Star-Herald Discover Us 2012

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DISCOVER US 3 BANNER COUNTY HARRISBURG BANNER COUNTY MUSEUM — The Banner County Museum, located at 200 N. Pennsylvania, is an 12-building complex that stores hundreds of articles of times gone by.

The museum complex includes a machine shed that houses hundreds of old tools, an immense 65 horse power Case steam engine and a vast collection of farm machinery and implements.

A sod house replica constructed in 1985 out of Banner County sod, a genuine 1888 log house from William C. Spahr’s homestead, an original 1880 pioneer church, a log schoolhouse from 1880 that was used as a chicken coop before being donated to the museum, a 1930s service station, a 1910 barn, a replica of an early drug store and a late 1800s bank in its original location, are all structures located on the museum grounds. Artifacts from the early 1900’s are on display at the museum’s general store, which is located in the rock building. All of the structures on the museum grounds are originally from Banner County.

Copies of all the original Banner County newspapers are also housed in the museum on

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microfilm. Many people use the newspapers to do genealogy research.

The museum is open every Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. June through September, or year-round by appointment. Admission is free. Information: 308-436-7228 or visit the website at www.bannercountyhistoricalsociety.com.

BOX BUTTE COUNTY HEMINGFORD BOX BUTTE RESERVOIR STATE RECREATION AREA — Located nine and a half miles north on asphalt road. This 1,600acre reservoir on the Niobrara River offers camping and water-related recreation just south of the majestic Pine Ridge. Seven miles long and covering more than 1,600 acres, Box Butte Reservoir, just 10 miles north of Hemingford, is a scene of aquatic recreation in the summertime and one of the area’s more popular ice fisheries in the winter.

Created by the Works Projects Administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal in 1940 and 1941, the dam on the Niobrara River plays host to

4 DISCOVER US thousands of boaters, fishermen and swimmers each year.

Anglers can find walleye, yellow perch, bluegill, channel catfish, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass and crappie in the waters of the reservoir. A fish cleaning station is also available for the successful fisherman.

In the summertime, sailboats, powerboats and personal watercraft cruise the waters of Box Butte Reservoir, launching from an upgraded ramp. The lake’s broad expanse allows room for all who enjoy water sports. A children’s swimming area is marked and protected by buoys for safety.

Several primitive camping areas and picnic locations are also available around the shores of the lake. Campers are required to register at a box located for that purpose at the entrance to the reservoir.

Box Butte Reservoir is a Nebraska State Recreation Area managed by the Game and Parks Commission and park permits are required for entry. The permits may be obtained at one of several Hemingford businesses. Reservations not required.

Industrial Revolution just a few miles north of Alliance, where automobiles from the 1950s and 1960s are arranged in a design that replicates a ring of stones erected in southern England thousands of years before the birth of Christ.

Buried trunk-first, the bodies of the cars used in the structure rise from 15 to 18 feet above ground, some straight into the air, others at an angle faithful to the appearance of Stonehenge.

For the sake of uniformity, all the cars used have been painted a primer gray.

Former Alliance resident Jim Reinders envisioned Carhenge and ultimately created it on the farm where he once lived. The site was dedicated on the summer solstice in 1987. The major stones of the Stonehenge creation are recreated with cars of approximately the same dimensions, following the solar orientation of the British stone circle.

The 10-acre area that is the site of Carhenge has grown to include other forms of car art, including sculptures of animals both modern and prehistoric, all crafted from automobile parts. For those inclined to prolong their visit, ALLIANCE there are also picnic tables and plenty of parkCARHENGE — The Stone Age meets the ing. Carhenge is open all year with no

DISCOVER US 5

Circle the Bluffs Powwow in Scottsbluff

6 DISCOVER US admission fee. Handicap accessible and attraction a fun and recreational experience. group tours available. Information: 308-762A fall festival is the second weekend of 1520 or visit website at September with live music, entertainment, http://www.carhenge.com. demonstrations, food and lots of fun. The event is open to the public from 10 a.m. to dusk.

DOBBY’S FRONTIER TOWN — Dobby’s The town features a general store and meat Frontier Town, located at 320 E. 25th St. in market, 1880s post office, bootlegger’s shack Alliance, is a recreation of Kenneth “Dobby” with lookout cupola, blacksmith forge, Chinese Lee’s boyhood town. His love of antiques and col- laundry, cobbler’s shop, saloon, bordello, Rex’s lecting encouraged him to give others a chance Hamburger Stand, Wells Fargo Bank, doctor’s to see and feel what life in rural Nebraska was and dentist’s office, jail and print shop. Summer like at the turn of the 20th century. hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through He started the town by “fitting out” an Sunday. Information: 308-762-4321. authentic general store, like the one his family owned when he was a boy in the 1930s. Soon, KNIGHT MUSEUM — Pioneer memorabilDobby was rescuing historic buildings and ia, Native American artifacts and railroad historecreating and furnishing authentic turn-of-the- ry highlight the collection of the Knight century homes and businesses.

Museum of High Plains Heritage, located at 9th His town is now home to the log cabin built Street and Yellowstone in Alliance. by the region’s first black homesteader, and one Visitors to the museum can get a glimpse of the first filling stations in the area. Collections of the life lived by the people who settled in include a turn-of-the-century mortuary, a the Box Butte area. A scale replica of a onesaloon and an example of a classic Nebraska- room schoolhouse has been erected within style straw bale building. the museum, complete with mannequins of Antiques and tools are now set for visitors to schoolchildren and a teacher, which offers a pick up and examine, giving Dobby’s Frontier glimpse of an educational facility once comTown a hands-on feel and making the unusual mon throughout the Panhandle. They also

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DISCOVER US 7

Oregon Trail Days Kiddie Parade

8 DISCOVER US

Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center

DISCOVER US 9 The staff of the Knight Museum has copied many of the city and county records into a digital database. They offer a large research room providing most records from Box Butte and the Panhandle.

The museum is open Monday through Friday noon to 5 p.m. Its temporary home is the research room at Alliance public library.

Handicapped accessible and group tours available. Free admission. Information: 308-7622384, 308-762-5400 Ext. 260. or email museum@cityofalliance.net.

works and jewelry.

Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. Group tours are also available. Admission is free, handicap accessible. Information: 308-762-4571 or email carnegieartscenter@bbc.net, and visit the website at www.carnegieartscenter.com

CENTRAL PARK FOUNTAIN — Located at 10th St. and Niobrara, the fountain is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Operates Memorial Day through Oct. 1, open all hours. Handicap accessible and tour groups SALLOWS MILITARY MUSEUM — The available. Free admission. Information: 308-762Sallows Military Museum opened in September 5400 or email parks@cityofalliance.net.

2004 and is adjacent to the Sallows Arboretum.

LODGEPOLE There are exhibits from the Civil War Lodgepole was founded in 1867, platted in through the Iraqi War, with emphasis on the Alliance Air Base. The main display room and 1884 and incorporated as an official village in the library have been completed with a smaller 1901. The Union Pacific Railroad named the display room. Honoring our many veterans, dis- town of 368 residents Lodge Pole in 1867. In plays feature interesting artifacts that tell a 1895, the postal department changed the name to one word, Lodgepole. The name is derived story of courage.

Open daily, year-round from Monday from the creek bearing the same name, stemthrough Saturday 1 to 5 p.m. ming from when the Native American cut poles Handicap accessible and tours available. for tepees (lodges) along its banks.

A dry goods and grocery store opened in Information: 308-762-2384, 308-762-5400 Ext. 1867 and several ranchers began settling at that 260 or email museum@cityofalliance.net. time. It is the second oldest community in CARNEGIE ARTS CENTER — The Cheyenne County. The first school district was Carnegie Arts Center is a bastion of the fine founded in 1881.

The Lodgepole Depot Museum offers visiarts in the Nebraska Panhandle. The center, located at 204 W. 4th St., features fine art dis- tors a peek into the past. Information: 308-483plays from both local and regional artists and 5353, visit the website at www.lodgepole.us. the Sculpture Garden.

Originally built in 1911, it opened as the restored Carnegie Arts Center in 1993. The main-floor gallery averages nineteen different SIDNEY shows a year, featuring the works of local and The history of Sidney began in 1867, when regional artists from Nebraska, South Dakota, the U.S. Army and the Union Pacific Railroad Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming. teamed up to provide safety for railroad workCarnegie visitors can purchase fine art gifts ers. At that time, many bands of Native such as blown glass, pottery, prints and original Americans roamed the plains, including the

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10 DISCOVER US Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho. The town was named after Sidney Dillon, who served as president of the railroad, and in 1870, Fort Sidney was officially opened.

Although many parts of the original fort have been destroyed, three of the original buildings still exist, allowing visitors the opportunity to step back and relive a piece of history. The Post Commander’s Home, Officer’s Quarters and Powder House are available for tours throughout the year.

The Officer’s Quarters now serve as a museum and feature items from the early west as well as military items from Operation Desert Storm. Rumor has it that the building also houses a resident ghost. According to historians, the ghost is an officer’s wife who died in a fall down a flight of narrow stairs. Many unexplained noises have been reported, and some people claim to have seen the specter.

