483-5353.

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.

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. 46. (308) 249-2990.

« Lincoln County

Lincoln County 2023 Events

CHRISTMAS IN NORTH PLATTE 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

Sidney

2023 Events

GOLD RUSH DAYS

Second weekend in June. Sidney relives its historic role as a jumping off point for prospectors traveling the Sidney to Deadwood Trail. The Old West comes alive with quick draw competitions, a chuck wagon cookout, gold panning demonstration, wagon rides, cannon firing, live music, blacksmithing, spinning, woodworking, weaving and plenty of enjoyment for all. www.sidneygoldrushdays.org.

CHEYENNE COUNTY FAIR & RODEO Mid-July. This county fair reaches to the roots of such events with marksmanship contests and 4-H exhibits, livestock shows and judging, an exciting rodeo, dog show, games for all ages, fair food, dancing and live entertainment.

(308) 254-7151.

OKTOBERFEST & CRUISE N’ CLASS CAR SHOW First full weekend in October. The Oktoberfest is continuous free entertainment, a great variety of food and beer from noon to midnight Friday and Saturday in the big tent plus two

buildings of crafts, the O’fest market and Weiner Dog Races all at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds. A parade downtown, golf tournament, fun run and the Cruisin Class show and shine in Legion Park all happens in Sidney on Saturday.

Octoberfest (308) 254-2932, Car show (308) 249-0353.

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

(308) 254-2150.

Potter

2023 Events

POTTER CAR BOWL

June. Enjoy a car show, BBQ competition, beer and wine tasting, duckpin bowling, craft show, live bands, food vendors, and other fun activities to benefit local nonprofit groups.

(308) 207-5908.

POTTER DAYS Labor Day weekend. This annual event includes a 5K run, cornhole tournament, prize drawings, food vendors, golf tournament, parade, live music, free family entertainment and more.

Enjoy duckpin bowling and Tin Roof Sundaes all weekend long. (308) 879-4451.

PNCC 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 racing stay for the PNCC Party in the Pasture featuring live music and a beer garden. www.pnccracing.com

Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 51

Stay in

MODERN LUXURY

at the new Holiday Inn Express

Book a room for your Ogallala trip. Enjoy a day at Lake McConaughy, tour the beautiful Mansion on the Hill, and stop at the historic Boot Hill cemetery.

You’ll love your large, clean room, the hot buffet breakfast and business center amenities. Ask about accommodations for furry friends.

206 Pony Express Ln. Ogallala, Nebraska

308-284-6080 • ihg.com Located by I-80 and Hwy 61

Explore

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 and appetizers, you won’t leave hungry.

Our warm and friendly staff will treat you like a part of the Oettinger family.

Discover

You’re always at home with Pals!

History

4520 S Buffalo Bill Ave palsbrewingcompany.com | 308-221-6715

North Platte Canteen & Western Heritage Village Experience the amazing story of how volunteers fed six million troops at the North Platte Canteen during World War II and walk back in time as you explore the historic buildings in the Western Heritage Village.

2403 North Buffalo Bill Ave. North Platte, Nebraska

52 • Destination western nebraska 2023

LET’S CELEBRATE BRADY DAYS August 4th, 5th & 6th 2023

OPEN MaySeptember

lincolncountymuseum.org (308) 534-5640

Everything needed for a fun filled weekend— Barbecue, Parade, Sports Competitions, Turtle Races and Great People!

BRADY WELCOMES YOU!

villageofbrady.org

Lemoyne |

pg. 59

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.

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.

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.

in full swing, miles of white sand beaches provide the perfect perch for a summer vacation.

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.

Kimball County 2023 Events

KIMBALL RANCH RODEO– KIMBALL June. Competitors from surrounding states ride broncs, milk wild cows, load trailers and brand cattle. Vendors will keep everyone fed and a beer garden will flow, too. Real cowboys show the skills they use every day.

(308) 241-1760.

KIMBALL-BANNER COUNTY FAIR – KIMBALL First full week of August. Featuring 4-H animal shows, free barbeque, a mare and foal parade, and multiple rodeos.

BUSHNELL DAY– BUSHNELL

Keystone |

pg. 60

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. 59

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. 59

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. 58

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.

Third Saturday of August. A day filled with fun – a parade, vendor show, kids activities, antique truck and tractor show, cornhole tournament, hog roast, live music and more. (308) 360-1358.

