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Howdy ma’am, mighty fine canoe you’ve got there.
DISCOVER MORE AT BuffaloBillsAdventures.com
Canoes, kayaks, tubes… AND CATTLE TANKS. 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
• 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 4 • Destination western nebraska 2023
Table of Contents 6 master Map 8 Scenic Byways 11 tourism contact
information 13 Pine Ridge 20 info 15 Attractions 15 Chadron 16 Crawford 19 Harrison 19 Gordon 19 Hay Springs 19 Rushville 19 Ellsworth 25 Trails West 38 info 28 Attractions 28 Gering 31 Scottsbluff 31 Henry 31 Minatare 31 Morrill 32 Mitchell 32 Bayard 32 Bridgeport 33 Broadwater 33 Lisco 33 Lewellen 33 Oshkosh
43 Wild West 52 info 45 Attractions 45 North Platte 46 Maxwell 46 Brady 47 Hershey 47 Sutherland 47 Sidney 48 Potter 49 Lodgepole 49 Dalton 49 Gurley 49 Lemoyne 51 Keystone 51 Paxton 51 Brule 51 Big Spings 52 Chappell 52 Kimball 52 Harrisburg
61 Sandhills &
Scenic Rivers
70 info 63 Attractions 63 Mullen 63 Alliance 65 Hemingford 66 Hyannis 66 Ashby 66 Seneca 67 Thedford 68 Halsey 69 Tryon 69 Arthur
westNebraska.com • 5
From Rapid City & Black Hills
Sidney-Deadwood Trail
Whiteclay
Ogalala National Grassland White River
Toadstool Geologic Park
37 min.
Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center
Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed
Fort Robinson State Park 28 min.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
87
26 min. Hemingford to chadron
Goldrush Byway
Hemingford
enic R i
Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area
Berea
“Old Jules” Sandoz Grave Site Dobby Frontier Town
Sallows Military Museum and Conservatory
Mormon Trail
92
Riverside Discovery
Scottsbluff Scottsbluff Gering
92
Ellsworth Bingham
Chimney Rock Pony Express Station 27 min Gering to Bayard
Bayard Chimney Rock Museum
43 min.
Bridgeport State Recreation Area
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Northport Pioneer Trails Museum
61
Broadwater
92
88
Arthur
Wes te
Court House and Jail Rocks
rn T rails
27
Byw
1 hr. 3 min
ay
Lisco Nor
th P
71
Prairie Schooner Museum
Dalton
latt
eR
Historical Museum
ive
53 min.
r
Oshkosh
385
26
18 min.
Gurley Plains Historical Society 30
F
ne heyen rom C
Hyannis
27
Bayard
Chimney Rock Bridgeport National Historic Site
Harrisburg
Bushnell
Whitman
Ashby
62A
Robidoux Trading Post & Pioneer Graves
McGrew
Banner County Historical Museum
2
34 min.
Lake Minatare State Recreation Area North Platte Wildlife Refuge
Minatare
Melbeta
Wildcat Hills Nature Center
Lakeside
26 min.
385
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Five Rocks Amphitheater Legacy of the Plains Museum
Antioch
Alliance
Lake Minatare Lighthouse
14 min. Center 7 min. Mitchell to Scottsbluff Scottbluff to Gering
26
Carhenge
Carnegie Arts Center
71
Midwest Theater
250
44 min. Hemingford to chadron
Knight Museum
Mitchell
1 hr.
ve r
2
1 hr. 27 min. Scottsbluff to Crawford
Henry Morrill
13 min.
53 min.
Box Butte Reservoir 51 min. Hemingford to Crawford
27
Rushville
Walgren Lake State
Sc Nio b r a r a
1
16 min.
87 Recreation Area
Pine Ridge Mountain Bike Trail
Marsland
29
Metcalf Wildlife Management Area
385
2
1 hr. 17 min
Clinton
Hay Springs
Chadron State Park
Nebraska National Forest
Fort Laramie to Fort Robinson Trail
Oregon Trail
Gordon
20 min.
26 min.
Crawford
20
Museum of the Fur Trade
Dawes County Historical Museum
Soldier Creek Wilderness
Harrison
Tri-State Old Time Cowboy Museum
87
Whitney
High Plains Homestead Trailside Museum
Warbonnet Battlefield
Chadron
Kimball 18 min
Dix Duckpin Bowling Alley
Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area 71
Tri-State Marker Nebraska’s Highest Point Panorama Point
Railroad Museum Potter L inco 39 min
ln By way 80
Fort Sidney Post Commander’s Home
Sidney
Pony Express National Monument
30
Sunol
27
Lodgepole Depot Museum
L a ke
McCo
44 min.
50 min.
1
Haythorn 92
Ash Hollow State Historical Park
Lodgepole Chappell
Hillside Golf Cabela’s Retail Store 30 min. Sidney to Chappell Course and Wildlife Exhibit Bergstrom Rock & 19 Gem Collection Lorenzo 16 min
Lewellen
California Hill Historical Marker
Sudman-Neumann Heritage House Big Springs
30
Brule
naug
hy
Ogallala
Little Church of Keystone Roscoe
80
61 30 min.
Prehistoric Wonders Settling the west The Great OutDoors Pioneer trails One-of-a-Kinds Unique Geology Welcome Centers/Rest Areas 6 • 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
Open Plains Transit Intercity Public Transit is based in Alliance. The bus fleet connects travelers with their desired Western Nebraska destinations, (308) 761-8747.
32 min.
Buffalo Bill State Historical Park
Sutherland Hershey Paxton
30
The Rail Road Museum
North Platte
Golden Spike Tower & Visitors Fort Cody Center Trading Post
Sutherland Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge Reservoir 47 min. Ogallala to North Platte
Wallace
30 From
Om aha Mormon
Trail
Oregon Trail
Dickens Grainton
Brady
Pine Ridge
40 min. North Platte to Dickens
Elsie
80
Fort McPherson National Cemetery
Lake Maloney
25
Maxwell
23
Sandhills & Scenic Rivers Trails West Wild West
83
MOUNTAIN
CENTRAL TIME
westNebraska.com • 7
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 8 • Destination western nebraska 2023
Escapethe grind & travel Western Nebraska’s 5 Scenic byways. 1
2
3
20
5
4
20
Chadron 6
Bridges to Buttes Byway
18
Crawford
7 385 87
385 Gold Rush Byway 10
Scottsbluff & Gering 11
Kimball
14
26
92
Oshkosh
15
Potter
0
Alliance
Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway
2
Mullen
Thedford
385
12 13
8
9
Western Trails Scenic &Historic Byway 17
30
Sidney Miles
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 Toadstool Geologic Park 2 High Plains Homestead 3 Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center 4 Fort Robinson State Park 5 Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center 6 Museum of the fur Trade 7 Chadron State Park 8 Carhenge 9 Alliance Historic Main Street 10 Alliance Central Park Fountain 11 Scotts Bluff National Monument
12 Riverside Discovery Center 13 Chimney Rock 14 Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock 15 Tin Roof Sundae 16 National Pony Express Monument 17 Ash Hollow State Historical Park 18 Dawes County Historical Museum 19 Buffalo Bill State Historical Park
westNebraska.com • 9
Western Nebraska
Tourism Coalition Professional services offices Chairman – Kerri Rempp – Chadron Vice Chairman – Hal Enevoldsen – Potter Secretary – Karla Niedan-Streeks – Gering Treasurer – Kendra Mitchell – Sidney 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.
10 • 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 • 11
12 • 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 • 13
The Very Best in
Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center
Family Dining
Math Science Center of Innovative Learning
Your Time in Pine Ridge Country begins with
The Dr. Lois Veath Planetarium
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.
1250 W. 10th, Corner of Hwy 20 & 385
Chadron, NE • 308.432.5111 Large Party Rooms for Rent
Eleanor Barbour Cook Museum MUSEUM OF THE FUR TRADE See the history of the first business in North America—the fur trade. 10 Unique Items to View!
Scan QR codes with a phone to access web pages for details. These attractions are all handicapped-accessible.
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
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
14 • 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
26 min.
7
Fort Robinson State Park 28 min.
Chadron 12
Whitney
8
High Plains 15 Homestead Trailside Museum Soldier Creek Wilderness
Harrison
11
6
6
Crawford
20
Fort Laramie to Fort Robinson Trail
9
1 1 hr. 17 min
51 min. Hemingford to Crawford
29
Metcalf Wildlife Management Area
Pine Ridge Mountain Bike Trail
Hemingford
1 hr. 27 min. Scottsbluff to Crawford
30 min.
13
16 min.
27
Rushville
13 min.
1 hr. 10 min.
61
enic R i
ve r
1 hr.
250 53 min.
Box Butte Reservoir
26 min. Hemingford to chadron
Gordon
Clinton
Walgren Lake State 87 Recreation Area Sc Nio b r a r a
Marsland
14
20 min.
