2015 Journey to Western Nebraska

WESTERN NEBRASKA OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE

Free Official Travel Guide

to Western Nebraska

www.WestNebraska.com

WestNebraska.com 1-866-684-4066

Getting Around

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Western Nebraska Road Conditions

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

Information Centers

All major communities have tourist information centers, as do some rest areas along I-80. Look for the half-circle symbol on the map.

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Time Zones

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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.

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Airports

Western Nebraska has airports with airline service to and from Denver at Alliance (308-7625311 or 308-762-5992), Chadron (800-554-5111 or 308-432-5717), North Platte (308-532-1900) and Scottsbluff (800-554-5111).

Barbara Johnston

Pine Ridge

Trails West

Sandhills & Scenic Rivers

Wild West

Canoeing the Niobrara p. 85

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JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

NEBRASKA

Christopher Amundson

MOUNTAIN TIME

CENTRAL TIME

Lake Minatare Lighthouse, p. 42

Grant County Museum

Alan J. Bartels

Thomas County Historical Museum

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Pilgrim Holiness Church

Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed, p. 23 Joshua Hardin

MOUNTAIN TIME

CENTRAL TIME

Scenic Byways (see pg. 8) Bridges to Buttes Byway – Hwy 20 Valentine to WY Border 385 Gold Rush Byway – Hwys 385 & 87 Sidney to Chadron Sandhills Journey 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

Phelps Hotel in Big Springs, p. 67

WELCOME CENTERS/ REST AREAS

WESTNEBRASKA.COM

•7

Scenic Byways

Mark Harris

19

Niobrara National Scenic River

Bridges to Buttes Byway Christopher Amundson

15

13

Ogallala Lake McConaughy

Lincoln Highway Scenic Byway

17 Christopher Amundson

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JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Cabela’s

385 Gold Rush Byway

Middle Loup River

Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Barbara Johnston

Joshua Hardin

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1

2 3 4

19

6 5

9

8

SCENIC BYWAYS

Escape the grind and travel Western Nebraska’s scenic byways.

7 17

10 11

12

13 20

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15

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Follow our scenic byways and visit these exciting attractions along the way: 1 Toadstool Geologic Park

12 Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock

2 High Plains Homestead

13 Cabela’s

3 Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center

14 Ash Hollow State Historical Park

4 Fort Robinson State Park 5 Chadron State Park 6 Museum of the Fur Trade 7 Carhenge 8 Alliance Historic Main Street 9

Alliance Central Park Fountain

10 Scotts Bluff National Monument 11 Chimney Rock

15 Lake McConaughy 16 Buffalo Bill’s Ranch Historical Park 17 Nebraska National Forest Bessey Ranger District 18 Bowring Ranch State Historical Park

For mo inform re on our ation by see pag ways e 88.

19 Niobrara National Scenic River 20 National Pony Express Monument

WESTNEBRASKA.COM

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Pine Ridge

pg. 12

Chadron

Crawford Whitney

Harrison Gordon

Hay Springs Rushville

15 22 26 26 28 28 29

Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron, p. 15

Trails West

Courthouse and Jail Rocks, Bridgeport, p. 43

Gering Scottsbluff Mitchell Henry Minatare Morrill Bayard Bridgeport Lisco & Broadwater Lewellen Oshkosh

Nebraska Tourism (all)

Western Nebraska Tourism Coalition

pg. 32

Nebraska Life Magazine

President: Colette Fernandez Vice President: Hal Enevoldsen Secretary: Kirsten Parker Treasurer: Patty Glidden Membership Chair: Karla Niedan-Streeks Past Chair: Orla Kitt

Publisher and Editor: Christopher Amundson Associate Publisher: Angela Amundson Assistant Editor: Alan J. Bartels Design: Tannon Asche and Jenny Coriell Photo Editor: Joshua Hardin Advertising: Lindsey Bradbury

PO Box 628 • Ogallala, NE 69153 1-866-684-4066 • www.WestNebraska.com

206 Norfolk Ave., PO Box 819 • Norfolk, NE 68702-0819 1-800-777-6159 • www.NebraskaLife.com

34 38 42 42 42 42 43 43 46 46 46

About the Cover Enjoy horseback riding near Gering (large), visit Toadstool Geologic Park (left), go star gazing in Valentine (middle) and bump into your friends in North Platte. This is a vast land of cattle and cowboys and we still love our horses. And you’ll love Western Nebraska. Come see us soon, won’t you?

Large cover photo by Nebraska Tourism

Wild West

Small cover images by (left to right) Jorn Olsen, Nebraska Tourism and Christopher Amundson

pg. 46

North Platte Maxwell Brady Hershey Sutherland

Sidney

Potter

Lodgepole Lemoyne Ogallala

Keystone

Big Springs Paxton

Chappell Brule

Kimball

Harrisburg

50 53 57 57 57 58 63 63 63 65 67 67 67 67 67 68 69

Sailing Lake McConaughy, p. 65

Sandhills and Scenic Rivers

Snake River Falls, Valentine, p. 85

pg. 70

Alliance 72 Hemingford 76

Hyannis 77

Ashby 77

Mullen 79

Tryon 81

Arthur 81

Seneca 81 Thedford 81

Halsey 82 Valentine 84 Merriman 87

Nenzel and Cody 87

Derrald Farnsworth-Livingston

Journey to Western Nebraska is the magazine of travel and tourism for 20 member counties of the Western Nebraska Tourism Coalition – a nonprofit organization of businesses and local government entities dedicated to promoting and developing the tourism industry. The magazine and companion website (www.westnebraska.com) are produced in partnership with Nebraska Life Magazine. To submit editorial content and advertising, please contact Nebraska Life. We appreciate our advertisers for making Journey to Western Nebraska possible. Throughout the magazine advertiser’s directory listings are in yellow. To become a member, contact the Western Nebraska Tourism Coalition.

WESTNEBRASKA.COM

• 11

Pine

Ridge

PINE RIDGE

Harrison • Crawford Chadron • Hay Springs Rushville • Gordon

Alan J. Bartels

GETTING STARTED

Paradise in the Pine Ridge plays a symphony of sounds. Springs stream past white cliffs as deer dance in the thick grassland, and songbirds sing with joy to the percussion of pedals pushing cyclists on a daring ride over another bluff. Turkeys go wild when the bighorn sheep join the show, and the forest whispers in the gentle prairie wind that all creatures are welcome. There is plenty of room for humans, too.

History embraces this state’s northwest ridge, and the legends live on in this arc of uncommon beauty, 20 miles wide and 100 miles deep. It is a giant bedroom for fossils, and the cowboys still ride off into the sunset. But they can’t wait to saddle up at dawn, because every morning is precious in Pine Ridge Country.

The Nebraska Badlands is an area full of beauty, Wild West history and the fossils of creatures long since absent from Nebraska.

For adventurers that seek out this landscape, a lifetime of memories await.

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JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

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3 4 5 8

2

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10 6

14

12

9

13

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1

Attractions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Agate Fossil Beds Oglala National Grassland Toadstool Geologic Park Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center Fossil hunting Horseback riding Fort Robinson State Park High Plains Homestead Mountain biking Dawes County Historical Museum Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center Museum of the Fur Trade Metcalf Wildlife Management Area Tri-State Old Time Cowboy Museum Trailside Museum of Natural History

Chadron Home to 5,800 residents, Chadron is a city with a rollicking frontier history that includes hearty fur traders, tough cowboys, Indians, ranchers, scholars and railroaders. The community lies between the forested Pine Ridge to the south and the High Plains that rise to the north and west.

Founded in 1921, Chadron State Park is Nebraska’s oldest state park, encompassing nearly 1,000 acres of Pine Ridge wilderness. Located nine miles south of Chadron on Highway 385, the park offers trout fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and horseback riding.

There are 22 two-bedroom, house-

keeping cabins available April 15-Nov. 15. A swimming pool and sand volleyball courts elevate the fun here, and mountain bikes and paddle boats can be rented. The park also has an RV campground complete with 70 electrical hookups, showers, laundromat, dump station and a playground. Primitive camping also is available in this scenic state park. Hike and bike trails spread out in every direction in Chadron State Park. The park is open yearround for day use and for camping.

(308) 432-6167.

The Pine Ridge Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest is 52,000 acres of ponderosa pine and mixed grass prairies. Primitive camping is allowed

WELCOME CENTERS/ REST AREAS

throughout. The Red Cloud Campground has picnic tables, fire grates and vault toilets; it is eight miles south of Chadron on Highway 385.

The forest has about 80 miles of marked trails. They are known as some of the best mountain biking trails in the state. Hikers and horseback riders enjoy them, too. The area’s most popular trail heads include East Ash, West Ash, Soldier Creek, Coffee Mill, Spotted Tail, Roberts, Strong Canyon and Outrider. Roberts and Outrider trail heads have horse corrals, a rider ramp and other amenities. Only animal feeds certified to be free of noxious weeds are allowed. Off-road vehicles must be equipped with spark arrestors to reduce the danger of wildfires. Pine Ridge Trail maps are available at the Chadron Area Chamber of Commerce. Chadron State Park offers the National Forest/Oglala National Grassland map showing trails.

(800) 603-2937.

The Pine Ridge National Recreation Area is a 6,600-acre parcel of land lim-

DAWES COUNTY

PINE RIDGE • 15

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JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

ited to non-motorized recreation. There are corrals for horses, a rider ramp, modern toilets, drinkable water via a hand pump, and picnic tables. Hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking are allowed here. The recreation area and trail head are connected by the scenic 3 Mile Loop.

The best entry point to the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area is from the Roberts trail head, eight miles west of Chadron on Highway 20 to Eleson Road, then seven miles south to Bethel Road and then 1 1/2 miles east. There is a charge for overnight camping at Roberts trail head and there is no charge for day use activities.

The Museum of the Fur Trade is located at the site of a trading post operated by the American Fur Company from 1837 to 1876. The building has been reconstructed on the original foundation. But the museum’s three galleries go far beyond local history. They interpret the fur trade from the Arctic to the American Southwest, from early colonial days to the 20th century.

Exhibits trace the everyday lives of British, French and Spanish traders, voyageurs, mountain men, buffalo hunters, and plains and woodland Indians. Among the museum’s rare 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, costumes and paints. The museum is three miles east of Chadron on Highway 20. Open May 1-Oct. 31 or by appointment.

(308) 432-3843.

In 1890, after the infamous Wounded Knee Massacre in nearby South Dakota, Gen. Nelson Miles commandeered a local hotel, the Chadron House, while he investigated the incident. The luxury hotel was the town’s showplace. Today, restored to its former glory, it is open as the Olde Main Street Inn. It offers lodging, dining and includes the 77 Longbranch Saloon. It is at 115 Main St. (308) 432-3380.

There’s another historic hotel in Chadron. When the Chadron to Chicago Horse Race kicked off in 1893, it did so with a shot fired by Chadron’s fire chief from a Colt revolver from the

Through annual events and authentic displays, the Museum of the Fur Trade at Chadron preserves the historic fur trading culture of the Old West.

veranda of the Blaine Hotel.

The event began as a joke, but then it gained momentum and came to fruition and garnered attention from around the world, putting little Chadron on the map. Characters like notorious former horse thief Doc Middleton, a race favorite among Chadron residents, and William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody were involved. It is no surprise that dishonesty and cheating were exposed before the winner crossed the finish line 13 days later at Cody’s Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show at the World’s Fair. Today’s Cowboy Trail covers part of the 1,000 mile race route.

Christopher Amundson

The building where it began was damaged by fire in 2012, but it has been restored and is an apartment complex today. Owners Larry and Cindy Bagneschi won’t mind if you pose for a selfie or family photo on the doorstep where that famous raced launched from all those years ago at 159 Bordeaux St. The Dawes County Historical Museum – five miles south of Chadron on Highway 385 – has an original log house and barn, a schoolhouse and a railroad caboose, in addition to collections of artifacts used by area pioneers. It is open Memorial Day-Sept. 30. (308) 432-4999.

Completed in 2002, the Mari Sandoz

DAWES COUNTY

PINE RIDGE • 17

Chadron Events Festival of Quilts April 17-19. Learn about quilts through programs and demonstrations. Quilt show and vendors. (308) 432-4401.

Fur Trade Days July 10-12. Join the 39th annual celebration commemorating Western Nebraska’s fur trading heritage. Events range from a primitive buckskinner camp, historic presentations, Traders’ Market, parade and more. (308) 747-2193.

History in Action Day Sept. 29. Learn about old style butter churning, wool spinning and making apple cider. There will be buggy rides and horse shoe competitions, too. Know how to make rope? You can learn at this Dawes County Historical Museum event. (308) 432-4999.

Nebraska Tourism

High Plains Heritage Center is dedicated to the study of Nebraska and High Plains culture, literature and history. Located on the campus of Chadron State College, the center features museum and art exhibits, an archival library and a magnificent twostory atrium.

It is named after Mari Sandoz (18961966), who is among Nebraska’s bestknown authors. A High Plains native, she gained national prominence with

Nebraskan Mari Sandoz became a writer despite the harsh objections of her father, Old Jules. Her life’s work is preserved and perpetuated through the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center at Chadron State College. her 1935 biography of her father, “Old Jules.” In her books, Sandoz wrote powerfully of Plains subjects such as Crazy Horse, the Cheyenne Outbreak, buffalo hunters and beaver trappers. (308) 4326401.

For more information about Chadron, contact the Chadron Chamber of Commerce at (800) 603-2937.

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JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Flora Sandoz, Wildflowers of Nebraska Flora Rosa Sandoz was born to Jules and Mary Sandoz. The girl with the flowery name grew up in the wildflower rich Sandhills and became a horticulturists. A permanent exhibit dedicated to her work is displayed at Chadron State College’s Sandoz Center. (308) 432-6401.

Dawes County Fair July 31-Aug. 7. 4-H livestock shows and projects displayed, tractor pull, rodeos, Tough Truck Contest, concert and more. Join us! (308) 432-3373.

DAWES COUNTY

PINE RIDGE • 19

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 www.bunkhousechadron.com

308-432-5591

21

Pets allowed

1-50

Grand Westerner Motel, 1050 W. US Hwy 20, Chadron www.chadron.com

308-432-5595

45

Restaurant on premises, pets allowed

1-50

Motel 6, 755 Microtel Dr, S. US Hwy 385 & 8th St Exit, Chadron

308-432-3000 800-297-7410

43

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, pets allowed

51-75

Super 8 Motel, 840 W. US Hwy 20, Chadron www.chadron.com

308-432-4471 800-800-8000

45

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

51-75+

Westerner Motel, 300 Oak St, W. US Hwy 20, Chadron www.chadron.com/business/westerner

308-432-5577 800-947-0847

27

Restaurant on premises, pets allowed

UNIQUE LODGING

Phone

Amenities

Rate Range

1-50

Amenities

Rate Range

Olde Main Street Inn, 115 Main St., Chadron www.chadron.com/oldemain

308-432-3380

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

1-75+

Rocking Heart Elk Ranch, 1338 Table Rd, Chadron www.elkplanet.com

308-432-4314

2-story log cabin, wheelchair accessible, full breakfast

51-75

Trunk Butte Ranch House, 5144 US Hwy 20, 8 mi. W. on US Hwy 20, Chadron. www.trunkbutteranchhouse.com

402-469-6289

Century-old ranch house, rooms with private and shared bath, full breakfast and dutch oven suppers available

51-75+

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

308-432-5696

Built in 1910. High-speed Internet, grand piano, central AC. Rooms with shared bath, full continental breakfast

CAMPGROUNDS

1-75

Phone

Open

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

308-432-6167

Year Round

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

308-432-4349

Elec. only winter

Red Cloud Campground, Nebraska National Forest, 8 mi. S. on US Hwy 385, Chadron. www.fs.fed.us/r2/nebraska

308-432-0300

Year Round

RV Amenities: room for 6 trailers. Rest Facilities: Pit toilets, Camping: 7 tents.

$5 May-Nov

Roberts Trailhead Campground, Nebraska National Forest, 18 mi. S.W., www.fs.fed.us/r2/nebraska

308-432-0300

Year Round

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

$8 vehicle May-Nov

GOLF COURSES Ridgeview Country Club, 16611 US Hwy 385, Chadron

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JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Phone 308-432-4468

Amenities

Fees

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 70 trailers Rest Facilities: Showers, flush and pit toilets. Camping: 18 tents. Cabin Rentals: 22.

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

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

9 holes, semi-private

$11-65 NE Park Permit $25

Rate Range Under $15

DAWES COUNTY

PINE RIDGE • 21

Near Crawford, historic Fort Robinson is one of Nebraska’s most popular tourist destinations.

Crawford

East of Harrison, Highway 20 crosses High Plains country before the White River Valley appears, revealing the Pine Ridge.

Located in the heart of Pine Ridge Country, Crawford bills itself as the “Big Game Capital of Nebraska.”

Legend Buttes Golf Course was named Nebraska’s top nine-hole course

by Nebraska Golfer magazine.

History abounds at Crawford. Baptiste Garnier, an Army scout known as “Little Bat,” was killed on Main Street. Not far away, MJ’s Ranch House is said to be haunted. Crawford’s post office has one of just a few murals commissioned by the government during the Great Depression. The Crawford Historical Museum chronicles this history and more from it’s corner location at 341 Second St. Crawford is home of Fort Robinson State Park, three miles west of town on Highway 20. It began in 1874 as a military camp at the Red Cloud Indian Agency. Now, it is one of Nebraska’s most popular tourist attractions and Nebraska’s largest state park.

It was here that the great Lakota warrior Crazy Horse surrendered in 1877.

A stone marker shows where he was mortally wounded. Two years later, the fort was the site of a battle as part of the famous Cheyenne Outbreak. Led by Chief Dull Knife, Northern Cheyenne fled their Oklahoma reservation for their homeland, but were captured and imprisoned at Fort Robinson. One night

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JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

in January 1879, under fire from cavalry troops, 130 Northern Cheyenne escaped into the rugged buttes. Sixty-four Cheyenne and 11 soldiers died in the fighting.

“Fort Rob” was home to “Buffalo Soldiers,” African-American troops in the segregated army of the day. In the 20th century, the fort became the world’s larg-

Nebraska Tourism

Experience Native American culture through many events in Western Nebraska.

est military remount depot, and in World War II was the site of a K-9 corps training center and a German POW camp.

In addition to original buildings, some barracks have been reconstructed – including the Cheyenne Outbreak barracks and Buffalo Soldier barracks. Visitors also can enjoy cookouts, trail rides, hiking, historic tours and museums, and a summer repertory theater at the Post

Nebraska Tourism

Playhouse. Lodging is available in officers’ houses; camping is available at 100 camping pads with electrical hookups and 25 non-electrical sites. Group and equestrian camping are available.

The fort is so large that though it draws many tourists, it never feels crowded. It is open mid-April through mid-November. A state park entry permit is required.

(308) 665-2900.

The fort has two museums. Through valuable artifacts and informative displays, the Fort Robinson Museum traces the fort’s history from the Indian Wars through the 1940s. (308) 6652919. The Trailside Museum of Natural History explores the area’s geology and natural history. Among its exhibits is “Clash of the Mammoths,” a pair of bull mammoths who locked tusks more than 10,000 years ago. They fell and died together as a result. Their massive skeletons were unearthed north of Crawford.

