2015 Trails West

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Barbara

Johnston

TRAILSWEST

Trails

West

Gering ScottsblufMitchell HenryMinatare Bayard Morrill

Bridgeport LewellenLisco & Broadwater Oshkosh

GETTING STARTED

The Oregon Trail stretches 2,000miles, yet since the 19th century

many found the heart of itsnatural beauty to be here inWestern Nebraska. This road ofwilderness offered an uncertainfate when fabled frontiersmenlike Kit Carson drove those first

wagon trains from Missouri in1842. No doubt, their favoritetreacherous tourist stops had tobe in the Platte Valley of TrailsWest Country.

It was in the majestic westernregion of Nebraska where theOregon Trails most famouslandmarks were seen at AshHollow, Courthouse and Jailrocks, and Scotts Bluff National

Monument. The end of the tragictrail came early for many, as oneout of 10 of those emigrants wereburied along the way during

the six-month trek. The beautyremains, but now the journey isfilled with bliss. Sail through the155-mile journey on the Western

Trails Historic and Scenic Byway.The drive will take just hours, buta lifetime of memories await.

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WELCOME CENTERS/REST AREAS

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

Attractions

34 JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY TRAI

Gering

Historians know little about HiramScott, and legends abound about the urtrapper who died in 1828 near the bluffthat came to bear his name. And thoughScotts Bluff National Monument is inScotts Bluff County, it is nearest the cityo Gering rather than Scottsbluff. No mat-ter. o simpliy things, olks around herecall it Te Monument, a name as mat-ter-o-act as its wise Indian moniker, Ma-a-pa-te, which means hill that is hardto go around. Wagon trains rom the

Missouri River reached it only afer twomonths o hard travel. More than 350,000pioneers are estimated to have passed byhere between 1841 and 1869. Te rutsand swales lef by their many possession-laden wagons still can be seenhere.

Rising 800 eet above the valley floor,the bluff is sometimes taken or a smallmountain, which it is not. Mountains are

pushed up rom below; ScottsBluff is what remains o theancient High Plains that wereeroded by rivers over millionso years. It is part o the scenicWildcatHills.

Te Monument near the North PlatteRiver encompasses nearly 3,000 acres.Among its badlands o sandstone andsiltstone the ossilized remains o ancientoreodonts, tortoises, rhinoceroses, horsesand camels and other prehistoric crea-tures have beendiscovered.

Atop the bluff on a clear day, one cansee Chimney Rock to the southeast andWyomings Laramie Range o the RockyMountains to the west. From the bluff, atwo-mile-long Union Pacific train lookstiny as it rolls along toward Mitchell.

You can drive to the top rom the VisitorCenter and Oregon rail Museum by wayo Summit Road, Nebraskas oldest con-crete road. Te route provides a stunningview and takes vehicles through three tun-nels carved through the bluff. I you havethe stamina, hiking the Saddle Rock railrom the visitor center to the top is moreo an adventure. Seeing the bluffs walls up

close is spectacular, and at one point thetrail passes through a narrow, rocky tun-nel carved through part o the bluff itsel.Te less strenuous Oregon rail Pathwayallows visitors to walk the same groundwhere pioneers passed long ago. Te visi-tor center/museum displays the remains oancient creature that once lived here, andartiacts rom the pioneer era. Te Monu-ment is three miles west o Gering on theOld Oregon rail. It is open daily 8 a.m.-7p.m. rom Memorial Day through LaborDay and closes at 5 p.m. the rest o the year.Admission is $5 per vehicle, and rangersgive interpretive programs on many week-ends throughout the year. (308) 436-9700.

Just east o the Monument on the OldOregon rail, the Legacy of the PlainsMuseum shows visitors the history o

the valley and the development o HighPlains agriculture. Te 110-acre sitehas exhibits ranging rom horse-drawnimplements and steam engines to conser-vation tillage and the sugar beet industry.Te artiacts o the ormer North PlatteValley Museum are now displayed here.A 1930s armstead has been moved on-site to interpret thatperiod.

During the Harvest Festival on thethird weekend o September, volunteersdemonstrate arm practices o the past.Visitors can harvest potatoes to takehome, or try their hand pitching bundleso wheat into the thresher. Te museumis open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturdayand 1-5 p.m. Sunday, mid-May throughmid-September, or by appointment off-season. (308) 436-1989.

Across the road rom the museumand overlooking the monument is theCity o Gerings Five Rocks Amphithe-ater, which shows movies on summerevenings. Concerts, car shows and othercommunity events are also held at thisstriking, open-air venue unlike anythingelse in the West. (308) 436-0056.