385
9
2
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Arthur Bowrin State Histori
Tri-State Old Time Cowboy Museum
87
Hay Springs
Chadron State Park
Nebraska National Forest
4
Museum of the Fur Trade
10
87
Goldrush Byway
Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed
Merriman
White River
Toadstool Geologic Park
Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area
44 min. Hemingford to chadron
2
Berea
Attractions #PINE RIDGE
Knight Museum
Carhenge
15 27 13 26 “Old Jules” Sandoz Grave Site 28 Dobby Frontier Town Sallows Military Museum 14 Antioch and Conservatory
71
Carnegie Arts Center
Lakeside 1 Agate Fossil Beds National Monument 9 Mountain Biking Alliance 2 Prehistoric Wonders Ashby Bingham Lake Minatare 2 Henry Oglala National Grassland 10 Dawes County Historical Museum Settling the west Riverside Discovery Lighthouse Morrill Center 16 10 385 3 Toadsto0l Geologic Park 11 Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center The Great OutDoors Mitchell 26 17 Scottsbluff Midwest TheaterEducation Lake Minatare 4 Hudson-Meng & Research CenterState Recreation 12 Area Museum of the fur Trade Pioneer trails 21 92 22 North Platte Wildlife Refuge 27 Scotts Bluff 5 Fossil Hunting 13 Metcalf WildLife Management Area One-of-a-Kinds National Monument 18 62A Minatare Five Rocks Amphitheater Gering 6 Horseback Riding19 14 Tri-state Old Time Unique Geology 92 Bridgeport State Cowboy Museum Crescent Lake Melbeta Bayard Legacy of the Plains Museum Recreation Area National Wildlife Refuge 8 Bayard Chimney 7 Fort Robinson State Park McGrew 15 Trailside Museum of Natural History Welcome Centers/Rest Areas Rock Museum 25 Wildcat Hills 20 Chimney Rock Northport Nature Center 16 8 High Plains Homestead Pony Express Station 23 Pioneer Trails Museum Ellsworth
26 min.
14 min. Mitchell to Scottbluff
W Hyannis
34 min.
7 min. Scottsbluff to Gering
43 min.
Robidoux Trading Post & Pioneer Graves
27 min Gering to Bayard
Harrisburg
Chadron |
Chimney Rock Bridgeport National Historic Site 88
pg. 24
24
Court House and Jail Rocks
92
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 with 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, cowboys, ranch-
»
Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 15
« 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.
fort robinson
Chadron 2024 Events FESTIVAL OF QUILTS April 26-28. Learn about quilts with lectures, demonstrations, appraisals, feature quilters and a large trunk show at the Dawes County Fairgrounds. (308) 430-5615
FUR TRADE DAYS July 11-14. Join the celebration commemorating America’s fur trade heritage and Museum of the Fur Trade. Events include a buckskinner camp, historic presentations, Traders Market and parade. (308) 432-4401.
DAWES COUNTY FAIR July 25-August 3. Enjoy livestock shows, 4-H projects, tractor pull, rodeos, Tough Truck and Rubber Check contests and more. (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. 5. A family-centered day of fun at the Dawes County Fairgrounds. Kids can enjoy a haunted maze, archery, bounce houses, pumpkin painting and more. With more than 100 vendors on site, the Harvest Moon Fall Festival is a great spot to find unique gift items, sample great food and spend the day with family and friends.
16 • Destination western nebraska 2023
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. In 1980, after the Wounded Knee Massacre, Gen. Nelson Miles commandeered the Chadron House while investigating the incident. The luxury hotel was the town’s showplace. Today, it is restored to its former glory and operates as Olde Main Street Inn. The inn offers lodging and dining and includes the 77 Longbranch Saloon. 115 Main St. (308) 432-3380. When the Chadron-to-Chicago Horse Race began in 1893, it did so with a shot fired by Chadron’s fire chief using a Colt revolver from the veranda of the Blaine Hotel. The event began as a joke, but then became a legitimate competition, garnering attention from around the world. Characters such as horse thief “Doc” Middleton, a race favorite among Chadron residents, and William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody were involved. Dishonesty and cheating were exposed before the winner crossed the finish line 13 days later in Chicago at the World’s Fair. The Cowboy Trail east of Chadron covers part of the 1,000-mile race route. The former Blaine Hotel is an apartment complex today. Pose for a selfie at 159 Bordeaux St. 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 Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center is dedicated to the study of Nebraska and High Plains culture, literature, and history. Located in Chadron State College, the center is named after Mari Sandoz (1896-1966), one of Nebraska’s best-known authors. Sandoz gained national prominence with her 1935 biography of her father, Old Jules. Sandoz wrote powerfully of plains subjects such as Crazy Horse, the Cheyenne Outbreak, buffalo hunters and homesteaders. (308) 432-6401. For more information about Chadron and Northwest Nebraska, contact Chadron Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Center at (308) 432-4401 or (308) 432-3006. Discovernwnebraska.com
Crawford |
pg. 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. 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.
Old West Trail PRCA Rodeo 78 th Anniversary
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. 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.
Crawford, NE
Photos by Katie Cain (top & bottom right) and Moni Hourt (bottom left)
July 1st—Jr King and Jr Princess contest at 9 am • Kids Fun Day Rodeo at 10 am July 3rd & 4th— 8 pm Performance Each Night July 4th—Fireworks Display Following the Rodeo The only PRCA rodeo in the state of Nebraska over the 4th of July and part of the PRCA Cowboy Christmas run. The 3rd eldest in the state.
Ticket locations in Crawford and Chadron . owtrodeo.com PRODUCED IN PART BY A GRANT FROM THE DAWES COUNTY TRAVEL BOARD
51st Western Wildlife Art Show July 2nd – 4th, 2024 Fort Robinson Veterinary Hospital
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.
Contact Western Wildlife Art Show P.O. Box 531 Crawford NE 69339 westernwildlifeartshow.org
Open to the Public Free
Wisdom of the Past Virginia Coudron
Original Art for Sale
2024 Nebraska State Park Permit is Required
Children’s Wall of Art Contest July 3rd Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 17
Take Highway 2/71 north to the Oglala National Grasslands, home of pronghorn, prairie dogs, and a few rattlesnakes. See scenic vistas and terrain unlike anything else in Nebraska. (308) 432-0300. Toadstool Geologic Park is a unique landscape within the grassland. Sediment layers have eroded at different rates, leaving sandstone formations perched on clay stems that early visitors compared to the shapes of toadstools. The park has a hiking trail, picnic tables, a campground, and a reconstructed sod house. Go five miles north from Crawford on Highway 2, then 10 miles northwest on Toadstool Road. Go slowly, as the non-paved roads can be challenging, especially when wet. People thought rancher Albert Meng had found sheep bones. He and friend Bill Hudson invited scientists to take a look. It turned out the bones were the remains of more than 600 ancient bison. The 10,000-year-old bones are still being studied in Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center. The facility is west of Toadstool Geologic Park. On Toadstool Road, turn on Sandcreek Road and go six miles west. Open selected days from May-September. Allow meandering cattle and rattlesnakes the right of way. (308) 665-3900. On your way to Hudson-Meng, stop by High Plains Homestead, an authentic 1880s village, local-consignment mercantile and group lodging facility. The village is open to the public daily. Stop by and shop or bring your group out for the week and enjoy this “out of the way and out of the ordinary” place. Lodging reservations at highplainshomestead.com
18 • Destination western nebraska 2023
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.
The Cliffs, Chadron
Our Heritage Guest Ranch provides lodging on an historic family ranch, nicely furnished with family-made artwork in a cottage and barn lofts. A variety of packages offered, including fossil, plein air and ranch experience. Specialized in hosting weddings and small groups. Surrounded by Oglala National Grassland and next door to Toadstool Geologic Park. (308) 430-1239 ourheritageguestranch.com The 750-foot-long Belmont Tunnel is no longer used by trains, but railroad enthusiasts can watch trains climbing the 10-mile-long Crawford-to-Belmont grade south of Crawford on Highway 2. For more information, contact Discover Northwest Nebraska at (308) 432-3006. Discovernwnebraska.com
Harrison |
pg. 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,
For more information, contact Discover Northwest Nebraska at (308) 432-3006. Discovernwnebraska.com
Gordon |
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
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
pg. 25
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.
pg. 25
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.
Hay Springs |
Rushville |
The Sheridan County Historical Museum showcases the colorful and important history of Camp Sheridan and the Spotted Tail Agency. Highway 20 and Nelson Avenue.
Crawford 2024 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 Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2024. 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 2024 Events SIOUX COUNTY FAIR August Take in 4-H exhibits, livestock shows, an art show or the 5K race. Entertainment includes rodeos, a demolition derby and the ever-popular hog wrestling for brave souls willing to jump in a mud pit and attempt the feat (308) 668-2428.
Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 19
STAY WITH US AND ENHANCE YOUR TRIP!
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS CHADRON 247 Ash Street, Chadron, NE 69337
We Welcome: Sports Groups Weddings Extended Stays Families Graduations Pets Reunions
Sioux County Museum Six Buildings of Sioux County History!
Annual Historic Trek
We Offer: Free Internet Free Buffet Breakfast Guest Laundry Meeting Room Onsite Fitness Center Indoor Pool and More!