An art gallery features American Indian and Western art. (308) 665-2929.

The land now known as Soldier Creek Wilderness was part of the military reservation. Today, the 7,794-acre area has 15 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. The area is known for its buttes and wilderness areas. Swept by forest fire in 1989, it now offers a unique view of natural rebirth. To find it, follow Soldier Creek Road at the entrance to Fort Robinson State Park. 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 site of the Red Cloud Agency to the southeast. Half a mile northwest is the site of the Treaty Tree, where in 1875 the U.S. government tried unsuccessfully to buy the Black Hills from the Lakota (Sioux) tribe. A marker along Highway 20 identifies the area.

The area’s best-known landmark is Crow Butte, site of an 1849 battle between Sioux and Crow Indians. For the best view, travel two-and-a-half miles south of Crawford, down highways 2 and 71, then four miles east to Ponderosa Wildlife Management Area. As the name indicates, this is a prime wildlife viewing area. In the spring, summer and fall, you can see songbirds and prairie falcons in their native habitat. Deer, turkey and golden eagle are visible year-round.

Highway 2 leads north to Oglala National Grassland. The landscape varies from high plains prairie to badlands. Wildlife includes pronghorn, turkey, mule deer and burrowing owls. The grassland is a popular area for hunters.

The strangest landscape in the grassland is at Toadstool Geologic Park.

Layers of sediment deposited by ancient volcanoes have eroded at different rates, leaving toadstool-shaped formations of sandstone perched on brule clay stems.

Visitors often compare the area to the surface of the moon. The park has an interpretive hiking trail, picnic and camping facilities and a reconstructed sod house. To find it, go five miles north from Crawford on Highway 2, then 10 miles northwest on Toadstool Road.

Oglala National Grassland holds another mystery. At first, people thought rancher Albert Meng had found nothing more than sheep bones. But he and friend Bill Hudson wanted scientists to take a closer look. It turned out the bones belonged to more than 600 bison.

Nearly 50 years later, Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center is open to the public and is still being studied by researchers. The bones are nearly 10,000 years old, and the bonebed is the largest of its age in the Western Hemisphere.

What killed the bison? Because of stone tools found on site, many scientists believe it was the work of PaleoIndian hunters; others insist the bison died from another cause. Further excavation may reveal more answers – or

DAWES COUNTY

PINE RIDGE • 23

raise more questions. The site is south of Toadstool Park. On Toadstool Road, turn off on Sand Creek Road and go six miles. The site is open mid-May through September.

On the road to Hudson-Meng is the High Plains Homestead, a little frontier village. The Drifter Cookshack features “cowboy-sized” meals and homemade pies. Modern lodging is available, and the village also features a working blacksmith shop, antique store and the Dirty Creek Saloon. (308) 665-2592.

The High Plains Homestead is one of many unique businesses of the Northwest Nebraska High Country group promoting local bed-and-breakfasts, cabins for rent, guest ranches,

HOTELS & MOTELS

Good times and good food abound at the High Plains Homestead frontier village northwest of Crawford.

Phone

Rooms

Amenities

Alan J. Bartels

Rate Range

Fort Robinson State Park, 3200 Highway 20, Crawford

308-665-2900

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

308-665-1144 800-504-1444

13

Pets allowed

51-75

Town Line Motel, 3591 US Hwy 20, Hwy 2 & US Hwy 20, Crawford

308-665-1450 800-903-1450

24

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed

1-75+

UNIQUE LODGING

Phone

Restaurant on premises, indoor pool, pets allowed

Amenities

50-245+

Rate Range

Aunt Myrna’s Cabin, 1007 Bethel Rd, 5 mi. S. of US Hwy 20,

308-665-2343

Rooms with shared bath, full continental breakfast

51-75

Down Home Ranch Guest House, 12733 NE Hwy 2/71, Crawford. www.downhomeranchhouse.com

602-620-5755

Rooms with shared bath, 4-bedroom, 2-bath ranch near canyons and rolling hills, sleeps 10

1-50

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

308-665-2592 888-365-2592

Wheelchair accessible, rooms with private bath, full breakfast, cow town museum, lodging, horse corrals, hunting and fossil collecting, open mid-Apr thru mid-Nov

51-75

Johnson Ranch, 220 Lawrence Rd, Whitney, 5 mi. N. of Crawford on Hwy 2, 2 mi. E. www.onelazyj.com

308-665-3960

Rooms with private bath, continental breakfast. Horse rental and boarding, and hunting

51-75

Our Heritage, 1041 Toadstool Rd, 16 mi. N.W. & 7 mi. N.W., Crawford. www.vacation-ranch.com

308-665-2810

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

1-75

Ponderosa Ranch, 524 Saw Log Rd, 2 1/2 mi. S., 2 mi. E., 3 1/2 mi.

S., Crawford, www.ponderosaranch.net

308-665-3983

Wheelchair accessible, rooms with private bath, full breakfast, cabin on working cattle ranch. Horseback riding, working ranch vacations & hunting

51-75

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

308-665-1814

Rooms with private and shared bath, full breakfast, cozy cabin on working cattle ranch. Horseback riding, working ranch vacations & hunting

51-75

Southside Cottage, 1107 Hospital Dr, Crawford

308-665-2309

Rooms with shared bath, 2-bedroom cottage

CAMPGROUNDS

Phone

Open

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

308-665-1462

Year Round

Fort Robinson State Park, 3200 W. US Hwy 20, Crawford. www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov

308-665-2900

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

308-432-0300

Year Round

Southside Cottage and RV Park, 1105 Hospital Dr, Crawford. www.southsidecottage.com

308-665-2309

Apr 1Oct 31

Toadstool Geologic Park, Nebraska National Forest, 19 mi. N., www.fs.fed.us/r2/nebraska

308-432-0300

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

Phone 308-665-2431

Amenities

Fees

RV Amenities: electricity, room for 2 trailers. Camping: 2 tents.

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 103 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush and pit toilets. Cabin rental: 34.

12-21 100-cabin

RV Amenities: water. Rest Facilities: pit toilets.

8/vehicle

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, 4 trailers. Cabin Rental: 1.

Room for 6 trailers. $5 camping, $3 use fee mid-May thru mid-Nov.

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

9, public

75+

15-17 3-5, NE Park Permit

Rate Range Under 15

Crawford Events 24th Annual Ride the Ridge June 20. See Fort Robinson by horseback on guided, free adventures for all levels of riders.

Morning and afternoon rides cover different trails and there’s a poker run, too. Morning riders can share donuts and coffee with the Trail Bosses and fellow riders. (402) 469-6289.

Intertribal Gathering June 12-14. The beat of the Native American drums may never leave you once you’ve witnessed this cultural festival. Native American arts and a traditional powwow, too. (308) 432-2174.

Old West Trail PRCA Rodeo July 3-4. For 69 years Crawford has been the place competitive cowboys want to be on Independence Day. Fireworks will fly when they grapple with bucking broncs and bulls. Real fireworks will light the night following the Pine Ridge’s only PRCA rodeo. www.OldWestTrailRodeo.com.

Western & Wildlife Art Show – Fort Robinson July 1-4. The 42nd annual show will be held at Fort Robinson’s historic Veterinary Building, and a special dinner. (308) 665-2900.

DAWES COUNTY

PINE RIDGE • 25

Harland Schuster

The unique landscape of Toadstool park north of Crawford is described as a moonscape.

working cattle ranch vacations, “horse motels,” hunting and fishing, hiking and camping, and fossil hunting. All members are located in the rural parts in and around the timbered Pine Ridge. nebraskahighcountry.com.

The state’s only railroad tunnel, the 750-foot-long Belmont Tunnel, is carved through solid rock and no longer used by trains. Railroad enthusiasts watch engines pulling trains up the 10-mile-long Crawford-to-Belmont grade, one of the steepest in the Midwest. Go nine miles south of Crawford on Highway 2 and look for the Belmont sign.

For more information about Crawford

Harrison Harrison bills itself as “Nebraska’s Top Town.” Harrison is inarguably closest to the state’s northwest corner. From here, the nearest town is Crawford, 27 miles east, so Harrison is a good stop for food, fuel and lodging.

On the east side of Main Street, the Sioux County Historical Museum includes a schoolhouse, post office, country store, telephone office and home.

The main museum tells the story of Sioux County from settlement through the 20th century. Open Memorial DayLabor Day and during September by appointment (308) 668-2110.

For a scenic side-trip, head north from town to Sowbelly Road, a byway that loops through Sowbelly Canyon past G.H. Coffee Park (a good picnic spot), to the north edge of the Pine Ridge, then back up the breaks to the tablelands east

26 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

and vicinity, contact the Crawford Chamber of Commerce at (866) 665-1817.

Whitney

The community of Dawes City formed in 1885. When the railroad arrived but stayed north of the White River, the town of Earth Lodge formed. Buildings were moved to the new town, and it later became Whitney. Old Fort Useless was built 9 miles from town to protect residents from hostile natives but was never used. Aunt Myrna’s Cabin is a popular bed and breakfast 5 miles south of Whitney. (308) 665-2343.

of town on Pants Butte Road – about 12 miles through one of the most beautiful areas of the state.

Gilbert-Baker State Wildlife Management Area is five miles north of town on a paved country road. It offers hiking, primitive camping and fishing in scenic canyon country.

In 1876, soon after the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the 5th U.S. Cavalry fought a band of Cheyenne Indians at what is known as Warbonnet Battlefield. William “Buffalo Bill” Cody was there and is said to have killed Cheyenne warrior Yellow Hand during the fight. The site is open year-round. To find it, go three miles east of Harrison on Highway 20, then 16 miles north on Pants Butte Road to a sharp right curve, then four miles east on Montrose Road to the Montrose Church. Monuments to the soldiers and to Yellow Hand are on a conical hill

north of the church. The site is part of Oglala National Grassland.

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is one of the richest fossil sites on the Plains and home to an important collection of Native American artifacts.

Visitors can walk among quarries and the fossils of ancient animals that once roamed here, and can see the artifacts of 31 Native American tribes with historic ties to the region.

Rancher James H. Cook, who used HOTELS & MOTELS Sage Motel, 410 E. US Hwy 20, Harrison www.visitnorthwestnebraska.com

UNIQUE LODGING

to own this land, made many friends among area tribes, who gave him gifts that are now part of the museum’s collection. Among the items is a shirt belonging to the great Lakota chief Red Cloud.

Life magazine named it one of the top 10 treasures of the National Parks Service.

Agate also maintains an active Native American artist-in-residence program.

Located 22 miles south of Harrison or 34 miles north of Mitchell on Highway 29, it’s worth the trip. (308) 668-2211.

Phone

Rooms

308-668-2441

13

Phone

For more information on Harrison, contact the Harrison Community Club at (308) 668-2466.

Harrison Events Boxing Day Open House Dec. 26. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument joins in the celebration of this British holiday. (308) 668-2211.

Amenities

Rate Range

Restaurant on premises, pets allowed

1-50

Amenities

Rate Range

Harrison House Hotel, 115 Main St., Harrison www.harrisonhousehotel.net.

308-668-2166

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

The Nest B&B Inn, 13 mi. N.E. of Harrison on Hat Creek Rd., www.restinthenest.com

308-432-4227

Fully furnished ranch home, sleeps 10, rooms with shared bath

CAMPGROUNDS Corral Campground, 410 E. US Hwy 20, Harrison www.visitnorthwestnebraska.com

Phone

Open

308-668-2441

Year Round

Amenities

50-100 75+

Fees

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

The Sioux County Historical Museum in Harrison preserves a pioneer era country store, an early telephone office, a home, schoolhouse, former newspaper office and this post office.

Christopher Amundson

SCOTTS BLUFF & SIOUX COUNTIES

PINE RIDGE • 27

Gordon

The Nebraska High School Rodeo comes to Gordon each summer.

Steve and Bobbi Olson

Cowboy memorabilia from the late 1800s through the present day is displayed at the Tri-State Old Time Cowboy Museum at the Gordon City Park at Fourth and Oak streets.

The museum is open 1-5 p.m. daily, June 1-Sept. 15, and by appointment.

(308) 282-0887.

The Scamahorn Museum is a restored 1880s church and houses local history exhibits and genealogical records. It is on west Fifth Street in Wayland Park. It is open 1-4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday from Memorial Day-Labor Day. (308) 2821737 or (308) 327-2917.

The Mari Sandoz Historical Marker is 30 miles south of Gordon on Highway 27. Follow the signs from there east to Mari’s Grave on the Sandoz homestead and see the still-producing fruit orchards planted by Jules Sandoz.

For more information about Gordon, contact the Gordon Tourist Information Center. (308) 282-0730.

Hay Springs

Locals say a Loch Ness-style monster lives in the waters of Walgren Lake. We can’t confirm that, but we do know that Walgren Lake State Recreation Area has camping, fishing and picnic areas.

To find the lake, start at the junction of highways 87 and 20. Go south 1.8 miles on Highway 87, then turn east for three miles, then go south one mile. To find the monster ... well, you’re on your own.

Wildlife abounds in the pine forest of Metcalf Wildlife Management Area.

The area is closed to motorized vehicles, but hiking is allowed, as is camping at primitive sites. To find it, take Highway 20 to the east edge of Hay Springs and follow the county road seven miles north.

Two local landmarks have historical significance. The Beaver Wall escarpment is in the middle of the Spotted Tail Agency and old Camp Sheridan. Spotted Tail was a famous Lakota (Sioux) leader and a contemporary of Crazy Horse.

From the top of Beaver Wall, you can see the buttes of Crawford 50 miles to the southwest and the outline of the Black Hills 75 miles to the northwest. To find

28 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

it, go 10 miles north of Highway 20 on the county road at the west edge of Hay Springs. Sheridan Gates is the local name for two large buttes through which early settlers and military soldiers passed.

Wagon ruts are still visible. The buttes stand west of Beaver Wall.

For more information on Hay Springs, contact the Hay Springs Chamber of Commerce. (308) 638-7275.

Rushville

The story of the aforementioned Camp Sheridan and the Spotted Tail Agency can be found at the Sheridan County Historical Museum, along with exhibits showing frontier life.

The museum is at the junction of Highway 20 and Nelson Avenue. In nearby Hay Springs, two branch museums, Heritage Center I and II, are in the 1884 Methodist Church in the 200 block of Baker Street, and in the building at Second and Main.

The museums are open 1-4 p.m. MondayFriday, Memorial Day-Labor Day, and by

The early history of Sheridan County is preserved in Hay Springs at the Sheridan County Museum.

appointment. (308) 327-2374.

Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area has fishing, picnic areas and primitive camping. It is 27 miles south of

Nebraska Tourism

Rushville on Highway 250.

For more information on Rushville, contact the Rushville Chamber of Commerce. (308) 327-2221.

Sheridan County Events Western Art Show & Sale – Gordon Always the second Friday and Saturday in December. See the works of local artisans, including paintings and bronze sculptures, at this annual event inside Hinn’s Home Furnishings in Gordon. (308) 282-1609.

Friendly Festival – Hay Springs Always the last weekend of August. Hay Springs is known far and wide as a friendly town. Residents prove it each year with this friendly event that includes an ice cream social, golf tournament, free swimming, parade, lawn mower races and more.

Friendly food vendors will sell Indian tacos, brats and hamburgers, and the local VFW will offer a large menu of meals. Friends you haven’t met invite you to join the friendly scene here in Hay Springs. (308) 638-7132.

Rushville Rancher Roundup – Rushville Late October. Main Street in Rushville becomes a stage for bulls, heifers, steers and horses as ranchers display their best. There will also be homemade pie, a salsa contest and more. (308) 360-1995.

SHERIDAN COUNTY

PINE RIDGE • 29

HOTELS & MOTELS

Phone

Rooms

Hacienda Motel, 605 W. US Hwy 20, Gordon

308-282-1400

23

Restaurant on premises

1-50

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

308-282-2935

22

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast

1-75+

Western Sands Motel, 107 W. US Hwy 20, Gordon

308-282-1795

20

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed

1-75

Antler’s Motel, 607 E. 2nd, Rushville

308-327-2444

20

Free continental breakfast, pets allowed

1-75

Nebraskaland Motel, 508 E. 2nd St, Rushville

308-327-2487

15

Pets allowed

1-75

UNIQUE LODGING

Phone

Amenities

Amenities

Rate Range

Rate Range

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

308-282-1017

Rooms with shared bath, continental breakfast

1-75

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

75+

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-bed-room houses with kitchens and living rooms

CAMPGROUNDS

Phone

Open

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

308-282-0837

Apr-Oct

Room for 6 trailers.

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

308-282-0329

Apr-Oct

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

Call for rates

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

308-638-7275

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 9 trailers.

Camping: 9 tents.

7-20

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

308-665-2900

Year Round

RV Amenities: water, room for 50 trailers. Camping: 50.

Rest Facilities: Pit toilets.

Rushville Service Center, W. US Hwy 20., Rushville

308-327-2375

Year Round

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

Camping: 5 tents.

GOLF COURSES

Phone

Amenities

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

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

308-282-1146

9, semi-private

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

308-327-2966

9, public

Fees

6 & NE Park Permit 10

Rate Range Under 15 15-30

Fossil Freeway offers fascinating ride WESTERN NEBRASKA is blessed with some of the great trails in American history, but only one of these routes takes you back millions of years. The roadblocks in these time travels are sabertoothed cats, king-sized cousins of the rhino, three-toed ancient horses and prehistoric hog-like creatures bigger than buffalo.

This paleontology path welcomes visitors from across the globe. Join us for the fascinating journey along the Fossil Freeway.

The trail to the past begins in South Dakota with perhaps North America’s most fascinating Ice Age treasures at the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs. Visitors will be treated to a tour of the world’s largest mammoth research facility and experience an active paleontological dig site. (605) 745-6017.

At Toadstool Geologic Park you’ll find fascinating fossils that seem to be from another planet. The extinct animals discovered include the oreodonts, which were sheep-like creatures with fierce canine choppers. There’s also the brontotheres, built like an 8-foot-tall rhino. (308) 432-0300.

As you head another three miles down the Sioux County trail, Oglala National Grassland looms, with the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center. Here 600 bison were slaughtered 10,000 years ago by efficient paleohunters. These stealthy stalkers were responsible for the world’s largest Alberta bison kill. (308) 665-3900.

About 25 miles south at Fort Robinson State Park, the Trailside Museum of Natural History displays fantastic findings from fossil hunts that first began in this Pine Ridge area in 1891.

The museum’s exhibits includes the skull of a 40-foot-long sea lizard, called the mosasaur, as well as a bone from the famed three-horned dinosaur, the triceratops. One of the red-hot attractions is the Ice Age showdown, “Clash of the Mammoths.” (308) 665-2929.

To the west, near Harrison, Agate

long-necked moropus seemingly created by the Greek gods as part bear, horse and sloth. (308) 6682211.

The journey south toward Gering brings travelers one of the state’s great landmarks at the Scotts Bluff National Monument, which also is home to many fascinating fossil discoveries and odd prehistoric creatures dating back millions of years.

(308) 436-9700.