Another historic aspect of the town is its downtown shopping area. Sidney boasts one of the only historic downtown shopping areas in the state with 29 of the buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

Around 1875, when gold was discovered in the Black Hills, Sidney became vital as part of

the Sidney-Deadwood route. A marker to commemorate this historic trail stands on the west edge of town.

The most visited place in the community is Cabela’s, the outdoor outfitter. Many tourists plan their family vacations around the store’s annual sidewalk sale in July and others stop just to tour the store for its wide variety of animal mounts and fish tanks.

Sidney offers an 18-hole championship-caliber course, nestled in rugged terrain. After a round of golf, visitors can cool off at the municipal swimming pool then walk over to Legion Park with the War Memorial. The site dedicated to veterans also features the state’s tallest flagpole. The park also has Memorial Gardens, a beautiful garden area maintained by volunteers and for the young anglers; the park has a pond, which is stocked annually with a wide variety of fish.

CABELA’S — Located at 115 Cabela Dr., I80 Sidney Exit 59, Cabela’s huge 75,000-squarefoot store offers outdoor equipment of every sort from fishing and hunting to backpacking.

Visitors will see over 500 trophy mounts.

Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10

Nebraska’s 1st Christmas Box Angel, surrounded by 4-foot granite memory walls and reflection benches, is located in Sidney’s Living Memorial Gardens. The Angel of Hope and Living Memorial Gardens offer a beautiful, peaceful setting, dedicated to loved ones lost too soon. If you look closely, you will find the word “HOPE” hidden in the Angel’s right wing.

For more information, visit

nebraskaangelofhope.info or call the Cheyenne County Visitor’s Center at

866-545-4030 or 308-254-4030

DISCOVER US 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Christmas Day, Thanksgiving and Easter Sunday. Restricted hours on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Handicapped accessible.

Information: 308-254-7889.

planting of trees, shrubs or other living plants.

Legion Park also houses the War Memorial commemorating veterans from all American wars. The memorial includes a 141-foot flagpole and one of the country’s largest American flags.

Group tours are available.

FORT SIDNEY MUSEUM AND POST Information: 308-254-5851 or 800-421-4769 COMMANDER’S HOME SIDNEY — Garrison, located at Sixth and Jackson Street, DALTON was built to protect railroad workers in the late Dalton is an agricultural community of 398 1800s. Historical markers give the history of residents on U.S. Highway 385, 20 miles north the old railroad town and the north-south trails of Interstate 80 at Sidney’s east interchange. to the gold fields in the Black Hills.

Work began on the Burlington-Northern The museum is open May 1 through Labor Railroad in 1898 and was completed in 1900. The Day: 9-11 a.m., 1-3 p.m. daily. Post first depot was built in 1908 and the town was Commander’s Home, located at 1153 Sixth incorporated in 1909. It was then that the first Ave., is open May 1 through Labor Day, school was built. History of this small communiMonday through Saturday, 9-11 a.m., 1-3 p.m., ty can also be seen at the Prairie Schooner and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. or by appointment. Museum. Step into the past with a visit to the log Free admission and handicapped accessible. cabin, adjacent to the museum on 109 US Hwy Information: 308-254-2150.

385. Community history and model railroad engines are on display. Open Memorial DayLIVING MEMORIAL GARDENS Labor Day, Sat-Sun, 1-4 p.m.; or by appointment SIDNEY —The memorial, located in Legion call 308-377-2652. Information: 308-377-2413.

Park, is an established monument to honor the part Sidney plays in American history. The POTTER memorial was created for loved ones by the Located closer to I-80 than any other

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12 DISCOVER US

Cinco de Mayo celebration

Fort Robinson State Park

DISCOVER US 13 Nebraska downtown, a scenic one-minute drive takes you to the heart of small town America. Here you can experience and taste the finer things that made America great. Are the kids tired of riding in the car? We have great parks with obstacle course type play equipment where the kids can unwind. Downtown, enjoy a quiet Reading Garden with a gazebo, located next to the library. Across the street, located in one of several buildings recently restored by the Potter Historical Foundation, is the Potter Sundry that is home to an old-fashioned soda fountain. Homemade food and ice cream desserts are served in a non-smoking, friendly environment. The Potter Sundry is famous for its Tin Roof Sundaes. Next door find one-of-akind treasures in the Chestnut Street Memory Station antique store or the Collective Gathering (flea market, antiques and craft store). Also down the street is the old Lincoln Highway CafĂŠ, now known as Bags Bar and Steakhouse. Giant hamburgers are their claim to fame, ground fresh each day by Dave the Butcher at the Potter Family Grocery, just next door.

Prairie Pines Golf Course offers the golfer a unique experience. Seven holes with native grass fairways and lush grass greens make this

an ideal place for families and beginners to learn and sharpen their skills. Cart rentals and concessions are available, for more information about the coursem call 308-879-4469.

Potter’s original railroad depot serves as one of the towns two museums. Artifacts displayed here tell the history of how the Union Pacific Railroad and agriculture shaped the community. The old hand-hewn stone building downtown, originally housed the post office but now exhibits a menagerie of indigenous relics for visitors to enjoy. Both museums are open by appointment. Information: 308-879-4356.

Three miles east of Potter on U.S. Highway 30 is the historic Point of Rocks. Railroad crews laying the Union Pacific line east of Potter clashed with Indians at this scenic location. The altercations provided the impetus to establish Fort Sidney. The track here, called Buffalo Bend, is the sharpest curve on the Union Pacific line. The Lincoln Highway and the Lodgepole Creek, the longest creek in the world, run adjacent to the tracks in this area.

Lodging and camping facilities are located beneath the Point of Rocks, just south of Highway 30.

For more information about Potter, contact

14 DISCOVER US Potter Community Improvement. 308-879- open April 1 through mid-November. Park 4311, or visit us on the Web at office hours are 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., weekdays, durwww.potterne.com. ing winter hours, then open 24 hours Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visitor activities Memorial Day through Labor Day plus limited

DAWES COUNTY

FORT ROBINSON Fort Robinson State Park, near Crawford, is a former military post and is the largest of Nebraska’s state parks. It was once the home of cavalry soldiers and, later, German prisoners of war, it has now become quite popular with tourists from in and out of the state. The park occupies some 22,000 acres of buttes, forested hills and grassy pastures where longhorn cattle, antelope and buffalo graze. Bighorn sheep may be found in the Legend Buttes of the park and deer and elk occasionally wander in as well.

Anglers may try their luck in several ponds and streams on the grounds of the fort.

Horseback excursions are offered daily during the summer season, as are stagecoach rides and jeep tours. In summer evenings, the Post Playhouse offers entertainment with live theater. Facilities are available for camping in recreational vehicles and tents, and rooms are offered for overnight stays in reconditioned barracks, most with kitchen facilities.

Fort Robinson has a rich military history and the Nebraska Historical Society’s Fort Robinson Museum, located in the park, documents the years of the fort’s activity. Those interested in the area’s paleontology and geological history will find the University of Nebraska’s Trailside Museum to be a wealth of information.

The Post Playhouse has its roots in a summer theater production at Chadron State College in 1964. Plays continued to be staged for the most part in Chadron until 1967, when a federal grant was received “to foster cultural programs in northwest Nebraska.”

The old quartermaster warehouse at the fort was converted to a theater. In 1992, the theater underwent a $240,000 renovation project, including an exterior makeover, installation of 180 new seats, air-conditioning and conversion of the building for full handicapped accessibility. http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/parks.

FORT ROBINSON STATE PARK — Three miles west on Highway 20. Visitors can stay where blue-coated cavalrymen once bunked. Activities include trail rides, historic tours, cookouts, swimming, trout fishing, crafts, hiking, Jeep and stagecoach rides and more.

Park grounds open year-round for day use, hiking and camping, mountain biking and hunting in season. Cabins, lodge, modern facilities, biggame firearm and wild turkey season cabins

DISCOVER US 15

Fort Laramie National Historical Site

16 DISCOVER US

Digging for potatoes at Farm And Ranch Museum Harvest Festival

Wildlife World at the Wyo-braska Natural History Museum

DISCOVER US 17 the museums. A park entry permit is Hay Springs, on May 11, 1896, to Swiss immirequired. Camping fee is charged. grant parents Jules and Mary Sandoz. She was Handicapped accessible. Information: 308-665- the oldest of six children.

2900.

Sandoz began her career in 1913 at the age of 17, teaching at various rural schools for the next FORT ROBINSON MUSEUM — Three two years. She attended first Chadron Normal miles west on Highway 20. This Nebraska State School (now Chadron State College) and then Historical Society Branch Museum offers inter- the University of Nebraska when she made the pretive exhibits. Post Headquarters feature fas- decision to pursue her writing career. cinating items from the fort’s 70-year history.

After years of struggle and rejection that left View bison, bighorn sheep, elk and antelope on her destitute to the point of malnutrition, its 22,000 acres. Open Memorial Day through Sandoz finally published her first book, “Old Labor Day. Admission is adults $2., children Jules”, a biography of her father, which won accompanied by an adult are free. Admission $5,000 from the Atlantic Monthly. Sandoz for unaccompanied children is 50 cents. moved to Denver and then to New York to conHandicapped accessible. Information: 308-665- tinue her career.

2919.