ANTELOPE STAMPEDE – KIMBALL Weekend before Farmers Day. A September gravel bicycle race held 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 races.

FARMERS DAY– KIMBALL Last full weekend of September. Kimball honors those who grow our food with this flavorful smorgasbord of fun. Demolition derby, gun raffle, RC air show, beer garden, dance, and hamburger feed. www.facebook. com/kimballfarmersday

PARADE OF LIGHTS – KIMBALL Saturday after Thanksgiving. Kimball lights up the night to kick off the Christmas season with a Parade of Lights downtown. Enjoy evening shopping at local businesses along with hot cocoa and Santa.

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

(308) 889-3625.

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

Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 53

Chappell |

pg. 58

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. 60

Kimball is the oil capital of Nebraska. It began as a railroad construction camp. Because of large herds of pronghorn in the area, the railroad

North Platte

HOTELS & MOTELS

called the new station Antelope and the new

Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area has a

village, Antelopeville.

270-acre lake for hunting, fishing, boating, camping, playing on sandy beaches, and bird watching.

(308) 254-2377.

In 1885, the settlement was renamed for railroad executive Thomas Kimball.

The Plains Historical Society has Kimball’s history displayed downtown at the Fraternal Hall, 200 S. Chestnut St., and at the former Kimball High School, 816 E. 3rd St. (308) 241-0573.

The community has also been known as “Missile Center, U.S.A.” The area’s first Atlas missile site was completed in 1961. Kimball bills itself as the “High Point of Nebraska.” The elevation of Panorama Point is 5,424 feet and is easily walkable. Kimball Area Tourism offers tongue-in-cheek certificates to those who reach the summit.

Call (308) 241-0573. Nearby, Tri-State Marker shows the spot where Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado meet.

Four Wings Golf Course is two miles east of town. The 18-hole greens fee is good for as many holes as you can play in a day.

(308) 235-4241.

For more information on Kimball, contact Kimball Area Tourism. High Point Welcome Center of Western Nebraska has all the brochures and personal Kimball-area travel advice needed for a fulfilling visit. 204 Kimball Blvd. (308) 241-0573.

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

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

95+

Hampton Inn North Platte 200 Platte Oasis Pkwy

308-534-6000

111

Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast, Pets Allowed

95+

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

308-532-9500

151

Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast

Hospitality Inn 501 Halligan Drive

308-532-0151

64

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

North Platte Inn & Suites PO Box 788

308-532-0130

75

Pets Allowed

Quality Inn 2901 S. Jeffers

308-532-6144

90

Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast, Dogs Allowed

54 • Destination western nebraska 2023

Outdoor Pool, Pets Allowed, Complimentary Breakfast

1.

Complimentary Breakfest, Pets Allowed

•

75+

100+

75+ 50-75

100+

75-90+ 75+

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

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

308-535-6166

123

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

75+

Motel/Studio 6 2701 Halligan Drive

308-532-7038

91

Pets Allowed

95+

Super 8 Motel-Oy Wyndham 220 Eugene Ave. www.super8.com

308-532-4224

11

Complimentary Breakfast , Pets Allowed

50-75+

Travelodge 451 Halligan Drive

308-535-9900

135

Complimentary Breakfast, Pets Allowed

75+

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

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Cute Cottage in the woods, Sleeps 4.

Walk To Pals Brewing Company

•

PHONE

OPEN

I-80 Lakeside Camping 3800 Hadley Rd.

308-534-5077

Year Round

RV Amenities: Electricity( 30 and 50 amp) water, sewer, Extended Length Pull through sites. Tent sites available.

30+

Buffalo Bill State Historical Park 2921 Scouts Rest Ranch Road

308-535-8035

Year Round

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

25+

CB's 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.

30+

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

10

Holiday RV Park 601 Halligan Drive www.holidayparkne.com

308-534-2265

Year Round

RV Amenities: Electricity, water, sewer.

Restroom Facilities: showers, flush toilets.

Tent sites available

40+

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

10+

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.

30+

GOLF COURSES

AMENITIES

FEES

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

17+

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

•

Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 55

Sutherland

&

HOTELS & MOTELS

Hershey 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

10-30

Park Motel 1110 First Street

CAMPGROUNDS

Journey to Deuel County

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!