South of Gering, a nature center near the Wildcat Hills Visitor’s Center features a fossil of two saber-toothed cats locked in fatal Fossil Freeway battle 25 million years ago.

Fossil Beds National Monument (in That prehistoric cat fight was disthe photo above) awakens long-gone covered in Western Nebraska in 1932, creatures like a mini-rhino called the and the center also displays a perfectly menoceras, the buffalo-sized hog-like preserved fossilized snapping turtle. creature called the dinohyus, and a (308) 436-3777.

GETTING STARTED

The Oregon Trail stretches 2,000 miles, yet since the 19th century many found the heart of its natural beauty to be here in Western Nebraska. This road of wilderness offered an uncertain fate when fabled frontiersmen like Kit Carson drove those first wagon trains from Missouri in 1842. No doubt, their favorite treacherous tourist stops had to be in the Platte Valley of Trails West Country.

It was in the majestic western region of Nebraska where the Oregon Trail’s most famous landmarks were seen at Ash Hollow, Courthouse and Jail rocks, and Scotts Bluff National Monument. Sail through the 155-mile journey on the Western Trails Historic and Scenic Byway.

The drive will take just hours, but a lifetime of memories await.

A replica wagon train stands in front of Scotts Bluff National Monument.

Alan J. Bartels

TRAILS WEST

Gering • Scottsbluff Mitchell • Henry Minatare • Bayard • Morrill Bridgeport • Lewellen Lisco & Broadwater • Oshkosh

Trails

West

2



1

6

7

3 4

WELCOME CENTERS/ REST AREAS

10

5 8

1 9 1

Attractions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

11

Western Trails Scenic Byway Riverside Discovery Center Scotts Bluff National Monument Robidoux Trading Post Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area Lake Minatare North Platte National Wildlife Refuge Chimney Rock Courthouse Rock & Jail Rock Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge Goose hunting Capital Ash Hollow State Park

Gering

Historians know little about Hiram Scott, and legends abound about the fur trapper who died in 1828 near the bluff that came to bear his name. And though Scotts Bluff National Monument is in Scotts Bluff County, it is nearest the city of Gering rather than Scottsbluff. No matter. To simplify things, folks around here call it “The Monument,” a name as matter-of-fact as its wise Indian moniker, Ma-a-pa-te, which means “hill that is hard to go around.” Wagon trains from the Missouri River reached it only after two months of hard travel. More than 350,000 pioneers are estimated to have passed by here between 1841 and 1869. The ruts and swales left by their many possession-laden wagons still can be seen here.

Rising 800 feet above the valley floor, the bluff is sometimes taken for a small mountain, which it is not. Mountains are

34 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

pushed up from below; Scotts Bluff is what remains of the ancient High Plains that were eroded by rivers over millions of years. It is part of the scenic Wildcat Hills.

The Monument near the North Platte River encompasses nearly 3,000 acres.

Among its badlands of sandstone and siltstone the fossilized remains of ancient oreodonts, tortoises, rhinoceroses, horses and camels and other prehistoric creatures have been discovered.

Atop the bluff on a clear day, one can see Chimney Rock to the southeast and Wyoming’s Laramie Range of the Rocky Mountains to the west. From the bluff, a two-mile-long Union Pacific train looks tiny as it rolls along toward Mitchell.

You can drive to the top from the Visitor Center and Oregon Trail Museum by way of Summit Road, Nebraska’s oldest concrete 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. Seeing the bluff ’s walls up

12

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 passed long ago. The visitor center/museum displays the remains of ancient creature that once lived here, and artifacts from the pioneer era. 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.

Admission is $5 per vehicle, and rangers give interpretive programs on many weekends throughout the year. (308) 436-9700.

Just east of the Monument on the Old Oregon Trail, the Legacy of the Plains Museum shows visitors the history of the valley and the development of High Plains agriculture. The 110-acre site has exhibits ranging from horse-drawn implements and steam engines to conservation tillage and the sugar beet industry.

The artifacts of the former North Platte Valley Museum are now displayed here.

A 1930s farmstead has been moved onsite to interpret that period.

Monument Shadows Golf Course at Gering is one of the most scenic in the state.

Christopher Amundson

During the Harvest Festival on the third weekend of September, volunteers demonstrate farm practices of the past.

Visitors can harvest potatoes to take home, or try their hand pitching bundles of wheat into the thresher. The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, mid-May through mid-September, or by appointment offseason. (308) 436-1989.

Across the road from the museum and overlooking the monument is the City of Gering’s Five Rocks Amphitheater, which shows movies on summer evenings. Concerts, car shows and other community events are also held at this striking, open-air venue unlike anything else in the West. (308) 436-0056.

Nearby is Monument Shadows Golf Course, a challenging 18-hole course

enhanced by outstanding views in its setting at the base of Scotts Bluff National Monument. The course features include a driving range, clubhouse and cart storage. To get there, go 1 1/2 miles north of the intersection of Five Rocks Road and the Old Oregon Trail in Gering, then turn west on Country Club Road and south on Clubhouse Drive. (308) 635-2277.

The Ever Green House in Oregon Trail Park has the only producing fig tree in Western Nebraska. (308) 635-3089.

The Wildcat Hills, pine-covered bluffs that rise abruptly from the plains, are some of Nebraska’s most ruggedly beautiful country. Eight miles south of Gering on Highway 71, Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Nature Center offers more than four miles of winding and scenic hiking trails, picnic facilities and cross country

HOTELS & MOTELS

skiing on more than 1,000 acres of pine and cedar clad canyons. The Nature Center has an auditorium, displays and educational opportunities in ecology, biology and geology. Children especially enjoy the fossil dig, and the center’s large windows provide wide views of the area, as well as wildlife including eagles and other birds, coyotes, bobcats, wild turkey and deer. A Nebraska state park entry permit is required to enter the state recreation area. (308) 436-3777.

The adjacent Wildcat Hills Wildlands are open for mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, hunting, camping and general enjoyment of the outdoors. It’s the result of a cooperative effort between many agencies, and provides access to nearly 30,000 acres of this rugged and beautiful landscape.

Buffalo Creek State Wildlife Area offers hiking, fishing and abundant wildlife. From the Gering exit, take Highway 71 south 4 miles, then go east 2 3/4 miles on County Road W. Cedar Canyon Wildlife Management Area is home to a herd of more than 40 bighorn sheep. The herd was established in 2001 when 22 bighorns were trapped in

Phone

Rooms

Cavalier Motel, 3655 N. 10th St, Gering www.motelcavalier.com

308-635-3176

39

Outdoor pool

1-50

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

308-436-2157

30

Pets allowed

1-75

Monument Inn and Suites, 1130 M St, Gering www.monumentinnsuites.com

308-436-1950 866-436-1950

61

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

51-75

Amenities

Fees

CAMPGROUNDS

Amenities

Rate Range

Phone

Open

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

308-436-2046

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 42 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: unlimited tents.

Wildcat Hills SRA, 4235 Hwy 71, Gering www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov

308-436-3777

Year Round

RV Amenities: water, room for 5 trailers. Rest Facilities: pit toilets.

Camping: 5 tents.

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

Phone 308-635-2277

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

18 holes, public

10-28 6 & NE Park Permit

Rate Range Under 15

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY

TRAILS WEST • 35

Colorado and released in Cedar Canyon.

To get there, go 4 miles west of Highway 71 on Carter Canyon Road, then 1 1/2 miles south on County Road 17, and continue one mile west to the parking area.

In 1851, Plains Indians brought their furs to Robidoux Trading Post (pronounced ROO-bi-doo). In the early days of the Oregon Trail, it was one of the first signs of civilization after many weeks on the prairie. The sod-roofed building has been reconstructed with 100-year-old hand-hewn logs and period furnishings.

It is located in beautiful Carter Canyon, on the original Oregon Trail route before travelers began using Mitchell Pass, known to settlers as Devil’s Gap, at what is now Scotts Bluff National Monument.

The winding, 23-mile Carter Canyon Road takes you through rugged country, past pioneer graves marked and unknown and to the trading post. Entrance to the road is two miles south of Gering off of scenic Highway 71.

Bicycle enthusiasts can travel the U Street Pathway from 10th Street in Gering, take in the scenic views of the river and Wildcat Hills and ride all the way to Scotts Bluff National Monument.

For travelers seeking entertainment of a faster variety, the Hi-Way 92 Raceway Park, two miles east of Gering on Highway 92, has stock car races Friday and Saturday nights all summer and has since 1968. It is one of only two asphalt circle tracks in Nebraska. (308) 436-7223.

Bicycle enthusiasts can travel the U Street Pathway from 10th Street in Gering, take in the scenic views of the river and Wildcat Hills and ride all the way to Scotts Bluff National Monument. It is also a popular thoroughfare for walkers and joggers.

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

36 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Gering Events Father’s Day Rock-n-Roll Classic Car Show June 20. More than 300 classics from seven states roll into Five Rocks Amphitheater for this daylong show and shine.

(308) 436-6886.

Oregon Trail Days July 5 and July 9-12. Parades, food fairs, bands, chili cook-off, art show and more. (308) 436-6886.

Harvest Festival Sept. 19-20. Celebrate historic agriculture of the northwest at Legacy of the Plains Museum.

(308) 436-1989.

Monument Marathon Sept. 26. Run along the Oregon Trail and through Mitchell Pass in this mostly downhill event.

(308) 630-6551.

Christopher Amundson

The Summit Road at Scotts Bluff National Monument near Gering is the oldest concrete road in Nebraska and one of the most scenic.

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY

TRAILS WEST • 37

Named for Hiram Scott, the fur trader that died near it in 1828, Scotts Bluff was a noted milestone for pioneers on the Oregon Trail.

Scottsbluff

You’d expect to find wildlife in the rugged country around Scottsbluff and there is.

Elk, pronghorn, mule deer, bighorn sheep, bobcats and even an occasional mountain lion are seen. You wouldn’t expect to see exotic species such as chimpanzees, zebras, tigers, African lions or swift fox, but you’ll find them at Riverside Discovery Center.

It is home to more than 160 animals representing more than 70 species.

The animals live in simulated natural habitats, and include endangered or rare species such as Amur tigers, addax, Waldrap, ibis, meerkats and several primate species. Other special exhibits include the Big Cat Complex, Chimpanzee Conservation Center and Heritage Barn with a petting zoo open during the summer. When visiting in the summer, bring swimsuits and flip-flops to enjoy the Splash-pad, a zero-depth water feature that keeps you cool with a refreshing spray.

The 23-acre facility will open a Dino Dig in the summer of 2015 and is located on South Beltline Highway W., half a mile west of Highway 71 near the north

38 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

bank of the North Platte River. (308) 630-6236. www.riversidediscoverycenter.org. Open daily 9:30 am–4:30 pm.

Riverside Campground, open May through September, is nearby. (308) 630-6238.

The Westmoor Pool is another familyfriendly attraction in Scottsbluff. Located at Avenue I and 20th Street, the pool is open in the summer and includes water slides, water cannons and a lazy river.

(308) 632-8881.

The West Nebraska Arts Center, located in the historic Carnegie Library at 106 E. 18th St., is a hub of activity 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 grand, old movie palace of yesteryear in downtown Scottsbluff. (308) 632-4311.

Alongside the North Platte River and Scotts Bluff National Monument, walking and biking trails connect the cities of Scottsbluff, Gering and Terrytown. Monument Valley Pathways includes 6.3 miles of trails; a total of 26 miles are planned.

In 1902, surveyors for the Burling-

Jorn Olsen

ton Railroad discovered an old wagon tire inscribed with the name of Rebecca Winters and the year 1852. The iron tire, they learned, marked the grave of a Mormon pioneer woman who was stricken with cholera near Fort Kearny and perished along the trail near what is now the community of Scottsbluff. She left her husband and five children behind to continue on the trail.

The proximity of the memorial to the railroad tracks led to the woman’s remains being moved in 1995, with more than 100 of Winters’ descendants in attendance. Today, the wagon tire is part of the monument that tells her story. The Rebecca Winters Grave is alongside Highway 26, 1 1/2 miles east of Scottsbluff.

The area’s frontier history is also 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 calvary-era fortress built in 1864. It provided security to early settlers. The fort and a nearby pass of the same name were named for General Robert B. Mitchell, who commanded the military district of

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY

TRAILS WEST • 39

HOTELS & MOTELS

Phone

Rooms

Candlelight Inn, 1822 E. 20th Pl., Scottsbluff www.candlelightscottsbluff.com

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+

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

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, 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+

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+

Sportsman Inn, 80349 County Rd 19, 4 mi. W. on Hwy 26, Scottsbluff. www.sportsmaninn-webs.com

308-632-6012

29

Pets allowed

51-75

Super 8 Motel, 2202 Delta Dr, Scottsbluff www.super8.com

308-635-1600

55

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

51-75

Trails West Camp, 1918 S. Beltline Hwy W., Scottsbluff www.trailswestymca.org

308-632-5705

9

Wheelchair accessible, outdoor pool

CAMPGROUNDS

Amenities

Rate Range

75+

Phone

Open

Amenities

Fees

Riverside Campground, 1514 S. 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.

7-20

Route 26 Campground, 180454 US Hwy 26. 6 tents, 38 trailers

308-635-3760

Apr-Oct 1

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 38 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 6 tents.

16-26

Sportsman Inn Campground, 4 mi. W. on US Hwy 26 www.sportsmaninn.webs.com

308-632-6012

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 6 trailers. Camping: available.

Call for rates

Nebraska. All traces of the fort have vanished from the landscape 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 by the State of Nebraska and the City of Scottsbluff.

The monument to the left depicts a rider of the Pony Express and is dedicated to the young men that willingly rode into danger at breakneck speed for the brief time that the organization existed (1860-1861). The exact spot of the Scott’s Bluff Station is unknown but is believed to have been on Fort Mitchell itself, or very nearby. The granite marker was placed by the Oregon Trail Memorial Association.

UNIQUE LODGING Barn Anew B&B, On old Oregon Trail Rd, 3 mi. W. of Scottsbluff. www.barnanew.com

GOLF COURSES Riverview Country Club, 100928 Cty Rd 19, Scottsbluff

In Western Nebraska, the human population is sparse and people value wideopen spaces. Scottsbluff, with nearly 15,000 residents, is the Panhandle’s largest city. Combined with sister city Gering (pop. 10,500) and with Terrytown (pop.

1,200) sandwiched between, the Scottsbluff/Gering metro area is the largest population center in Western Nebraska.

Terrytown is a much younger community than the other two cities, having been founded by businessman and politician Terry Carpenter in 1949.

For more information about Scottsbluff contact Scottsbluff Area Tourism at www. visitscottsbluff.com or the Scottsbluff/ Gering United Chamber of Commerce at (308) 632-2133.

Phone 308-632-8647

Phone 308-635-1555

Scottsbluff Events Sugar Valley Rally June 5-7. The long heritage of the sugar beet industry is honored with this hundreds of miles long, precision driving contest through Western Nebraska. www.visitscottsbluff.com.

Rock Show May 22-25. Rocks, gems and fossils for show, swap and sale at Riverside Discovery Center Campground at 1600 S. Beltline Hwy W. Also jewelry, wirewrapping, rock swap. All proceeds go to area charities. (308) 436-4888 or (308) 436-4697.

Amenities

Rate Range

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

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

18 holes, public

75+

Rate Range Under $15

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY

TRAILS WEST • 41

Mitchell

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

Hunting and fishing opportunities abound nearby. Other recreational activities include a motor cross track at the old airport, scenic Centennial Park, and the historic Nile Theater.

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

Camping is available, with electrical and water hookups. (308) 623-2468.

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

Henry

Henry is Nebraska’s westernmost town.

One mile south, Stateline Island is part of the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge and offers nature observation and hiking. The 130-acre refuge is a bird watching mecca.

One mile east of Henry is the place where in 1847 Brigham Young called a special prayer circle on behalf of the westbound Mormon pioneers. It is known as Prayer Bluffs today. It is accessible by a service road.

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

UNIQUE LODGING

Nebraska Tourism

The Lake Minatare Lighthouse was built by the Veteran’s Conservation Corps in 1939.

Minatare

Lake Minatare is large, but not so big that it needs a lighthouse. It has one anyway and it offers an impressive 360-degree view. It was built by the Veterans Conservation Corps, a New Deal agency that provided jobs to unemployed veterans. (308) 783-2911. Located seven miles north of the town of Minatare, the recreation area offers swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking and more. It has boat ramps, electrical and primitive camp sites and restroom and shower facilities. A state park permit is required.

Lake Minatare is part of the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge, which also includes nearby Winters Creek Lake Phone

Rooms

308-247-2111

97

Phone

and Lake Alice, and Stateline Island near Henry. All are good bird-watching areas.

To provide undisturbed habitat during migration season, all but Stateline Island are closed Oct. 15-Jan. 14. (308) 635-7851.

Morrill

In 1851, 10,000 Plains Indians from 10 tribes met government officials near Horse Creek to form a treaty. Never in recorded history had so many gathered at one spot on the Plains. From the government’s perspective, the treaty’s purpose was to ensure safe passage for people using the Oregon Trail and to stop intertribal warfare.

Amenities

Rate Range

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, pets allowed

Amenities

51-75

Rate Range

Pioneer Trails Hostel at Mitchell’s Busy Corner, 1508 22nd Ave., Mitchell. www.mitchellsbusycorner.com

308-424-1043

Wheelchair accessible, rooms with shared bath, meals at The Folk’s Place Café

Cheyenne Ridge Outfitters, 320075 Ankony Pkwy, Minatare. www.cheyenneridgeoutfitters.com

308-783-5739 877-850-5144

Rooms with shared bath, full breakfast, lodge with sauna

51-75+

Open

Amenities

Fees

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

7-18, NE Park Permit

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 6 trailers.

15

CAMPGROUNDS

Phone

1-50

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

308-783-2911

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

308-623-2468

Mar-Sep

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.

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 and tee times.

Rate Range

Scenic Knolls, 20458 Hwy 29, Mitchell

308-623-2468

9 holes, public

Under 15

Rolling Green Golf Course, 520 Rail Rd, Morrill

308-247-2817

9 holes, public

Under 15

42 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

The government broke the treaty almost immediately. The Horse Creek Treaty Marker is 3 1/2 miles west of Morrill on Highway 26. Every July, Morrill’s Horse Creek Rendezvous commemorates the event.

Mitchell Events Concert in the Park Always the last Saturday in June.

The three basics of fun: a car show, music and food come together in Centennial Park in Mitchell for this fun community event. (308) 641-1692.

Scotts Bluff County Fair Aug. 1-8. The Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds is home to this western celebration. There’s a PRCA Rodeo, carnival, demolition derby, parade and more.

What the Rubber Check Race?

Find out at this fun fair. (308) 623-2818.

Bayard

Visible to wagon trains from several days away, Chimney Rock was the most noted landmark along the Oregon Trail.

With a 120-foot spire and standing 325 feet from tip to base, it was unlike anything the 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. The center interprets the westward migration of the 19th century – the greatest voluntary mass migration in history – and the significance of Chimney Rock itself. It is 1 1/2 miles south of Highway 92 near Bayard and is open daily. (308) 586-2581.