Featuring: House & Telephone Office Post Office Schoolhouse Newspaper Office Main Museum Antique Tractor
(308) 747-2223 erin@nightcapmanagement.com ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/ hotels/us/en/chadron/cdrcd/ hoteldetail
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
Harrison
HOTELS & MOTELS
Sage Motel, 398 E. US Hwy 20, Harrison
UNIQUE LODGING Harrison House Hotel, 115 Main St., Harrison
PHONE
ROOMS
308-665-2300
13
AMENITIES Pets allowed, adjacent campground
RATE RANGE 65-75
PHONE
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
308-665-5199
Restored historic hotel located in scenic Sioux County, rooms with shared bath, free continental breakfast
50-100
CAMPGROUNDS
PHONE
OPEN
AMENITIES
FEES
Corral Campground, 410 E. US Hwy 20, Harrison sagemotelharrison.com
308-665-2300
Year Round
RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 12 trailers
•
Harrison City Park, 240 4th Street Harrison
308-668-2445
20 • Destination western nebraska 2023
Two RV Pads with electrical hook-ups
Free will donation
Crawford
Landscape 3 - Brandon
HOTELS & MOTELS
PHONE
ROOMS
Fort Robinson State Park, 3200 Hwy 20, Crawford
308-665-2900
•
Restaurant on premises, indoor pool, pets allowed
50-245+
Hilltop Motel 304 McPherson St., Hwy 2 & US Hwy 20, Crawford
308-665-1144 800-504-1444
13
Pets allowed, Pizza place on site open Thursday-Saturday
51-75
UNIQUE LODGING
PHONE
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.
95+
Down Home Guest Ranch House 10 mi. S. of Crawford on Hwy 2/71 www.downhomeranchhouse.com
602-620-5755
Comfy old 2-story, 4 bedroom, 2 bath home fully furnished and equipped, big beautiful yard, gas grill, hunting, bird watching, stargazing, hiking, abundance of wildlife
Call for Rates
High Plains Homestead 263 Sandcreek Rd., 16 mi. N., Crawford www.highplainshomestead.com
308-665-2592
All our “Glamping” rooms have private baths, mini-fridge, microwave and coffeemaker. RV’s and tenting welcome, bath house available. Fully equipped Community Kitchen and large grill on village patio for all to share. Heated pool, group rates. Open seasonally, May 1-October 31.
80+
Our Heritage Guest Ranch 1041 Toadstool Rd, 16 mi. N.W., Crawford ourheritageguestranch.com
308-430-1239
2 lofts and a cabin with private baths, access to fully-equipped kitchen, laundry facility in the cabin. Sleeps 15. Ranch activities, hiking, fossil hunting and wedding venue.
1-75
Red Roof Cottage 713 5th St, Crawford, Ne
308-430-4732
Lay your head down at Red Roof Cottage. Two-night minimum with light breakfast provided.
•
Schoolhouse B&B, 1312 W. Ash Creek Rd., Crawford
308-665-1814
Cozy schoolhouse with private bath, full breakfast, bird watching, stargazing, hunting
51-75
Bridges to Buttes Cottage, 1113 6th St, Crawford, NE 69339
605-641-3852 or 308-360-0508
Settle in to this cozy cottage with a full kitchen, Wifi and a private backyard.
100-150
CAMPGROUNDS
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
PHONE
OPEN
AMENITIES
FEES
Crawford City Park, First & Main St., Crawford crawfordnebraska.net
308-665-1462
Year Round
Amenities - Four camping pads, 3 non-pad sites, all with electricity; Dispersed camping allowed.
•
Fort Robinson State Park 3200 W. US Hwy 20, Crawford outdoornebraska.gov/fortrobinson
308-665-2900
•
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
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
Legend Buttes Golf Course, 3440 US Hwy 20, Crawford 1/2 mi. W. on US Hwy 20,
308-665-2431
9, public
Under 15
Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 21
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
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
Rate Varies
98+
PHONE
AMENITIES
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
1-75+
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.
1-75
Shared Outdoors 10 Old Dunlap Rd., Hemingford www.sharedoutdoors.com
308-487-3426
Fully equipped lodge with full kitchen, fireplace, laundry, WiFi, phone, satellite TV, 4 bedrooms able to sleep up to 12 people
Call for rates
CAMPGROUNDS
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
15 8 vehicle
308-487-3426
•
RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, Rest facilities: showers, pit and flush toilets Camping: available
20-40
Roberts Trailhead Campground Nebraska National Forest, 18 mi. S.W. fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recreation/horseriding-camping
Shared Outdoors 30 Old Dunlap Rd., Hemingford www.sharedoutdoors.com
Chadron Cont. » 22 • Destination western nebraska 2023
« Chadron Cont.
GOLF COURSES
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
Ridgeview Country Club 16611 US Hwy 385, Chadron, ridgeviewcc.net
308-432-4468
9 holes, semi-private Under 15
•
Gordon, Rushville, & Hay Springs HOTELS & MOTELS
PHONE
ROOMS
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
Jefco Inn 308 S. Cornell, W. US Hwy 20, Gordon
308-282-2935
22
Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, guest laundry
76+
Western Sands Motel 107 W. US Hwy 20, Gordon
308-282-1795
20
Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed, free wifi
74+
Antler’s Motel, 607 E. 2nd St., Rushville
308-327-2444
20
Free continental breakfast, pets allowed, Patio BBQ grill
Call for Rates
Nebraskaland Motel, 508 E. 2nd St., Rushville
308-327-2487
15
Pets allowed, free wifi, large groups welcome, kitchenettes
59+ Weekly Rates Available
UNIQUE LODGING
PHONE
Horse Thief Cave Ranch, 1711 550th Trail Rd., 15 mi. S.E., Gordon, www.horsethiefcave.com
308-282-1017
Rooms with shared bath, continental breakfast
Call for Rates
Flying Heart Ranch LLC 6473 440th Ln., Hay Springs, www.flyingheartranch.com
308-638-7426
Rooms with shared bath, 3-bedroom, 2-bath cabin. Solitude, wildlife, hiking/biking trails
Call for Rates
Hay Springs Rentals, 213, 221 & 230 N. Post St. & 339 N. Chambers St., Hay Springs www.hayspringsrentals.com
308-638-4466
Rooms with private and shared bath. 3-bedroom houses with kitchens and living rooms
Call for Rates
CAMPGROUNDS
AMENITIES
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
Sunset RV Park, 110 S. Post St., Hay Springs
RATE RANGE
AMENITIES
FEES
Room for 6 trailers
Call for Rates
•
RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 15 trailers
Call for Rates
308-762-8660 800-767-8660
Year Round
RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 9 trailers. Camping: 9 tents (First come)
Call for Rates
Walgren Lake SRA 4 mi. E. on US Hwy 20, 3 mi. S., Hay Springs
308-665-2900
Year Round
RV Amenities: water, room for 50 trailers Camping: 50. Rest facilities: Pit toilets
10 + State Park Permit
Rushville Service Center, W. US Hwy 20, Rushville
308-327-2375
Year Round
RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 6 trailers. Rest facilities: 5 tents
Call for Rates
GOLF COURSES
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
Gordon Golf and Country Club 6535 210th Ln., 2nd & Willow Sts., Gordon
308-282-1146
18, public
Call for Rates
Hay Springs
308-232-4436
9, public
Call for Rates
Sand Ridge 3rd St. & Golf Course Ln., Rushville
308-327-2966
9, public
Call for Rates
Pine Ridge • WestNebraska.com • 23
24 • 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 • 25
it's Mile 47 of 75. The prairie winds can't seem to make up their mind about which way they want to blow. The sun, on the other hand, has decided to bear down. Ponderosa pines up on the ridge. Straining up the rolling hill. Legs coated in dust. Sometimes the only way is through. That's when the voice of a cartoon fish popped into our rider's head. Just keep spinning, Just keep spinning, Just keep spinning… Endless gravel, wide open prairie, and the possibility of a cartoon fish urging you to keep going.
That’s what you’ll find in Nebraska’s Landmark country. Robidoux Rendezvous Gravel Race June 29, 2024 Gravel National Championship September 8, 2024 Visit Nebraska’s Landmark Country. 800-788-9475 | NebraskaLandmarkCountry.com
Sponsored Content
ole’s big game steakhouse Rosser “Ole” Herstedt was a Paxton native who started a bar the very night that Prohibition ended in 1933. The bar’s name, of course, was Ole’s. Ole worked long hours to feed, and provide drink for, the town’s guests. But he always left time for hunting. In 1938, he bagged a big white tail buck and hung the mount in the bar. Nobody could have suspected where that would lead. Over the next few years, Ole embarked on a hobby of big game hunting that took him to every continent. For 35 years, he brought his trophy mounts home and hung them above the bar tables and booths. A moose from Canada came to Paxton; a black bear from Alaska; a red fox from England; even a python from Honduras. Eventually, over 200 trophies were on display, and Ole’s Bar became one of the most unusual farm town taverns in America. In 1969, Ole shot a polar bear on Russia’s Chukchi Sea while hunting on a 70-acre ice flow. A full mount of the huge white bear was brought back to the bar and put on display just inside the door. Within four years of that hunt Ole quit his hunting trips. But he continued to run the bar.
In 1988, when he was 87, Ole decided he’d had enough. Tim Holzfaster, a 28-year-old Paxton native, called to ask if Ole’s was indeed closing. “He told me he couldn’t find anybody local to buy the business.” Holzfaster said. A few weeks later, he became the second owner of the business in 53 years.
“There’s nothing fancy about Ole’s. We just try to provide good food and good service.” —Tim Holzfaster Holzfaster 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
Scottsbluff to Crawford
Berea Knight Museum
Carhenge
Carnegie Arts Center
71
“Old Jules” Sandoz Grave Site Dobby Frontier Town
Sallows Military Museum and Conservatory
Antioch
Alliance
Ellsworth
Lakeside
2
26 min.
