Cover through Trails West 2015

8/10/2019 Cover through Trails West 2015

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WESTNE6 • JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

MOUNTAIN TIME CENTRAL TIME

MOUNTAIN TIME CENTRAL TIME

Scenic Byways (see pg. 8)Bridges to Buttes Byway – Hwy 20 Valentine to WY Border

385 Gold Rush Byway – Hwys 385 & 87 Sidney to Chadron

Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway – Hwy 2 East from Alliance

Western Trails Byway – Hwy 26 Ogallala to WY Border

Lincoln Highway – Hwy 30 East of Brady to WY Border

WELCOME CENTERS/

REST AREAS

NEBRASKA

Pine Ridge

Sandhills &Scenic Rivers

Wild West

Trails West

Getting Around

WesternNebraskaRoad ConditionsFor Nebraska winter travel conditions, call800-906-9069. To check with the NebraskaDepartment of Roads, visit www.511nebraska.org,

or call 511 (if calling from Nebraska).

Information CentersAll major communities have tourist informationcenters, as do some rest areas along I-80. Look for

the half-circle symbol on the map.

Time ZonesWhile North Platte and Valentine are in theCentral Time zone, most of Western Nebraskais on Mountain Time, which is an hour earlier.Check the map to be sure of the time at your

destination.

AirportsWestern Nebraska has airports with airlineservice to and from Denver at Alliance (308-762-5311 or 308-762-5992), Chadron (800-554-5111or 308-432-5717), North Platte (308-532-1900)

and Scottsbluff (800-554-5111).

Christopher Amundson

Phelps Hotel in Bi

Hudson-Meng Bis

Lake Minatare Lig

Canoeing the Niobrara p. 85


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Escape the grind and travel

Western Nebraska’s scenic byways

Follow our scenic byways and visit these exciting attractions along the way:

F o r mi n f o r m

o n o u r bs e e p

a g

12

34

5

6

7

10

1112

13 20

1415

16

17

1918

89

Mark Harris

Niobrara National Scenic River

Bridges to Buttes Byway19

Scenic Byways

Ogallala Lake McConaughy

Lincoln HighwayScenic Byway

Toadstool Geologic Park

Bridges to Buttes Byway

Cabela’s

385 Gold Rush Byway15

1

13


Christopher Amundson Jorn Olsen Joshua Hardin

1 Toadstool Geologic Park

2 High Plains Homestead

3 Hudson-Meng Education

and Research Center

4 Fort Robinson State Park

5 Chadron State Park

6 Museum of the Fur Trade

7 Carhenge

8 Alliance Historic Main Street

9 Alliance Central Park Fountain

10 Scotts Bluff National Monument

11 Chimney Rock

12 Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock

13 Cabela’s

14 Ash Hollow State Historical Park

15 Lake McConaughy

16 Buffalo Bill’s Ranch

Historical Park

17 Nebraska National Forest

Bessey Ranger District

18 Bowring Ranch State

Historical Park

19 Niobrara National Scenic River

20 National Pony Express Monument



WESTNEB

Derrald Farnsworth-Livingston

Snake River Falls, Valentine, p. 85

PO Box 628 • Ogallala, NE 691531-866-684-4066 • www.WestNebraska.com

206 Norfolk Ave., PO Box 819 • Norfolk, NE 68702-08191-800-777-6159 • www.NebraskaLife.com

Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron, p. 15

Courthouse and Jail Rocks, Bridgeport, p. 43

Nebraska Tourism (all)

Nebraska Life MagazinePublisher and Editor: Christopher Amundson

Associate Publisher: Angela Amundson

Assistant Editor: Alan J. Bartels

Design: Tannon Asche and Jenny Coriell

Photo Editor: Joshua Hardin

Advertising: Lindsey Bradbury

Western Nebraska Tourism CoalitionPresident: Colette Fernandez

Vice President: Hal Enevoldsen

Secretary: Kirsten Parker

Treasurer: Patty Glidden

Membership Chair: Karla Niedan-Streeks

Past Chair: Orla Kitt

About the Cover Enjoy horseback riding near Gering (large), visit Toad

Geologic Park (left), go star gazing in Valentine (middle) and bump intofriends in North Platte. This is a vast land of cattle and cowboys and we horses. And you’ll love Western Nebraska. Come see us soon, won’t you

Largecover photo by Nebraska Tourism Small cover images by (left to right) Jorn Olsen,Laura Vroman an

Sailing Lak

Journey to Western Nebraska is the magazine of travel and tourism for 20 member counties of the Western Ne

Tourism Coalition – a nonprofit organization of businesses and local government entities dedicated to promot

developing the tourism industry. The magazine and companion website (www.westnebraska.com) are produc

ship with Nebraska Life Magazine. To submit editorial content and advertising, please contact Nebraska Life. To

member, contact the Western Nebraska Tourism Coalition.

Sandhills Scenic Riv

Alliance

Heming

Hyanni

Ashby

Mullen

Tryon

Arthur

Seneca

Thedfo

Halsey

Valenti

Merrim

Nenzel

Pine Ridge pg. 12

Chadron 15

Crawford 22

Whitney 26

Harrison 26

Gordon 28

Hay Springs 28

Rushville 29

Wild West pg. 46

North Platte 50Maxwell 53Brady 51

Wellfleet 53Hershey 53

Sutherland 53 Grant 55 Sidney 58

Potter 63 Lodgepole 63 Lemoyne 63

Ogallala 65Paxton 67

Brule 67 Keystone 67 Big Springs 67

Chappell 67 Kimball 68 Harrisburg 69

Trails West pg. 32

Gering 34

Scottsbluff 38

Mitchell 42

Henry 42

Minatare 42

Morrill 42

Bayard 43

Bridgeport 43

Lisco & Broadwater 46

Lewellen 46

Oshkosh 46



Harrison • CrawforChadron • Hay SprRushville • Gordon

Pine

Ridge

A l a n

J .