Nearby is Monument Shadows GolfCourse, a challenging 18-hole course

enhanced by outstanding views in its set-ting at the base o Scotts Bluff NationalMonument. Te course eatures includea driving range, clubhouse and cart stor-age. o get there, go 1 1/2 miles north othe intersection o Five Rocks Road andthe Old Oregon rail in Gering, then turnwest on Country Club Road and south onClubhouse Drive. (308) 635-2277.

Te Ever Green House in Oregonrail Park has the only producing fig treein Western Nebraska. (308) 635-3089.

Te Wildcat Hills, pine-covered bluffsthat rise abruptly rom the plains, aresome o Nebraskas most ruggedly beauti-ul country. Eight miles south o Gering onHighway 71, Wildcat Hills State Recre-ation Area and Nature Centeroffers morethan our miles o winding and scenic hik-ing trails, picnic acilities and cross country

skiing on more than 1,000cedar clad canyons. Te Nan auditorium, displaysopportunities in ecology,

ogy. Children especiallydig, and the centers largewide views o the area, aincluding eagles and othbobcats, wild turkey andstate park entry permit isthe state recreation area.

Te adjacent Wildcatare open or mountain riding, hiking, huntingeneral enjoyment o tthe result o a cooperatimany agencies, and prnearly 30,000 acres o beautiullandscape.

Buffalo Creek Stateoffers hiking, fishing anlie. From the Gering ex71 south 4 miles, then gon County RoadW.

Cedar Canyon WildlArea is home to a herdbighorn sheep. Te herin 2001 when 22 bighorn

Christopher Amundson

Monument ShaGolf Course at G

is one of the moscenic in the sta

HOTELS & MOTELS Address and Email Phone Rooms A menities

Cavalier Motel,3655 N. 10th St., Gering. www.motelcava-

lier.com308-635-3176 39 Outdoor pool

Circle S Lodge, 400 M St, Hwys 92 & 71, Gering 308-436-2157 30 Pets allowed

Monument Inn and Suites,1130 M St., Gering

www.monumentinnsuites.com

308-436-1950

866-436-195061 Wheelchair accessible, free continental breakfast, pets

UNIQUE LODGING Address and Email Phone Amenities

Willow Pond B&B,11 Crestview Dr., Gering

www.willowpondbandb.com308-631-7234

Renovated suite with private bath, king bed and balcony overlook

low Pond. Rooms with private bath. Includes full breakfast.

CAMPGROUNDS Address and Email Phone Open Amenities

Robidoux RV Park, 585 Five Rocks Rd, 1/2 mi. S. of Jct of

Hwy 92 & Five Rocks Rd., Gering. www.gering.org308-436-2046 Year Round

RV Amenities:electricity, water, sewer, room for 42 tra

Facilities:flush toilets and showers. Camping: unlimit

Wildcat Hills SRA,4235 NE Hwy 71, Gering.

www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov.308-436-3777 Year Round

RV Amenities:Water, room for 5 trailers. Rest Facilitie

Camping: 5 tents.

GOLF COURSES Address and Email Phone Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

Monument Shadows Golf Course,2550 Clubhouse Dr.,

Gering3 08-635-2277 18 holes, public

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Colorado and released in Cedar Canyon.o get there, go 4 miles west o Highway71 on Carter Canyon Road, then 1 1/2miles south on County Road 17, and con-tinue one mile west to the parkingarea.

In 1851, Plains Indians brought theirurs to Robidoux rading Post (pro-nounced ROO-bi-doo). In the early dayso the Oregon rail, it was one o the firstsigns o civilization afer many weeks on

the prairie. Te sod-rooed building hasbeen reconstructed with 100-year-oldhand-hewn logs and period urnishings.It is located in beautiul Carter Canyon,on the original Oregon rail route beoretravelers began using Mitchell Pass,known to settlers as Devils Gap, at whatis now Scotts Bluff National Monument.Te winding, 23-mile Carter CanyonRoad takes you through rugged country,past pioneer graves marked and unknownand to the trading post. Entrance to theroad is two miles south o Gering off o

scenic Highway71.For travelers seeking entertainment o

a aster variety, the Hi-Way 92 RacewayPark,two miles east o Gering on Highway92, has stock car races Friday and Saturdaynights all summer and has since 1968. Itis one o only two asphalt circle tracks inNebraska. (308) 436-7223.