DEUEL COUNTY T O U R I S M

VISITDEUELCOUNTY.COM • 308.464.0983 PO BOX 14 • BIG SPRINGS, NE 69122 56 • Destination western nebraska 2023

« 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

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

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

lake mcconaughy

PHONE

HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE

308-386-4653

9, semi-private

12+

PHONE

ROOMS

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

308-879-4400

9

In country setting

45-65

•

2

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

51-75

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

308-879-4400

May - Nov.

PHONE

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

HOLES & TYPE

308-879-4469

Call for hours & tee times.

7, public

20-25

RATE RANGE 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

Country Inn & Suites, 664 Chase Blvd, Sidney

308-254-2000

85

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

99+

Comfort Inn and Suites, 825 Hoffies Dr., Sidney

308-254-4423

81

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

95+

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+

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

308-254-5463

47

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed

Call for Rates

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.

60-100

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

308-254-4581

18

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

55-75

Sidney » Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 57

« Sidney

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

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

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 ($)

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

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

Blue Iron Oasis

308-250-9911

Year Round

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

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

Hillside Golf Course, 2616 Hillside Dr., Sidney

Big Springs

AMENITIES

AMENITIES

HOLES & TYPE

308-254-2311

&

HOTELS & MOTELS

Call for hours & tee times.

18, public

Chappell

55-100

75+

FEES Call for rates

35

RATE RANGE 15 - 30

PHONE

ROOMS

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

308-889-3671

62

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

AMENITIES

FEES

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

•

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

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

UNIQUE LODGING

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Indoor pool, pets allowed

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

RATE RANGE 1-75

•

PHONE

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

Phelps Hotel 401 Pine St., Big Springs

308-889-3580

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

51-75+

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

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

58 • Destination western nebraska 2023

PHONE 308-874-2729

HOLES & TYPE

Call for hours & tee times.

9, public

RATE RANGE 51-75

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+

PHONE

OPEN

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

CAMPGROUNDS

Keystone, Paxton

&

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

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

308-239-4510

UNIQUE LODGING

AMENITIES

AMENITIES

Brule ROOMS 34

RATE RANGE

FEES

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

1-75

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+

CAMPGROUNDS

PHONE

OPEN

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

866-866-5253

Apr.-Sept.

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

308-287-2474 800-809-2921

Apr. 1-Oct. 30

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

308-239-4510

Year Round

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

PHONE 308-284-4358

AMENITIES

FEES

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

25+

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

15+

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

20

HOLES & TYPE

Call for hours & tee times.

18, public

RATE RANGE 15-30

Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 59

Hillside golf course

Kimball

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

ROOMS

1st Interstate Inn, 1704 S. County Rd. 41, Kimball

308-235-4601

29

Restaurant on premises, pets allowed

1-50

Days Inn, 611 E. 3rd St., Kimball, www.daysinn.com

308-235-4671

30

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

60-80+

Red Door Rentals, 607 E 3rd St., US Hwy 30, Kimball

308-230-2220

16

Internet/cable, kitchenette, wheelchair accessible.

•

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

308-235-4606

19

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed

45-60

Super 8 Motel, 1701 S. County Rd. 41, I-80 Exit 20, Kimball

308-235-4888

53

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

1-75+

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, Kimball

308-230-2003

Year Round

15/30/50 amp, water, sewer, WiFi, storage, dog park, tent camping

•

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

RV Amenities: water, room for 75 trailers Rest Facilities: pit toilets. Camping: 100 tents, Dump site. Overnight camping at Oliver Reservoir available from March 1-October 31

•

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

•

CAMPGROUNDS

GOLF COURSES Four Winds, 4530 Gilliland Dr., E. US Hwy 30, Kimball

Ogallala

HOTELS & MOTELS

PHONE

AMENITIES

HOLES & TYPE

308-235-4241

Call for hours & tee times.

18 holes, public

PHONE

ROOMS

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

308-210-2162

•

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

308-284-3623

101

60 • Destination western nebraska 2023

AMENITIES

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

FEES

RATE RANGE 30

RATE RANGE

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+

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

75+

EXPLORE THE NEBRASKA NATIONAL FOREST, BESSEY RANGER DISTRICT

Explore the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway, Nebraska Highway 2, from Grand Island to Alliance. It makes a memorable day trip or week-long vacation!