In addition to “Old Jules”, her Great Plains Series also included “The Beaver Men”, “The CHADRON STATE PARK — Chadron Buffalo Hunters”, “The Cattlemen”, “Cheyenne State Park, nine miles south of Chadron, is nes- Autumn” and “Crazy Horse”, which told the stotled in the heart of Nebraska’s Pine Ridge, ries of the settlement of the Plains, the destrucfounded in 1921. Its grounds feature rugged, tion of the buffalo and the persecution of the ponderosa pine-clad hills and open meadows, Plains Indians. with Chadron Creek running through the park.

In all, Sandoz authored 23 books. She A lagoon created from the creek’s waters offers received an honorary doctorate from the trout fishing and paddle boating. At one time University of Nebraska in 1950, and was inductthe lagoon was a well-utilized swimming hole, ed into the Nebraska Hall of Fame in 1976. but was replaced with a modern pool in the 1960s. The newer pool continues to be a popular spot for visitors and local community members seeking to escape the heat of northwest Nebraska summers.

Spring turkey hunting and the fall deer season open and close the park’s busy season, although throughout the year visitors are welcome. Chadron State Park has rustic cabins and duplex housing available for those preferring to “rough it” in more comfortable surroundings; recreational vehicles and camper trailers may stay overnight with modern conveniences, and the traditional tent camper will also find wellgroomed areas for an evening’s rest.

Hiking and biking are accommodated by the park’s trail system and the open picnic grounds are equally conducive to recreational activities and restful idling. Horseback rides and disc golf are also available. Daily permits are $4, or annual park stickers are $20. Permits allow entrance Shop with us for your camping, into all Nebraska Parks. Information: 308-432groceries and travel supplies 6167.

MARI SANDOZ HIGH PLAINS HERITAGE CENTER — The Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center at Chadron State College celebrates the works of the noted prairie author.

Nebraska’s Storyteller of the Plains, Mari Sandoz, not only wrote about the challenges of life on the prairie, she lived it as well.

Sandoz was born in Mirage Flats, south of

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22 DISCOVER US Foundation and the Mari Sandoz Heritage Society established the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center in her honor on the CSC campus.

The college’s former library building, built in 1929, serves as a library for the works of Sandoz, and a museum and research center.

Information: 308-432-6401 or visit the website at www.csc.edu/sandoz.

MUSEUM OF THE FUR TRADE — A cornerstone of North America’s Fur Trade heritage, located three miles east of Chadron on Highway 20.

See the history of the first business in North America — the fur trade; the entire range of goods traded to the Indians, such as textiles, costumes, beads, paints, kettles, knives and silver are included. The museum also has the largest and most complete collection of Northwest guns made for the Indian trade from 1670 to 1900.

The museum grounds include the Bordeaux Trading Post built in 1837 by the American Fur Company and operated until 1876. The Indian heirloom garden features varieties of corn, squash and bean used by Northern Plains Indians.

The museum features a special exhibit on the history of Mountain Men. It commemorates the 200th anniversary of John Colter’s being granted leave of the Lewis & Clark Expedition to become one of America’s first three mountain men.

The museum is open daily May 1 through October 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and by appointment from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. during the off-season. Admission for nonmembers is $5 adults and children under the age of 18 are free when accompanied by an adult. Handicapped accessible. Information: 308-432-3843 or visit www.furtrade.org.

NEBRASKA NATIONAL FOREST (PINE RIDGE DISTRICT) — 1240 W. 16th St. Deer and turkey hunting on public lands. Hiking, biking and horseback trails. Open year-round.

Hudson-Meng Bison Kill opens May 27 through Sept. 4. Admission for Bison Kill.

There is a fee for camping. 308-432-4475.

DAWES COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM — 341 Country Club Rd., 3 miles south of Chadron. Genealogy and history research library, log house and barn, school, church and caboose, memorial gateway, county records books on intent to file for citizenship, Weekdays and Saturday, 10 a.m.4 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. Free. Open Memorial Day through Sept. 30 or by appointment 308-

432-4999 or 308-432-2309. Also a special History in Action Day is the second Sunday in September from 1 - 5 p.m., free.

CRAWFORD ASH CREEK RANCH VACATION — 8 miles east of Crawford. Call for reservations anytime. Group rates. Hunting/vacations also available. Information 308-665-1580 or email at fisher@bbc.net.

HUDSON-MENG BISON KILL ENCLOSURE — Approximately 4 miles north on Nebraska 2, turn west on Toadstool Road, following signs to Hudson-Meng. Sheltered, active archaeological site opens mid-May. More than 600 10,000-year-old bison skeletons have been unearthed at the site. Guided interpretive tours. Open daily May 27 through Sept. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission. 308-665-3900 or 605-7456017 or 308-432-0300 or 308-432-4475.

SOLDIER CREEK WILDERNESS — Near Fort Robinson. This federal wilderness encompasses 7,794 acres and offers 10 miles of trails for non-mechanized use only. See a variety of wildlife as well as buttes and pinnacles. Deer and turkey hunting. Open year-round. Camping fee at trail head: $5 per night at Toadstool Park, Soldier Creek Trailhead, Roberts Trailhead and Red Cloud. $3 car day use fee at Toadstool Park.

Handicapped accessible toilets. Information: 308-432-4475.

TOADSTOOL PARK — 4 miles north on Nebraska 2, turn west onto Toadstool Road, following signs to Toadstool Park. The moon-like landscape of the Badlands is an unusual setting for a picnic. Use self-guided trail brochure to explore the area’s fascinating geology. Open year-round, 24 hours a day. Admission.

Handicapped accessible camping facilities.

Information: 308-432-4475.

TRAILSIDE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY — Crawford. U.S. 20 at the west edge of Fort Robinson. New exhibit “Clash of the Mammoths” features fossils of two large bull mammoths whose tusks locked together during an Ice Age battle. Open daily Memorial Day-Labor Day, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.; April, May, September and October, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed November through March, except by appointment. Admission for adults is $3, Children 5-18 yrs $1, Children 4 and under are free, Family up to 2 adults w/children $6. Handicapped accessible. Information: 308-665-2929 or website at trailside.unl.edu.

Gering’s landmark attractions and natural beauty will captivate & entertain visitors.

Golf at the base of Scotts Bluff National Monument, take in a concert under the stars at Five Rocks Amphitheater, hike the Wildcat Hills and live Oregon Trail history at world-class museums.

Welcome and enjoy Gering's small city hospitality and big destinations adventures!

Fabrics ~ Patterns Supplies ~ Classes Bernina & Janome

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Located in Gering, Nebraska, close to western Nebraska attractions such as Scotts Bluff National Monument, Chimney Rock, the Oregon Trail, and the Wildcat Hills Preserve.

You'd never expect to find such monumental sites in the Nebraska Plains!

What makes us different from other Gering and Scottsbluff, Nebraska hotels is our close proximity to several of these spectacular attractions!

We offer fine accommodations and convenient amenities and services to make your stay enjoyable.

308-436-1950 866-436-1950

Celebrating 125 Years 1887-2012 Watch for special events planned throught the year at

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Dinner Buffet Friday & Saturday Only 5-8pm

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308-436-5669

These Gering Merchants Hope You Have An Enjoyable and Safe Visit to the Gering, Nebraska area.

Award Winning Weekly Newspaper for Community News at it’s finest...

Look to the

Serving the Gering Community for 125 Years! www.geringcourier.com

26 DISCOVER US WARBONNET BATTLEFIELD — 5 miles north on Nebraska Highway 2, 2 miles west on gravel, turn right, proceed 1 mile past Toadstool Park turnoff, turn left, cross tracks and follow main gravel west to Church of Montrose. North of the church is a high, conical hill north of the church, an encounter took place between the 5th U.S. Cavalry and a group of Native Americans in 1876.

Southeast of the hill, a monument memorializes the slaying of Cheyenne warrior Yellow Hand, who was killed there by Buffalo Bill Cody.

building is a large two-story frame structure with a hip roof. Phelps Hotel is also enrolled on the National Register of Historic Places. To reserve the hotel, contact Doris Haldeen at 308889-3625. For more information on Big Springs, contact the village clerk at 308-899-3324.

CHAPPELL

Pony Express marker, Chappell Lake, municipal golf course and a library that includes an art display. The city’s museum, located at the corner of 3rd Street and Babcock, includes paintings by well-known artists and a rock collection donated by a local collector.

The Sudman-Neumann Heritage House, located at Fifth and Vincent, is an example of 1911 architecture, built and inhabited by BIG SPRINGS Located along the Oregon-California Trail, members of one family. Information: 308-874the town is named after the pure spring water 2401. that poured out of a hillside. The original spring still flows down above a park with swimming pool, playground and historical museum.

Built in 1885, the Phelps Hotel is viewed as the LEWELLEN most important 19th Century landmark in ASH HOLLOW STATE HISTORICAL Deuel County. The historic Phelps Hotel has PARK — Southeast on U.S. 26. Popular stop been restored into a bed and breakfast. The along the Oregon Trail includes visible wagon

DEUEL COUNTY

GARDEN COUNTY

FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAY 10TH. DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE!