In town, the Bayard Depot Museum is housed in a refurbished railroad depot at the south end of downtown. It is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily during the summer and at other times by appointment. Contact the Chimney Rock Visitor Center (see above) for more information.

Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing offers gift shops, snacks, a stocked fishing hole, teepee sleeping, RV parking and hookups. Chimney Rock Golf Course, a ninehole public course, is north of town. Flying Bee Beefmaster Ranch is a 4,000-acre working cattle ranch that offers camping, cabins, bedand-breakfast guest rooms, hiking and trail riding.

Wagon ruts and remains of original

sod houses are visible at the Chimney Rock Pony Express Station. The site is on private land two miles south of town on Highway 26, then 1 1/2 miles west on Oregon Trail Road. Call ahead for directions. (308) 586-1850.

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

Bridgeport

Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock are ruggedly beautiful and prominent in the pioneer history and ancient legends of the region. Courthouse Rock rises 340 feet above the valley floor and got its name because of its blocky shape.

Oregon Trail migrants thought it looked like a stately courthouse; the smaller rock formation nearby was therefore the jail. Both were mentioned in pioneer journals and diaries. They are the easternmost rocky outliers of Western Nebraska’s Wildcat Hills escarpments.

The story is told of a band of Skidi Pawnees who fled their Sioux enemies by climbing Courthouse Rock. With cliffs on three sides and only one difficult path to the top, the Pawnee seemed trapped.

The Sioux warriors camped at the base of the rock and waited for their enemies to give up from thirst and hunger. But late at night, the Pawnees made a long rope from their pony lariats and escaped down a cliff one by one.

The area is five miles south of Bridgeport on Highway 88. You won’t need to ask directions. The rocks are visible from many miles away. The area is open yearround and charges no admission. Courthouse and Jail Rock Golf Club, a ninehole public course, is nearby.

Just off Highways 26 and 92 on the west

Morrill County Events Annual Greek Festival – Bridgeport August 8-9. A Greek celebration in cowboy country?

Now that’s Nebraska. This will be the 88th year of the event that celebrates Bridgeport’s partially Greek heritage with Greek music and dancing, food, games and other fun activities. (308) 262-0281.

MITCHELL & MORRILL COUNTIES

TRAILS WEST • 43

Gordon Howard and his Chimney Rock neighbor are guardians of the region’s history.

edge of town, Bridgeport State Recreation Area offers primitive camping, hiking, fishing, swimming and waterskiing. A state park entry permit is required.

As its name indicates, the town of Bridgeport started with a bridge. Camp Clarke was the site of an early bridge across the North Platte River, built to serve gold rush travelers going to and from the Black Hills. When the railroad came through, the original site was abandoned and the new site became known HOTELS & MOTELS

Jorn Olsen

as Bridgeport.

The history of Camp Clarke and the area are displayed at the Pioneer Trails Museum. It is open Memorial Day to Labor Day. (308) 262-0108.

Travelers are welcome to use the exercise room and shower at Prairie Winds Community Center on North Main Street.

For more information, contact the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce. (308) 262-1825.

Phone

Rooms

Landmark Inn, 246 Main St, Bayard www.landmarkinn-webs.com

308-586-1075

11

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed

1-75

Bridgeport Inn, 517 Main St, Bridgeport www.bridgeport-ne.com

308-262-0290

12

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed

1-75

Meadowlark Annex, 2 mi. N.W. on US Hwy 385 to mile marker 77, Bridgeport www.meadowlarkmotorinn.com

308-262-0410 800-595-4948

8

Pets allowed

1-75

Meadowlark Motor Inn & Restaurant, N. US Hwy 385, Bridgeport. www.meadowlarkmotorinn.com

308-262-0557 800-510-1210

22

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

51-75

Amenities

Fees

CAMPGROUNDS

Amenities

Rate Range

Phone

Open

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

308-631-4478

Year Round

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

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

Meadowlark Annex RV Park, 2 mi. N. on US Hwy 385, Mile Marker 77, Bridgeport.

308-262-0410

Year Round

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

9-18

UNIQUE LODGING Flying Bee Ranch LLC, Bayard, 4 1/2 miles S. of Hwy 92 at McGrew. www.flyingbee-ranch.com

GOLF COURSES

Phone 308-783-2885

Phone

Amenities Wheelchair accessible, rooms with private and shared bath, full continental breakfast. Secluded cabin and ranch tours.

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

8-20

Rate Range 51-75+

Rate Range

Chimney Rock Golf Course, N. US Hwy 26, Bayard

308-586-1606

9 holes, public

Under 15

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

308-262-9925

9 holes, public

Under 15

44 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

MORRILL COUNTY

TRAILS WEST • 45

Lisco & Broadwater

Ancient Bluff Ruins is the most dramatic and extensive bluff formation along the north side of the North Platte River. The three buttes were formed by erosion and were named by Mormons from England who thought they resembled ancient towers and castles from the old country. Trail ruts can be seen nearby.

Lewellen

Modern travelers descend into the North Platte Valley by an easy grade. Pioneers faced a steeper route. To this day, Windlass Hill at Ash Hollow State Park bears the scars from the countless wagons that made the steep descent. Visitors can follow a paved walking path to the top.

An old sod house stands at the bottom of the hill, enclosed with a fence with a wagon wheel gate. “Close gate, please,” a sign reads. “Otherwise cattle get in and rub the old house down.”

Ash Hollow’s abundant water and trees made it a favorite resting place. The park offers camping, picnicking and a visitor center. Hiking trails lead to a cave once inhabited by American Indians. Their relics have been found nearby.

The park is 1 1/2 miles southeast of Lewellen on Highway 26. A state park entry permit is required. (308) 778-5651.

Rachel Pattison was just 18 years old when she died of cholera here in

1849. Her grave is at Ash Hollow Cemetery, east of Lewellen. A drive north brings you to the Clear Creek Wildlife Refuge.

West of town 1 1/2 miles along Highway 26 is the Blue Water Battlefield marker. It marks the site of an Army raid that destroyed a Lakota village.

Experience life on the Oregon Trail on Father’s Day weekend at the Ash Hollow Pageant, an outdoor performance using historical diaries and music.

Lewellen, at the west end of Lake McConaughy, features The Most Unlikely Place, a 1908 silent movie theater that is now a cafe. The owner roller skates about the maple floor, serving visitors surrounded by high-end art. On that same Main Street you’ll find the 17 Ranch Winery. Visitors can tour the winery and top off the visit with a taste.

Oshkosh

Summer is the peak season for Western Nebraska tourism, but Oshkosh is also popular in fall. It’s the Goose Hunting Capital of Nebraska.

Oshkosh also is a point of departure for Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located deep in the remote and beautiful Sandhills Lakes country. The 46,000-acre refuge is 30 miles north of Oshkosh and includes 21 lakes fed by an aquifer below.

It was established primarily as a migratory bird refuge. Canada geese, snow geese, grouse and pheasants, prairie chickens, owls and many species of ducks are among the 200 bird species observed there in the past 30 years.

Attention hunters, the area is rich with sharp-tailed grouse, ring-necked pheasants, mule deer and white-tailed deer.

Anglers enjoy the lakes’ walleye, crappie,

Garden County Events Blue Water Blues Festival – Lewellen July 18. Nationally known Blues Bands perform at 17 Ranch Winery grounds in scenic Lewellen. Food vendors. www.bluewaterblues.com (308) 778-5542.

Ash Hollow Pageant – Lewellen June 12-13. Enjoy a chuck wagon supper before 30 cast members take the stage for this 22nd annual outdoor musical of life on the Oregon Trail at Ash Hollow State Historical Park. (308) 778-5548.

46 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

yellow perch, largemouth bass and carp.

Other local attractions include the Oshkosh Swimming Pool, 200 E. First St., which offers free swimming in a heated pool; the Oshkosh Country Club, a nine-hole course near the North Platte River, one mile south of town on Highway 27; and the Garden County Museum.

The museum has the Silverhill Theatre at 501 W. First St., and the Rock School, a century-old stone schoolhouse at 215 W. Avenue G. The museum houses pioneer and Native American artifacts, fossils and a stuffed bird collection of more than 300 specimens.

For more information on Oshkosh, contact the Garden County Visitors Committee. (308) 778-9557.

Christopher Amundson

Whimsical fun is on the move in downtown Lewellen at The Most Unlikely Place, where art and food is served up at this bistro/gallery. Cynthia Miller keeps things rolling for guests.

HOTELS & MOTELS

Phone

Rooms

Marina Landing, 5051 Albees, Hwy 92, mile marker 124, 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

Pleasant View Lodge at Otter Creek, NE Hwy 92 W., Lewellen, Lake McConaughy. www.homesatlakemac.com

308-355-5000 888-568-7620

10

Pets allowed

1-75

Riverview Lodge, 110 Rd 68, 1 mi. S., 1 mi. W., Lisco www.riverviewlodgelisco.com

308-772-3839

8

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed

51-75

Oshkosh Inn, 207 W. Ave A, Jct US Hwy 26 & NE Hwy 27, Oshkosh. www.oshkoshinn.com

308-772-3066

13

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, pets allowed

1-50

Shady Rest, 201 Main St, Oshkosh. www.oshkoshshadyrest.com

308-772-4111

12

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed

1-75

UNIQUE LODGING

Phone

Amenities

Amenities

Rate Range

Rate Range

17 Ranch, 5052 Rd 197, 1 mi. W., 1 1/4 mi. N., 1/2 mi. W., Lewellen. www.agonline.com/17Ranch

308-778-5543

Working family cattle ranch. Wheelchair accessible, rooms with shared bath, full continental breakfast, reservations required

Clear Creek Retreat, 2220 Rd. West O North, Lewellen clearcreekretreat.com

308-778-9546

Three bedrooms, full kitchen; cater to hunters and fishermen.

Gander Inn B&B, 105 E. Church St, Lewellen. www.ganderinn.net

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.visitogallala.com

308-778-5408

3-bedroom guesthouse or tepee, continental breakfast

51-75+

Blue Creek Lodge, 8460 Rd 181, Oshkosh. www.bluecreeklodging.com

308-772-9912

Furnished 4-bedroom lodge, sleeps 8-10, rooms with private and shared baths

150+

Open

Fees

CAMPGROUNDS

Phone

Amenities

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

308-778-9552

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

308-778-5879

Year Round

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

Camping: 12 tents.

Pleasant View Lodge at Otter Creek, 1290 NE Hwy 92 W., Lewellen, www.homesatlakemac.com

308-355-5000 888-568-7620

Year Round

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

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

308-778-7395

Apr 1Nov 1

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

Phone 308-772-3881

51-75 90+

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

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

Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 7 tents.

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

9 holes, public

Call for rates 5-20 Call for rates

Rate Range 18

GETTING STARTED

This is a land rich with dreams.

Even when danger filled the air from Ogallala’s rough-andtumble cattle drives to the notorious Sidney-to-Deadwood Trail, dreams lived on. When North Platte had a vision of an Independence Day blowout, William F. Cody dreamed up his globe-trotting Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. But cowboys in their wildest dreams couldn’t have dreamed of the pleasure voyage now enjoyed in Wild West Country where a Sandhills Sea was created with Lake McConaughy. Nebraska’s biggest lake is 35,000 acres, with 100 shoreline miles of white, sandy beaches. This dream journey opens up to new horizons past Big Springs, where rolling hills carry on to the open range west toward Sidney and Kimball.

Legendary buffalo hunter, military scout and showman William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody lived at North Platte on his 4,000 acre ranch he called Scouts Rest Ranch. His grand Victorian mansion was built there in 1886. Twenty-five acres of the ranch became Buffalo Bill State Historical Park.

48 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Steve and Bobbi Olson

WILD WEST

Brady • Maxwell • North Platte Hershey Sutherland • Paxton Ogallala • Brule • Keystone Lemoyne • Big Springs Chappell • Lodgepole • Sidney Potter • Kimball • Harrisburg

Wild West

CHEYENNE COUNTY

WILD WEST • 49

WELCOME CENTERS/ REST AREAS

9

2

3

4

14 5

8

6 7

1

Attractions 1 Panorama Point 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

& Tri-State Marker Missile Silo Home Potter Sundry Lincoln Highway National Pony Express

Monument Cabela’s Front Street Lake McConaughy Haythorn Ranch Sutherland Reservoir Golden Spike Tower at Bailey Yard Buffalo Bill State Historical Park Fort McPherson National Cemetery Bird Watching

50 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

North Platte

Journeys of adventure have rolled on the rails and trails of North Platte since the 1860s. Among the first landmarks you’ll see is Fort Cody Trading Post at the edge of town along the interstate.

Fort Cody is one of the state’s most unusual roadside attractions. Outside it looks like a log stockade; inside it is a combination gift shop and museum, with Buffalo Bill Cody memorabilia and a miniature Wild West Show. Owner Chuck Henline said the most common question he gets from travelers is, “How do you get to the ranch?”

The ranch, of course, is the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, which showcases the restored 1880s house, barn and outbuildings of William F. Cody’s famous Scout’s Rest Ranch. The site features Wild West Show memorabilia. Cody owned about 4,000 acres, and the park encompasses 25 acres of the original ranch.

As the folks at Fort Cody would tell you, it’s easy to find: north on Highway 83, then west on Highway 30, then north on Buffalo Bill Avenue. State park permit required. (308) 535-8035.

Buffalo Bill is memorialized at Cody

Park on north U.S. Highway 83. In 1998, a British sculptor donated a life-size bronze statue of Buffalo Bill, whose show was a big hit in Queen Victoria’s time. As the centerpiece of the park’s Wild West Memorial, the statue, valued at $500,000 at the time of its installation, is surrounded by the flags of every state and nation the Wild West Show visited.

At the park’s Railroad Museum, Union Pacific Railroad displays two of its largest locomotives (one steam, one diesel) and houses a railroad museum in the accompanying cars and restored depot. The steam engine is one of two remaining 3900-class Challenger locomotives built by Union Pacific. The park also has amusement rides for children, including an antique carousel and Ferris wheel. Concession stand available.

There is an admission for rides; other attractions are free.

In 1995, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard as the world’s largest railroad classification yard. It has since grown by 25 percent. The sprawling grounds stretch eight miles and cover nearly 3,000 acres. More than 15,000 cars pass through daily.

 12 10

11 13

Christopher Amundson

Potter’s Pasture near Brady offers 15 miles of mountain biking and off-road vehicle trails.

Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center rises eight stories to give visitors a bird’s-eye view of massive Bailey Yard.

(308) 532-9920.

The area’s geological history is part of the flavor of Feather River Vineyards, where the mineral-rich soil produces distinctive grapes for its new wines. A

CAMPGROUNDS

tasting room is open for wine sampling, and the purchase of bottles and other gifts. (308) 696-0078.

The North Platte Canteen is commem-

Phone

Open

A-1 Sunset Mobile Park, 3120 Rodeo Rd, North Platte

308-532-9182

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 22 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets.

Buffalo Bill Ranch SRA, US Hwy 83 N. to US Hwy 30, 2 mi. W., 1 mi. N, North Platte

308-535-8035

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 23 trailers. Rest Facilities: pit toilets. Camping: 12 tents.

Cody Park Campground, 1601 N. Jeffers, N. US Hwy 83 www.ci.north-platte.ne.us/publicservices

308-535-6706

May 1Oct 15

Frontier Resort, Marina and Café, 600 Frontier Dr #34, I-80 Exit 177, 5 1/2 mi. S. on US Hwy 83, North Platte

308-532-8776

Year Round

Holiday RV Park & Campground, 601 Halligan Dr, I-80 Exit 177, N.E. quadrant, North Platte www.holidayparkne.com

308-534-2265 800-424-4531

Lake Maloney SRA, 5 mi. S, North Platte www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov

308-535-8025

Lake House Campground, 206 N. Lake Rd, North Platte

308-534-5315

Lake Side Camping, 3800 Hadley Dr, I-80 Exit 179, N.E. quadrant, North Platte

308-534-5077 877-648-2267

GOLF COURSES

Phone

Amenities

Fees 30 7-13 NE Park Permit

Room for 40 trailers. Rest Facilities: Flush toilets.

5 15 tent 20 RV

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 15 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 4 tents.

120 weekly

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 92 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 8 tents.

Call for rates

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 120 trailers. Rest Facilities: Showers, flush and pit toilets. Camping: 50 tents.

7-14 NE Park Permit

Apr-Oct

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 30 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 15 tents.

6-15 80/week

May 15Sept 15

RV Amenities: Electricity, water, sewer, room for 54 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 16 tents.

Call for rates

Year Round

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

Rate Range

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

308-532-6955

9, public

Under 15

Iron Eagle Golf Course, 2401 Halligan Dr, N. of I-80 Exit 179, North Platte

308-535-6730

18, public

15-30

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, semi-private

15-30

LINCOLN COUNTY

WILD WEST • 51

52 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

orated at the Lincoln County Historical Museum, just around the corner from Buffalo Bill’s ranch. The World War II canteen met every train and fed every soldier who passed through the depot – about 6 million soldiers in all. The museum also features a village of historic buildings, including a Pony Express station and the old Fort McPherson headquarters. (308) 534-5640.

Located just south of I-80, America’s 20th Century Veterans’ Memorial honors all military men and women of the past century. A brick bas-relief sculpture depicts major wars from World War I to the Persian Gulf. Larger-than-life-size bronze statues depict the branches of the armed forces and the ladies of the North Platte Canteen. The memorial is just south of I-80 beside Highway 83. (308) 532-6579.

The North Platte Area Children’s

Museum offers hands-on learning about science, technology, culture and the arts.

It is in the historic Carnegie Library building, 314 N. Jeffers St. (308) 532-3512.

Downtown has unique shops, restaurants and art galleries, including the Art & Gift Gallery, 516 N. Dewey, the largest original art gallery between Omaha and Denver. (308) 534-1946.

Cody Go-Karts near I-80 and Highway 83 features water slides, miniature golf, bumper boats and go-karts. Open midMarch through September, weather permitting. (308) 534-8277 The North Platte River valley between North Platte and Sutherland plays host to thousands of Sandhill Cranes on their annual migration February to April. They are best seen in the corn fields and meadows along Highway 30. For viewing information call (308) 532-4729.

Five miles south of town, Lake Maloney State Recreation Area provides fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, as well as archery, golf and wildlife observation.

North Platte offers three 18-hole golf courses: Iron Eagle, (308) 535-6730; Lake Maloney, (308) 532-9998; and Rivers Edge, (308) 534-7550, as well as a nine-hole course, Indian Meadows, (308) 532-6955.

For more information about North Platte, contact the North Platte/Lincoln County Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 955-4528.

Maxwell

When Fort Cottonwood was renamed Fort McPherson in 1866, its soldiers were already accustomed to fetching cold, greattasting water from the well of John “Mac” McCullough. Soon, other travelers heard about the well and would stop. As a com-

The Golden Spike Tower at North Platte gives visitors the opportunity to look out over Bailey Yard, the world’s largest railroad classification yard. It covers a staggering 2,850 acres, sorts 3,000 railcars daily, and is eight miles long.

Christopher Amundson

CHEYENNE COUNTY

WILD WEST • 53

Those who served our country are honored at North Platte’s 20th Century Veteran’s Memorial.