Bicycle enthusiasts can travel the U

Street Pathway rom 10th Street in Gering,take in the scenic views o the river andWildcat Hills and ride all the way to ScottsBluff National Monument. It is also a pop-ular thoroughare or walkers andjoggers.

For more inormation on Gering, con-tact the Gering Convention & VisitorsBureau at (308) 436-6886 or visit www.visitgering.com.

Fathers Day Rock-n-RollClassic CarShow

June 20. More than 300 clas-sics from seven states roll into

Five Rocks Amphitheater for thisday-long show and shine. (308)

436-6886.

Oregon Trail Days

July 5 and July 9-13. Parades, foodfairs, bands, chili cook-off, art show

and more. (308) 436-6886.

Harvest FestivalSept. 19-20. Celebrate historicagriculture of the northwest at

Legacy of the Plains Museum. (308)436-1989.

Monument MarathonSept. 26. Run along the Oregon

Trail and through Mitchell Pass inthis mostly downhill event. (308)

630-6551.

Gering Events

Bicycle enthusiasts

can travel the U StreetPathway from 10th Street

in Gering, take in thescenic views of the riverand Wildcat Hills and rideall the way to Scotts Bluff

National Monument.

The Summit Road at Scotts Bluff National Monument near Ger ing is

the oldest concrete road in Nebraska and one of the most scenic.

Christopher Amundson

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An Italian Eateryfor theWhole Family

See our menu online at:

samandlouiespizza.com

308-633-2345

1522 Broadway Scottsbluf

Our famous hand-tossed pizza is topped with

the freshest ingredients. Build your own or tryone of our Specialty Pizzas for lunch or dinner.We also serve a variety of gluten free pizzas,salads, pastas, stromboli, calzones and muchmore. Check us out in Scottsbluff today!

W.O.W! P S

TOM PERKINS II,Arti

F A

R B -

C

1515 Broadway Scottsbluff 30

ScottsbluffYoud expect to find wildlie in the rug-

ged country around Scottsbluff and there is.Elk, pronghorn, mule deer, bighorn sheep,bobcats and even an occasional mountainlion are seen. You wouldnt expect to seeexotic species such as chimpanzees, otters,tigers, Arican lions or varieties o tropi-cal birds, but youll find them at RiversideDiscovery Center. It is home to more than200 animals representing more than 70species.

Te animals live in simulated naturalhabitats, and include endangered or rarespecies such as red pandas, Bengal tigersand several primate species native to

South America. In recent years 18 swifoxes, a rare mammal native to Nebraska,have been born here. Other special exhib-its include the Moose Woods, Lion/igerComplex, Chimpanzee ConservationCenter and a walk-through aviary. Whenvisiting in the summer, bring swimsuitsand flip-flops to enjoy the Splash-pad, azero-depth water eature that keeps youcool with a rereshingspray.

Te 23-acre acility includes a naturalhistory museum and childrens museum

and is on South Beltline Highway, hal amile west o Highway 71 near the northbank o the North Platte River. (308)630-6236. Riverside Campground,open May through Septemb er, is nearby.(308) 630-6238.

Te Westmoor Pool is another amily-riendly attraction in Scottsbluff. Locatedat Avenue I and 20th Street, the pool isopen in the summer and includes waterslides, water cannons and a lazy river.(308) 632-8881.

Te West Nebraska Arts Center,located in the historic Carnegie Libraryat 106 E. 18th St., is a hub o activity orpainting, sculpture, artists-in-residence

and the perorming arts (308) 632-2226.Affiliated programs are Teatre West,a summer theater company, and thehistoric Midwest Teater, a grand, oldmovie palace o yesteryear in downtownScottsbluff. (308) 632-4311.

Alongside the North Platte River andScotts Bluff National Monument, walk-ing and biking trails connect the cities oScottsbluff, Gering and errytown. Monu-ment Valley Pathways includes 6.3 mileso trails; a total o 26 miles areplanned.

In 1902, surveyors or the Burling-

ton Railroad discovered an old wagontire inscribed with the name o RebeccaWinters and the year 1852. Te iron tire,they learned, marked the grave o a Mor-mon pioneer woman who was strickenwith cholera near Fort Kearny and per-ished along the trail near what is now thecommunity o Scottsbluff. She lef herhusband and five children behind to con-tinue on the trail. Te proximity o thememorial to the railroad tracks led to thewomans remains being moved in 1995,with more than 100 o Winters descen-dants in attendance. oday, the wagontire is part o the monument that tellsher story. Te Rebecca Winters Grave

is alongside Highway 26, 1 1/2 miles eastoScottsbluff.Te areas rontier history is also com-

memorated on the Oregon rail west oScottsbluff near the intersection o High-way 92 and Hunt Dairy Road. wo mark-ers stand here. One is or Fort Mitchell, acalvary-era ortress built in 1864. It pro-vided security to early settlers. Te ortand a nearby pass o the same name werenamed or General Robert B. Mitchell,who commanded the military district oNebraska. All traces o the ort have van-

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.