Riverside Discovery 14 min. Center 7 min.
Henry Morrill
1
Mitchell
Mitchell to Scottbluff
26
385
Scottsbluff Lake Minatare State Recreation Area 5
Midwest Theater Scotts Bluff National Monument
92
6
3
Gering
Five Rocks Amphitheater Legacy of the Plains Museum
92
27
Robidoux Trading Post & Pioneer Graves
Chimney Rock Pony Express Station
Bayard
7
1
8
88
Harrisburg
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Bridgeport State Recreation Area Northport Pioneer Trails Museum
Bayard Chimney Rock Museum
Chimney Rock Bridgeport National Historic Site
27 min Gering to Bayard
43 min
62A
McGrew
4
Banner County Historical Museum
North Platte Wildlife Refuge
Minatare
Melbeta
Wildcat Hills Nature Center
Wes te
rn T rails
Arth
Byw
1
27
ay
Lisco Nor
th P
71
Prairie Schooner Museum
9
Broadwater
92
Court House and Jail Rocks
1 hr. 3 min
Dalton
latt
eR
Historical Museum
10
ive
r
385
53 min.
Oshkosh 26
Gurley
Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area Bushnell 30
nne
Kimball
Plains Historical Museum Dix
18 min
Railroad Museum 29 Potter L incol
Duckpin Bowling Alley
39 min
80
n By
Tri-State Marker Nebraska’s Highest Point
Fort Sidney Post Commander’s Home
way
Attractions #TRAILS WEST 71
Sidney 16 min
Lorenzo
28
1 western trails scenic byway 2 riverside discovery center 3 scotts bluff national monument 4 wildcat hills state recreation area 5 Lake Minatare 6 north platte national wildlife refuge
Gering |
Hyannis
34 min.
Scottsbluff to Gering
2
Ashby
Bingham
Lake Minatare Lighthouse
pg. 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?
28 • Destination western nebraska 2023
19
Hillside Golf Course
30
27
Lodgepole Depot Museum
Sunol
32 Cabela’s Retail Store and Wildlife Exhibit
Lewellen
Ash Hollow 11 State Historical Park
Bergstrom Rock & Gem Collection
7 chimney rock 8 courthouse rock & Jail Rock 9 crescent lake national wildlife refuge 10 goose hunting capital 11 ash hollow state park
Scotts Bluff National Monument is in Scotts Bluff County, but it is closer to the city of Gering than it is to nearby Scottsbluff. No matter. To simplify things, folks living around here call it “The Monument,” a name as matter-of-fact as the wise Native American moniker for the bluff, Ma-a-pa-te, which means “hill that is hard to go around.” Wagon trains from the Missouri River reached Scotts Bluff only after two months of hard travel across what is now the state of Nebraska. More than 350,000 pioneers are estimated to have passed by here between 1836 and 1869. The ruts left by their many possession-laden wagons still can be seen here, carved into clay and stone, a visible testament to the courage
1
92
L a ke
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
hy
Ogallala Brule 80
Mansion on the Hill
39 min. Ogallala to Chappell
61 30 min.
Brandon 15 min.
and determination of those who were here before us. A harsh and arid land, yes, but ultimately beautiful. Rising 800 feet above the floor of the Platte River Valley, Scotts Bluff is sometimes thought to be a small mountain, which it is not. Mountains are pushed up from below; Scotts Bluff is what remains of the ancient High Plains that were eroded by rivers over millions of years. The uniquely Nebraska formation is part of a series of rocky escarpments known collectively as the Wildcat Hills.
»
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. Three spectacular Nebraska artists grace the beautiful Gering Civic Plaza in downtown Gering. Sculptures by Kaneko, Ferguson and Hansen beautifully enhance the native grasses, flowers and trees in the Plaza showcasing the unique landscape that is Western Nebraska. The Gering Civic Plaza is the central gathering place for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy the offerings in the Plaza and engage in the scheduled yearround activities and events. For more information on Gering, contact the Gering Visitors Bureau at (308) 436-6886 or www.visitgering.com.
Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 29
Midwest theater
Gering 2024 Events
FATHER’S DAY ROCK-N-ROLL CLASSIC CAR SHOW June 14-15. More than 300 classics from seven states roll into Five Rocks Amphitheater for this day-long show and shine. (308) 436-6886.
ROBIDOUX RENDEZVOUS June 29. 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
THE FIRST BREWERY IN THE NEBR ASK A PANHANDLE, FLYOVER BREWING COMPANY TAKES PRIDE IN IT’S BEER, FOOD AND LOCATION. NOW WITH TWO LOCATIONS:
OUR ORIGINAL TAP ROOM AND BREWERY AT 1824 BROADWAY, SCOTTSBLUFF AND OUR NEW TAP ROOM HANGAR 39 AT 947 SHERMAN ST, POTTER
EVERY MENU ITEM IS MADE FROM SCR ATCH IN OUR KITCHEN.
308-575-0335 FLYOVERBREWINGCOMPANY.COM TUESDAY - SUNDAY 11A M - 11PM
1824 BROADWAY, DOWNTOWN SCOTTSBLUFF
30 • Destination western nebraska 2023
July 11-14. 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 August 7-10. Scotts Bluff County skies fills with over 30 hot air balloons, bright hues during daybreak launches, balloon glows, food vendors, beer garden, and live entertainment. www.theoldwestballoonfest.com
USA CYCLING GRAVEL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS September 7-8. The best names in off-road gravel racing will be gathering in Gering competing for the national title of USA Cycling Gravel National Champions. Countless miles of dirt roads passing famous rock formations such as Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock. Gering’s downtown corridor serves as the races start-finish line on Sunday with community activities, special events and Gravel Nationals Expo on Saturday.
HARVEST FESTIVAL September 21-22. 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. For All hiking maps in the area, please visit www. visitscottsbluff.com for a digital version of the Trail Treks Guide. 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 Daniel Warburton is known for his pilsners and experimental India Pale Ales. It also includes a restaurant popular for its variety of pizzas. 1824 Broadway. (308) 632-2133. For more information, contact the Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau at www.VisitScottsBluff.com
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
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, 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.
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
Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 31
Scottsbluff 2024 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 7-10. Scotts Bluff County skies fill with over 80 hot air balloons, bright hues during daybreak launches, balloon glows. It includes food vendors, beer garden and live entertainment. www.theoldwestballoonfest.com
BANDS ON BROADWAY Thursdays June/July. 8-week summer concert series from 6-9 PM in the 18th Street Plaza. Bring a lounge chair Beer and food trucks are there weekly.
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.
2024 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.
32 • 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
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.
Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 33
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.
34 • Destination western nebraska 2023
The Farm House B&B is an extensively renovated and refurbished historic hotel which offers travelers, hunters, and community friends a cozy night’s stay and a place to reminisce and dream of yesteryear. Visitors are also provided a tour of these unique properties by calling (308) 279-1024.
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.
Morrill County 2024 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 |
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. Lewellen features The Most Unlikely Place, a 1908 opera house that is now a café and art gallery. (308) 778-9557.
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.
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
Oshkosh |
1446 10th St.,• Gering• 308-436-5500
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.
FATHER’S DAY
CLASSIC CAR SHOW
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visitscottsbluff.com • Gering, NE
NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION Century House, 1201 Lincoln Mall, Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68508 | 402.435.3535 | www.nshsf.org Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 35
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
51-75
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+
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
308-672-1114
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
308-635-2277
Championship 18-hole golf course with 4 tees ranging from 4901 to 6870 yards. Fun and challenging course for players of all levels. Amenities: Driving range, putting green, full-service restaurant and the most scenic views of Scotts Bluff National Monument
29-48
HOTELS & MOTELS
PHONE
ROOMS
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
Candlelight Inn, 1822 E. 20th Place, Scottsbluffs
308-635-3751
56
Wheelchair accessible, outdoor pool, free continental breakfast
51-75+
Capri Motel, 2424 Ave. I, Scottsbluff
308-635-2057
30
Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed
1-50
Comfort Inn, 1902 21st Ave., Scottsbluff www.choicehotels.com
308-632-7510
49
Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed
75+
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+
36 • Destination western nebraska 2023
Scottsbluff Cont. »
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 • 37
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Find your next WestNebraska.com 66 1.866.684.40a.com
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2930 Old Oregon Trail Gering, NE 69341
308-436-1989 info@legacyoftheplains.org
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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
Call for Tee Times
308.635.2277
or Book Online at
monument-shadows.com
Scottsbluff Family YMCA Trails West Camp This retreat center and lodge is waiting to host your weddings, family reunion or meeting. Trails West is beautifully designed and nestled in the banks of the North Platte River, with a stunning view of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Camping and cabin options are available with scenic pavilions, lodges and full kitchens for events. November - February we also offer the perfect lodging for waterfowl hunting trips. 1518 S Beltline Hwy W Scottsbluff, NE 69361 Campspot/book/ymcaofscottsbluff.org 308-641-9587
38 • Destination western nebraska 2023
« ScottsBluff Cont.