Propane, Fuel, Tires, Oil, Repairs and Groceries

Main Street Market 1542 South Main, Torrington • 307-532-3401

Torrington Station Hwy 26 West, Torrington • 307-532-4118

Messiah Lutheran Church

Presbyterian Church of Kimball

Sunday Worship ~ 9:00AM Minister Ann Barin PMA

Handicapped Accessible Worship Services: 10:30AM every Sunday Coffee & Fellowship following Pastor: Dr. Alan Foutz, CLP Church School: Sept.-May 9:30-10:30AM, all ages

Gering Zion Church

Faith Lutheran Church

266 North Wehn, Broadwater 308-489-5677

11th & O Street, Gering 308-436-2788

Pastor Paul Hebbert Associate Pastor Tim Hebbert

Sunday Worship Service ~ 9:30AM

Federated Church

1451 Center Avenue, Mitchell 308-623-1933

600 West 7th Street, Kimball

Missouri Synod

2055 U Street, Gering 308-436-4307

Sunday Worship ~ 9:00AM Sunday School ~ 10:15AM Christian Education classes during school year Wednesdays ~ 7:00-8:30PM Richard H. Neugebauer, Pastor

Holy Apostles Episcopal Church 1730 18th Street, Mitchell 308-623-1969 Rectory: 308-623-2743

Worship Service ~ 10:30AM Pastor Dr. Charles H. Richardson

Regular Worship ~ 10:30AM Sunday School, children & adult ~ 9:30AM Wednesday Healing Service ~ 7:00PM For information call Pastor Carol Ann Bullard

Sovereign Grace Reformed Church (Westminster Confession & Catechism)

Hamilton St. & Jirdon Ave., Morrill 308-247-2741

Sunday School ~ 9:15AM Worship Service ~ 10:30AM Wednesday Bible Study ~ 7:00PM at the church R.C. Sproul Studies Pastor Tom Hunter

Bible Baptist Church

“Just because you’re away from home, doesn’t mean you have to be away from family.”

2023 Avenue C, Scottsbluff 308-635-1507 Our church is like church used to be.

The preaching, the teaching, the singing and the warmth of our services honor God and touch the heart.

COME ON IN!

First United Methodist Church

205 East Franklin Street, Morrill 308-247-2216

Worship Service ~ 10:30AM Bible Study ~ Children’s Church Pastor Richard Reisig

Bluffview Church of Christ

1215 West 11th Street, Scottsbluff

Sunday School for all ages ~ 9:15AM Worship Service ~ 10:30AM Family Hour ~ 6:30PM Wednesday Prayer & Study ~ 7:00PM Pastor Mike Clement

Sunday School ~ 9:30AM Sunday Worship Services ~ 10:30AM & 6:00PM Wednesday Bible Study ~ 7:00PM Youth Groups at all times listed on Sunday & Wednesday Pastor Bob Lentz

Calvary Lutheran Church

First Prebysterian Church

17 East 27th Street, Scottsbluff Saturday Worship 5:30PM Sunday Worship 8:00 & 10:30AM Sunday Summer Schedule 9:30AM Pastor Brad Brauer

101 East 20th Street, Scottsbluff 308-632-2131

Sunday Worship 10:15AM

First United Methodist Church

2002 4th Avenue, Scottsbluff

New Beginnings Church of the Nazarene 1305 West 20th Street, Scottsbluff 308-632-8237

Saturday Night Worship ~ 5:00PM Sunday Morning Worship Services 8:30AM & 11:00AM www.firstumcsb.com

Bible Classes ~ 9:45AM Worship Service ~ 10:45AM www.NewBeginningsSB.org

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish

Salem Congregational Church

Sunday School Between Services

La Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

1102 12th Avenue, Scottsbluff 308-632-2845

2001 7th Avenue, Scottsbluff 308-632-4748

Mass Schedule/Horario de Misas Saturday/Sábado 5PM English Sunday/Domingo 8AM English 11AM Español at Guadalupe Center

8:45AM 9:45AM 10:00AM 10:45AM

Weekday Masses: Tue./Thurs./Fri ~ 8:00AM Wed. ~ 5:30PM

Contemporary Service Sunday School Adult Class (Chapel) Sunday Worship Service

Wednesday: 6:15PM Awana 6:30PM Bible Study (Chapel) 6:30PM Youth Group

Pastor Dale Brown • Associate Pastor Doug Rupp www.scottsbluffsalem.com

St. James Lutheran Church, LCMS Proclaiming God’s Word

Corner of 12th Ave. & 14th St. Scottsbluff • 308-632-8001 Celebrating 102 Years

Pastor Ralph Morris

Sunday Worship Service ~ 10:30AM

St. Agnes Catholic Church

2314 3rd Avenue, Scottsbluff 308-632-2541 Saturday Mass 6:00PM Sunday Mass 8:00AM & 10:30AM (Sept. through May)

8:00AM & 10:00AM (June through August) Call for daily Mass times

Pastor ~ Fr. Vincent L. Parsons Pastoral Minister ~ Sr. Vera Meis

30 DISCOVER US ruts. Grounds open year-round 8 a.m.-sunset.

Interpretive facilities. Visitor center and cave are open Memorial Day through Labor Day 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., except Mondays during the summer. Park entry permit is required. Handicap accessible. Information: 308-778-5651.

ed as a bicentennial project. Admission is free. Information: 307-532-5612.

HAWK SPRING RECREATION — Area daily entrance is $2 for residents, $3 nonresidents. An annual permit is $25 for residents and nonresidents. Resident camping permit is $25.

OSHKOSH CRESCENT LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE — 28 miles north between U.S. 26 and Nebraska 2. Over 40,000 acres of refuge and a number of lakes. Crescent was established as a nesting and migratory bird refuge.

GARDEN COUNTY MUSEUM — An early 1900s schoolhouse and an old 1906 opera house/theatre are filled with historic artifacts.

Summer hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Sunday, 2 - 6 p.m. or by appointment. Free.

308-772-3848.

MUNICIPAL SWIMMING POOL — Freeswimming daily 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., from June 1 to Aug. 18. Closed Saturday evenings.

Located one block east of Main Street at 200 E. B Street

The Western Histor y Center — In this log building, visitors will see historic and archaeological items, including mammoth tusks and prehistoric tools, as well as geological collections and rotating displays of other collections of interest. In addition, there is a hands-on “dig” for children of all ages, and a bookstore. Located five miles west of Lingle, Wyo., and five miles east of Fort Laramie, Wyo., the museum is easy to spot because of the teepees standing on the grounds. Summer hours, between June 1 and August 31, are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. For special tours and extended hours, call 307-837-3052.

Handicap accessible.

KIMBALL COUNTY

GOSHEN COUNTY

KIMBALL

Wyoming (Goshen County)

Visit Kimball’s website at www.kimballbannercountychamber.com.

FORT LARAMIE, WYO. FOR T LARAMIE NATIONAL HISTORICAL SITE — Located three miles southwest of the town of Fort Laramie, Wyo., off U.S. Route 26. The fort grounds are open from dawn to dusk every day of the year. The fort museum and visitor center is open at 8 a.m. with extended hours during the summer season, Fort Laramie summer season is May 1-Sept. 30, $3 entry fee. Handicap accessible. Information: 307-837-2221.

TORRINGTON, WYO.

LINGLE, WYO.

GOTTE PARK — Located on East Highway 30, the park offers a horseshoe ring, tennis court and swimming pool. Information: 308-235-3782.

OLIVER STATE RECREATION AREA — Eight miles west of Kimball on U.S. 30. Open yearround, 24 hours a day for camping and fishing.

Excellent facilities for boating, water-skiing, fishing, swimming, ice fishing, camping and ice-skating. Sandy beaches. State Park entry permit required $26/annual or $5/daily. A camping fee of $5 per night for primitive camping applies.

— Information: 308-235-4040.

HOMESTEADERS MUSEUM Located at 495 Main St., spring hours are Monday – Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Summer hours Memorial Day to Labor Day - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 9:30 to 7p.m., Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Goshen County was founded in 1913 and the town of Torrington in 1908, The museum displays the homesteading of Goshen County housing includes Trout Homestead Shack in the Union Pacific Depot, Yoder House, Midway School and Memorial Transportation Building. Museum found-

PANORAMA POINT AND THREESTATE MARKER — 40 miles southwest of Kimball. Visit Nebraska’s highest point at 5,424 feet. See the Three-State Marker (Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado). Maps and certificates available for both sites at Kimball-Banner County Chamber of Commerce, located at 122 South Chestnut in Kimball. Information: 308235-3782.

WIND FARM — To view from Highway 71, go three miles northwest of Kimball or for a closer view go two miles west of town on Highway 30 and onto dirt road. The seven

DISCOVER US 31 wind turbines each standing 350 feet tall, with the turbine and blades weighing more than 40 tons. The wind farm is expected to generate about two to three percent of electric energy for nearly 4,000 homes.

Information: 402-474-4759.

vide recreation within a few minutes of Chimney, Courthouse and Jail Rocks. Bridgeport State Recreation Area is open year-round. Wildcat Hills Nature Center summer hours are 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Trailer dump station open April 30 - Oct. 1.

Park entry permit required. Fee for primitive camping: $6 per night. Information: 308-262-1825.

MORRILL COUNTY

PIONEER TRAILS MUSEUM — North end of Main Street. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Monday through Saturday, 10 CHIMNEY ROCK NATIONAL HISTORIC a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 1 to 6 p.m. Free admission.