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SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY TRAI

Play and Live

DROP INTO

experience

and a q

just

b

t

Call the welcomfor a personalized

Mitchell Chamber of Commerce www.MitchellA

308-64

Mitchel

Sugar VallDate****. The long

sugar beet industrythis hundreds of m

sion driving contest Nebraska. www.vis

Rock SDate****. Rocks, gem

show, swap and saleCampground at 160W. Also jewelry, wir

swap. All proceeds go(308) 436-4888 or

Scottsblufished rom the landscape but this markerstands as a reminder o the role the menstationed at Fort Mitchell played in thesettlement o the region. Te marker waserected in 1923 by the State o Nebraskaand the City oScottsbluff.

Te monument to the lef depicts arider o the Pony Express and is dedi-cated to the young men that willinglyrode into danger at breakneck speedor the brie time that the organizationexisted (1860-1861). Te exact spot o

the Scotts Bluff Station is unknown butis believed to have been on Fort Mitchellitsel, or very nearby. Te granite markerwas placed by the Oregon rail Memo-rial Association.

In Western Nebraska, the human pop-

ulation is sparse and people value wide-open spaces. Scottsbluff, with nearly15,000 residents, is the Panhandles larg-est city. Combined with sister city Gering(pop. 10,500) and with errytown(pop.1,200) sandwiched between, the Scotts-bluff/Gering metro area is the largestpopulation center in Western Nebraska.errytown is a much younger commu-nity than the other two cities, havingbeen ounded by businessman and poli-tician erry Carpenter in1949.

For more inormation about Scottsbluffcontact Scottsbluff Area ourism at www.visitscottsbluff.com or the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber o Commerce at(308) 632-2133.


BarnAnewB&B, On old Oregon Trail Rd, 3 mi. W. of

Scottsbluff. www.barnanew.com308-632-8647

A100-year-old barn in the shadow of Scotts Bluff National Monument.

Private rooms and full breakfast.


Riverview Country Club, 100928 Cty Rd 19, Scottsbluff. 308-635-1555 18 holes, public

HOTELS & MOTELS Address and Email Phone Rooms A menities Rate Range

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

candlelightscottsbluff.com308- 635-3751 56 W he el ch ai r ac ce ss ib le , outd oor pool , fr ee c on ti ne nt al b re akfa st 51-75+

Capri Motel, 2 42 4 Ave I , S co tt sb lu ff. 3 08 -6 35 -2 05 7 3 0 Wh eel cha ir ac ce ss ib le , fre e co nt ine nt al b re ak fas t, pe ts al lo we d 4 5- 50

Comfort Inn, 1902 21st Ave., Scottsbluff. www.choice-

hotels.com308-632-7510 49

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast,

pets allowed75+

HamptonInn& SuitesConferenceCenter,301W.Hwy26,,

Scottsbluff.Jctof AveB &Hwy 26.www.hampton-inn.com

308-635-5200

800-HAMPTON81 W he el ch ai r ac ce ss ib le , i nd oor pool, f re e cont in en ta l br ea kf ast 75+

HolidayInnExpress,1821 Frontage Rd., Scottsbluff.www.

hiexpress.com/scottsbluffne3 08 -6 32 -1 00 0 7 0 W he el ch ai r ac ce ss ib le , in do or p oo l, f re e co nt in en ta l br ea kf as t 7 5+

Lamplighter American Inn, 606 E. 27th S t. Sc ot tsbl uff. 308- 632-7108 40 R esta ur an t on p re mi se s, fr ee c on ti ne nt al b re akfa st , p et s a ll owe d 50

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

daysinn.com3 08-635 -3111 1 36


pets allowed75+

Sportsman Inn, 80349CountyRd19,4mi.W. onHwy26,

Scottsbluff.www.sportsmaninn-webs.com308-632-6012 29 Pets allowed 51-75

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

com308-635-1600 55


pets allowed51-75

Trails West Camp,1918 S. Beltline Hw y W., Scottsbluff.