HOTELS & MOTELS
PHONE
ROOMS
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
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
Elderberry Lane, on old Oregon Trail Rd., 3 mi. W. of Scottsbluff, https://elderberrylane.com
308-632-8647
100-year-old barn in the shadow of Scotts Bluff National Monument, private rooms, full breakfast
75+
YMCA Trails West Camp, 1918 S Beltline Hwy, Scottsbluff, www.ymcaofscottsbluff.org
308-635-2318
Best views of Scotts Bluff National Monument right out of your cabin door; full-service cabins, outdoor pool and wheelchair accessible.
•
GOLF COURSES
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
308-635-1555
18 holes, public
Under 115
Riverview Country Club, 100928 Cty Rd. 19, Scottsbluff
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
CAMPGROUNDS
PHONE
OPEN
AMENITIES
FEES
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
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
Bridgeport, Broadwater & Bayard HOTELS & MOTELS
PHONE
ROOMS
Cobblestone Inn & Suites, 517 Main St., Bridgeport
308-262-7900
35
Modern room, fitness center, beer and wine bar
Mac's Meadow Park Motel & RV Park, 2 mi. N.W. on US Hwy 385 to Mile Marker 77, Bridgeport
308-279-1176
8
Pets allowed
65+
Los Tres Gallos (The Three Roosters) N. US Hwy 385, Bridgeport
308-262-5434
22
Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, free continental breakfast, pets allowed
51-75
UNIQUE LODGING
PHONE
AMENITIES
109-135
RATE RANGE
The Farm House B&B 102 E. Guthrie St., Broadwater
308-279-1024
Hunters, friends and family alike will enjoy a step down memory lane in this historic bed and breakfast with a homestyle breakfast.
The Hatheway House B&B 502 N Starr St, Broadwater
308-279-1024
Two story renovated and furnished home with 4 bedrooms. (6 beds range from twin to Queen. Full kitchen, 2 baths
65+
$250/nite
bridgeport, broadwater & bayard » Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 39
« bridgeport, broadwater & bayard
CAMPGROUNDS
PHONE
OPEN
AMENITIES
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
•
GOLF COURSES
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
Chimney Rock Golf Course N. US Hwy 26, Bayard
308-586-1606
9, public
Under 15
Courthouse & Jail Rock Golf Course 5 mi. S. on Hwy 88, Bridgeport
308-262-9925
9, public
Under 15
Morrill, Mitchell & Minatare HOTELS & MOTELS
Oak Tree Inn
707 E. Webster, US Hwy 26, Morrill
UNIQUE LODGING Angel Wing Outfitters, 400 3rd St. Gering www.angelwingoutfitters.com
CAMPGROUNDS
PHONE
ROOMS
308-247-2111
97
AMENITIES
Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, pets allowed
RATE RANGE 51-75
PHONE
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
308-641-3528
•
•
PHONE
OPEN
AMENITIES
FEES
Lake Minatare SRA 7 mi. of Minatare on Stonegate Rd.
308-783-2911
•
RV Amenities: water, room for 50 trailers Rest facilities: showers, flush and pit toilets Camping: 110 tents
7-18 NE Park Permit
Scenic Knolls Campground 20548 Hwy 29, Mitchell, www.mitchellcity.net
308-623-2468
Mar.-Sept.
RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 6 trailers
15
Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds, 130625 Cty Rd. E. Mitchell, www.scottsbluffcountyfair.net
308-623-1828
Year Round
RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 80+ trailers. Rest facilities: showers, flush toilets, 14+ tents Horse boarding: $10
15
Zeigler Park, 1280 Center Ave., Mitchell www.mitchellcity.net
308-623-1616
Year Round
RV Amenities: electricity, room for 4 trailers Rest facilities: flush toilets
5
GOLF COURSES
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
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
40 • Destination western nebraska 2023
Oregon Trail
Lewellen, Lisco & Oshkosh HOTELS & MOTELS
PHONE
ROOMS
Lewellen Lodge & Living, 215 E. Church St., Lewellen www.lewellenlodge.com
308-672-0690
22
Wheelchair accessible, workout room, pets allowed
65-100
Marina Landing, 5051 Albees, Hwy 92, mile marker 127, Lewellen, www.lakemacmarinalanding.com
308-355-3535 888-767-7791
8
Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises
51-75
Otter Creek Lodge, 100 Otter Creek Ct., Lewellen, Lake McConaughy, 12 mi. from dam on Hwy 92
308-355-2372
9
Restaurant on premises, pets allowed
1-50
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
81-119
Shady Rest, 201 Main Street, Oshkosh www.visitgardenco.com
308-772-4111
12
Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed
1-75
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
UNIQUE LODGING
PHONE
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
Clear Creek Retreat, 2220 Road West O N., Lewellen
308-778-9546
Three bedrooms, full kitchen; cater to hunters and fishermen
90+
Gander Inn B&B 105 E. Church St., Lewellen
308-778-5616
Small-town peaceful setting. Game room & gift shop. Wheelchair accessible, rooms with private and shared baths, full breakfast. Meals arranged around guests
51-75+
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
200+
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
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
308-772-3881
9 holes, public
18
Trails West • WestNebraska.com • 41
42 • 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 • 43
Find your next
ADVENTURE. WestNebraska.com
Rolling Pin Bakery
2044 10th Ave, Sidney NE, | 308.254.7844 44 • Destination western nebraska 2023
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 • 45
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
2024 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 2024 Acts Parker McCollum and Jelly Roll. Other activities include a craft beer festival, parade, art show, quilt show, pork breakfast, and more. NEBRASKAlandDAYS.com
FORT CODY SUMMER MUSIC SERIES Summer. Managed by NRoute Entertainment, the Fort Cody Summer Music Series has been entertaining music lovers since 2011, every Thursday night in the summer running from 6 pm to 9 pm. Bring your favorite lawn chair and join us! Single admission or season tickets available
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
46 • 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
Banner County Historical Museum
1 hr. 3 min
71
Bushnell 30
yenne m Che
Fro
Kimball 18 min
Plains Historical Society Dix
2
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 September. 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
Lincoln County »
Railroad Museum Potter
Duckpin 39 min Bowling Alley
Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area 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
Bayar Rock
McGrew
Wildcat Hills Nature Center
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
Fort Sidney Post Commander’s Home
Sidney
27
Lodgepole Depot Museum
29 min.
Oshkosh
385
92
18 min.
Gurley
n By 3 wa y 80
Ringold Stapleton
Historical Museum
26
L incol
Tryon
Lisco Nort
Prairie Schooner Museum
83
Broadwater
54 min.
Lewellen
6 Haythorn
Ash Hollow State Historical Park
97
32 min.
92
Kingsley Dam/ Hydro Plant
44 min.
50 min.
13
Sunol
30 Lodgepole Pony Express 4 California Hill 5 National Historical Marker Chappell Monument Brule Hillside Sudman-Neumann 16 min Golf Cabela’s Retail Store 30 min. Sidney to Chappell Heritage House Big Springs 30 80 and Wildlife Exhibit Bergstrom Rock & 19 Course Mansion on 39 min. Gem Collection Lorenzo the Hill Ogallala to Chappell
61
Buffalo Bill State Historical Park
Sutherland Hershey
Little Church Boot Hill of Keystone Roscoe
Petrified Wood Gallery
Paxton
30
9 11
North Platte
The Rail Road Museum
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 Panorama Point 2 Potter sundry 3 Lincoln Highway 4 National Pony Express monument 5 Cabela's 6 Haythorn ranch
Hershey |
Along Highway 30, Veterans Memorial Park has a half-mile long walking trail, playground equipment, and outdoor exercise equipment. The local baseball and softball fields are also located in the park. Hershey Fall Fest is held the last week in August and provides family fun for residents and visitors alike.
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. 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.
7 Sutherland reservoir 8 golden Spike tower at bailey yard 9 buffalo bill ranch state historical park 10 fort mcPherson national cemetery 11 bird watching
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.
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
Prehistoric Wonders Settling the west The Great OutDoors Pioneer trails One-of-a-Kinds Unique Geology Welcome Centers/Rest Areas 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 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
Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 47
of the worst offenders that ended in a public hanging from the courthouse tree.
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 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
48 • 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 incor-
porates 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)225-0740. 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.
« Lincoln County
Lincoln County 2024 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
2024 Events
GOLD RUSH DAYS
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.
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
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
2024 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 • 49
Hampton Inn Ogallala BRAND NEW OPENING 2 0 2 4
502 Oregon Trail Drive Ogallala, NE 69153
(308) 284-7140
Holiday Inn Express Ogallala
206 Pony Express Ln, Ogallala, NE 69153
(308) 284-6080
Free Breakfast, Meeting Space, Indoor Pool, & more!
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.
ce sin 63 19
« Visitors to Nebraska’s “Cowboy Capital” can
North Platte's Premier Roadside Attraction! I-80 & Hwy 83 Interchange • 221 Halligan Drive • North Platte • (308) 532-8081 Come see our lively brewery and restaurant serving freshly brewed craft beer in addition to spirits, wine, pizza and appetizers. Our outdoor beer garden is the perfect spot to unwind with the family. Bring your dog and order a fresh doggy meal or Nebraska beef treat from the Doggy Treats menu. Be sure to check the event schedule on our website to see what’s happening or book a nights stay at the Pals Bed & Breakfast located across the street. You’re always at home with Pals!