Nebraska Tourism

HOTELS & MOTELS

Phone

Rooms

Americas Best Value Inn Travelers Inn, 602 E. 4th St, I-80 Exit 177, 1 1/2 mi. N. on US Hwy 83, 6 blks E. www.bestvalueinn.com

Amenities

308-534-4020 888-315-2378

32

Outdoor pool, pets allowed

Blue Spruce Motel, 820 S. Dewey St, North Platte

308-534-2600

25

Pets allowed

Cedar Lodge Motel, 421 Rodeo Rd, North Platte

308-532-0970

31

Comfort Inn, 2901 S. Jeffers St, I-80 Exit 177 S., North Platte. www.comfortinn.com/hotel/ne021

308-532-6144

90

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

51-75+

Days Inn, 3102 S. Jeffers, I-80 Exit 177, 1 blk S., North Platte. www.daysinn.com

308-532-9321

48

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

1-75+

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, 319 W. South River Rd, North Platte. www.marriott.com/lbffi

308-532-9900 888-236-2427

82

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool free continental breakfast, pets allowed

75+

Hampton Inn, 200 Platte Oasis Pkwy, North Platte I-80 Exit 177 & US Hwy 83, www.hampton-inn.com/hi/ northplatte

308-534-6000 800-426-7866

110

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast

75+

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites and Convention Center, 300 Holiday Frontage Rd., North Platte. www. hiexpress.com/northplattene

308-532-9500 888-562-9500

152

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

75+

Knights Inn, 501 Halligan Dr, I-80 Exit 177 N., North Platte www.knightsinn.com

308-532-6650 888-532-0151

81

Restaurant on premises, outdoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

1-75

Howard Johnson, 1209 S. Dewey, North Platte www.howardjohnson.com

308-532-0130

77

Restaurant on premises, indoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

Husker Inn, 721 E. 4th St, North Platte

308-534-6960

20

Wheelchair accessible

1-50

LaQuinta Inn & Suites, 2600 Eagles Wings Pl., North Platte. I-80 Exit 179, www.821.lq.com

308-534-0700 866-534-0700

65

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

75+

Motel 6, 1520 S. Jeffers St., North Platte. www.motel6.com

308-534-6200

61

Wheelchair accessible, outdoor pool, pets allowed

1-50

North Platte Country Inn, 321 S. Dewey St, North Platte I-80 Exit 177 N. on US Hwy 83

308-532-8130

40

Outdoor pool, pets allowed

1-50

Oak Tree Inn, 451 Halligan Dr, North Platte. I-80 Exit 177 www.oaktreeinn.com

308-535-9900

111

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

51-75

Park Motel, 1302 N. Jeffers, North Platte. N. US Hwy 83

308-532-6834

27

Quality Inn & Suites Convention Center, 2102 S. Jeffers St., North Platte. I-80 & US Hwy 83. www.sandhillcc.com

308-532-9090 800-760-3333

196

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

51-75

North Platte Inn & Suites, 3201 S. Jeffers, North Platte I-80 & US Hwy 83 S.

308-534-3120

79

Restaurant on premises, outdoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

51-75+

Rambler Motel, 1420 Rodeo Rd, North Platte

308-532-9290

26

Rodeway Inn, 920 N. Jeffers St, North Platte

308-532-2313

38

Outdoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

51-75 1-75 51-75

308-534-3630

65

Super 8 Motel, 220 Eugene Ave, North Platte I-80 Exit 177. www.super8.com

308-532-4224

111

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

Western Motel, 706 Rodeo Rd, North Platte

308-532-5240

10

Knoll’s Country Inn B&B, 6132 S. Range Rd., North Platte. www.knollscountryinn.com

Phone

51-75+

1-50

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

UNIQUE LODGING

1-75

1-75

Royal Colonial Inn, 1402 S. Jeffers St, North Platte www.royalcolonialinn.com

Brauer’s Bed & Breakfast,12900 N Sandhills, North Platte. www.bauersbedandbreakfast.com

Rate Range

Amenities

1-50

Rate Range

308-530-1753

Rooms with private and shared bath, full breakfast. Beautiful view, horse boarding, bird watching

70-100

877-378-2521

Rooms with private and shared bath, full breakfast. Outdoor activities and horse boarding

51-75+

Lincoln County Events Country Bluegrass Festival – North Platte April 23-25. The festival offers great bluegrass entertainers, good food, craft/vendor show, workshops, jamming, and more at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. http://npcountrybluegrassfestival.weebly.com NEBRASKAland DAYS – North Platte June 17 – 27. NEBRASKAland DAYS returns for its 51st celebration. It kicks off with 4 nights of PRCA Buffalo Bill Rodeo (June 17-20), the Junior Rodeo (June 21), Family night (June 22), and close with the US Cellular Summer Jam Concert Series (Junes 26-27). Mark your calendars now! www.nebraskalanddays.com.

Rail Fest – North Platte Sept 18-20. Celebrate the Union Pacific Railroad in Cody Park with live music, a model train expo, art competition and pancake feed. Events spill over to the Lincoln County Historical Museum, Buffalo Bill State Historical Park, Bailey Yard and other sites. www.nprailfest.com Christmas at the Cody’s – North Platte December 18-21. Buffalo Bill’s North Platte mansion is decked out for the holidays for you to enjoy. Complete with 20 Christmas trees, Santa, cookies and hot cider, roasted chestnuts, caroling and horse drawn rides. Buffalo Bill is even on hand to welcome you. (308) 535-8035

LINCOLN COUNTY

WILD WEST • 55

56 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Christopher Amundson

The scenic Loess Hills near North Platte provide mineral-rich soil for Feather River Vineyards.

munity formed, it was decided to name it after Mac’s well. Maxwell was born.

Fort McPherson National Cemetery glows with peace south of Maxwell and the Platte River. Soldiers from conflicts dating back to the Indian Wars have been laid to rest here with honor. Four Medal of Honor recipients are interred here.

Fort McPherson national Cemetery was founded in 1873 and it is Nebraska’s only National Cemetery.

The original Pony Express route and Oregon Trail passed through what is now the cemetery. One mile southeast of the cemetery a monument marks the site of the flagstaff of the military post.

Brady

On the eastern end of Wild West Country, Brady is home to several outdoor adventures. Jeffrey Canyon Reservoir is five miles south and one mile west of Brady. Potter’s 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.

Hershey

Stones and Bones Gallery and Emporium offers a unique assemblage of Stone Age artifacts from Western Nebraska, along with western and wildlife art. (308) 368-7400.

HOTELS & MOTELS

Phone

Rooms

Park Motel, 1110 First St, I-80 Exit 158, Sutherland

308-386-4384

19

Prairie View Motel, 409 N. Commercial Ave, Wallace

308-387-4618

3

CAMPGROUNDS

Phone

Open

Sutherland

Sutherland Reservoir offers swimming, camping and fishing. The area has good wildlife habitat, and bald eagles use it as a winter feeding area.

Oregon Trail Golf Course is a ninehole course and campground on the north shore of the lake with RV hook-ups, campsites and a restaurant. (308) 386-4653.

Amenities

Rate Range 1-75

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, pets allowed

1-50

Amenities

Fees

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 18 trailers.

Camping: 5 tents.

Hidden Acres Campground, 16501 W. Murray Rd., Hershey

308-368-7654

Oregon Trail Park, 31200 W. Tower Rd, 1 mi. S. of I-80 Exit 158, Sutherland, www.oregontrailgolfcoursene.org

308-386-4653

Mar-Nov

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 31 trailers. Rest Facilities: flush and pit toilets. Camping: 10 tents.

7-20

Sutherland SRA, 3 mi. S., Sutherland

308-535-8025

Year Round

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

Camping: 35 tents.

7 & NE Park Permit

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

Phone 308-586-4653

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

9, semi-private

12

Rate Range Under 15

LINCOLN COUNTY

WILD WEST • 57

ons irresistibly both to outdoorsy folks and tourists. The 72,000-square-foot If this were a 1870s travel guide, we’d store sells outdoor equipment of every advise you to go around Sidney. There’s sort from fishing and hunting supplies to no sense in taking your chances with the backpacking, boating and photography outlaws, gamblers and other riffraff that equipment. Open 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Monmade this railroad town one of the toughday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. est places in all of the American West.

Closed Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Stay on the train, lock the doors and you’ll and Easter. RV parking and tent camping be fine. Unless there’s a train robbery. available with a restaurant on site. (308) Sidney began in 1867 as an Army fort 254-7889. guarding the Union Near the Cabela’s Pacific Railroad from retail giant is the Pony Outlaws, gamblers and riffraff made the hostile Native AmeriExpress National Monucans. With the dis- railroad town of Sidney one of the toughest ment, reportedly the only covery of gold in the national monument with places in the American West in the 1870s. nearby Black Hills, Sidflags and markers that ney became a trail head On one city block alone there were 23 saloons. honor all the states the for northbound goldPony Express riders jourseekers. The boomtown neyed through. The mondays brought easy money for some, and ument’s flags can be seen from a long disbegan on a kitchen table and now bills outlaws that many had to contend with. tance by travelers motoring on I-80. itself as the “World’s Foremost OutfitLegend has it a single city block in Sidney Sidney Barracks was established in ter.” Visible for miles, the green-and-gold once held 23 saloons.

1867 to protect Union Pacific Railroad water tower bearing the Cabela’s logo The tales of Sidney’s rowdy past are track layers against the threat of Indian stands tall at exit 59. Locals call it the many and most are lost to history. One attack. In 1869, the post was relocated to “big green stop sign on I-80.” For more local favorite that stands the test of time the present site at Sidney, and the followthan 1 million visitors each year, it beck-

Sidney

58 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

is an incident in which a man was shot and killed at a dance. The body was propped up in a corner, and the dance went on. Soon, another man was shot and likewise displayed. The party, so it was said, ended only after the third shooting. Good times.

These days the community of 6,757 residents is best known as the home of Cabela’s, a locally owned business that

Joshua Hardin

The Cheyenne County Museum and Pony Express National Monument are but a few of Sidney’s many attractions.

ing year it was renamed Fort Sidney and was active through the Indian wars. At its height, the fort had 40 buildings. The fort was closed in 1894, but today, three buildings remain in what is now a residential neighborhood on the east side of town.

The grounds of former Boot Hill Cemetery that was established by the military in 1868 has recently been restored and features interpretive panels with stories about some of the people who were buried there. The cemetery was used until

1889, and 211 bodies were removed and relocated in 1922.

At Sixth and Jackson streets, Fort Sidney Museum and Post Commander’s Home consists of three buildings, the Officers’ Quarters, which is a museum of Sidney’s colorful past, and the Post Commander’s Home, which has been restored with original and other period furnishings. The third building still standing is an octagonal stone building that used to be the fort’s powder magazine. It is now attached to a private home at 1545 Fifth Ave. All three buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Fort Sidney Complex is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Memorial Day-Labor Day. (308) 254-4419. Annual Christmas Lamplight tours are one of the area’s most popular events and begin here after Thanksgiving and continue through December.

The Christ Episcopal Church in Sidney was built in 1866 and was the original church of Fort Sidney. Worshippers gather today at 1205 10th Ave. in the same building where Native Americans and early settlers and travelers once gathered to worship.

Half a century after Fort Sidney closed, Sidney again became home to a major military facility. The Sioux Army Depot, built in 1942, held tons of military equipment and ammunition. Located six miles west and two miles north of Sidney, the site once covered 36 square miles. It closed in 1967, but its odd igloo-shaped structures that once housed ammunition still stand today and are accessible through a driving tour.

Twenty-nine Sidney buildings have earned National Register of Historic Place designations. It is the only city in Western Nebraska with a “Historic District” designation.

When a local man suggested putting up a flagpole for the War Memorial in Legion Park and Memorial Gardens, local residents decided that just any old ordinary flagpole wasn’t enough to honor the sacrifice of Cheyenne County’s many veterans.

Volunteers and local companies converted a blown-down interstate light pole into a flag pole, anchoring it steadfastly with 20 tons of concrete and rebar. It stands 140 feet tall and is the tallest flagpole in the

CHEYENNE COUNTY

WILD WEST • 59

Joshua Hardin

The Sidney water tower beacons shoppers to the nearby Cabela’s Superstore. Right, The former Fort Sidney Officer’s Quarters exists today as the Cheyenne County Museum.

state of Nebraska. The flag itself is mammoth, measuring 20 feet tall and 38 feet wide.

The park, at 11th and Toledo, features a railroad monument, a new pond stocked with fish, handicap-accessible fishing docks, a charming gazebo and a modern playground for children. The Living Memorial Gardens is home of “Nebraska’s First Angel of Hope” (based on the Christmas Box Angel). The park is a starting point for a paved walking trail that winds through most of the city of Sidney.

For visitors seeking more of a workout, the Cheyenne County Community Center, 627 Toledo, near Legion Park offers indoor sports and exercise facilities, including basketball and racquetball courts, running tracks and weight lifting equipment. There is an admission

60 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Nebraska Tourism

charge; however, visitors to Sidney can receive free admission. Open year-round 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

(308) 254-7000.

Located on bluffs overlooking Sidney, Hillside Municipal Golf Course incorporates the area’s rugged Western terrain into a championship-caliber 18-hole pub-

lic golf course. The course winds through a beautiful canyon, offering spectacular views of Sidney and the surrounding countryside. (308) 254-2311.

Test your marksmanship at the Sidney Shooting Park, which offers target shooting lanes and sporting clays courses. From I-80 exit 59, go north to U.S. Highway 30, then go west to Green-

wood Road, then go three miles north.

The shooting park is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Reasonably priced, 50 sporting clays are $15; 100 are $25. (308) 254-4577.

In 1874, a military expedition led by George Armstrong Custer discovered gold in the Black Hills. Though a treaty reserved the Black Hills for the Sioux Indians, the Army stopped enforcing it.

Interlopers trespassed by the thousands and soon a major gold rush was under way – and it led to a tragic war between the Sioux tribe and the United States, a war in which Custer himself was famously killed in the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

For would-be gold miners, Sidney became a popular jumping-off place, leaving behind the ease of railroad travel and heading overland by horse, oxen, mule and wagon up the 267-mile Sidney-to-Deadwood Trail. Through the early 1880s, the trail carried most of the gold rush traffic, including rich

gold shipments from the Black Hills in South Dakota.

On Highway 30 west of town, a historical marker indicates where wagon ruts from the trail are still visible up the valley across the Union Pacific tracks. Highway 30 is also part of the old Lincoln Highway, which in the 1920s became the first paved coast-to-coast auto route.

Today, the Nebraska portion of U.S. Highway 385 is designated the Gold Rush Byway. From the Colorado to the South Dakota state lines, the highway connects Sidney with Bridgeport, Alliance and Chadron. It follows the old trail for much of the way and rolls through some of the most spectacular country in the state of Nebraska. Heading north from Sidney, the highway passes through the towns of Gurley and Dalton before descending dramatically into the North Platte Valley beside Courthouse and Jail rocks near the western Nebraska community of Bridgeport.

HOTELS & MOTELS

Joshua Hardin

Phone

Rooms

Americas 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

51-75

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

308-254-0100

64

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

75+

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

308-254-5011

55

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast

51-75+

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

75+

El Palomino Motel, 2220 Illinois St, W. US Hwy 30, Sidney

308-254-5566

18

Ft. Sidney Inn, 935 9th Ave, 1 blk S. of post office on US Hwy 30, Sidney. www.fortsidneyinnmotelne.com

308-254-9106

51

Outdoor pool, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

1-75+

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

308-254-4527

13

Pets allowed

1-75

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

308-254-2111

74

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast

51-75

Country Inn & Suites, 664 Chase Blvd, Sidney

308-254-2000

85

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, indoor pool, pets allowed

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

308-254-5463

47

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed

Sidney Motor Lodge, 2031 Illinois St, W. US Hwy 30, Sidney

308-254-4581

18

Pets allowed

1-75

Sleep 4 Le$$, 954 E. Elm St, I-80 Exit 59, 2 1/2 mi. N. to US Hwys 30 & 385,www.sleepforlessmotel.com

308-254-4009 877-220-0109

11

Pets allowed

51-75

Amenities

Fees

CAMPGROUNDS

Phone

Open

Amenities

Rate Range

1-50

75+

Bear Family RV Park, I-80 Exit 59, E. US Hwy 30, Sidney

308-254-6074

June-Oct

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 25 trailers. Rest Facilities: Showers, flush toilets. Camping: unlimited tents.

25

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

308-254-7177

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 31trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 6 tents.

Call for rates

GOLF COURSES Hillside Golf Course, 2616 Hillside Dr, Sidney

Phone 308-254-2311

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

18, public

Rate Range 15-30

CHEYENNE COUNTY

WILD WEST • 61

Sidney Events Gold Rush Days Date 12-13. The Old West comes alive with quickdraw competitions, a chuck wagon cookout and fun for all. (866) 545-4030.

Cheyenne County Fair and Rodeo July 19-25. This county fair goes back to the roots of such events with marksmanship contests and 4-H exhibits, livestock shows and judging, rodeo, dog show, horse shows plus more. (308) 250-1976.

Oktoberfest Oct. 2-4. Hundreds of classic cars will be lined up, side by side, for inspection by judges, and hundreds of enthusiastic gearheads. There will be a show and shine at Legion park, and a parade, farmer’s market, crafts and entertainment, all helping make this a fun-filled festival. (308) 254-2932.

Downtown Christmas Kickoff On Small Business Saturday. Enjoy a parade of lights, refreshments, a visit from Santa and a tree lighting in Hickory Street Square. (308) 254-5851.

Lamplight Tours Always the day after Thanksgiving. The Fort Sidney Museum and Post Commander’s Home come alive in this holiday gala. (308) 254-5851.

62 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Northeast of Sidney, just off of Highway 385, the Gold Rush Scenic Byway, visitors can find one of the state’s most interesting greenhouses. And, it’s interesting too that the owners of Ricky and Lucy’s Country Greenhouse, 11732 Road 32, are neither named Ricky nor Lucy. In 2003, Terri and Dan Wolff opened the business in a renovated 1800s era barn, and their organic farm offers much more than greenery. Organic herbs, vegetables, pastas, coffees and gourmet hot chocolates are among the offerings. There’s a gift shop with bath and body products, Roman-inspired statuary, pottery and more. (877) 254-2204.

Six miles west of Sidney, the I-80 Golden Link marks where the last segment of Interstate 80 was completed in 1974. The link is a 6-inch strip of brass plates embedded in both lanes of the thoroughfare, signifying the joining of Western and Eastern Nebraska.

For more information about Sidney, contact the Cheyenne County Visitors Committee. (866) 545-4030.

Potter

You don’t have to go far out of your way to visit downtown Potter – it’s just a minute’s drive from I-80. Unwind at city parks or at the Reading Garden beside the library downtown.

Across the street, in one of several restored historic buildings, Potter Sundry is an old-fashioned soda fountain that serves homemade food and ice cream desserts. The Tin Roof Sundaes are a legendary sweet retreat from the fast lane.