SEE THE ANNUAL SPRING SANDHILL CRANE MIGRATION

• The Largest Grass-Covered Sand Dune Formations in the Western Hemisphere • Nebraska National Forest, Bessey Ranger District • Real Cowboys, Working Ranches and over 500,000 Head of Cattle

“TANK” DOWN THE MIDDLE LOUP RIVER

• World-Class Birding • Near the Valentine and Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuges

Nebraska National Forest photo courtesy of the USDA Forest Service. Sandhill Crane photo courtesy of E. Jason Wambsgans, Chicago Tribune. Middle Loup River photo courtesy of Will Saunders and Vist Nebraska.

• Superb Dark Skies Make for Amazing Stargazing Opportunities

Visitor’s Center

Alliance 2

Grand Island

N E B R A S K A

SANDHILLSJOURNEY.COM

sandhillsjourney.com • 308-546-0636 308.546.0636

TWO UPDATED, FULLY-EQUIPPED PROPERTIES INCLUDING WIFI, BIG GREEN SPACES & GAS GRILLS

in ntry cab The cou

DOUBLE R GUEST RANCH

the Lake view hou se

HUNTING • FISHING • STARGAZING BIRD WATCHING • HIKING • RELAXING MULLEN, NE .

RRGUESTRANCH.COM RRGUESTRANCH66@GMAIL.COM . 1-308-546-2376 TONY AND MARY JO WALKER - MANAGERS Walker Guest Ranch, LLC

Find your next

ADVENTURE. WestNebraska.com Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 61

62 • Destination western nebraska 2023

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 • 63

Carhenge

Mullen 2023 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 3-4. 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. 73

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.

64 • Destination western nebraska 2023

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.

Sandhills Motel 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.

Alliance |

pg. 74

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

Hemingford |

pg. 75

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.

Hyannis |

pg. 76

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 world-class 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.

Ashby

Calinda’s Pot Shop & Art Gallery showcases owner Linda Lacy’s unique clay and canvas art of award-winning western designs in her newly remodeled gallery in a quaint '60s 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

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.

Thedford |

pg. 76

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

Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 65

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

Mitchell

14 min. Center 7 min.

Mitchell to Scottsbluff Scottbluff to Gering

26

Midwest Theater

Lake Minatare Lighthouse

Scottsbluff

92

Scotts Bluff National Monument Five Rocks Amphitheater

Gering

62A

Minatare

Melbeta

Legacy of the Plains Museum

Lake Minatare State Recrea North Platte Wildlife Re

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 Wild West

Harrisburg

Alliance 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.

66 • Destination western nebraska 2023

1 hr.

3 min

71

Prairie S

Alliance central park Fountain 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.

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

88

a

Banner County Historical Museum

2023 Events

Halsey |

pg. 76

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

Oliver top Reservoir byway is rated in the 10 scenic routes in the Recreation Area Plains Historical Museum United States. Bushnell Kimball Dix 30

18 min

Railroad Museum

29 Potter

Duckpin Bowling Alley

e BesseyChRanger District of the Nebraska National eyenn From 71 Forest is the largest hand-planted forest in the Tri-State Marker Nebraska’s Highest world. It’s a favorite forPoint camping, ATV riding, 28 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.

Scott Lookout Tower offers a panoramic view of the forest and hills. Used by staff as a fire watch platform, climbing to the top is not for the faint of heart. (308) 533-2257.

Tryon

Bridg

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.

39 min

L inc

8

om Rapid City & ack Hills Whiteclay

Merriman

White River 37 min.

z High Plains ritage Center

Chadron Museum of the Fur Trade

Metcalf Wildlife Management Area

16 min.

Niobrara National River

1

Nio b r a r a

ic R i v e S c en

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

Nenzel

Crookston

Clinton

Hay Springs

Chadron State Park

Gordon

20 min.

Cody

Eli 20

Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park

Tri-State Old Time Cowboy Museum

87

9

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 Sallows Military Museum and Conservatory Dobby Frontier Town

2 7 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

L oup River

Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway Mullen

Hyannis

2

15

45 min.

34 min.

Thedford

29 min.

Tanking on the Middle Loup and Dismal River

385

ation Area efuge

Seneca 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

26

92

18 min.

54 min.

Lewellen

97

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

Sidney

16 min

19

27

Lodgepole Depot Museum

Ash Hollow State Historical Park

30

L a ke

44 min.

50 min.

McCo

naug

hy

34

40

Sunol

30 min. Sidney to Chappell

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

Sutherland

30

61

15 min.