LET’S CELEBRATE BRADY DAYS August2nd,3rd&4th2024 Everything needed for a fun filled weekend— Barbecue, Parade, Sports Competitions, Turtle Races and Great People! BRADY WELCOMES YOU!
4520 S Buffalo Bill Ave palsbrewingcompany.com | 308-221-6715
50 • Destination western nebraska 2023
villageofbrady.org
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.
Kimball County 2024 Events
KIMBALL RANCH RODEO– KIMBALL Kimball
Museum on the Hill was Ogallala’s finest home when it was built in 1887. Open Memorial Day through mid-September at the corner of Spruce and 10th streets. Three blocks west of the mansion on 10th Street is the original Ogallala cemetery, long known as Boot Hill for the cowboys who were “buried with their boots on.” Haythorn Land & Cattle Co. is a fifth-generation ranch offering wagon rides and chuck wagon dinners to visitors wanting a taste of the old ways. (308) 355-4000. What the old-time cowboys needed but didn’t have was a really big lake in which to cool off. Eight miles north of Ogallala, Lake McConaughy is Nebraska’s largest irrigation reservoir. At full capacity, McConaughy is four miles wide, 22 miles long and 142 feet deep at the dam with more than 100 miles of shoreline. When irrigation season is in full swing, miles of white sand beaches provide the perfect perch for a summer vacation. Just below Kingsley Dam is Lake Ogallala. It covers half a square mile and offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout and yellow perch. This reservoir is often called “Ogallala’s Little Lake.” South of Ogallala at Meadowlark Hill one might expect to see birds. What people come here to see, and smell, are lilacs in full bloom. Max and Darlene Peterson’s passion has grown to fill 14 acres with the flower, and it’s the world’s largest private collection of lilacs. (308) 284-2524. Contact the Ogallala/Keith County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 658-4390.
Keystone |
pg. 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.
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
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. Phelps Hotel was built in 1993 to house railroad workers. It is open for tours by appointment. (308) 889-3625.
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.
Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 51
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 village, Antelopeville. 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.
Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area has a 270-acre lake for hunting, fishing, boating, camping, playing on sandy beaches, and bird watching. (308) 254-2377. 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
Outdoor Pool, Pets Allowed, Complimentary Breakfast
75+
Avid/ Candlewood Suites 202 E Eugene Ave
402-217-9255
123
Extended Stay, 'Go Round' Breakfast, Internet
100+
Best Western Plus 3201 S. Jeffers St.
308-534-3120
146
Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast, Pets Allowed
100+
Comfort Inn & Suites 2809 Halligan Drive
308-562-2736
90
Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast, Pets Allowed
100+
Days Inn 3102 S. Jeffers www.daysinn.com
308-532-9321
47
Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast, Pets Allowed
75+
Fairfield Inn and Suites 319 W. South River Road www.marriott.com/lbffi
308-532-9900
82
Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast
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
100+
Hospitality Inn 501 Halligan Drive
308-532-0151
64
Complimentary Breakfest, Pets Allowed
75+
Husker Inn 721 E. 4th Street
308-534-6960
13
La Quinta Inn & Suites 2600 Eagles Wing Place wyndhamhotels.com
308-534-0700
65
Indoor Pool,Complimenatry Breakfast, Pets allowed
100+
North Platte Inn & Suites PO Box 788
308-532-0130
75
Pets Allowed
75-90+
52 • Destination western nebraska 2023
•
50-75
HOTELS & MOTELS
PHONE
ROOMS
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
Quality Inn 2901 S. Jeffers
308-532-6144
90
Indoor Pool, Complimentary Breakfast, Dogs Allowed
75+
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 By 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
AMENITIES
FEES
I-80 Lakeside Campground 3800 Hadley Rd.
308-534-5077
Year Round
RV Amenities: Electricity( 30 and 50 amp) water, sewer, Extended Length Pull through sites. Showers, Flush Toilets and Laundry (April - October). Tent sites available.
30+
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
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 • 53
Sutherland & Hershey HOTELS & MOTELS
PHONE
ROOMS
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
308-386-4384
19
•
1-75
PHONE
OPEN
AMENITIES
FEES
Oregon Trail Golf Course Campground 31200 W Tower Rd., Sutherland
308-386-4653
Mar- Nov
RV Amenities: Electricity and water Restroom Facilities: flush and pit toilets. Tent Sites Available.
Call for rates
Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area Sutherland Reservoir Inlet, S. Highway 25
308-535-8025
•
RV Amenities: Electricity and water Restroom Facilities' toilets. Tent Sites Available. Nebraska State Park Sticker Required
10-30
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 54 • 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.
RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 24 trailers
20-25
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
308-879-4469
7, public
Under 15
PHONE
ROOMS
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
America's Best Value Inn & Suites 2115 W. Illinois St., W. on US Hwy 30, Sidney
308-254-2081
58
Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed
55-75
Best Western Plus Sidney Lodge 645 Cabela Dr., I-80 Exit 59, Sidney www.bestwestern.com
308-254-0100
64
Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed
99+
Blue Iron Oasis, 11552 US Hwy 30, 2 mi. N. of I-80, Exit 59, Jct US Hwys 30 & 385, Sidney
308-250-9911
9
WiFi. Walking Trails. Bird Watching. Pets allowed ($).
50-80
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 ($), free WiFi.
60-100
The King's Inn, 2031 Illiniois St, Sidney www.thekingsinnsidney.com
308-254-4581
18
WiFi, Cable TV, Mini Fridge, Microwave, Coffee Pot
55-75
Sidney » Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 55
« Sidney
HOTELS & MOTELS
PHONE
ROOMS
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
Sleep for Less Motel, 954 Elm St, I-80 Exit 59, 2 1/4 mile N. to US Hwys 30 & 385 www.sleepforlessmotel. com
308-249-1007
10
Fridge, Microwave, and Wifi in every room. Pets allowed ($). Homemade "Breakfast in a Basket" can be pre-orderd ($)
55-100
Quality Inn, 730 E. Jennifer Ln., I-80 Exit 59, Sidney www.choicehotels.com
308-254-5011
54
Wheelchair accessible, breakfast included, indoor pool, dogs allowed ($)
75+
CAMPGROUNDS
PHONE
OPEN
AMENITIES
FEES
Cabela's Campground, I-80 Exit 59, Sidney
308-254-7889
Year Round
RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 31 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 6 tents
Call for rates
Blue Iron Oasis
308-250-9911
Year Round
Electric & Water hookups, WiFi, Shower House. Horses allowed. Dry camping and tent sites also available.
35
GOLF COURSES
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
Hillside Golf Course, 2616 Hillside Dr., Sidney
308-254-2311
18, public
15 - 30
Big Springs & Chappell HOTELS & MOTELS
PHONE
ROOMS
Motel 6, 111 Circle Rd., I-80 Exit 107, Big Springs
308-889-3671
62
CAMPGROUNDS
PHONE
OPEN
AMENITIES
FEES
Creekside RV Park, N. of I-80 Exit 85, Chappell
308-874-2267 888-871-2267
Year Round
RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 28 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower, flush toilets. Camping: Unlimited tents
12-25
HQH Stables & Campground, 1625 Rd. 203, Big Springs, www.a-chordpublishing.com
877-241-8653
•
RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 6 trailers. Riding area available 10-20
•
McGreer Camper Park, 693 Rd. 209, Big Springs www.mcgreercamperpark.com
308-889-5093
Apr.-Oct. 31
RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 28 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 8 tents
25-30
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 Indoor pool, pets allowed
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
56 • Destination western nebraska 2023
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
308-874-2729
9, public
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+
CAMPGROUNDS
PHONE
OPEN
AMENITIES
FEES
Admiral’s Cove Resort, 999 Lemoyne Rd., Lemoyne Lake McConaughy Gate 6, wwwadmiralscoveresort.com
308-355-2102
May-Sept. 3
RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 5 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets Camping: unlimited tents. Cabin Rentals: 25
15
North Shore Lodge, Lake McConaughy Gate 5, Lemoyne, www.northshorelodge.net
308-355-2222
•
RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 23 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush and pit toilets. Cabin Rentals: 18
Call for rates
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
Keystone, Paxton & Brule
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
HOTELS & MOTELS
PHONE
ROOMS
Days Inn, 851 Paxton Elsie Rd., I-80 Exit 145, Paxton
308-239-4510
34
UNIQUE LODGING
PHONE
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
Bayside Golf Club, 865 Lakeview West Rd., Brule
308-287-4653
Open Mar-Oct 30. Remodeled cabins, bedroom suites, full minikitchens, full baths, patios/decks, laundry, Wi-Fi and satellite TV
75+
The Beach House, Lake McConaughy, Keystone www.lakemacbeachhouse.com
308-762-2892
Luxury townhomes with lake views, rooms with shared and private bath
75+
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
The Lodge, 851 Paxton Elise Rd., I-80 Exit 145, Paxton
308-239-4510
Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, free continental breakfast, pets allowed
AMENITIES
1-75
FEES
RV Amenities: electric, water, sewer Rest Facilities: Wi-Fi, showers, flush toilets, rec room, swimming pool, playground and general store
25+
Apr. 1-Oct. 30
RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 45 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets
15+
Year Round
RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 12 trailers. Camping: 12 tents
20
GOLF COURSES
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
Bayside Golf Club, 865 Lakeview W. Rd., Brule
308-284-4358
18, public
15-30
Wild west • WestNebraska.com • 57
Hillside golf course
Kimball
HOTELS & MOTELS
PHONE
ROOMS
Days Inn, 611 E. 3rd St., Kimball, www.daysinn.com
308-235-4671
30
Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed
60-80+
Kimball Extended Stays, 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
•
ROOK RV Park 28 Rook Drive, Kimball
308-241-1210
Year Round
Full Service Sites, Oversized Spaces, Heated water hookups, 20/30/50 Amp, Extra Parking area.