The Chestnut Street Memory Station antique store is next door. Nearby is A Collective Gathering Flea Market, and the old Lincoln Highway Cafe, now known as Bags Bar and Steakhouse.

The Railroad Museum on Front Street displays Union Pacific Railroad History.

Potter Historical Museum on Sherman Street has artifacts from Potter. Both museums are open by appointment.

(308) 879-4356.

Prairie Pines Golf Course is a links style nine-hole course. Cart rental available. (308) 879-4469.

Three miles east of Potter on U.S. Highway 30 is the historic Point of Rocks, where railroad crews laying the Union Pacific line east of Potter clashed with Indians.

The altercations provided the impetus to establish Fort Sidney. The track here, called Buffalo Bend, is the sharpest curve on the Union Pacific line. Lodgepole Creek, which runs along the track, is the longest creek in the world. Lodging and camping facilities are located beneath the Point, just south of Highway 30, including Point of Rocks Motel and Campground.

For more information about Potter, contact the Cheyenne County Visitors Committee. (866) 545-4030.

Lodgepole

Old Settlers’ Days is the big event of the year for Lodgepole. A rib cook-off, mud volleyball tournament, king and queen reception and crowning, free watermelon feed and more take place during the four day celebration during Labor Day weekend.

Lake McConaughy is less than an hour’s drive from Lodgepole. The community has two public parks, and the many different corn mazes, hay bale

Christopher Amundson

With three small lanes, squatty bowling pins and bowling balls only six inches in diameter, Potter is home to a “duckpin” bowling alley.

mazes, hay rack rides and other activities at Hazel’s Pumpkin patch have people coming from miles each autumn. The Lodgepole Depot Museum, 1424 Peterson Blvd., displays horse buggies, antique furniture and historical clothing inside the old train depot. Open by appointment. (308) 483-5517.

Lemoyne

The community of Lemoyne, near where Lonergan Creek meets Lake McConaughy, had its all time high population of 90 in 1960.

There were just a few souls less than that in the last census. Lemoyne is holding its own. With boat docks, recreational facilities, fuel, bait, food, resorts and lodging available, its a relaxing place to be.

CHEYENNE COUNTY

WILD WEST • 63

HOTELS & MOTELS

Phone

Rooms

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

308-355-2102

23

Restaurant on premises, pets allowed

1-75+

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

308-355-2222

21

Restaurant on premises, pets allowed

51-75+

Pleasant View Lodge at Otter Creek, 1290 Hwy 92 W., Lemoyne. Lake McConaughy. www.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+

Point of Rocks Motel & Campground, 8175 US Hwy 30, 2 1/2 mi. E. Potter

308-879-4400

9

CAMPGROUNDS

Amenities

Rate Range

1-50

Phone

Open

Admiral’s Cove Resort, 999 Lemoyne Rd, Lemoyne www.admiralscoveresort.com

308-355-2102

May-Sep 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

May-Oct

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

Call for rates

M&S Campground & Trailer Park, 1325 Front St, Potter I-80 Exit 38

308-879-4224

Year Round

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

Call for rates

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

308-879-4400

May-Nov

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

Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 10 tents.

Call for rates

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

Phone 308-879-4469

Amenities

Fees

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

9, public

Rate Range Under 15

Potter Events Potter Days – Potter Labor Day weekend. This 84th annual event includes a fun run, duck race, prize drawings, parade and more.

(308) 879-4332.

64 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Teaching a man to fish is never more fun than while looking for lunkers at Nebraska’s largest reservoir, Lake McConaughy, and at nearby Lake Ogallala.

Ogallala

Ogallala was the “Gomorrah of the cattle trail,” wrote Andy Adams, a trail driver who first saw the town in 1875.

In the 1870s and 1880s, Ogallala was the end of the trail as cowboys drove herds of longhorns up from Texas to be shipped east on the Union Pacific Railroad. After long, hard months in the saddle, cowboys were ready for a good time when they reached town.

Today, visitors to Nebraska’s “Cowboy Capital” can enjoy Wild West entertainment at Front Street. The 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. Adjacent attractions are the Front Street Steakhouse and the Cowboy Museum, a free museum that includes a jail, barbershop, funeral parlor and cowboy and Native American artifacts. (308) 284-6000.

The renowned Petrified Wood Gallery

Christopher Amundson

has a newly expanded gallery at 481 E. First St. It features the petrified wood art of the Kewfield brothers. (308) 284-9996.

The Mansion on the Hill was Ogallala’s finest home when it was built in 1887. It is open Memorial Day through mid-September as a Victorian period residence museum. It is 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.”

Seventeen miles northeast of town, Haythorn Land & Cattle Co. is a fifthgeneration ranch offering wagon rides and chuck wagon dinners. They prepare and ship mesquite-smoked meats and homemade butter fudge across the nation. (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 northeast of Ogallala, Lake McConaughy

KEITH COUNTY

WILD WEST • 65

is Nebraska’s largest 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.

Just below Kingsley Dam is Lake Ogallala. It covers half a square mile and offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout and yellow perch. It’s also a good backup destination if wind curtails water sports on the big lake.

South of Ogallala, at Meadowlark HOTELS & MOTELS

Hill, one might expect to see birds.

What people come here to see, and smell, are lilacs in full bloom.

More than 40 years in the making, Max and Darlene Peterson’s passion has grown to fill 14 acres with the flower, and its the world’s largest private collection of lilacs. (308) 284-2524.

For more information about Ogallala and Lake McConaughy, contact the Ogallala/Keith County Chamber of Commerce. (800) 658-4390.

Keith County Events Eagle Viewing – Lake McConaughy/Lake Ogallala Late December through the first weekend of March. Water discharged from the Kingsley Hydroplant creates open water on Lake Ogallala, attracting bald eagles.

View from the heated facility below the dam. (800) 658-4390.

Phone

Rooms

Best Western Stagecoach Inn, 201 Stagecoach Trail, Ogallala www.bestwesternnebraska.com

308-284-3656

100

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

51-75

Comfort Inn, 110 Pony Express Rd, Ogallala www.choicehotels.com

308-284-4028

49

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast

51-75

Days Inn, 601 Stagecoach Trail, Ogallala www.daysinn.com

308-284-6365

31

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

1-75+

Elms Motel, 717 W. First St, Ogallala

308-284-3404

12

Holiday Inn Express and South Platte Cabins & Kennels LLC, 501 Stagecoach Dr, Ogallala I-80 Exit 126 N. to service road, 1/4 mi. E.

308-284-2266 888-922-3691

71

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

75+

Kingsley Lodge, 1510 N. Hwy 61, Ogallala

308-284-2775

17

Pets allowed

1-75

Lazy K Motel, 1501 E. 1st St, Ogallala N. of I-80 Exit 126

308-284-4056

19

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+

Pump & Pantry Motel, 730 E. 1st, Ogallala Turn right at the overpass, 5 blks

308-284-6119

15

Pets allowed

1-75

Rodeway Inn, 108 Prospector Dr, I-80 Exit 126, Ogallala www.rodewayinn.com

308-284-2056

40

Free continental breakfast, pets allowed

1-50

Super 8 Motel, 500 E. A St S., I-80 Exit 126, Ogallala www.super8.com

308-284-2076

90

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

1-75

Amenities

Fees

CAMPGROUNDS

Amenities

Rate Range

1-75

1-50

Phone

Open

Cottonwood Grove, 1045 Keystone Roscoe Rd, Ogallala

308-284-2282

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 10 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 6 tents.

20-30

Country View Campground, 120 Rd E. 80, Ogallala I-80 Exit 126, S. 1/2 mi., left at John Deere. www.cvcampground.com

308-284-2415

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 50 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 12 tents.

27-30

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

308-287-2673 866-866-5253

Mar 1Dec 30

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 21 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 16 tents. Cabin Rentals: 17

Call for rates

Lake McConaughy SRA, 1475 NE Hwy 61 N., 9 mi. N.E., Ogallala. www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov

308-284-8800

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 242 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush and pit toilets. Camping: Unlimited tents.

Call for rates

Lake Ogallala SRA, 1475 NE Hwy 61 N., Ogallala.10 mi.

N., E. side of dam, www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov

308-284-8800

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 82 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush and pit toilets. Camping: Unlimited tents.

Call for rates

Sleepy Sunflower RV Park, 221 Rd E. 85, Ogallala. I-80 Exit 126 S. www.sleepysunflower.com

308-284-1300

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 48 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets. Camping: 10 tents.

23-26

Van’s Lake View Fishing Camp, Brule, 13 mi. N.W. of I-80 on US Hwy 26, #1 Lake View. www.vanslakeview.com.

308-284-4965

May 1 -Nov 1

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 100 trailers. Rest Facilities: Showers, flush and pit toilets. Camping: 15 tents. Cabin Rentals: 2.

12-28

GOLF COURSES West Wind Golf Club, 359 Rd E. 85, Ogallala, 1 1/2 mi. E. of I-80 Exit 126

66 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Phone 308-284-4358

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

18, public

Rate Range Over 30

Keystone

East of Kingsley Dam, Keystone is home to a most unique church. Built in 1908, the Little Church of Keystone is the result of cooperation and ingenuity. The town was too small for two churches, so this one was built as a combined Catholic/Protestant

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

Paxton

Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse began as a bar in downtown Paxton. Through the

HOTELS & MOTELS Days Inn, 851 Paxton Elsie Rd, 1-80 Exit 145, Paxton

UNIQUE LODGING

Phone

Rooms

308-239-4510

34

Phone

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

308-762-2892

CAMPGROUNDS

years, owner Ole Herstedt decorated it with more than 200 big game trophies.

(308) 239-4500.

Brule

Nine miles west of Ogallala is the community of Brule. It was founded in 1886 on the site of a former Brule Sioux encampment.

Amenities

Rate Range

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

Amenities

1-75

Rate Range

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

75+

Phone

Open

Amenities

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

308-287-2474 800-809-2921

Apr 1Oct 30

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 45 trailers.

Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets.

15+

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

308-239-4510

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

Camping: 12 tents.

20

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

Big Springs Heading west from Ogallala on I-80, you’ll come to Big Springs. The first and largest robbery of a Union Pacific train happened here in 1877. Texas outlaw Sam Bass and five companions made off with $60,000 in gold and currency. Some say that part of the loot, a stash of $20 gold pieces, is still buried nearby. A historical marker at Eiker Park, on the west side of town, tells the story of the famous robbery.

The town is named for a natural spring.

From the town’s founding through 1950, the spring supplied water for Union Pacific steam locomotives. Today, walking trails at Eiker Park lead to the spring.

The Phelps Hotel was built in 1885

Phone 308-284-4358

Year Round

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

18, public

to house railroad workers staying in Big Springs between shifts. It is open for tours by appointment. (308) 889-3625.

Western Nebraska is sod house country.

The Waterman Sod House is among the last of them still standing. It’s five miles north of Big Springs on Day Road. For more information, contact the Big Springs Chamber of Commerce. (308) 889-3681.

Chappell

Fees

Travelers see grain elevators aplenty along I-80, but none with a paint job like the Farmers Elevator in Chappell. An American flag measuring 52 feet by 100 feet is painted on its south side. The curves of the silos make the flag look like it’s waving. Chappell is a convenient stop for travelers looking for

Rate Range 15-30

golf, camping or fishing. The nine-hole Chappell Golf Course. Chappell Lake is just north of the interchange and offers fishing, native grasses, wildflowers and public rest rooms.

The Sudman-Neumann Heritage House at Fifth and Vincent streets is restored to its 1911 glory and filled with period furniture. It’s open 2-4 p.m. Sundays, or call (308) 874-3441 for an appointment.

You won’t find Rembrandt paintings in Chappell, but the reproductions at the Chappell Memorial Art Gallery are so good that they were long thought to be Rembrandt originals. The gallery is part of the Chappell Public Library, 289 Babcock. Call Chappell Tourist Information at (308) 874-2401.

CHEYENNE COUNTY

WILD WEST • 67

Deuel, Kimball and Banner County Events Kimball Ranch Rodeo – Kimball June 13. Competitors from Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and Kansas compete in individual and team rodeo events to ride broncs, milk wild cows, load trailers and brand cattle. Vendors will keep everyone fed and a beer garden will flow, too. See real cowboys show the skills they use everyday in Western Nebraska. (308) 241-1760.

Bushnell Day – Bushnell Aug. 15. Take a break from the summer heat and find a shady spot from which to watch the parade. Visit the craft fair, sample a variety of delicious foods, try your luck at prize-winning raffles and much more in this tiny Western community. (308) 230-0683.

Farmer’s Day – Kimball Sept. 25-27. Kimball honors those who grow our food with this flavorful smorgasbord of fun. Last year’s event had 2,000 burgers grilling and this year will be even better. There’s a pie auction and bake sale, best salsa contest, garden tractor pull, parade, silent auction and more in honor of the American farmer. www.kimballbannercountychamber.com.

HOTELS & MOTELS Motel 6, 111 Circle Rd, I-80 Exit 107, Big Springs

UNIQUE LODGING Phelps Hotel, 401 Pine St, Big Springs The Bunkhouse B&B and Stables, 30914 Cty Rd 2, Big Springs. www.cowboybunkhouse.com

CAMPGROUNDS Creekside RV Park, N. of I-80 Exit 85, Chappell HQH Stables & Campground, 1625 Rd 203, Big Springs www.a-chordpublishing.com

Phone

Rooms

308-889-3671

62

Phone

Amenities

Rate Range

Indoor pool, pets allowed

1-75

Amenities

Rate Range

308-889-3580

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

51-75+

308-464-1224

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

51-75

Phone

Open

Fees

308-874-2267 888-871-2267

Year Round

877-241-8653

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

12.50-25

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

AprOct 31

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

25-30

The Bunkhouse RV Park & 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. Cabin Rentals: 1.

Call for rates

GOLF COURSES Chappell Golf Course, US Hwy 385, Chappell

Kimball

Kimball began as a railroad construction camp. Because of large herds of pronghorn in the area, the railroad called the new station Antelope, and the new village, Antelopeville. In 1885, the growing settlement was renamed for railroad executive

68 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Phone 308-874-2729

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

9, public

Thomas Kimball.

Kimball’s history is displayed at the Plains Historical Museum.

After oil was discovered in Kimball County in 1950, Kimball became known as the “Oil Capital of Nebraska.”

It soon had another title – “Missile Center, U.S.A.” The area’s first Atlas missile

Rate Range Under 15

site was completed in 1961. Today, some 200 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles are housed in the tristate area.

For an insider’s look at missile silos, visitors can tour the home of Don and Charlene Zwonitzer south of Kimball.

The Zwonitzers purchased and converted

a silo into their 15,000-square-foot home.

(308) 235-2708.

Kimball bills itself as the “High Point of Nebraska.” The elevation of Panorama Point is 5,424 feet. It is easily walked to. The Kimball County Tourism offers tongue-in-cheek certificates to those who reach the summit. Call (308) 241-0573. Nearby, the Tri-State Marker shows the spot where Nebraska,

Wyoming and Colorado meet.

Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area has a 270-acre lake for fishing and boating, and sandy beaches. (402) 436-3777.

Four Winds Golf Course is two miles east of town. The 18-hole green fee is good for as may holes you can play in a day. (308) 235-4241. For more information on Kimball, contact Kimball County Tourism. (308) 241-0573.

HOTELS & MOTELS

Harrisburg

Turning north from Kimball, State Highway 71 will take you past the little village of Harrisburg.

The Banner County Museum is an 11-building complex that includes a 19th-century log schoolhouse, sod house, log cabin, 1910 barn, pioneer church and the old Banner County Bank.

(308) 436-4514.

Phone

Rooms

1st Interstate Inn, 1704 S. NE Hwy 71, Kimball www.1stinns.com

308-235-4601

29

Restaurant on premises, pets allowed

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

308-235-4671

30

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

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

308-235-4606

16

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed

1-50

Sleep 4 Less, 600 W. US Hwy 30, Kimball. I-80 Exit 22

308-235-4878

25

Pets allowed

1-75

Super 8 Motel, 1701 S. Hwy 71, Kimball. I-80 Exit 20 & Hwy 71

308-235-4888

57

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

1-75+

Amenities

Fees

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

GOLF COURSES Four Winds, E. US Hwy 30, Kimball

Phone 308-254-2377

Phone 308-235-4241

Open Year Round

Amenities

Rate Range 1-50

RV Amenities: water, room for 75 trailers. Rest Facilities: pit toilets Camping: 100 tents.

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

18 holes, public

DEUEL, KIMBALL & BANNER COUNTIES

51-75+

No fee

Rate Range 15-30

WILD WEST • 69

Sandhills and

Scenic Rivers

70 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

GETTING STARTED

You’ll find sand and hills on almost every continent, but you’ll only find the Sandhills in Nebraska.

Drive on through this area of grass-stabilized sand dunes and your jaw may drop down to Kansas as these towering grassy hills resemble endless waves rolling in from the sea. Running through its northern shores is the Niobrara River, a bucket-list float for anyone who has ever put a paddle to water, and recognized as one of the 10 best canoeing rivers in the United States.

Hills become tidal waves of hand-planted trees at the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey and Thedford. Romantics and rodeo queens love Valentine.

Look for Dobby’s Frontier town, and the half-buried corpses of old cars at Carhenge, both at Alliance. Heavenly cattle ranches and pristine lakes beautify this region of more than 19,000 square miles of Sandhills and Scenic Rivers Country.

Alan J. Bartels

CHERRY COUNTY

With plenty of parking available, Carhenge is one of Nebraska’s most visited attractions.

SANDHILLS & SCENIC BYWAYS • 71

SANDHILLS & SCENIC RIVERS

Alliance • Hemingford Hyannis • Ashby • Mullen Tryon • Arthur • Seneca Thedford • Halsey Merriman • Nenzel Cody • Valentine

Alan J. Bartels

The Central Park Fountain in Alliance has provided relief from hot Sandhills summers since 1935. It was renovated in 2007 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Below, the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center records and exhibits life in the Sandhills.

Alliance

Alliance has a long lineage of agriculture, business, industry and railroading.

Rogues, rascals and visionaries have colored the town’s history and distinguished the community. Alliance has grown from a frontier town in the American West to 9,000 residents and a variety of

businesses, amenities and attractions.

Located at the intersection of Highways 2 and Highway 385, Alliance is the largest city for 50 miles in any direction.

Two-and-a-half miles north of Alliance on Highway 87, Carhenge is perhaps the strangest attraction in Nebraska.

The full-scale replica of England’s famous Stonehenge is built entirely from old cars.

Knight Museum and Sandhills Center

72 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Local resident Jim Reinders got the idea in 1982 when his family gathered at the family farm after his father died. They decided to build a tribute to his father and gathered five years later to begin.

Carhenge is built from 38 cars, painted gray. Some are half-buried, others are welded together, and some jut from the ground at odd angles – mimicking the present semi-ruined configuration of Stonehenge.

In recent years, more automobile sculptures have been added. Just a short walk from Carhenge – fun, quirky pieces include “Spawning Salmon” (a car that looks like giant salmon bursting from the ground); and “The Fourd Seasons” (representing the four stages of wheat grown in the area). Admission to the grounds is free, and there’s a small visitor center and gift shop where you can smash a penny for your own Carhenge souvenir.