Sutherland Reservoir

47 min.

Ogallala to North Platte

Arthur

57 min.

Grant to Dickens

30

38

North Platte

37

2023 Events 36

80

39 min.

Ogallala to Chappell

T homas County Buffalo Bill State Historical Park

Hershey

The Rail Road Museum

25

30 min.

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.

32 min.

92

Paxton 1 Box 32Butte ReservoirLodgepole 10HillNEBRASKA NATIONAL FOREST BESSEY California Ogallala Cabela’s Retail Store Historical Marker Hillside Chappell and Wildlife Exhibit Brule DISTRICT RANGER Sudman-Neumann Golf 33 Front Street 2Course Carnegie Arts Center Heritage House Big Springs Pony Express Ole’s Big Game Bergstrom Rock & Mansion on National Monument Steakhouse & Lounge Petrified Wood 1 Gem Collection the MCKELVIE Hill SAMUEL R. GalleryNATIONAl FOREST 11 3 Knight Museum & Sandhills CENTER Prehistoric Wonders 4 CARHENGE Settling the west 5 DOBBY'S FRONTIER town Madrid Elsie Brandon The Great OutDoors 6 NEBRASKA VETERANS CEMETERY Grant Grainton Pioneer trails 7 SALLOWS MILITARY MUSEUM One-of-a-Kinds 8 CRESCENT LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Unique Geology 9 ARTHUR BOWRING SANDHILLS RANCH STATE HISTORICAL PARK Welcome Centers/Rest Areas 31

Lorenzo

29 min.

Oshkosh

Gurley

30

Ringold Stapleton

Historical Museum

385

coln B ywa y 80

Tryon

Lisco Nort

Schooner Museum

83

Broadwater

92

Wallace

4

Golden Spike Tower & Visitors Fort Cody Center Trading Post

Maxwell

39

80

Fort McPherson National Cemetery

WILDLIFE VIEWING – HALSEY Lake Maloney

Brady 30 From

Om aha

Mormon Trail

The Nebraska 40 min. National Forest is a year-round North Platte to Dickens Oregon destination for birders. Grouse viewing blinds Trail Dickens 23 available in March and April. (308) 533-2257.

83

THOMAS COUNTY FAIR – THEDFORD July. Thedford’s biggest bash includes a parade, live entertainment, food, vendors, children’s games and a fishing tournament.

(308) 645-2646.

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?

Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 67

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

Appreciate the arts in Alliance

Tour the sculpture garden, exhibits and join us for artist receptions and classes.

Open: Tues-Sat, 10 am - 4pm 204 W 4th St. Alliance, NE • 308.762.4571 CarnegieArtsCenter.com • art@carnegieartscenter.com

• Tanking, Canoe & Kayak Rentals

• River Adventures in the Sandhills

Knight Museum & Sandhills Center

• Wild River Adventures

Visitors to the museum can get a glimpse of the life lived by the pioneers who settled in the Nebraska Sandhills.

Summer hours : M-F 8-7 • Sat: 10-6 Sun: 1-5 Winter hours : M-F 8-5 • Sat: 10-5 908 yellowstone Avenue Alliance, NE 69301 • 308.762.2384 • www.knightmuseum.com

68 • Destination western nebraska 2023

308-546-2206

•

GLIDDENCANOERENTAL.COM

•

LOCATED IN MULLEN, NE

HALSEY | THEDFORD | SENECA In the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills, we have more chaps than business suits, more horses than SUVs, & a welcome sign as big as the sky.

ENJOY YOUR OVERNIGHTS AT THE

While Exploring the Sandhills & The Nebraska National Forest, Bessey Ranger District Sleeps up to 9, with all bedding, fully-equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, Dish TV, & Gas Grill Hunt, Fish, ATV, Birding, Hiking & Water Recreation on the Middle Loup River

REDWOOD INN AT HALSEY 503 Highway 2, Halsey, NE 69142

Call for Reservations - 402-430-6794 middleloupriverranch.com 5 miles west of Halsey – 10 miles east of Thedford Along NE Hwy 2 – Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway

308-533-2240

Facebook.com/RedwoodInnHalsey

Perfect Pit Stop

Sandhills Corral Restaurant

ON YOUR SANDHILL VACATION Sandhill Oil Company/Dino Mart is ready to fuel you up with gas, food, and outdoor supplies. Three locations make us a reliable place to stretch your legs on your travels.