•
Stahla’s North RV Park 9 Laura St, Kimball
308-235-2750 308-235-5373
Year Round
30/50 amp services – RVs, campers, and 5th wheels
•
CAMPGROUNDS
GOLF COURSES Four Winds, 4530 Gilliland Dr., E. US Hwy 30, Kimball
Ogallala
AMENITIES
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
FEES
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
308-235-4241
18 holes, public
30
HOTELS & MOTELS
PHONE
ROOMS
Americ Inn by Wyndham, 501 Stage Coach Trail – Ogallala, NE 69153, www.wyndhamotels.com
308-210-2162
•
Off I-80 and near Lake McConaughy; yearround, free breakfast, wi-fi, pet friendly rooms and easy reach to the lake, golf courses and historical sites.
75+
Quality Inn, 201 Chuckwagon Rd., Ogallala I-80 Exit 126 N., www.choicehotels.com
308-284-3623
101
Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, outdoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed
75+
58 • Destination western nebraska 2023
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
Brand New - Opening 2024 Right off I80 at Exit 177 South
AVID HOTEL & CANDLEWOOD SUITES NORTH PLATTE 202 E. Eugene Ave. North Platte, Nebraska 69101
Long Term Stays, Project Work, Relocations, Wedding Groups, Motorcoach Tours Free Breakfast, Free Guest Laundry, Free Internet
AVID HOTEL (308) 252-1505
SalesNorthPlatte@nightcapmanagement.com ihg.com/avidhotels/hotels/us/en/north-platte/lbfav/hoteldetail
CANDLEWOOD SUITES (308) 252-1507
SalesNorthPlatte@nightcapmanagement.com ihg.com/candlewood/hotels/us/en/north-platte/lbfav/hoteldetail
Find your next
ADVENTURE. WestNebraska.com Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 59
60 • 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 • 61
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
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!
M-F 7-4, Sat 8-2, Closed Sun 308.645.2381
@anthemcoffeeco
sandhilloil.com THEDFORD 308-645-2233
HYANNIS
308-458-2237
VALENTINE 402-376-1302
East of Thedford on Highway 2 @SandhillsCorral Serving Great Nebraska Beef *Steaks *Salad Bar *Beer *Spirits (308) 645-2323 Monday through Thursday 11 am – 10 pm Friday & Saturday 11 am – 12 am
C rossroadsofthe s andhills.com 62 Destination western nebraska 2023 •
Sandhills Corral Restaurant
Carhenge
Mullen 2024 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.
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
Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 63
STAY WITH US AND ENHANCE YOUR TRIP!
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS ALLIANCE 1630 Holsten Drive, Alliance, NE 69301
We Welcome: Sports Groups Weddings Extended Stays Families Graduations Pets Reunions We Offer: Free Internet Free Buffet Breakfast Guest Laundry Meeting Room Onsite Fitness Center Indoor Pool and More!
(308) 761-0970
erin@nightcapmanagement.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
Shop year-round at
Hemingford’s specialty meat market
Indulge in fresh cuts of beef, pork, and specialty meats for yourself or gatherings. Custom gift boxes are available with meats, cheeses, local honey, seasonings, and gift certificates.
308-487-5232
815 Box Butte Ave. Hemingford, NE 69348
facebook.com/tabletopmeats 64 • Destination western nebraska 2023
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.
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.
A nonprofit partner with Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands
308.432.0300 • fs.usda.gov/Nebraska 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
Henry Morrill
Riverside Discovery
14 min. Center 7 min. Mitchell to Scottsbluff Scottbluff to Gering
Mitchell 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
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.
DOBBY’S FALL FESTIVAL September. Fall Festival at Dobby’s Frontier Town with live entertainment, vendors and so much more (308) 762-4321.
66 • Destination western nebraska 2023
88
1 hr. 3 min
71
Prairie S
Alliance central park Fountain
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.
Bridg
a
Banner County Historical Museum
2024 Events
Bayard C Rock M
Oliver Reservoir Frye Lake Wildlife Management Area offers Recreation Area Plains Historical Museum Railroad Bushnell fishing access northeast of Hyannis. Anglers hook Museum Kimball Dix 29 Potter Linc 30 18 min largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Duckpin 8 Bowling Alley
ne Cheyen From
Ashby
71
Tri-State Marker Nebraska’s Highest Point
Calinda’s Pot 28 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.
39 min
om Rapid City & ack Hills Whiteclay
Merriman 9
White River 37 min.
z High Plains ritage Center
Chadron Museum of the Fur Trade
Metcalf Wildlife Management Area
16 min.
Niobrara National River
Sc Nio b r a r a
1
ve enic R i
Snake River
61
S16B
1 hr.
r 250
87 Hemingford
26 min. Hemingford to chadron
Goldrush Byway
53 min.
Box Butte Reservoir
Snake River Falls
1 hr. 10 min.
Walgren Lake State 87 Recreation Area
Pine Ridge Mountain Bike Trail
Sparks
12
97
Samuel R. McKelvie 11 National Forest
27
385
ka al
Cherry County Historical Museum
Valentine
30 min.
Rushville
13 min.
Kilgore Crookston
Clinton
Hay Springs
Chadron State Park
Gordon
20 min.
Nenzel
Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park
Tri-State Old Time Cowboy Museum
87
Cody
Eli 20
1 hr. 15 min.
North Loup River
Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area
44 min. Hemingford to chadron
2
Berea 83
Knight Museum Carnegie Arts Center
2 Sallows Military Museum 7 and Conservatory Dobby Frontier Town 5
3
Carhenge
4
“Old Jules” Sandoz Grave Site
Middle Loup River
Antioch
Alliance
6
Lakeside
26 min.
2
Ellsworth
Whitman Bingham
Nebraska Veterans Cemetery
Ashby
Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway Mullen
Hyannis
Seneca Thedford
29 min.
Tanking on the Middle Loup and Dismal River
385
ation Area efuge
2
15
45 min.
34 min.
L oup River
18 min.
Thomas County Historical Museum
Halsey
10
2
Nebraska National Forest Bessey Ranger District
Dismal River
27
43 min. 55 min.
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Bridgeport State Recreation Area
d
Chimney Museum
8
Northport Pioneer Trails Museum
geport
61
Arthur
Wes te
Court House and Jail Rocks
rn T rails
27
Byw
ay
hP
latt
92
Dalton
eR
ive
53 min.
r
29 min.
Oshkosh 26
92
18 min.
Gurley
30
54 min.
Lewellen
97
Attractions #SANDHILLS & #SCENIC RIVERS Fort Sidney Post Commander’s Home
Sidney
Ringold Stapleton
Historical Museum
385
coln B ywa y 80
Tryon
Lisco Nort
Schooner Museum
83
Broadwater
92
27
Lodgepole Depot Museum
Ash Hollow State Historical Park
32 min.
92
L a ke
44 min.
50 min.
McCo
naug
hy
34
40
Sunol
Kingsley Dam/ Hydro Plant Little Church of Keystone Boot Hill Roscoe
T homas County Buffalo Bill State Historical Park
Sutherland Hershey
38
North Platte Paxton 1 Box 32Butte ReservoirLodgepole 10HillNEBRASKA NATIONAL FOREST BESSEY The Rail Road Museum California Ogallala Cabela’s Retail Store Historical Marker Hillside Chappell and Wildlife Exhibit 37 4 Brule DISTRICT RANGER Sudman-Neumann Golf Golden Spike 36 Maxwell 33 Front Street 2Course Carnegie Arts Center Tower & Visitors Fort Cody Heritage House Big Springs Pony Express Ole’s Big Game 2024 Events Sutherland Bergstrom Rock & Center Mansion on National Monument Brady Steakhouse & Lounge 39 Trading Post Petrified Wood 1 Reservoir Gem Collection Lorenzo Hill GalleryNATIONAl FOREST 11 SAMUEL R.the MCKELVIE Fort McPherson 3 Knight Museum & Sandhills CENTER Mormon National Cemetery Lake Maloney Trail WILDLIFE VIEWING – HALSEY Prehistoric Wonders 4 CARHENGE The Nebraska National Forest is a year-round Settling the west Oregon 5 DOBBY'S FRONTIER town destination for birders. Grouse viewing blinds Madrid Elsie Trail Dickens Brandon The Great OutDoors available in March and April. (308) 533-2257. 6 NEBRASKA VETERANS CEMETERY Grant Grainton Wallace Pioneer trails 7 SALLOWS MILITARY MUSEUM THOMAS COUNTY FAIR – THEDFORD One-of-a-Kinds 8 CRESCENT LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE July. Thedford’s biggest bash includes a Unique Geology parade, live entertainment, food, vendors, 9 ARTHUR BOWRING SANDHILLS RANCH children’s games and a fishing tournament. STATE HISTORICAL PARK Welcome Centers/Rest Areas 31
16 min
30
30 min. Sidney to Chappell
30
19
80
39 min. Ogallala to Chappell
61
30
80
47 min. Ogallala to North Platte
30 From
Om aha
25
30 min.