Back in town, displays at the 19,000-square-foot Knight Museum and Sandhills Center span many aspects of western life, including an extensive display of Native American artifacts, railroad memorabilia from the 1880s to the present, military history from the cavalry era to Alliance’s World War II air base, homestead and ranch life, and the array of ethnic cultures that shaped the area.

9 12

14 13

17 Snake River

10 11 1 North Loup River

WELCOME CENTERS/ REST AREAS

5

6

Middle Loup River



2 3 4 7

15 16

Dismal River

8

Attractions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Alliance has grown from a frontier town in the American West to 9,000 residents and a variety of amenities and attractions.

The museum’s research center houses the largest collection of genealogy material in the region. Volunteers are available for one-on-one assistance in perusing the thousands of records available. To get there, turn north on Yellowstone Avenue from highways 385 and 2. The museum is at 908 Yellowstone. (308) 762-2384.

The Carnegie Arts Center is a gallery featuring local and regional artists, gifts and a sculpture garden. This center hosts renowned art shows such as installations of original Rembrandt and Albrecht Durer prints. It is housed in a historic

1911 building at 204 W. Fourth St. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Closed holidays. (308) 7624571.

Dobby’s Frontier Town, 320 E. 25th St., is a historic village with buildings from the 1890s through Prohibition. All are filled with period furnishings. Buildings include a general store and meat market, a mortuary (complete with a glass-topped coffin), a log cabin built by the area’s first black homesteader, an early gas station, a replica 1880s post office, a Chinese laundry, a saloon, a

BOX BUTTE COUNTY

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Box Butte Reservoir Carnegie Arts Center Knight Museum and Sandhills Center Carhenge Dobby’s Frontier Town Nebraska Veterans Cemetery Sandhills Movie Drive-In Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge Arthur Bowring Sandhills Ranch State Historical Park Merritt Reservoir Valentine National Wildlife Refuge Niobrara National Scenic River Smith Falls State Park Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge Canoeing, tubing, kayaking Nebraska National Forest – Bessey Ranger District Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

SANDHILLS & SCENIC BYWAYS • 73

15

bootlegger’s cabin and a bordello. Call ahead for hours. (308) 762-4321.

With 140 acres of public space, Alliance is proud of its extensive park system. Central Park is the city’s oldest, and its Central Park Fountain is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Other Alliance parks include Laing Lake and Bower Park, and there are also several mini-parks throughout the city. The Central Park Fountain is in operation

Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 1.

After dark, it features a lights-and-water display. Nearby, at 11th and Niobrara, Sallows Conservatory and Arboretum features tropical and sub-tropical plants.

Paths wind throughout the flowers of the Sunken Gardens. North of town, Laing Lake Park has ducks, geese and good fishing from shoreline or pier. Railroad buffs can stop at the corner of Laing Lake Park and visit Locomotive 719 and

Alliance Events Thunder on the Prairie June 5-7. Classic cars cruise to the music of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Also poker run, barbecue and dance. Located in Central Park. www.354cruisers.com (308) 762-2761.

Follow the Rails Art Trail Oct 16-18. Explore art and natural wonders along Highway 2, the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway. Art showings span the byway and culminate in Alliance. www.sandhillsjourney.com Summer Solstice Celebration June 20-21. Carhenge, that quirky replica of England’s Stonehenge is famous in itself. Any day is good to visit, but on summer’s longest day, people gather before dawn to watch the sun rise through and over the circle of monolithic vehicles. www.Carhenge.com.

Dobby’s Fall Festival Sept. 19-20. Quick draw competition, live music, storytelling, bake sale, Dutch oven cooking, church service and more. www.dobbysfrontiertown.com.

(308) 762-4321.

Heritage Days July 14-19. Join us for family fun for all at the sidewalk sales, carnival, parade and Sunday in the Park. Check us out on Facebook for more details. (308) 762-1520.

74 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

HOTELS & MOTELS

Phone

Rooms

Amenities

1st Interstate Inn, 1207 W. 3rd St, W. on Hwy 2 & US Hwy 385, Alliance

308-762-4040

42

Pets allowed

Alliance Hotel and Suites, 117 Cody Ave, 3rd & Cody Sts, Alliance

308-762-8000

60

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast

American Inn, 1419 W. 3rd St, Alliance

308-762-8300

39

Free continental breakfast, pets allowed

Holiday Inn Express, 1420 W. 3rd St, Alliance www.hiexpress.com/alliancene

308-762-7600

60

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast

Rainbow Motel, 614 W. 3rd St, Alliance

308-762-4980

13

Restaurant on premises, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

1-50

Sunset Motel & RV Park, 1210 E. Hwy 2, Alliance www.clicksunset.com

308-762-8660

20

Indoor pool, pets allowed

49-75

UNIQUE LODGING Grandma Lala’s Bed and Breakfast, 1232 Box Butte Ave, Alliance

CAMPGROUNDS

Phone 308-762-2925

Rate Range 1-50

Amenities

51-75+ 1-75 51-75+

Rate Range

4 Rooms with private bath, morning brunch included

Phone

Open

J&C RV Park, 2491 S. US Hwy 385, Alliance

308-762-3860

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 13 trailers.

Call for rates

Sunset RV Park, 1210 E. Hwy 2, Alliance www.clicksunset.com

308-762-8660 800-767-8660

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 24 trailers. Rest Facilities: showers, flush toilets, indoor pool.

18-30

GOLF COURSES Sky View, 2613 Cty Rd 57, Alliance

Phone 308-762-1446

Amenities

Fees

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

18, public

BOX BUTTE COUNTY

Rate Range 15-30

SANDHILLS & SCENIC BYWAYS • 75

a vintage coal car. The park, bordered by 18th Street, Box Butte Avenue, Burnham Drive and Emerson Avenue, also has two miles of walking trails.

During World War II, Alliance was home to the Alliance Air Base, a site chosen for its proximity to the Sandhills, which were considered excellent for parachute and ammunition training.

The 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment trained here before landing in Normandy hours before the D-Day invasion. As a result, a large number of D-Day casualties were known personally to the people of Alliance. Today, the former air base is the Alliance Municipal Airport.

In 2010, in tribute to those gallant heroes, Nebraska Veterans Cemetery was opened at the former Alliance Army Air Field on 20 acres once used as a troop training field. These 20 acres rest near the airport, which is east of Alliance, south of Highway 2. (877) 402-7990.

The Sallows Military Museum, 1100 Niobrara St., features artifacts from the air base and Box Butte County history from all military branches. It is open 1-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and by appointment. (308) 762-2385 or (308) 762-2384.

Alliance’s downtown brick-lined main street, Box Butte Avenue, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has an associated Historic Main Street organization. There are numerous shops, restaurants and other businesses in the downtown district.

For more information please contact the Alliance Visitors’ Bureau at (877) 269-8776 or the Alliance Chamber of Commerce at (800) 738-0648. www.VisitAlliance.com UNIQUE LODGING

Alan J. Bartels

Volunteers put up Hemingford’s Avenue of Flags on Independence Day and other holidays.

Hemingford

Hemingford is 18 miles northwest of Alliance and features year-round holiday events, including the Harvest Moon Festival in October and the Avenue of Flags. Hemingford displays more than 200 American flags along its streets during various holidays, such as July 4th weekend, Flag Day, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day and others. Each historic flag once draped the casket of a veteran from the area, some of whom served in conflicts dating back to the Civil War. In early August, Hemingford is home to the Box Butte County Fair. During the Christmas season, Hemingford displays its Christmas Diorama. The drivethru diorama, depicting scenes painted on wood panels, stretches nearly three football fields in length.

Box Butte Reservoir, a 1,600-acre lake

Phone

and recreational area, is 10 miles north of town. It offers excellent fishing, boating, swimming, windsurfing and sailing, and is part of a state recreation area with picnic areas, hiking and primitive camping.

For more information contact the Hemingford Chamber of Commerce.

(308) 487-3300.

Hemingford Events Harvest Moon Fall Festival Oct. 17. Join in this autumn bash featuring Pumpkin Chunkin, Spud Gun Contest, a scarecrow competition, Outhouse Races, and Cornshucking Relay. www.hemingfordevents.com.

Amenities

Rate Range

Patriot Inn B&B, 851 Cty Rd 71, Hemingford www.bbc.net/~patriotinn

308-487-1776

Rooms with private bath, continental breakfast

51-75

The Cottage, 405 Shoshone Ave, Hemingford www.visitboxbutte.com

308-487-5272

Private cottage with full kitchen, rooms with shared bath, laundry facilities

51-75

Phone

Open

Amenities

Fees

Box Butte Reservoir SRA, 9 1/2 mi. N., Hemingford. On the Niobrara River. www.outdoornebraska.ne.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

Shared Outdoors, 130 Old Dunlap Rd, Hemingford sharedoutdoors.com

308-487-3426

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer. Rest Facilities: Showers, pit and flush toilets. Camping: available.

20-40

CAMPGROUNDS

GOLF COURSES Hemingford Golf Course, Fremont St, Hemingford

76 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Phone 308-487-3639

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

9, public

Rate Range Under 15

Hyannis

Hyannis is home of the Windmill Days celebration each June. Look for the windmill in the center of Main Street and you’re in the right place to partake in the festivities.

The Grant County Museum at the county courthouse, 105 E. Harrison, displays area history and oddities such as props from John Wayne’s stunt man and a world-class barbed wire collection. Open 1-4 p.m.

Tuesday-Wednesday, or by appointment.

(308) 458-2371. Golfers can shoot nine holes at Pelican Beach Golf Course. Open to the public. (308) 458-2579.

Ashby

The village of Ashby is big on creativity. Ashby Fun Day brings the regional community together each June for fun

HOTELS & MOTELS

Phone

Rooms

Double JT & Hyannis Hotel, 1025 Main Ave, Hyannis

308-458-2332

11

Ranchland Motel, 305 E Hwy 2, Hyannis

308-458-2264

6

UNIQUE LODGING

Phone

and games, barbecue, music and dancing.

(308) 577-6766. Just passing by? Cross the tracks and find a treat at the old soda fountain cafe on Main St. There are no sundaes or malts at CaLinda’s Pot Shop and Art Gallery, but you can shop owner Linda Lacy’s creations of clay and canvas.

Never made pottery of your own? Stop in and throw your own pot. (308) 577-6766.

Amenities

Rate Range

Restaurant on premises

51-75

Amenities

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

CAMPGROUNDS

Phone

Ranchland Motel Campground, 305 E. Hwy 2, Hyannis

308-458-2264

Simpson’s Trailer Court, 316 Morton St, Hyannis

308-458-2354

GOLF COURSES Pelican Beach Golf Club, 2 1/4 mi. E. on Hwy 2, Hyannis

Phone 308-458-2579

Open

51-75

Amenities

75+

Fees

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer.

Year Round

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

Camping: unlimited tents.

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

9, public

BOX BUTTE & GRANT COUNTIES

Call for rates

Rate Range Under 15

SANDHILLS & SCENIC BYWAYS • 77

78 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Nebraska Tourism

For a hot time in the middle of winter take a cool trip with the Polar Bear Tank Race at Mullen.

Mullen

West of Thedford on Highway 2, Mullen sits at the geographic heart of the Sandhills. For a region that is known for its striking beauty, it’s appropriate, although surprising, that one of the world’s best golf courses is here.

Sand Hills Golf Club is an 18-hole private course designed by pro golfer Ben Crenshaw and design partner Bill Coore.

Golf Digest ranks Sand Hills number one in the Modern List.

To get to the course, go 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 either be members or sponsored guests.

The Nebraska Sandhills are also home to the Dismal River Club, another world-class private course. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Dismal River Club is links golf in its purest form: rugged, windblown, hard and fast. The course is located two miles south and 17 miles

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

UNIQUE LODGING

Phone 308-546-2206 888-278-6167

Phone

Rooms 19

southwest of Mullen. (308) 546-2900.

Mullen also has a fine public nine-hole course on the west edge of town called Mullen Golf Club. (308) 546-2446.

Experienced canoers and kayakers can test their skills on the Dismal River south of Mullen. The Dismal is a fastflowing, spring-fed river with plenty of twists and sunken debris that make it a natural obstacle course.

Along the trip, canoers and kayakers are treated to a swim in a large spring from which water and sand upswell from

Amenities

Rate Range

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, outdoor pool, pets allowed

Amenities

Rate Range

Carter Morris House, 102 NW 3rd St. , Mullen

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

308-546-2314 866-217-2042

Secluded furnished cabins, rooms with private and shared bath, sleeps 16

CAMPGROUNDS Glidden Sandhills Campground, 507 S.W. 1st, Mullen (W. Hwy 2) www.sandhillsmotel.com

GOLF COURSES

Phone

Open

308-546-2206 888-278-6167

Year Round

Phone

1-75

Amenities

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

308-546-2900

18, semi-private

Mullen Golf Course, 102 N. Veteran - W. Hwy 2, Mullen

308-546-2445

9, public

HOOKER COUNTY

75+

Fees

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 10 trailers.

Rest Facilities: shower and flush toilets.

Dismal River Golf Course, 83040 Dismal River Trl, Mullen

51-75+

15

Rate Range Over 30 15-30

SANDHILLS & SCENIC BYWAYS • 79

the aquifer below.

People looking for a family-friendly river trip can float or paddle down the Middle Loup River just north of Mullen.

The Middle Loup also is spring-fed and has relatively calm waters as it meanders through wide, sloping Sandhills canyons.

Canoe and kayak rental is available for both rivers. Stock tank rental is available for the Middle Loup.

The Nebraska National Forest, Bessey Ranger District lies between the two rivers and campsites are located adjacent to the rivers. The Dismal River converges into the Middle Loup River just east of Dunning. For more information on Mullen or the rivers, call (888) 278-6167.

Dismal River Outfitters is a biggame hunting ranch with more than 50,000 acres available for bison, elk, whitetail deer, mule deer and turkey hunting. The ranch is 14 miles south of Mullen. (308) 546-0567.

Mullen Events Sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chicken viewing March and April. Observe the breeding displays of native birds. (308) 546-2206.

Polar Bear Tank Race March 6-7. Competitors, some more serious than others, float the scenic Middle Loup River for the best times and bragging rights. (308) 546-2206.

80 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Tryon

The museum of the McPherson County Historical Society includes a historic bank, sod house and area artifacts.

Open by appointment. (308) 587-2376.

Arthur

Nebraska Tourism

The scenic and serene Nebraska Sandhills region is a camper and outdoorsman’s paradise.

HOTELS & MOTELS

Phone

Rooms

Amenities

The Bunkhouse, South end of Main St, Arthur

308-764-2476

4

Pets allowed

Longhorn Motel, 480 Hwy 92, Tryon. Jct Hwys 92 & 97, Tryon

308-587-2345

5

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

GOLF COURSES

Phone

Open

308-848-2228

Year Round

Phone

Augusta Wind, 1 mi. S. on US Hwy 83, Stapelton

308-636-2428

About 40 miles west of Tryon on Highway 92, Arthur is the only town in Arthur County. The ranching town boasts the world’s smallest courthouse. The 26-by28-foot white frame building was built a year after Arthur County seceded from McPherson County in 1913.

The former Pilgrim Holiness Church is one of the few places of worship ever made from baled straw.

Rate Range 1-50 1-50

Amenities

Fees

RV Amenities: electricity, room for 20 trailers. Rest Facilities: pit toilets. Camping: 100+ tents.

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

9, public

15

Rate Range Under 15

Seneca

On Main Street, Cattleman’s Restaurant has served locals and travelers for more than 20 years. Open Thursday-Sunday, (308) 639-3242. Also, the Northern Plains Studio has Native American and western art for viewing and for sale, by appointment only. (308) 639-3227.

Thedford

Nebraska Tourism

An overlook south of the town of Thedford provides a scenic view of the Dismal River Valley.

HOOKER, LOGAN, CUSTER & THOMAS COUNTY

Thedford is a crossroads community along Highway 2, from which Highway 83 leads north to Valentine.

The Thedford Art Gallery, 509 Court St., sells art, photography, sculptures and pottery. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, May 1-Dec. 30; open the rest of the year 1-5 p.m. or by appointment. (308) 645-2396. There’s also the Yellow Calf Studio, which shows and sells sculptures by appointment. (308) 645-2537.

One block west of the art gallery, the Thomas County Historical Museum depicts Sandhills history, displaying artifacts used by settlers. (308) 645-2477.

SANDHILLS & SCENIC BYWAYS • 81

Thedford Golf Course is a nine-hole public course overlooking the Middle Loup River. Cart rental available. (308) 645-2233.

Halsey

For the westbound traveler, Highway 2, the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, heads northwest from Grand Island, passes the Nebraska National Forest at Halsey, crosses the lake country of the western Sandhills, then exits the region near Alliance and turns north toward the Pine Ridge. This byway is rated in the top 10 scenic routes in the United States and is listed as one of the highways to drive in “1000 Places to See Before You Die.” The Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest covers more than 90,000 acres, and is the largest handplanted forest in the world. It is a favorite place for camping, ATV-ing, horseback riding, hiking and picnicking. Local volunteers have created a handicapped accessible Discovery Loup walking trail and are renovating an arboretum of 59 tree species. The rangers’ lookout tower offers a panoramic view of the surrounding forest and hills. The forest is open year-round.

HOTELS & MOTELS

Alan J. Bartels

The fire tower at the Nebraska National Forest watches over a forest of fun near Halsey.

Thomas County Events Thomas County Fair - Thedford

July 24-27. Thedford’s biggest bash includes a parade, live concerts, games for all, a fishing tournament and more. (308) 645-2646.

Loup 2 Loup Open Race - Halsey

Aug. 5-6. Seventeen mile car race between Halsey and Purdum. Car shows and vendors. (308) 533-2328.

Halsey Days & Scott’s Trot 5K Run-Walk

July 4. Enjoy fireworks food and activities. (308) 834-3243 & (308) 539-2566.

Phone

Rooms

Halsey Frontier Inn, 503 Hwy 2, Halsey www.halseyfrontierinn.com

308-533-2240

11

Free continental breakfast, pets allowed

1-75

Arrowhead Lodge & Café, 39293 Hwy 2, Thedford Jct Hwy 2 & US Hwy 83

308-645-2246

19

Restaurant on premises, pets allowed

1-50

Roadside Inn, 39357 E. Hwy 2, Thedford www.roadsideinn.net

308-645-2284

42

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

51-75

UNIQUE LODGING

Phone

Amenities

Amenities

Rate Range

Middle Loup River Ranch Guest House, 4 mi. W. of Halsey, Hwy 2; Mile Marker 221. www.middleloupriverranch.com

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.

Pine Street Cabin, 804 Pine St., Halsey

308-533-2345

Furnished cabin with fully equipped kitchen, on-site laundry

CAMPGROUNDS

Rate Range

75+

Phone

Open

Bessey Recreation Complex, Nebraska National Forest, 2 mi. W., Halsey www.fs.fed.us/rz/nebraska

308-533-2257

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 21 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower, pit and flush toilets. Camping: 13 tents

Halsey Frontier Inn Campground, 503 Hwy 2, Halsey www.halseyfrontierinn.com

308-533-2240

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 6 trailers. Rest Facilities: Shower and flush toilets. Camping: 6 tents. Cabin Rental.