SITE AND VISITORS CENTER — Located 1 308-262-0123. mile south of Highway 92 and County Road 75.

“Towering to the heavens” is how one pioneer COUR THOUSE AND JAILHOUSE described Chimney Rock, the most recognized ROCKS — 5 miles south on Nebraska 88. landmark along the Oregon Trail. Today an inter- These unusual rock formations were two of the pretive center operated by the Nebraska State first “road signs” met by westward travelers.

Historical Society pays tribute to those who trav- Open year-round during daylight hours. Free eled the trails and features original maps made and tours are available. from Captain John C. Fremont’s 1842-43 exploration of the Oregon Trail. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults. Closed all state holidays. Handicapped accessible.

Information: 308-586-2581.

BAYARD

SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY

GERING

OREGON TRAIL WAGON TRAIN — 2 miles south of Bayard, 1½ mile west on Oregon Trail Road. Experience the real West in the shadow of Chimney Rock aboard a prairie schooner on the Oregon Trail. Exciting journeys, complete with Pony Express riders and Indians, are available on a one-day basis. Evening chuck wagon nightly ribeye steak cookout; canoe rental; guided, prearranged group tours and wagon train treks. Write for tour schedules. RV Park available. Charge for activities. By reservation only. Handicapped accessible and groups available. Information: 308-5861850 or check out the website at www.oregontrailwagontrain.com.

BRIDGEPORT BRIDGEPORT STATE RECREATION AREA — U.S. 26 or U.S. 385. Sandpit lakes pro-

FARM AND RANCH MUSEUM — Volunteers dedicated to preserving the region’s farm agricultural heritage created The Farm And Ranch Museum.

The museum, located one-half mile west of Gering, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, is still under volunteer leadership and operates mainly by donations.

The Harvest Festival at the Farm And Ranch Museum offers many activities and demonstrations for people of all ages. Events include demonstrations of early farming methods and exhibits of vintage machinery.

The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m., May through September. Appointments may be made for tours and visits during the winter.

Information: 308-436-1989.

FIVE ROCKS AMPHITHEATER — Five

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32 DISCOVER US

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DISCOVER US 33

Rocks Amphitheater is an outdoor entertainment venue located a quarter-mile south of the junction of Five Rocks Road and M Street in Gering. Each year the amphitheater is host to a variety of entertainers. It has a capacity of 3,200 people.

Five Rocks outdoor cinema has become a popular place to spend the summer evenings watching movies under the stars. “Movies at the Rocks” are shown Thursdays at 9 p.m. Admission is $2. Many events are scheduled at Five Rocks

Amphitheater. Check out the schedule at www.gering.org. Schedules are also available at the City of Gering office, located at 1025 P St. Tickets and information: 308-436-5096.

SCOTTS BLUFF NATIONAL MONUMENT — From 1841 to 1869, 250,000 pioneers traveled one of four trails that included Oregon, Mormon, California and Pony Express through the Mitchell Pass as a final gateway to the Rocky Mountains.

Today, Scotts Bluff National Monument looms

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34 DISCOVER US River Valley three miles west of Gering. The Saddle Rock walking trail and the Summit Road with its three tunnels lead to the monument’s summit.

The monument museum contains exhibits about the human and natural history of the area and also holds a unique collection of watercolor paintings by famed frontier photographer and artist William Henry Jackson.

There are permanent exhibits on the Westward Movement, and periodic temporary displays and traveling exhibits. There is also a 12-minute orientation program.

Scotts Bluff National Monument is open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. open all holidays except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is $5 per car, $3 motorcycle, $3 walkers, 62 and over free with a Golden Age Pass.

A Bi-park Pass is $15 and good for Scotts Bluff National Monument, and Fort Laramie.

Handicapped accessible. Information 308-4364340.

WILDLIFE WORLD AT THE WYO-BRASKA NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM — 950 U St. See over 600 animal specimens from seven continents, fossils and dioramas in this renovated train station. Many are one of a kind. Summer

hours begin May 1. Handicapped accessible.

Exhibits will move to Riverside Discovery Center in the future. Information: 308-436-7104 or 308630-6236.

WILDCAT HILLS NATURE CENTER — Overlooking the North Platte Valley, the Wildcat Hills Nature Center offers tourists the chance to learn about the ecology and history of the area, while providing a scenic view of the surrounding hills.

Upon entering the building, visitors find a 27foot artificial Ponderosa pine in the middle of the room, disappearing through a hole in the floor and leading to the level below. A variety of mounted birds stare down from their high perches, each positioned in various poses. Across the way are doors leading out to an observation deck.

Downstairs, a display stands in one corner, featuring various wildlife in their natural habitats. A live beehive sits off along another wall, allowing the bees to come and go to the outdoors through a little tunnel and a hole in the wall.

On the opposite wall, a huge mural depicting the land, decorates every inch from floor to ceiling. A display case also sits off to one side, exhibiting fossils that were discovered a short distance away.

The Legend of Rawhide is an annual celebration of the history, legend and Western heritage of Niobrara County.

Legend of Rawhide performances are July 6 & 7 Pre-show starts at 7:15pm, Flag Ceremony at 8:15pm, Performance at 8:30pm.

Come and dance to Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers after the performance.

Saturday activities include a car show, tractor show, team driving contest, closest to the pin and the parade

DISCOVER US 35 Along with the chance to learn about nature and history in an intriguing environment, the nature center also provides its visitors with a wide variety of programs, including visits from speakers and area organizations. The facilities can be reserved for special occasions such as weddings, reunions and banquets. The nature center also houses a gift shop.

Outside there are 3½ miles worth of hiking trails, a picnic area with shelters and a campground located near the nature center.

The Wildcat Hills Nature Center offers educational activities for students from kindergarten through sixth grades, including children’s day camps and nature series art classes, which take place five weeks out of the summer. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required and some events have enrollment limits. Registrations may be picked up at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center, located south of Gering.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days per week from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Winter hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. A park permit is required for the campground and any other facilities. Daily park permits cost $5 and annual permits are $25.

They can be purchased at the nature center.

Information: 308-436-3777.

WILDCAT HILLS STATE RECREATION AREA — 10 miles south of Gering on Highway 71. Beautiful and rugged, a treat for backpackers, hikers, campers and photographers. Park entry permit required. Camping fee. Information: 308436-3777.

NORTH PLATTE VALLEY MUSEUM — Located three blocks south of the Gering Civic Center on the corner of 11th and J streets.

Explore the valley’s unique histor y from nomadic plains Indians villages to Oregon Trail travel and early pioneer settlement as depicted in well presented, informative exhibits. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Open Memorial Day – Labor Day; Daily as well as Saturdays and Sundays 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 adults, $1 children 6-12, and children 5 and under are free. Handicapped accessible. Information: 308436-5411.

ROBIDOUX PASS — At the junctions of Five Rocks Road and M Street, go 1 mile south on Five Rocks Road, then turn west and go 8 miles. Western traffic flowed through this pass from 1843 to 1851. Left of the road is a monument for the blacksmith shop; to the right are pioneer graves. Reconstructed trading post in

36 DISCOVER US Carter Canyon, south of Gering; turn right at Cedar Canyon Road. Grounds open year-round.

Groups by appointment. Free. Information: 308-436-6886.

SCOTTSBLUFF MIDWEST THEATER — The Historic Midwest Theater is the last of three “grand theaters” which were built in the Scottsbluff/Gering area. The theater seats 700 people, and opened on May 3, 1946. The theater was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

Friends of the Midwest Theater was established in 1998 as a nonprofit group to renovate and keep the theater active for the community.

The theater is designed in the Art Modern style of architecture and exhibits an exceptionally high degree of architectural and artistic integrity, both on its interior and exterior. The theater’s most striking feature, as described in a 1946 newspaper article, “is the marquee with a stainless steel and aluminum tower extending 60’ above the entrance.” The lighted tower was designed to be seen at night for a radius of twenty miles. The “modern” interior decor and the dominant marquee and tower added to the architectural excitement of the streetscape of Scottsbluff’s downtown business district.

The Friends of the Midwest Theater programs both mainstream and specialty films, visual and performing arts, school and community educational programming and the theater can be reserved for special events.

THEATRE WEST — Theatre West Summer Repertory is a semi-Professional theatre company operating in Scottsbluff. The company was formed in 1990 as a Not-For-Profit organization and consists of a live summer theatre program and Theatre Opportunity For Youth (TOFY), a children’s camp. TWSR is housed at Western Nebraska Community College (1601 East 27th St.) and is directed by an executive director and board, as well as a community advisory board. It is generously supported by Western Nebraska Community College.

Each summer, Theatre West operates during a 10-week season. The company presents three separate productions with eight performances of each production, providing opportunity for experience, training and performance, as well as live theatre productions for our audience members.

A high school intern program is offered each season giving experience and training to students interested in Theatre. The TOFY Camp invites youth, ages 6-13, to participate each season. For information concerning Theatre West, the internship program, or the TOFY Camp call 308-6356794.

Theatre West offers professional directors, designers, and actors from across the United States, collegiate theatre majors, as well as talented musicians, actors and singers from our own com-

munity. Choice reserved seating is available to productions with season tickets and/or advanced individual tickets. The theatre is handicapped accessible. Call 308-635-6193 for tickets. More information can be obtained at Judy@nebraskarts.com or by telephone at 308-635-6794.