40 min. North Platte to Dickens
15 min.
57 min. Grant to Dickens
23
83
(308) 645-2646.
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
Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 67
EXPLORE THE NEBRASKA NATIONAL FOREST, BESSEY RANGER DISTRICT
SEE THE ANNUAL SPRING SANDHILL CRANE MIGRATION
“TANK” DOWN THE MIDDLE LOUP RIVER 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.
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! • 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 • World-Class Birding • Near the Valentine and Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuges • Superb Dark Skies Make for Amazing Stargazing Opportunities
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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
Thedford Art Gallery p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, May 1-Dec. 3, open the rest of the year 1-5 p.m. or by appointment. (308) 645-2396. Don't miss the bronze sculptures of two girls by artist Linda Egle. Yellow Calf Studio shows and sells sculptures by appointment. (308) 645-2537. One block west of the art gallery, Thomas County Historical Museum depicts Sandhills history by displaying artifacts used by settlers. The museum in the former Paxton home includes firearms and historic photos. (308) 645-2477. Thedford Golf Course is a nine-hole public course built by local volunteers in 2009. The course follows the natural lay of the Sandhills, and in addition to the challenging buttes of this course are its scenic overlooks of the Middle Loup River. Cart rental and driving range available. One mile west of Highway 83. (308) 645-2233.
Halsey |
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
68 • Destination western nebraska 2023
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 byway is rated in the top 10 scenic routes in the United States. Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest is the largest hand-planted forest in the world. It’s a favorite for camping, ATV riding, horseback riding, hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, fishing, and backpacking. Hunting for male deer, whitetail deer, turkey, and grouse is allowed.
Seasonal bird-viewing blinds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. March and April. 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
The Tryon area is sparse in human population but huge cattle herds live here. The local school mascot is the Longhorn, but Angus and Hereford cattle also graze area pastures. The long history of local ranching is chronicled in the McPherson County Historical Society Museum. It includes a historic bank, sod house, and implements. Open by appointment. (308) 587-2376.
Arthur
West of Tryon about 40 miles on Highway 2, Arthur is the only town in Arthur County. This ranching town boasts the world’s smallest courthouse. The 26-by-28-foot white frame building was built after Arthur County seceded from neighboring McPherson County in 1913. The former Pilgrim Holiness Church is one of the few places of worship ever made from baled straw. How is that for a true blessing of Nebraska ingenuity?
Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 69
Mullen
HOTELS & MOTELS
Glidden Sandhills Motel, W. Hwy 2, Mullen www.sandhillsmotel.com
UNIQUE LODGING
PHONE
ROOMS
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
308-546-2206 888-278-6167
19
Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, close to public pool, pets allowed
1-75
PHONE
AMENITIES
308-546-2288
Fully furnished 2-bedroom guest house, sleeps 9, laundry facilities
Double R Guest Ranch LLC 86091 Double R Dr., Mullen, www.rrguestranch.com
800-217-2042
Two Private Country Properties: The Lake View House and The Country Cabin. Both fully equipped, big green spaces, Wi-Fi, gas grill. Hunt, fish, stargaze or hike the country trails. Variety of birds and wildlife.
CAMPGROUNDS
PHONE
OPEN
308-546-2206
Year Round
Carter Morris House, 102 N.W. 3rd St., Mullen
Glidden Sandhills Campground 5078 S.W. 1st, Mullen (W. Hwy 2) www.sandhillsmotel.com
GOLF COURSES
AMENITIES RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 10 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower and flush toilets
RATE RANGE 51-75+
95+
FEES 25 nightly, 115 weekly
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
Dismal River Club, 83040 Dismal River Trail, Mullen
308-546-2900
18, semi-private
30+
Mullen Golf Course, 102 N. Veteran, W. Hwy 2, Mullen
308-546-2445
9, public
15-30
70 • Destination western nebraska 2023
Niobrara River
Alliance
HOTELS & MOTELS
PHONE
ROOMS
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
1st Interstate Inn 1207 W. 3rd St., W. on Hwy 2 & Hwy 385, Alliance
308-762-4040
42
Pets allowed
1-50
Alliance Hotel & Suites 117 Cody Ave, Alliance www.alliance-hotel.com
308-762-8000
42
Free Wifi, Breakfast, Business Center, Fitness Center, Accessible, Air Conditioned
75-107
Econo Lodge, 1419 W. 3rd St., Alliance www.choicehotels.com/nebraska/alliance
308-762-8300
39
Breakfast, pet friendly
54-80
Holiday Inn Express, 1630 Holsten Dr., Alliance www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/alliance
308-761-0970
71
Free Wifi, Breakfast, Pool and Whirlpool, Accessible, Laundry, Business Center, Pet Friendly
82-117
Quality Inn, 1420 W. 3rd St., Alliance www.choicehotels.com/nebraska/alliance
308-762-7600
60
Free Wifi, Breakfast, Pool and Whirlpool, Accessible, Laundry, Business Center
93-130
Rainbow Motel, 614 W. 3rd St., Alliance
308-762-4980
13
Call for Amenities
Call for Rates
Sunset Motel & RV Park, 1210 NE-2, Alliance
308-762-8660
20
Call for Amenities
Call for Rates
UNIQUE LODGING
PHONE
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
Go West Guesthouse, 1023 Toluca Ave., Alliance gowestguesthouse@gmail.com
308-760-5072
Room for 1-13 guests, 6 bedrooms, 8 beds, 305 baths, 1 jacuzzi tub, 2-car garage. Full kitchen appliances, cooking and dishware. Washer/dryer, enclosed backyard.
150+
Grandma Lala's Bed and Breakfast 1232 Box Butte Ave., Alliance www.facebook.com/GrandmaLalasBedAndBreakfast
308-762-2925
Four rooms with private bath, morning brunch included
CAMPGROUNDS
PHONE
OPEN
J&C RV Park 2491 US-385, Alliance
308-762-3860
Year Round
Full Hook Up Room for 13 trailers
Call for rates
Jeske's Over the Hill Campground 2131 Cty Rd. 59, Alliance dalejeske.wixsite.com/jeskes-campground
308-762-3763
Year Round
Full Hook up
Call for rates
Sunset Motel & RV Park, 1210 NE-2, Alliance
308-762-8660
Year Round
Full Hook up
Call For Rates
GOLF COURSES
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
308-762-1446
Championship 18-hole course. Tee times seldom necessary. Lessons offered
5-75
Sky View Golf Course 2613 Cty Rd. 57, Alliance www.skyviewgc.com
AMENITIES
Call for Rates
FEES
Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 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
RATE RANGE
RATE RANGE
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
75+
CAMPGROUNDS
PHONE
OPEN
AMENITIES
FEES
Box Butte Reservoir SRA 9 1/2 N. Hemingford, on the Niobrara River www.outdoornebraska.gov
308-665-2900
Year Round
RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 64 trailers. Rest Facilities: pit toilets. Camping: 60 tents
6-12 & NE Park Permit
Ranchland Motel Campground 305 Hwy 2, Hyannis
308-458-2264
•
Simpson’s Trailer Court 316 Morton St., Hyannis
308-458-2354
Year Round
GOLF COURSES
RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 6 trailers. Camping: unlimited tents
• Call for rates
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
Hemingford Golf Course Fremont St., Hemingford
308-487-3639
7, public
Under 15
Pelican Beach Golf Club 2 1/4 mi. E. on Hwy 2, Hyannis
308-458-2579
9, public
Under 15
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
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
PHONE
AMENITIES
RATE RANGE
402-450-2268
Two bedroom guest house, rooms with shared bath, sleeps 9, laundry, AC, sat TV, Wi-Fi, gas grill. Next to Nebraska National Forest
75+
PHONE
OPEN
AMENITIES
FEES
Belle's Bunkhouse and Campground 202 Main St., Halsey, Adjacent to Hwy 2, cabin adjacent to campground
308-539-1462
Year Round
RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 9 trailers. Camping: available. Cabin Rental: 1 (2 night minimum, 75+)
•
Bessey Recreation Complex Nebraska National Forest, 2 mi. W., Halsey https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska
308-533-2257
Year Round
RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 21 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower, pit and flush toilets. Camping: 13 tents
8-11 3 vehicle
Roadside Inn Campground 39357 E. Hwy 2, 1 mi. E. on Hwy 2, Thedford www.Roadsideinn.net
308-645-2284 800-373-1648
Year Round
RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 10 trailers. Rest Facilities: flush toilets .Camping: 3 tents
GOLF COURSES
PHONE
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
308-645-2634
9, public
Under 15
Thedford Golf Course 1 mi. S. on US Hwy 83, Thedford
Arnold & Stapleton
18.5
HOTELS & MOTELS
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
HOLES & TYPE Call for hours & tee times.
RATE RANGE
308-636-2428
9, public
Under 15
Sandhills & Scenic Rivers • WestNebraska.com • 73
74 • Destination western nebraska 2023
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
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
YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU’LL FIND WHEN YOU GO THE EXTRA MILE
V isitGerin g. co m