www.trailswestymca.org308-632-5705 9 Wheelchair accessible, outdoor pool 75+

CAMPGROUNDS Address and Email Phone Open Amenities Fees

Robidoux RV Park, 585 Five Rocks Rd, 1/2 mi. S. of Jct of

NE Hwy 92 & Five Rocks Rd. www.gering.org308-436-2046 Year Round

RV Amenities:electricity, water, sewer, room for 42 trailers. Rest

Facilities:flush toilets and showers. Camping: available.8-20

Flying Bee Ranch LLC,Bayard, 4 1/2 mi. S. of NE Hwy 92

at McGrew. www.flyingbee-ranch.com.308-783-2885 Year Round


Facilities:Pit toliets. Cabin rentals:1. Camping: available.15-20

Riverside Campground, 1514 S. Beltline Hwy W. S

www.scottsbluff.org.308-632-6342

May1-

Sep 30


Facilities:flush toilets and showers. Camping: 50 tents.7-20

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

trailers, $16-26.308-635- 3760 A pr -O ct 1


Facilities:flush toilets and showers. Camping: 6 tents16-26

Sportsman InnCampground, 4mi.W.onUS Hwy26

www.sportsmaninn.webs.com308-632-6012 Year Round

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

able

Call for

rates

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Nebraska Tourism

MORRILL COUNTY TRAI42 JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

MitchellMitchell is the usual point o departure

or Agate Fossil Beds National Monu-ment,30 miles north on Highway29.

Hunting and fishing opportunitiesabound nearby. Other recreational activ-ities include a motor cross track at theold airport, scenic Centennial Park, andthe historic NileTeater.

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

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

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

HenryHenry is Nebraskas westernmost town.One mile south, Stateline Island is parto the North Platte National WildlifeRefugeand offers nature observation andhiking. Te 130-acre reuge is a bird watch-ing mecca.

One mile east o Henry is the placewhere in 1847 Brigham Young called aspecial prayer circle on behal o the west-bound Mormon pioneers. It is known asPrayer Bluffs today. It is accessible by aserviceroad.

MinatareLake Minatare is large, but not so big

that it needs a lighthouse. It has one any-way and it offers an impressive 360-degreeview. It was built by the Veterans Conser-vation Corps, a New Deal agency that pro-vided jobs to unemployed veterans. (308)783-2911. Located seven miles north o thetown o Minatare, the recreation area offersswimming, boating, fishing, picnicking andmore. It has boat ramps, electrical and prim-itive camp sites and restroom and showeracilities. A state park permit is required.Lake Minatare is part o the North PlatteNational Wildlife Refuge, which also

includes nearby Winters Creek Lake

and Lake Alice, and Stateline Island nearHenry. All are good bird-watching areas.o provide undisturbed habitat duringmigration season, all but Stateline Islandare closed Oct. 15-Jan. 14. (308) 635-7851.

MorrillIn 1851, 10,000 Plains Indians rom 10

tribes met government officials near HorseCreek to orm a treaty. Never in recordedhistory had so many gathered at one spoton the Plains. From the governments per-spective, the treatys purpose was to ensuresae passage or people using the Oregonrail and to stop intertribalwarare.

Te government broke the treaty almostimmediately. Te Horse Creek reatyMarker is 3 1/2 miles west o Morrill onHighway 26. Every July, Morrills HorseCreek Rendezvous commemoratestheevent.

Concert in the ParkAlways the last Saturday in

June. The three basics of fun: acar show, music and food cometogether in Centennial Park in

Mitchell for this fun communityevent. (308) 641-1692.

Scotts Bluff County FairAug. **. The Scotts Bluff County

Fairgrounds is home to thiswestern celebration. Theres aPRCA Rodeo, carnival, demoli-tion derby, parade and more.What the Rubber Check Race?Find out at this fun fair. (308)

641-1692.

BayardVisible to wagon trains rom several

days away, Chimney Rockwas the mostnoted landmark along the Oregon rail.With a 120-oot spire and standing 325eet rom tip to base, it was unlike any-thing the pioneers had ever seen. Telandmarks story is told at the Ethel andChristopher J. Abbott Visitor Centerat Chimney Rock National HistoricSite.Te center interprets the westwardmigration o the 19th century the great-est voluntary mass migration in history and the significance o Chimney Rockitsel. It is 1 1/2 miles south o Highway92 near Bayard and is open daily. (308)586-2581.

In town, the Bayard Depot Museumis housed in a reurbished railroaddepot at the south end o downtown. Itis open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily during thesummer and at other times by appoint-ment. Contact the Chimney Rock Visi-tor Center (see above) or more inor-mation.

Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossingoffers gif shops,snacks, a stockedfishing hole, teepee

sleeping, RV park-ing and hookups.Chimney Rock GolfCourse, a nine-holepublic course, isnorth o town. Fly-ing Bee BeefmasterRanch is a 4,000-acre working cattleranch that offerscamping, cabins,bed-and-breakastguest rooms, hiking

and trailriding.Wagon ruts and rem

sod houses are visible Rock Pony Express Ston private land two milon Highway 26, then 1 Oregon rail Road. Caltions. (308) 586-1850.

For more inormationArea Development. (308

BridgeportCourthouse Rock an

ruggedly beautiul and ppioneer history and anciregion. Courthouse Roabove the valley floor abecause o its blocky shamigrants thought it loocourthouse; the smallenearby was thereore thmentioned in pioneer jries. Tey are the easternliers o Western Nebrasescarpments.

Te story is told o Pawnees who fled their climbing Courthouse Ron three sides and only

to the top, the Pawnee Te Sioux warriors camo the rock and waited to give up rom thirst late at night, the Pawnrope rom their pony lardown a cliff one byone.

Te area is five milesport on Highway 88. Yask directions. Te rockmany miles away. Te around and charges no adhouse and Jail Rock G

Annual Greek Festival Br id

August 8-9. A Greek celebration in cowboy cothats Nebraska. This will be the 88th year ofthat celebrates Bridgeports partially Greek he

Greek music and dancing, food, games andactivities. (308) 262-0281.

Morril l County Eve

The Lake Minatare Lighthouse was built by the Veterans Conservation Corps in 1939.

Mitchell Events


Oak Tree Inn, 7 07 E. We bs te r, US Hw y 2 6, Mo rr il l 3 08 -2 47 -2 11 1 9 7 W he el ch ai r a cc es si bl e, re st au ra nt on pr em is es , p et s a ll ow ed 5 1- 75 +

UNIQUE LODGING Address and Email Phone Amenities Rate Range

PioneerTrailsHostelat MitchellsBusyCorner,150822nd

Ave.www.mitchellsbusycorner.com 308-424-1043

Wheelchairaccessible.Roomswithsharedbath.MealsatTheFolksPlaceCaf& use

ofShapersGym.1-50

Cheyenne Ridge Outfitters, 320075 Ankony Pkwy,

Minatare. www.cheyenneridgeoutfitters.com

308-783-5739 877-

850-5144Rooms with shared bath, full breakfast. Lodge with sauna, game tables, etc. 51-75+

GOLF COURSES Address and Email Phone Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times. Rate Range

Scenic Knolls,20458 NE Hwy 29, Mitchell 308-623-2468 9 holes, public Under 15

Rolling Green Golf Course,5 20 Rail Rd, Morrill 308-247-2817 9 holes, public Under 15

CAMPGROUNDS Address and Email Phone Open Amenities Fees

LakeMinatareSRA,7 mi. N. of Minatare on Stonegate Rd. 308-783-2911RV Amenities:water, room for 50 trailers. Rest Facilities:showers,

flush and pit toilets. Camping:110 tents

7-18, NE

ParkPermit

Scenic Knolls Campground,20548 Hwy 29, Mitchell

www.mitchellcity.net308-623- 2468 M ar -S ep RV Amenities:electricity, water, room for 6 trailers. 15

ScottsBluffCountyFairgrounds,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

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Jorn Olsen

MORRILL COUNTY TRAI44 JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

hole public course, isnearby.Just off Highways 26 and 92 on the west

edge o town, Bridgeport State Recre-ation Area offers primitive camping,hiking, fishing, swimming and waterski-ing. A state park entry permit isrequired.

As its name indicates, the town oBridgeport started with a bridge. CampClarke was the site o an early bridgeacross the North Platte River, built toserve gold rush travelers going to androm the Black Hills. When the railroadcame through, the original site was aban-

doned and the new site became knownasBridgeport.

Te history o Camp Clarke and thearea are displayed at the Pioneer railsMuseum. It is open Memorial Day toLabor Day. (308) 262-0108.

ravelers are welcome to use theexercise room and shower at PrairieWinds Community Center on NorthMainStreet.

For more inormation, contact theBridgeport Chamber o Commerce. (308)262-1825.

Gordon Howard and his Chimney Rock neighbor are both guardians of the regions history.