RIVERSIDE DISCOVERY CENTER — Celebrating its 61st anniversary this year, Riverside Discovery Center provides the area with great family fun and entertainment. Riverside Discovery Center (RDC) exhibits roughly 180 animals, including reptiles, birds, invertebrates and mammals. RDC is located at 1600 S. Beltline Highway West in Scottsbluff.

Animal residents include chimpanzees, Amur tigers, spider monkeys, lions, zebras, Eurasian lynx, African hoof stock, and various reptiles and birds. Guests enjoy feeding waterfowl on the zoo’s lake and children enjoy a playground, petting zoo and an all-new splash pad.

Summer hours: March through October, gates open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, Winter hours: November through February, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Admission is $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 ages 5-12, under 4 free. Group rates for 15 or more persons: ½ off each admission. Handicapped accessible.

Information: 308-630-6236.

Riverside Discovery Center will be constructing a new 17,000 sq. ft. education/museum center, which will include a children’s museum and Wildlife World (natural history museum of over 650 mounts).

WEST NEBRASKA ARTS CENTER — Established in 1967, the West Nebraska Arts Center provides artists a lively public venue to share their talents with our community. The arts center’s eclectic programming leads adults and youth to a better understanding and appreciation of the arts.

The gallery at 106 East 18th St. features local, national and international artists and represents a wide variety of visual art forms with a new exhibit each month. Gallery exhibits and receptions are free and open to the public.

The arts center is also a presenter of live performances of theatre, music and dance. WNAC’s Monument Children’s Theater gives the youth of our community professional training in theatre arts.

Arts professionals offer a variety of studio art classes and workshops to adults and youth throughout the year. WNAC’s summer art camp offers workshops in visual and performing arts and creative writing to youth ages 10-14.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends 1 to 5 p.m., and closed Mondays. Also open by appointment, call the office 308-632-2226. Visit www.thewnac.com to learn more.

REBECCA WINTER’S GRAVE — 2 miles

DISCOVER US 37 east of Scottsbluff at the junction of U.S. Highway 26 and S. Beltline Highway. Rebecca Winters was born in New York State in 1802 and was a pioneer in the Church of the Latter Day Saints.

In June 1852, Rebecca, with her husband Hiram, joined others of their faith, in the great journey to Utah. Rebecca contracted cholera and died. A friend chiseled her name and the year on an iron wagon tire to mark her grave on the prairies.

In 1899, surveyors for the Burlington Railroad found the crude marker and changed the right-ofway for the railroad. The site was one of the more famous historical locations along the Mormon Trail. With heavy coal train traffic along the railroad, it became necessary to relocate the grave of Rebecca Winters Sept. 5, 1995, to the area of the current historical marker. Handicapped accessible.

persist and ice gives way to open water, the four refuge units — Lake Minatare, Winters Creek Lake, Lake Alice and Stateline Island — are ideal resting spots for waterfowl. The refuge is also important as a nesting location for bald eagles.

LAKE MINATARE STATE RECREATION AREA — 7 miles north of Minatare.

Over 2,000 acres of water with facilities for boaters, campers, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts. The stone lighthouse and Swimming beach are open 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m., 7 days/week. Information: 308-783-2911.

SHERIDAN COUNTY GORDON

SCAMAHORN MUSEUM — West Fifth Street in Wayland Park. The history of the Gordon area is in this 1884 church. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, MINATARE Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. or by appointment. Free LAKE MINATARE — Lake Minatare State admission.

Recreation Area, only 12 miles from Scottsbluff/Gering, is ideal for camping, picnics, BOWRING RANCH — Located 30 miles east water, sports, hiking, fishing and watching of Gordon, just north of Merriman. This historical wildlife. museum about Arthur and Eva Bowring, who The park is open Jan. 14 – Oct. 15 annual permits are $25. Day passes are $5 per car. Both can both served in the U.S. House of Representatives, is a working ranch. The ranch features a visitor’s be purchased at the park headquarters.

The park has campsites with electrical outlets. center of artifacts and memorabilia of early day There are also about 150 to 180 primitive camp- ranching and the Bowring’s political careers and a replica of a sod house from the 1800s. The ranch sites around the 2,180-acre park.

Lake Minatare also features one of only seven also offers tours of the original Bowring home, inland lighthouses in the United States. The light- which is filled with antique china and glassware. house was built during the Depression to be “a Tours begin in May and close Sept. 1. Information: point of light and hope” for Panhandle residents. 308-684-3428.

The lake is part of the North Platte Wildlife Refuge, which also opens for public use Jan. 15 Oct.1 and provides opportunities to view waterfowl and wildlife, as well as hiking, fishing, boating and photography.

The refuge closes for public use every Oct. 15 to provide undisturbed habitat for waterfowl during the migration period. As mild temperatures

Free Hot Continental Breakfast Indoor Pool & Hot Tub Exercise Facilities Suites Available

1902 21 Ave., Scottsbluff, NE ST

TRI-STATE OLD TIME COWBOYS MEMORIAL MUSEUM — Located in the city park 1 block west of Main Street between 3rd and 4th streets. This log building contains cowboy artifacts such as saddles, hats and boots, plus a chuck wagon with over 200 cattle brands. Open Memorial Day thru mid-Sept, 1-5 p.m.; or by appt.

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38 DISCOVER US

Greek Festival in Bridgeport

tours available. Information: 308-282-0749.

HAY SPRINGS HERITAGE CENTER I AND II — The first center is at Second and Main streets in an old hardware store. The second center is on N. Baker Street in an 1884 church. The centers offer the history of the Hay Springs area. The centers are open by appointment. Free admission. Information: 308-638-7643.

RUSHVILLE

beds were once part of “Captain” James H. Cook’s Agate Springs Ranch and where mammal fossils dating back some 20 million years, Miocene epoch, were found in a bonebed. The ranch was also known as a gathering place for Oglala Lakota Sioux and Chief Red Cloud. The visitor center features a collection of American Indian artifacts reflective of the time period between the 1880s and the early 1900s, paleontology exhibits and a 12-minute movie, The Fossil Hills are available with closed captions. Two hiking trails, the Fossil Hills trail and the Daemonelix trail visit the historic dig sites and Daemonelix burrows.

Free admission. Interagency Annual, Age and Access passes are accepted and sold at the information desk. Open year round, winter hours are 8 a.m – 4 p.m., and summer hours are 8a.m – 4 p.m.

Information: 308-668-2211.

SHERIDAN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM — Just off Highway 20 in Rushville.

The complete story of Camp Sheridan and the Spotted Tail Agency can be found here, along with numerous exhibits showing life on the frontier.

Open Memorial Day - Labor Day Monday – Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Admission OGLALA NATIONAL GRASSLAND — 15 free. Handicapped accessible. Information: 308- miles north of Harrison. The Oglala National 638-7643.

Grassland begins 5 miles northwest of Crawford and ends up in the corner of WALGREN LAKE STATE RECREATION Nebraska, where Nebraska meets Wyoming AREA — Located 2 miles east, 3 miles south of and South Dakota. The grasslands cover Highway 20, legend has it that a Loch almost 95,000 acres of prairie grasses providing Ness-style creature inhabits this unusually hunting in season, hiking and nature study in tranquil Sandhills Lake, with its tempting camp- the high countr y of western Nebraska. ing, fishing, hiking and picnic facilities. Open Tourists are encouraged to be aware that some year round, reservations are not required. of the land is privately owned among the grassHandicapped accessible, park entry permit land and may not be appropriate for recreation.

Information: 308-432-0300. required. Information: 308-763-2940.

SIOUX COUNTY HARRISON AGATE FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT — Agate Fossil Beds is a 3,055-acre National Park located near Harrison on the Niobrara River and includes upper Niobrara River wetlands set in a high plains ecosystem. The fossil

SIOUX COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM — Located on the east side of South Main St. A schoolhouse, post office and country store, telephone office and home, as well as the main museum tell the story of the settling of Sioux County and on into the 20th century. Open May 31-Sept.

15, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Group tours available.

Information: 308-668-2166.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS MAY

DISCOVER US 39 8:15 a.m. – 11:00a.m. and health screenings, $15/ adults over 16. $10/6-15 and $5/5 and under, Gering May 12-13 — Monument Mall “Arts & Crafts Show”, Scottsbluff May 14 — Terr y McCormick Memorial Walleye Tournament, Garden City May 16 — WNCC “16th Annual Senior Wellness Festival”, Scottsbluff May 17 — Midwest Theater, Community Cinema: Strong! 7:30 p.m., Scottsbluff May 17 — Bluffs Middle School “Band Concert” 7 p.m., Scottsbluff Senior High School May 18 — Bluffs Middle School “Jazz Band Small Ensemble Concert” 7pm BMS Cafetorium, Scottsbluff May 19 — Tri-State Motocross, Sidney.

May 19 — Free Park Day, BBQ and Kids Fishing Derby 8 a.m., Fort Robinson May 19 — Wildcat Hills Wildlands Day Fun Run, 8K, 8 a.m. at Nature Center, south of Gering. Activities continue all day.