Also offering tire services!

sandhilloil.com THEDFORD 308-645-2233

HYANNIS

308-458-2237

VALENTINE 402-376-1302

SANDHILL RIVER TRIPS & EWOLDT'S GROCERY

Tank, tube, or kayak down the Middle Loup River. Stock your cooler with tasty provisions and steaks from Ewoldt’s Grocery.

308-645-2235 608 Court St., Thedford, NE sandhillrivertrips.com

East of Thedford on Highway 2 *Steaks *Salad Bar *Beer *Spirits (308) 645-2323 @SandhillsCorral Open Monday through Saturday

11:00 am - 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

C rossroadsofthe s andhills.com

Mullen

HOTELS & MOTELS

Glidden Sandhills Motel, W. Hwy 2, Mullen www.sandhillsmotel.com

UNIQUE LODGING Carter Morris House, 102 N.W. 3rd St., Mullen

Double R Guest Ranch LLC 86091 Double R Dr., Mullen, www.rrguestranch.com

CAMPGROUNDS Glidden Sandhills Campground 5078 S.W. 1st, Mullen (W. Hwy 2) www.sandhillsmotel.com

GOLF COURSES

PHONE

ROOMS

308-546-2206 888-278-6167

19

PHONE

AMENITIES Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, close to public pool, pets allowed

AMENITIES

308-546-2288

Fully furnished 2-bedroom guest house, sleeps 9, laundry facilities

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.

PHONE

OPEN

308-546-2206

Year Round

PHONE

AMENITIES RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 10 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower and flush toilets

HOLES & TYPE

Call for hours & tee times.

RATE RANGE 1-75

RATE RANGE 51-75+

95+

FEES 25 nightly, 115 weekly

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

70 • Destination western nebraska 2023

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

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

PHONE

AMENITIES

1-50

AMENITIES

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.

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

RATE RANGE

150+

Call for Rates

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 Sky View Golf Course 2613 Cty Rd. 57, Alliance www.skyviewgc.com

PHONE 308-762-1446

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

HOLES & TYPE

Call for hours & tee times.

Championship 18-hole course. Tee times seldom necessary.

Lessons offered

FEES

RATE RANGE 5-75

Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 71

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

Whisperin’ Angel Inn,101 S. Manderson Ave., Hyannis

308-458-2300

Historic bed and breakfast, rooms with shared bath, full breakfast

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

CAMPGROUNDS

RATE RANGE

RATE RANGE • 75+

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

PHONE

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 6 trailers. Camping: unlimited tents

HOLES & TYPE

Call for hours & tee times.

• Call for rates

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

72 • Destination western nebraska 2023

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

PHONE 402-450-2268

AMENITIES

AMENITIES Two bedroom guest house, rooms with shared bath, sleeps 9, laundry, AC, sat TV, Wi-Fi, gas grill. Next to Nebraska National Forest

RATE RANGE 75+

PHONE

OPEN

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

Thedford Golf Course 1 mi. S. on US Hwy 83, Thedford

Arnold

&

AMENITIES

RATE RANGE

HOLES & TYPE

308-645-2634

Stapleton

HOTELS & MOTELS

Call for hours & tee times.

9, public

FEES

18.5

RATE RANGE Under 15

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

308-848-2228

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, room for 20 trailers.

Rest Facilities: pit toilets. Camping: 100+ tents

•

Arnold SRA, 1 mi. S. of Jct Hwys 40 & 92, Arnold www.arnoldne.org

GOLF COURSES Augusta Winds Public Golf Course, 1 mi. S. on US Hwy 83, Stapleton

PHONE 308-636-2428

HOLES & TYPE

Call for hours & tee times.

9, public

RATE RANGE Under 15

Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 73

• 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 74 • Destination western nebraska 2023

Sponsored Content

Canoes, kayaks, tubes…

AND CATTLE TANKS.

DISCOVER MORE AT

BuffaloBillsAdventures.com

Sure, there are a million ways to get down a river.

It just so happens that out here we use cattle tanks. It may not be the most conventional choice, but that’s what makes it genius. That, and the fact that they have room for everyone and a giant cooler.

A leisurely mosey down the river; paddling optional.

That’s why float trips down the Platte River with Dusty Trails get Buffalo Bill’s Buffalo of Approval.

800-955-4528 | BuffaloBillsAdventures.com