Landmark Inn, 246 Main St, Bayard

www.landmarkinn-webs.com308-586-1075 11 Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed 1-75

Bridgeport Inn, 517 Main St, 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

800-595-49488 Pets allowed 1-75

Meadowlark Motor Inn & Restaurant, N. US Hwy 385,

Bridgeport. ww w.meadowlarkmotorinn.com

308-262-0557

800-510-121022

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, free continental

breakfast, pets allowed51-75

GOLF COURSES Address and Email Phone Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times. Rate Range

Chimney Rock Golf Course,N. US Hwy 26, Bayard 308-586-1606 9 holes, public Under 15

Courthouse&Jail RockGolf Course,5 mi. S. on NE Hwy

88, Bridgeport308-262-9925 9 holes, public Under 15

CAMPGROUNDSAddress and Email Phone Open Amenities Fees

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. Powerboating, picnicking, hik-

ing and fishing. Camping: 100 tents

6, NE

ParkPermit

Meadowlark Annex RV Park, 2 mi. N. on US Hwy 385,

Mile Marker 77, Bridgeport308-262-0410 Year Round

RV Amenities:electricity, water, sewer, room for 1 8 trailers. Rest

Facilities:showers, flush and pit toilets. Camping: 10 tents9-18

UNIQUE LODGING Address and Email Phone Amenities Rate RangeFlying Bee Ranch LLC, Bayard, 4 1/2 miles S. of Hwy 92

at McGrew. w ww.flyingbee-ranch.com308-783-2885

Wheelchairaccessible,rooms withprivateand sharedbath,full continentalbreak-

fast.Secluded cabin and ranch tours.51-75+

8/10/2019 2015 Trails West

8/8

clearcreekretreat.com2220 Rd. West O North Lewellen

Clear Creek RetreatA Place for All Seasons

Located on the

headwaters ofbeautiful LakeMcConaughy,

Clear Creek

Retreatis perfect for hunters, shermen andadventurers. After an amazing day of exploring,come back to comfortable accommodationswith the amenities of home.

For prices and to book, call:

308-778-9546

46 JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

Lisco & BroadwaterAncient Bluff Ruins is the most dra-

matic and extensive bluff ormationalong the north side o the North PlatteRiver. Te three buttes were ormed byerosion and were named by Mormonsrom England who thought they resem-bled ancient towers and castles rom theold country. rail ruts can be seen nearby.

Lewellen

Modern travelers descend into theNorth Platte Valley by an easy grade. Pio-neers aced a steeper route. o this day,Windlass Hill at Ash Hollow State Parkbears the scars rom the countless wagonsthat made the steep descent. Visitors canollow a paved walking path to thetop.

An old sod house stands at the bottomo the hill, enclosed with a ence with awagon wheel gate. Close gate, please, asign reads. Otherwise cattle get in andrub the old house down.

Ash Hollows abundant water and treesmade it a avorite resting place. Te parkoffers camping, picnicking and a visitor

center. Hiking trailslead to a cave onceinhabited by Amer-ican Indians. Teir

relics have beenoundnearby.

Te park is 1 1/2miles southeast oLewellen on High-way 26. A statepark entry permitis required. (308)778-5651.

Rachel Pattisonwas just 18 years

old when she died o cholera here in1849. Her grave is at Ash Hollow Cem-etery, east o Lewellen. A drive northbrings you to the Clear Creek Wild-lifeRefuge.

West o town 1 1/2 miles along High-way 26 is the Blue Water Battlefieldmarker. It marks the site o an Army raidthat destroyed a Lakotavillage.

Experience lie on the Oregon rail onFathers Day weekend at the Ash HollowPageant, an outdoor perormance using

historical diaries and music.Lewellen, at the west end o LakeMcConaughy, eatures Te MostUnlikely Place, a 1908 silent movie the-ater that is now a cae. Te owner rollerskates about the maple floor, serving visi-tors surrounded by high-end art. On thatsame Main Street youll find the 17 RanchWinery. Visitors can tour the winery andtop off the visit with a taste.

OshkoshSummer is the peak season or West-

ern Nebraska tourism, but Oshkosh isalso popular in a ll. Its the Goose Hunt-ing Capital ofNebraska.

Oshkosh also is a point o departureor Crescent Lake National WildlifeRefuge, located deep in the remote andbeautiul Sandhills Lakes country. Te46,000-acre reuge is 30 miles north oOshkosh and includes 21 lakes ed by anaquier below.

It was established primarily as amigratory bird reuge. Canada geese,snow geese, grouse and pheasants, prai-rie chickens, owls and many species oducks are among the 200 bird speciesobserved there in the past 30 years.

Broadwater Days BroadwaterDate****. Broad smiles will abound in Broadwater duringthis celebration that includes mouthfuls of fun at the pan-cake feed, barbecue, and at the many food vendors. There

will also be an old-fashioned paradelive music and more.www.facebook.com/broadwaterdays.