15

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+).

10-15

Arrowhead Lodge & Café, 39293 Hwy 2, Jct Hwy 2 & US Hwy 83, Thedford. www.freewebs.com/arrowheadlodge

308-645-2246

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 8 trailers. Camping: 2 tents

13-14

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

18.50

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

82 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Phone 308-645-2634

Amenities

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

9, public

Fees 8-11

3 vehicle

Rate Range Under 15

THOMAS COUNTY

SANDHILLS & SCENIC BYWAYS • 83

Cherry County Events Heart City Bull Bash Valentine Feb. 14. The region’s best bulls are penned on Main Street for all to see. Visit with area ranchers, find treasures from vendors, and explore downtown merchants in the Old West holdout of Valentine on Valentine’s Day. (402) 376-3000.

Circle C Days – Cody May 23. Cody, who’s motto is: “A town too tough to die,” hosts this fun day of camaraderie during Memorial Day weekend. Stop by for food or to watch the youth rodeo. Horseshoe tournament and barbecue, too. (402) 425-3333.

Sod House Sunday Merriman June 28. The former home of Nebraska State Senator Eve Bowring hosts this event with a church service, team penning, tours and games. (308) 684-3428.

84 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Valentine

With 2,800 residents, Valentine is the largest city on the eastern side of Sandhills and Scenic Rivers Country.

The “Heart City” is near the Niobrara National Scenic River. Each summer, tens of thousands of visitors canoe, tube and kayak here. The river winds through deep canyons with high cliffs, pine-topped hills and many waterfalls. Floats can last from an hour to several days.

In town and along the river between Valentine and Norden, you’ll find plenty of outfitters, campgrounds and boat launches. The Niobrara was designated a National Scenic River by Congress in 1991; however, much of the land along the river is privately owned. Please respect property rights.

Five miles east of Valentine on Highway 12, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is home to bison, elk, and more than 230 species of birds. The refuge includes a pine-dotted canyon with nature trails and a favorite “putting-in” spot for Niobrara River canoeists. A 3.5mile driving tour lets you view the herds up close.

Fort Niobrara was active from 18791906 and was used as a cavalry remount station until 1911. Fossils are displayed in the visitor center. (402) 376-3789.

Continuing northeast on Highway 12, Smith Falls State Park is 15 miles from Valentine. Then head four miles south on the marked county road. The spring-fed falls, Nebraska’s tallest, drop 70 feet and flow to the Niobrara River.

This stretch of the Niobrara is where eastern and western species of plants and animals overlap. You don’t have to be a biologist to appreciate the natural diversity. (402) 376-1306.

The Cherry County Historical Society Museum is at the corner of Main Street and Highway 20. (402) 376-2015.

Christopher Amundson

Out of the many waterfalls in Nebraska, Snake River Falls is the largest waterfall. The land along the river and around the waterfall is privately owned.

Centennial Hall is a museum in the oldest standing high school building in Nebraska. (402) 376-2418.

Valentine was once a shipping center for Sandhills cattle being shipped to eastern cities by train. Today, the railroad is gone but the rail bed is the Cowboy Trail. When completed it will be the nation’s longest continuous recreational trail, stretching 321 miles from Norfolk to Chadron. The trail head at Valentine is downtown. (402) 376-2244.

For more big splashes, head to the

UNIQUE LODGING

Phone

Valentine Family Aquatic Center.

(402) 376-8019.

Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area is one of the top trophy fisheries in the state. (402) 376-3320.

Only in Western Nebraska would you find a national forest that’s mostly grass.

“Only” 5,000 acres of Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest are wooded. (308) 533-2257. The 72,000-acre Valentine National Wildlife Refuge is 20 miles south of Valentine. Several refuge lakes are open for fishing. (402) 376-3789.

Amenities

Rate Range

Blue Moon Ridge B&B, 10 Blue Moon Ridge Rd., Valentine. www.bluemoonridgebb.com

402-376-8090

Rooms with private and shared bath. Continental breakfast.

Heartland Elk Guest Ranch, 114 Lake Shore Dr, Valentine 17 mi. E. on Hwy 12, 2 1/2 mi. S. www.heartlandelk.com

402-376-1124

Outdoor activities available

75+

Lord Ranch Resort, 17 mi. S. on US Hwy 83 to Mile Marker 9, 1 mi. E. on 16B Spur, Valentine

402-376-5984 800-270-0181

Rooms with private bath. Cabins surround by the Sandhills.

75+

Niobrara River Ranch, 15 mi. E. on Hwy 12, S. 3/4 mi., Valentine

402-890-1245 866-282-8677

Rustic handcrafted log cabins.

75+

Schlagel Creek Ranch, 5 mi. S. on US Hwy 20, 1 1/2 mi. W., Valentine. www.schlagelcreekranch.com

402-376-2679

Outdoor activities. Fall and spring hunting packages.

CHERRY COUNTY

90-110

SANDHILLS & SCENIC BYWAYS • 85

HOTELS & MOTELS

Phone

Rooms

Comfort Inn, 101 Main St, Valentine www.civalentine.com

402-376-3300

50

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast

75+

Econo Lodge & Suites, 340 E. US Hwy 20 www.duneslodge.com

402-376-3131

72

Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets allowed

1-75+

Fountain Inn Motel, 237 S. Cherry St, Valentine

402-376-2300

13

Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed

1-75

Merritt Trading Post Resort, 26 mi. S. on Hwy 97, Valentine. www.merritttradingpost.com

402-376-3437

15

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, pets allowed

75+

Motel Raine, 618 W. US Hwy 20. www.sleepintheraine.com

402-376-2030 800-999-3066

31

Restaurant on premises, indoor pool, free continental breakfast

1-75

Super 8 Motel, 223 E. US Hwy 20. www.super8.com

402-376-1250

60

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast

51-75+

Trade Winds Motel, 1009 E. US Hwy 20, Valentine www.tradewindslodge.com

402-376-1600

32

Free continental breakfast, pets allowed

51-75+

Valentine’s Niobrara Lodge, 803 E. US Hwy 20, Valentine www.niobrarariverlodge.com

402-376-3000 877-376-3003

61

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, pets allowed

CAMPGROUNDS

Amenities

Rate Range

75+

Phone

Open

A&C Outfitters, 18 mi. E. on Hwy 12, 5 mi. S., 1 mi. E., Valentine.

402-376-2839

Apr-Sep

Berry Bridge Resort, 13 mi. E. on Hwy 12, 3 mi. S. , Valentine. www.niobraracamping.com

402-376-3474

May 15Oct 15

RV Amenities: electricity, room for 8 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower, flush and pit toilets. Camping: 18 tents. Cabin Rentals: 4.

7

Fishberry Campground, HC 14 Box 1, 4 1/2 mi. N. on US Hwy 83., Valentine. www.fishberrycampground.com

402-376-1662 866-376-1662

May 1Nov 1

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 22 trailers. Rest Facilities: Shower, flush toilets. Camping: 10 tents.

28

Fritz’s Island Campground, 7 1/2 mi. S.E. of Sparks. www.campniobrara.com

402-376-3791 877-700-3791

May-Oct

Graham’s Camp, 5 mi. S. of Sparks. www.grahamoutfitters.com

402-376-3708 800-322-3708

Apr 1Nov 1

Merritt Reservoir, 28 mi. SW on Hwy 97, Valentine www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov

402-376-3320

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 215 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower, flush and pit toilets. Cabin Rentals: available.

Merritt Trading Post, 26 mi. SW on Hwy 97, Valentine www.merritttradingpost.com

402-376-3437

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 7 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower, flush toilets. Cabin Rentals: 15

14-22

Riverside RV Park & Campground, 100 River Dr, 2 1/2 mi., Valentine. www.valentinecamp.com

402-376-2958

Apr 1-Oct

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 23 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower, flush and pit toilets. Camping: 20 tents. Cabin Rentals: 3 (prices vary).

10-20

Rock Barn Outfitters, Sparks, E. on Hwy 12 to Mile Marker 28, 5 mi S., 1 1/2 mi E. www.rockbarnoutfitters.com

402-376-1764 800-335-6252

May 15Sept 15

RV Amenities: water, room for 6 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower and pit toilets. Camping: 40 tents.

5

Rocky Ford Camp & Outfitters LLC, 13 mi. S. of Sparks www.rockyfordoutfitters.com

402-376-1124 800-497-3479

Apr 15Sep 15

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 8 trailers. Rest Facilities: Shower, flush and pit toilets. Camping: 35 tents. Cabin Rentals: 5

3

Smith Falls State Park, 3 mi. W., 4 mi. S. of Sparks. www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov

402-376-1306

Year Round

RV Amenities: water, room for 5. Rest Facilities: shower, flush and pit toilets. Camping: 25 tents.

4 NE Park Permit

Sparks Store & RV Camp, 101 Main St, Sparks, 18 mi. E. of Valentine on NE Hwy 12. ww.drylandaquatics.com

402-376-3119 800-337-3119

Apr-Nov

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 6 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower, flush and pit toilets. Camping: 30 tents Cabin Rentals: 2

Call for rates

Steer Creek Campground, Samuel R. McKelvie Nat’l Forest, 20 mi. S. of Nenzel

308-533-2257

Year Round

Room for 23 trailers. Rest Facilities: Pit toilets. Camping: 23 tents

5

Sunny Brook Camp LLC, 11 mi. S.E. of Sparks. www.sunnybrookcamp.com

402-376-1887 877-376-1887

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 3 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower, flush and pit toilets. Camping: 20 tents. Alcohol-free campground. Cabin Rentals: 2.

Call for rates

Valentine City Park, N. Main St., along Minnechaduza Creek, Valentine

402-376-2323

May-Sep

Wacky West Travel Park, 702 E. C St, Valentine

402-376-1771 866-376-1771

Year Round

GOLF COURSES The Prairie Club, 109 S. Main St, Valentine.

86 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Phone 888-402-1101

Amenities

Fees

RV Amenities: electricity, water. Rest Facilities: shower, pit toilets.

Call for rates

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 20 trailers. Rest Facilities: Shower, flush and pit toilets. Camping: 60 tents.

6-27 6

Rest Facilities: shower, pit toilets. Camping: 50 tents.

Rest Facilities: shower, flush toilets. Camping: 5 tents.

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 31 trailers. Rest Facilities: shower, flush toilets. Camping: 10 tents

Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

18, semi-private

Youth under 10 Free

7-14 NE Park Permit

5 Call for rates

Rate Range Over 30

Valentine also is home to The Prairie Club. It offers two 18-hole courses and one 10-hole course. There’s a lodge, restaurant, a pro shop and overnight accommodations. The Prairie Club is semi-private, with preference for lodging and tee times going to members.

(888) 402-1101.

Valentine has another golf course, Deer Park Country Club, a public 9-hole course located along the Minnechaduza Creek on Highway 12. (402) 376-1271.

For more information about Valentine

and Valentine-area attractions, contact the Valentine Visitor Center. (800) 658-4024.

a half-mile south. Fishing, boating and camping are allowed. (308) 684-3428.

Merriman

Nenzel and Cody

Early settlers considered the Sandhills an inhospitable desert, but they eventually realized that it makes excellent cattle country. The history of Sandhills ranch life is displayed at Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park, north of Merriman. (308) 282-0730.

Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area is a half-mile east of Merriman and

UNIQUE LODGING Cody’s Country Cabin, US Hwy 20, Cody

CAMPGROUNDS

Phone 402-823-4182

Near Nenzel, the Nollette brothers offer travelers a taste of the Sandhills and their ranch-raised grapes from their Niobrara Valley Vineyards. (402) 823-4131.

The students of Cody-Kilgore High School helped build the strawbale Circle C Market and also operate it. (402) 823-4099.

Amenities

Rate Range

3-bedroom house, rent to one party at a time

Amenities

1-50

Phone

Open

Cody City Park, One block north of Hwy 20, off Western Nebraska Ave, Cody

402-823-4118

Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer.

Call for rates

Cottonwood Lake SRA, 1/2 mi. E., 1/2 mi. S., Merriman www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov

308-684-3428

Year Round

RV Amenities: water. Rest Facilities: pit toilets.

Camping: unlimited tents.

4 NE Park Permit

Shady Spot RV Camp, 402 N. Main St, 1 blk N. of Jct US Hwy 20 & Hwy 61, Merriman

308-684-3330

June 1Sep 1

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

10

Village Park, 3rd & Main Sts, Wood Lake

402-967-3054

May-Sep

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 2 trailers.

Rest Facilities: flush toilets.

Donation

CHERRY COUNTY

Fees

SANDHILLS & SCENIC BYWAYS • 87

Tourism Contact Information TRAVELING NEBRASKA’S WESTERN FRONTIER can be the adventure of a lifetime. All year-long, 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 to live, work and play in. Heck, we already know it’s a great place to visit, too.

Alliance Alliance Visitors Bureau or Alliance Chamber of Commerce 305 Box Butte • Alliance, NE 69301 800-738-0648 • 877-269-8776 www.alliancechamber.com • www.visitalliance.com

Gering Gering Convention and Visitors Bureau 1050 M St • Gering, NE 69341 308-436-6886 • 800-245-0717 karla@visitgering.com www.visitgering.com

Arthur Arthur Chamber of Commerce PO Box 68 • Arthur, NE 69121 308-764-2238

Terrytown Village Office 116 Terry Blvd • Gering, NE 69341 308-632-7212 cityofterrytown@cityoftt.com

Bayard Bayard City Office PO Box 160 • Bayard, NE 69334 308-586-1121 • bayardc@charterinternet.com www.cityofbayard.net

Gordon Gordon Chamber of Commerce PO Box 160 • Gordon, NE 69343 308-282-0730 • info@gordonchamber.com www.gordonchamber.com

Big Springs Big Springs Chamber of Commerce 101 E Second St • Big Springs, NE 69122 308-889-3681 • springs@megavision.com www.ci.big-springs.ne.us

Halsey Halsey Frontier Inn 305 Hwy 2 • PO Box 96 • Halsey, NE 69142 308-533-2240 • rockingrc@neb-sandhills.net www.halseyfrontierinn.com

Bridgeport Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce PO Box 640 • Bridgeport, NE 69336 308-262-1825 • Pwcc98@hamilton.net www.bridgeportneb.com

Harrison Harrison Community Club Inc. PO Box 452 • Harrison, NE 69346 308-668-2736 • rexcr@msn.com

Chadron Chadron Chamber of Commerce 706 W 3rd St • PO Box 646 • Chadron, NE 69337 308-432-4401 • 800-603-2937 chamber@chadron.com • www.chadron.com Chappell Chappell Chamber of Commerce PO Box 121 • Chappell, NE 69129 308-874-2658 • www.chappellne.org Crawford Crawford Chamber of Commerce PO Box 145 • Crawford, NE 69339 308-665-1817 • crawfordchamber@yahoo.com www.crawfordnebraska.us

Byways Contacts Hwy 2 – Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway PO Box 225 • Thedford, NE 69166 308-645-2715 or 402-450-2268 www.sandhillsjourney.com Hwy 20 – Bridges to Buttes Byway PO Box 201 • Valentine, NE 69201 800-658-4024 • valentinecc@qwestoffice.net www.bridgestobuttes.com Hwy NE 26/US 92 – Western Trails Historic & Scenic Byway Ogallala/Keith County Chamber 418 N Spruce • Ogallala, NE 69153 308-284-4066 • 800-658-4390 orla@visitogallala.com Gering Convention and Visitors Bureau 1050 M St • Gering, NE 69341 308-436-6886 • karla@visitgering.com Hwy 385 – Gold Rush Byway 658 Glover Rd • Sidney, NE 69162 308-254-4030 • 866-545-4030 www.sidneycheyennecountytourism.com cheycotour@aol.com

88 •

JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Hay Springs Hay Springs Chamber of Commerce PO Box 158 • Hay Springs, NE 69347 308-638-7273 Hemingford Village of Hemingford PO Box 395 • Hemingford, NE 69348 308-487-3465 • peggyr@bbc.net www.ci.hemingford.ne.us Kimball Kimball County Tourism PO Box 299 • Kimball, NE 69145 308-241-0573 • visit@kimballne.org kimballne.org Lewellen The Most Unlikely Place 205 Main Street • PO Box 135 • Lewellen, NE 69147 308-778-9557 • cynden@embarqmail.com Lisco Lisco State Bank/Lisco Oldtimers PO Box 105 • Lisco, NE 69148 308-772-3226 • MShearer@fnbancs.com Lodgepole Lodgepole Village Office PO Box 266 • Lodgepole, NE 69149 308-483-5353

Alan J. Bartels

Mullen Sandhills Motel and Glidden Canoe Rental 507 SW 1st • PO Box 368 • Mullen, NE 69152 308-546-2206 • 888-278-6167 pglidde@neb-sandhills.net www.gliddencanoerental.com North Platte North Platte/Lincoln County Convention & Visitors Bureau 315 W. Eugene Ave. • North Platte, NE 69101 800-955-4528 • www.VisitNorthPlatte.com Ogallala Keith County Visitors Center 119 East 2nd, Ogallala, NE 69153 800-658-4390 • info@visitogallala.com www.ilovelakemac.com www.visitogallala.com Oshkosh Oshkosh/Garden Co. Chamber of Commerce PO Box 256 • Oshkosh, NE 69154 308-772-3333 • www.ci.oshkosh.ne.us Potter Potter Community Improvement Group 3042 Road 77 • PO Box 106 • Potter, NE 69156 308-879-4277 • www.potterne.com Scottsbluff Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce Scotts Bluff County Tourism 1517 Broadway, Suite 104 • Scottsbluff, NE 69361 800-788-9475 • tourism@visitscottsbluff.com www.VisitScottsBluff.com Sidney Cheyenne County Tourism 658 Glover Road • Sidney, NE 69162 308-254-4030 • 866-545-4030 • cheycotour@aol.com www.sidneycheyennecountytourism.com Sutherland Sutherland Chamber of Commerce PO Box 81 • Sutherland, NE 69165 308-386-4617 • villageorsutherland.com

Minatare Village of Minatare PO Box 483 • Minatare, NE 69356 308-783-1414

Thedford Thomas County Tourism PO Box 225 • Thedford, NE 69166 308-645-2715 • 402-450-2268 • Twitt02@nebnet.net www.tourthomascountynebraska.com

Mitchell Mitchell Chamber of Commerce PO Box 72 • Mitchell, NE 69357 308-623-1523 • fact@prairieweb.com www.mitchellcity.net

Valentine Valentine Chamber of Commerce 239 S Main St • PO Box 201 • Valentine, NE 69201 402-376-2969 • 800-658-4024 valentinecc@qwestoffice.net • www.visitvalentine.com

Morrill Morrill Community Development Group PO Box 363 • Morrill, NE 69358 308-247-3132 • Ron_kuncl@webtv.net www.villageofmorrill.com

301 Centennial Mall South, 4th Floor • PO Box 98907 Lincoln, NE 68509-8907 • 800-426-6505 • 877-NEBRASKA tourism@VisitNebraska.org • www.VisitNebraska.org

Nebraska Division of Travel & Tourism