May 20 — Archer y Shoot, Lake McConaughy May 26 — Travis Ford Memorial Golf Tournament, Ogallala May 26 — Post Playhouse – one night only, “The Bald Mountain Rounders” at Fort Robinson, Crawford May 26-27 — Golf Classic, golfers compete to win at Chadron’s Ridgeview Countr y Club, Chadron May 30–June 9 — Theatre West, “I Love You, Your Perfect, Now Change”, Scottsbluff

May 3 — Spring Concert, event is free and open to the public. Eastern Wyoming College of Fine Ar ts Auditorium, Torrington, Wyo. May 3 — National Day of Prayer “61st Annual Obser vance”, Gering Civic Center.

May 4 – Los Guadalupanos “Cinco De Mayo Pageant” Guadalupe Center, Scottsbluff May 5 — Keep Scottsbluf f/Gering Beautiful Annual “Pharmaceutical Take Back” 8a.m. to 4p.m. Main Street Market East parking lot. Avenue B & South Beltline Highway, Scottsbluff May 5-6 — Tri-State Motocross NMA Qualifier, Mitchell May 5-6 — NE Walleye Association Fishing Tournament, Lake McConaughy May 19 — Keep Scottsbluff/Gering Beautiful “Recycle Your Cycles-NPPD” 515 First Avenue, Scottsbluff May 5 – Catfish Classic Tournament – Kingsley Dam at Lake McConaughy west to the Oshkosh Bridge over the North Platte River, Ogallala May 5 — Sidney’s Great Trash Race 8:30a.m. – 11:00a.m., Sidney May 5 — 8th annual Spring Classic Golf Tournament, Ogallala May 10–June 10 — Western Nebraska Arts Center “Commemorations Exhibit”, Scottsbluff May 11 — The North Platte Valley Museum “Puzzles of the Past”, Gering May 12 — Western NE Bass Tournament Trail, Lake McConaughy May 12 — Summit Christian College June 1-June 3 — “24th Anniversary” “Summit to Summit”, a community walk/run or ride the shuttle from Gering Sugar Valley Rally, a precision driving conto the top of the Monument. Star t: test for antique cars (pre-1958) start and finRunners 8 a.m.. Walkers-Open start from ish in Scottsbluff and Gering.

JUNE

Escape to the serenity of a beautiful country setting, a few miles from town, but a world apart. Experience sunrise as you savor a morning cup of coffee on the second floor balcony. Watch the clouds float above the pines as you relax in the hammock in the courtyard.

We take pleasure in your comfort at • 57 great rooms • Spa and Swimming Pool • Kids Stay Free • Toast and Coffee Bar • Flat Screen Cable TV • Truck Parking with Power Outlets • Clean Rooms, Friendly Service • Meeting Room • High Speed Wireless Internet

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by Vantage

1548 S. Main • Torrington

Reservations can be made by: Calling our local number (307) 532-7118 Toll Free Direct 866-506-8181 Website: www.bestvaluetorrington.com

by Vantage

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Chimney Rock

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 1 — Post Playhouse opening performance of “ Oklahoma,” Fort Robinson Playhouse, Crawford.

June 1-3 — Thunder on the Prairie Rod Run, poker run, BBQ and dance, Alliance.

June 2 — 8th annual Terry McCormick Memorial Walleye Tournament, Lake McConaughy June 2 — West Nebraska All-Star Football, 7p.m., Bearcat Stadium, Scottsbluff.

June 2 — West Nebraska All-Star Volleyball 2p.m., WNCC Cougar Palace, Scottsbluff.

June 2 — Kids fishing clinic and Water Expo, Ogallala.

June 2 — West Nebraska Regional Airport “Airport Family Fun Day” Scottsbluff June 2-3 — Circle the Bluffs Powwow, Scottsbluff June 3 — Couples Classic, Ogallala June 3 — 6th annual Ride the Ridge Bike Challenge, south of Chadron State Park.

June 3 — Walleye Tournament, Lake McConaughy June 4 — Brule Day, Brule.

June 4 — Classic Car and Cruise Night, Valentine, June 4-6 — Cowboy Capital Open Tournament, Ogallala June 7-9 — Miss Nebraska Pageant, North Platte June 8 — The North Platte Valley Museum “Puzzles of the Past”, Gering.

June 8-9 — Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival, McCook June 8-10 — Intertribal Gathering Native American arts, crafts and traditional powwow, Crawford June 9 — Gold Rush Day quick draw competitions, chuck wagon cookout and fun for all. Sidney

June 9 — Brule Community-Wide Garage Sale, Brule June 9 — Gering “Arts Festival” 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Legion Park, 12th and O Streets, Gering June 9 — Harrison Community Garage Sale, Harrison June 9 — Banner Historical Days Harrisburg June 9-10 — Heritage Festival, North Platte June 9-11 — 13th Annual Intertribal Gathering, 8:30 a.m. Fort Robinson, Crawford June 10 — Farm and Ranch Museum in Gering hosts “Tractor Relay Across Nebraska” June 10 — Nebraska High School Rodeo, Crawford June 10 — Community Wide Yard Sale, Crawford June 15-16 — Treasure Trek, Alliance June 15-16 — 20th annual Ash Hollow Pageant. 10a.m. to 4 p.m. Quilt and Art show. 56:30pm, Chuck Wagon Supper, 5K walk/run, quilt show and musical. Ask Hollow State Historical Park, 3 miles SE of Lewellen on Hwy

106 E. 18th Street

Visit the gallery

Scottsbluff, NE

FREE admission

Tue.-Fri. 9am-5pm Weekends 1-5pm

308-632-2226 www.thewnac.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DISCOVER US 43

26. Bring own folding chairs. Handicap accessible.

Call 308-778-5548 or volunteersofamerica@embarqmail.com.

June 15-16 — High Plains Auto Club presents “The Rock & Roll Fathers Day Classic Car Show” at Gering Civic Center and Five Rocks Amphitheater, 1050 M. St., Gering June 16 — Festival of Hope 10th anniversary celebration and concert at Scottsbluff County Fairgrounds, Mitchell June 16 — Chadron State Park’s 91st Anniversary Celebration, Chadron June 16-17 — Nebraska Walleye Association Fishing Tournament, Lake McConaughy June 20 — 2012 Pony Express Re-Ride (West to East) 8 a.m, Henry June 20-30 — Theatre West, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, Scottsbluff June 22 — Post Playhouse Theatre, “Grease” 8p.m. Fort Robinson, Crawford June 22-24 — Circle the Bluffs Powwow, Scottsbluff June 23 — Old West Trail PRCA Queen and Princess Contest, Crawford June 23 — Theatre West, 2012 Garden Walk 8:00a.m. – 1:00p.m., Scottsbluff June 23 — 5th Annual Beef Cookoff and Dinner Backyard Party, Lewellen June 23-24 — Shut up and Fish Tourney.

Angling competition at Lake McConaughy, Ogallala June 24 — Western Nebraska Arts Center “Open House”, Scottsbluff June 25 — Summit Christiam College “Golf Tournament – 2012, Gering June 29 — Twilight 5K Run and Doggie Walk, Ogallala June 29-July 27 — Western Nebraska Art Center “President’s Show”, Scottsbluff

Sutherland July 4 — 4th of July Fireworks, Lodgepole July 4 — 4th of July Celebration, Ogallala July 4 — Fourth of July events, Kimball.

July 5 — Post Playhouse Theatre, “Broadway–Gold” 8p.m. Fort Robinson, Crawford July 7 — Demolition Derby, Ogallala July 7 — Lake Mac Clean Up, Lake McConaughy July 10 — WNAC Hosts Tuesday Nights “Drawing for Insomniacs”, Scottsbluff July 12-15 — 91st annual Oregon Trail Days. art show, live concerts, chili cook-off, 5-mile run,car show and much more, Gering July 17-22 — Heritage Days and Rodeo, Alliance July 13-15 — Fur Trade Days, Chadron July 13-16 — Buckskinners Primitive Rendezvous, Chadron July 14-15 — Tropical Dreams Regatta, Lake McConaughy July 17-18 — Scottsbluff-Gering United Chamber of Commerce – Agri-business Water Tour July 18-28 — WNCC Little Theater, “Cabaret” 7:30 p.m., Scottsbluff July 20-21 — Relay for Life, Ogallala July 21 – Horse Creek Rendezvous, Morrill July 21-28 — Morrill County Fair, Bridgeport July 23-30 — Cheyenne County Fair and Rodeo, Sidney July 23-30 — Journey Stories, a Smithsonian Exhibition, North Platte July 25-29 — Thomas County Fair.

125th annual event includes a parade, live concerts, games, fishing tournament and much more, Thedford July 25-30 — Lincoln County Fair, North Platte July 26-29 — Scottsbluff Country Club “Nebraska Golf Amateur” July 27-Aug 3 — Dawes County Fair, Chadron July 27-Aug 3 — Goshen County Fair, Torrington, Wyo. July 27-Aug. 5 — 125th anniversary Scottsbluff County Fair, Mitchell July 28 — Peabody Hale’s 50th Anniversary Fiddle Contest, 8a.m. Crawford City Park July 28 — 4th Annual Dam Run, Ogallala July 28 — 22nd Annual Kites and Castles event at Lake McConaughy July 29 – Tri-State Motocross, Mitchell July 30- Aug. 1 — Western States Cutting Horse Association, Goshen County

JULY July 1-4 — Western & Wildlife Art Show, Crawford July 3-4 — Old West Trail PRCA 66th Rodeo, Crawford July 3-4 — Rodeo and Fireworks, Sutherland July 3 — Free Street Dance, Oshkosh July 4 — Fourth of July Rodeo, Bridgeport July 4 — Fireworks display in Torrington.