Ash Hol low Pageant LewellenDate****. Enjoy tours, and a chuck wagon supper before

30 cast members take the stage for this 22nd annualoutdoor musical at Ash Hollow State Historical Park.

(308) 684-3428.

Garden County Events

Attention hunters, the area is rich withsharp-tailed grouse, ring-necked pheas-ants, mule deer and white-tailed deer.Anglers enjoy the lakes walleye, crappie,yellow perch, largemouth bass andcarp.

Other local attractions include the Osh-kosh Swimming Pool, 200 E. First St.,which offers ree swimming in a heatedpool; the Oshkosh Country Club,a nine-hole course near the North Platte River,one mile south o town on Highway 27;and the Garden CountyMuseum.

Te museum has the Silverhill Te-atre at 501 W. First St., and the RockSchool,a century-old stone schoolhouseat 215 W. Avenue G. Te museum housespioneer and Native American artiacts,ossils and a stuffed bird collection omore than 300specimens.

For more inormation on Oshkosh,contact the Oshkosh Chamber o Com-merce. (308) 772-4500 or (308) 772-4545.

Whimsical fun is on the move in downtown Lewellen at The Most Unlikely P

and food is served up at this bistro/gallery. Cynthia Miller keeps things rolli

Christopher Amu

HOTELS & MOTELS Address and Email Phone Rooms A menities

Marina Landing,5051 Albees, Lewellen, NE Hwy 92, mile

marker 124, www.lakemacmarinalanding.com

308-355-3535

888-767-77918 Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises,

Otter Creek Lodge, 100 Otter Creek Ct, Lewellen, Lake

McConaughy, 12 mi. from dam on Hwy 92308-355-2372 9 Restaurant on premises, pets allowed

Pleasant View Lodge at Otter Creek, NE Hwy 92 W.,

Lewellen, Lake McConaughy, www.homesatlakemac.com

308-355-5000

888-568-762010 Pets allowed

Riverview Lodge, 110Rd68,1 mi.S.,1mi.W.Lisco,

www.riverviewlodgelisco.com308-772-3839 8 Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed

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

www.oshkoshinn.com3 08 -7 72 -3 06 6 1 3 W he el ch ai r a cc es si bl e, re st au ra nt on pr em is es , p et s a ll ow

Shady Rest,201 Main St., Oshkosh www.oshkoshshady-

rest.com308-772-4111 12 Wheelchair accessible


17 Ranch,5052 Rd 197, 1 mi. W., 1 1/4 mi. N., 1/2 mi. W.,

Lewellen. ww w.agonline.com/17Ranch.308-778-5543

Working family cattle ranch. Res ervations required. Wheelchair acce

Rooms with shared bath.

GanderInnB&B, 105E. ChurchSt.,Lewellen,

www.ganderinn.net.308-778-5616

Small-townpeacefulsetting. Gameroom &gift shop. Wheelchairaccessibl

withprivateand sharedbaths.Full breakfast.Meals arrangedaroundguest

NancyBsBackyard Bunkhouse,19150Rd44, Lewellen,US

Hwy26 toRd44 W.www.visitogallala.com3 08-77 8-5408 3-bedroom guesthouse or tepee. Continental breakfast.

BlueCreekLodge,8460 Rd. 181. , Oshkosh, bluecreek-

lodging.com308-772-9912

Furnished 4-bedroom lodge. Sleeps 8-10 people. Rooms with private

shared baths.

CAMPGROUNDSAddress and Email Phone Open Amenities

Highway 26 RV Park and Camping,311 Home St.,

Lewellen www.hwy26rvpark.com308-778-9552

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

showers, flush toilets. Tent Camping.

Oregon Trail Trading Post,E. of Lewellen on US Hwy 26. Year Round RV Amenities:electricity, water, sewer, room for 12 traileFacilities:showers, flush toilets. Camping: 12 tents

Pleasant View Lodge at Otter Creek, 1290 NE Hwy 92

W., Lewellen, www.homesatlakemac.com.

308-355-5000

888-568-7620Year Round

RV Amenities:electricity, water, room for 8 trailers. Rest

pit toilets. Camping: 8 tents Cabin Rentals:10

Oregon Trail Campsite, 402 W. Ave A., Oshkosh

www.oregontrailcampsite.com308-778-7395

Apr1-

Nov 1

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

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


Oshkosh Country Club, 308-772-3881 9 holes, public

Documents

2015 Trails West