July 4 — Fireworks display in Scottsbluff July 4 — Parade, BBQ, baseball game, kids races, watermelon feed and fireworks, Oshkosh July 4 — July 4th Celebration and Rodeo,

44 DISCOVER US AUGUST Aug. 1 — Sioux County Horse Show, 9 a.m., Sioux County Fairgrounds Aug. 1-5 — Sioux County Fair, dances, rodeo, 4-H exhibits and much more.

Harrison Aug. 3 — Farmers Day Off golf, Kimball.

Aug. 3-10 — Dawes County Fair, Chadron Aug. 4 — Brule Day, Brule Aug 4 — Scotts Bluff County Fair “concert” – Josh Thompson & The McClymonts.

Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds, Mitchell.

Call 308-623-1828 Aug 4-5 — Sioux County Fair & Rodeo, Harrison County Fairgrounds Aug. 4-12 — Box Butte County Fair, mud bogging, cake auction, cat dog and horse shows, parades and much more. Hemingford Aug. 7-12 — Keith County Fair, Ogallala Aug 8-13 — Kimball-Banner County Fair in Kimball Aug 11 — Antique Tractor and Stock Pickup Pull, Ogallala Aug. 11-12 — 86th Annual Greek Festival, Greek music and dancing, food and other events. Bridgeport Aug. 15 — Polish Luau, Garden County Aug. 16-17 — Loup 2 Loup Open Race, A seventeen mile sports car and road race between Halsey and Purdum. Halsey, The race continues with the 17th annual Sandhills Open Road Challenge, Arnold.

Aug. 17-19 — “Studebaker Drivers Club” Zone meet, multiple events, cookout, car show, Gering Aug 18 — Scotts Bluff County Fair “Demolition Derby”, Mitchell Aug. 18 — Bushnell Days, parade, craft fair, food, raffles, and much more. Bushnell Aug. 25-26 — Western States Cutting Horse Association, Goshen County Fairgrounds, Torrington, Wyo. Aug. 25-26 — Memorial Golf Tournament, Legend Buttes Golf Course, Crawford Aug. 26 — Tri-State Motocross, Mitchell Aug. 31-Sept. 2 — Potter Days, Potter

SEPTEMBER Sept. 1 — Blue Water Blues Festival, 17 Ranch Winery, Main Street, Lewellen Sept. 1-2 — Mac Attack Regatta at Lake McConaughy Sept. 2-4 — Old Settlers Days, Lodgepole Sept. 3 — Labor Day Celebration, archeology demonstrations at Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center. Primitive living skills, stone tool making and bone bed

CALENDAR OF EVENTS tours. All-you-can-eat chicken and sweet corn and Countr y music celebration at High Plains Homestead/Drifter Cookshack, Sioux County Sept. 5-6 — “FARMhands-on-history”, Farm And Ranch Museum in Gering Sept. 8-9 — Willow Tree Festival, Gordon Sept. 8-9 — Gun Show, Brule Sept. 9 – Lisco Days, Lisco Sept. 14-16 — Quilts along the Platte, Goshen County Fairgrounds, Torrington, Wyo. Sept. 15-16 — Big Mac Fall Classic Walleye Tournament, Lake McConaughy Sept. 15-16 — Farm And Ranch Museum in Gering hosts the Har vest Festival XVI Sept. 20-22 — Indian Summer Rendezvous, craft show, parade, vendors, live entertainment and much more. Ogallala Sept. 21-23 — Fall Festival, Oshkosh Sept. 21-23 — Dalton Fall Festival, Dalton Sept. 22 — WNCC “Fall Frolic” 5K run/walk and a 10K run/relay, Scottsbluff Sept. 22 — VOCAIR Flyers Club’s Fly-In Breakfast, Sidney Sept. 23 — Histor y in Action Day, Chadron Sept. 23 — Western Nebraska Arts Center “Open House”, Scottsbluff Sept 25-26 — Dobby’s Frontier Town Fall Festival, Alliance Sept. 29 — Farmers Day in Kimball Sept. 30 — Dawes County Historical Society’s History in Action Day, Chadron Sept. 30 – Tri-State Motocross, Sidney

OCTOBER Oct. 3 – 4-H Harvest , Goshen County Fairgrounds, Torrington Wyo. Oct. 5-7 – Oktoberfest & Car Show, Show and shine at Legion Park, parade, farmer’s market, crafts and entertainment, Sidney Oct 5-7 – Follow the Rails Art Trail, Sandhills art and artists are featured with paintings, photographs, pottery, wine tasting and more. Alliance, Thedford, Seneca Oct. 6 – Farm and Ranch Museum in Gering hosts the Gering Kiwanis Family Fun Day Oct. 11-14 – Paint Brownville Autumn 2012, Brownville Oct. 13 – Platte Valley Companies “Monument Marathon & Half-Marathon” Gering Oct. 19-21 – Follow the Rails Art Trail, Alliance

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Oct. 26 – Moonlight Madness, Chadron Oct. 26-27 — Annual Fall Craft Show, 9a.m.

Old West Trail Rodeo Building, Crawford Dec. 1 — Christmas at the Bowring, gourOct. 27 – Halloween Contest and Parade, met meal and entertainment at Bowring Ranch State Historical Park. State park permit Downtown Crawford required. Merriman Dec. 1 — Historical Christmas Dinner, a 1946 historical, family style meal and lighting of Nov 2-Dec.28 – North Platte Valley Artists the holiday lights at Fort Robinson State Park.

Crawford Guild “Holiday Show” closed Mondays, Dec. 1 — Trees Along the Trail, North Platte Scottsbluff Valley Museum, Gering Nov. 12 – Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Dec. 2 — Old-Fashioned Christmas, Ogallala Christmas carolers, haystack rides, food venNov. 17 – Annual Arts and Craft Show, Keith dors and Santa. Potter County Fairgrounds Dec. 3 — Christmas Stroll, Morrill Nov. 19 – Christmas Decorating Party, Dec. 5 — Brule Hometown Holiday Open Lodgepole House, Brule Nov. 20–Dec. 19 — Brownville Old Time Dec. 6 — Christmas Parade of Lights, Christmas Ogallala Nov22-Dec 31 — Hemmingford Dec. 6 — Angel of Hope Day of Community Christmas, Hemmingford Remembrance, Living Memorial Gardents in Nov 23 – Old-Fashioned Christmas and Legion Park, Sidney Lamplight Tours, Sidney Dec. 6-7 — Goshen County 2-shot Goose Nov 23 — Gering’s Christmas Holiday Hunt, fairgrounds, Torrington, Wyo. Parade and opening of Santa’s Village in the Dec. 14-16 — The Gala Christmas Show, Civic Center parking lot.

Brownville

DECEMBER

NOVEMBER

Community roots.

National strength.

Since 1863.

Visit one of our conveniently located branches: Scottsbluff North | 702 E 27th Street Scottsbluff, NE 69361 | 308-632-9106 Gering | 1+*% &0th Street Gering, NE 69341 | 308-436-5066 Torrington | 2034 West B Street Torrington, WY 82240 | 307-532-7063 branch usbank.com 800.871.BANK (2265) Member FDIC

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Scotts Bluff County Fair Rodeo

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Carhenge

We hope you enjoy exploring the beauty of western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming.

AND OPENING ACT

The McClymonts

CAMPGROUNDS TORRINGTON GOSHEN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS - (307) 532-2525 PIONEER MUNICIPAL PARK - (307) 532-5666 CITY SLICKERS RV PARK - (307) 850-6923

FORT LARAMIE 20 miles west of Torrington on Hwy 26 CHUCKWAGON RV PARK - (307) 837-2828 PONY SOLDIER RV PARK - (307) 837-3078 SOUTH CITY PARK CAMPGROUND - (307) 837-2711

LINGLE 10 miles west of Torrington on Hwy 26 BROTT’S RV PARK - (307) 837-2299 or (307) 575-0859

HAWK SPRINGS 32 miles south of Torrington on Hwy 85 STATE RECREATION AREA - (307) 777-7011 or (307) 836-2334

LODGING TORRINGTON AMERICA'S BEST VALUE INN - (307) 532-7118 or (866) 506-8181 BLUE LANTERN MOTEL - (307) 532-8999 DAYS INN - (307) 532-4011 HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS - (307) 532-7600 or 1-800-HOLIDAY GRANDMA'S INN - (307) 532-4064

FORT LARAMIE REAL MCCOY MOTEL - (307) 837-2100 or (307) 575-2669

BED & BREAKFASTS LAGRANGE THE BEAR CREEK INN - (307) 834-2398

TORRINGTON TEA KETTLE RANCH BED & BREAKFAST - (307) 532-5375 COUNTRY VILLA GUEST HOUSE - (307) 532-7414 or (307) 575-1188