B a r t e l s

The Nebraska Badlands is

beauty, Wild West history

creatures long since absen

For adventurers that seek

a lifetime of memories aw

GETTING STARTED

Paradise in the Pine

a symphony of soustream past white cdance in the thick gand songbirds singto the percussion opushing cyclists onride over another b

go wild when the bsheep join the showforest whispers in tprairie wind that alare welcome. Thereroom for humans, t

History embracesnorthwest ridge, anlegends live on in tuncommon beauty

wide and 100 milesgiant bedroom for the cowboys still rithe sunset. But theto saddle up at daw

every morning is pPine Ridge Country





16 • JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015 DAWES COUNTY PIN

ited to non-motorized recreation. Tereare corrals or horses, a rider ramp,modern toilets, drinkable water via ahand pump, and picnic tables. Hiking,horseback riding and mountain bikingare allowed here. Te recreation areaand trail head are connected by the sce-nic 3 Mile Loop.

Te best entry point to the Pine RidgeNational Recreation Area is rom theRoberts trail head, eight miles westo Chadron on Highway 20 to Eleson

Road, then seven miles south to BethelRoad and then 1 1/2 miles east. Tere isa charge or overnight camping at Rob-erts trail head and there is no charge orday use activities.

Te Museum of the Fur Trade islocated at the site o a trading postoperated by the American Fur Com-pany rom 1837 to 1876. Te buildinghas been reconstructed on the originaloundation. But the museum’s three gal-leries go ar beyond local history. Teyinterpret the ur trade rom the Arcticto the American Southwest, rom earlycolonial days to the 20th century.

Exhibits trace the everyday liveso British, French and Spanish trad-ers, voyageurs, mountain men, bu-alo hunters, and plains and woodland

Indians. Among the museum’s rareartiacts are trade goods rom the 18thand 19th centuries – such as “North-west” muskets made or Native Ameri-cans (including one that belonged tothe amous Shawnee chie, ecumseh),trade silver, textiles, beads, costumesand paints. he museum is three mileseast o Chadron on Highway 20. OpenMay 1-Oct. 31 or by appointment.(308) 432-3843.

In 1890, afer the inamous WoundedKnee Massacre in nearby South Dakota,Gen. Nelson Miles commandeered alocal hotel, the Chadron House, whilehe investigated the incident. Te luxuryhotel was the town’s showplace. oday,restored to its ormer glory, it is open asthe Olde Main Street Inn. It offers lodg-ing, dining and includes the 77 Long-branch Saloon. It is at 115 Main St. (308)432-3380.

Tere’s another historic hotel inChadron. When the Chadron to Chi-cago Horse Race kicked off in 1893, itdid so with a shot fired by Chadron’sfire chie rom a Colt revolver rom the

veranda o the Blaine Hotel.Te event began as a joke, but then it

gained momentum and came to ruitionand garnered attention rom aroundthe world, putting little Chadron onthe map. Characters like notorious or-mer horse thie Doc Middleton, a raceavorite among Chadron residents, andWilliam F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody wereinvolved. It is no surprise that dishon-esty and cheating were exposed beorethe winner crossed the finish line 13days later at Cody’s Buffalo Bill’s WildWest show at the World’s Fair. oday’sCowboy rail covers part o the 1,000mile race route.

Te building wheredamaged by fire in 2012restored and is an apatoday. Owners Larry aeschi won’t mind i youor amily photo on thethat amous raced lauthose years ago at 159 B

Te Dawes CouMuseum – five miles son Highway 385 – hashouse and barn, a schooroad caboose, in additionartiacts used by area piMemorial Day-Sept. 30.

Completed in 2002,

Through annual events and authentic displays, the Museum of the Fur Trad

preserves the historic fur trading culture of the Old West.



Western Nebraska’s National Forests andGrasslands are a playground of mysteryand beauty. Explore them on bike, footor horseback. Uncover the mystery ofthe world-famous Hudson-Meng BisonEducation and Research Center.

Mystery and Beauat Nebraska National Forests and G

Visit www.fs.fed.us/r2/nebraska, for moreCall 308-665-3900 for free maps and exploration guides.

Nebraska Tourism


doz High Plains Heritage Center isdedicated to the study o Nebraskaand High Plains culture, literatureand history. Located on the campuso Chadron State College, the centereatures museum and art exhibits, anarchival library and a magnificent two-story atrium.

It is named afer Mari Sandoz (1896-1966), who is among Nebraska’s best-known authors. A High Plains native,she gained national prominence with

her 1935 biography o her ather, “OldJules.” In her books, Sandoz wrote pow-erully o Plains subjects such as CrazyHorse, the Cheyenne Outbreak, buffalohunters and beaver trappers. (308) 432-6401.

For more inormation about Chad-ron, contact the Chadron Chamber oCommerce at (800) 603-2937.

Festival of QuiltsApril 17-19. Learn about quilts through programs anddemonstrations. Quilt show and vendors. (308) 432-4401.

Fur Trade DaysJuly 10-12. Join the 39th annual celebration commemoratingWestern Nebraska’s fur trading heritage. Events range from aprimitive buckskinner camp, historic p resentations, Traders’Market, parade and more. (308) 747-2193.

History in Action Day Always the second Sunday in September. Learn about old style

butter churning, wool spinning and making apple cider. There willbe buggy rides and horse shoe competitions, too. Know how tomake rope? You can learn at this fun event at the Dawes CountyHistorical Museum. (308) 432-4999.

Flora Sandoz, Wildflowers of NebraskaFlora Rosa Sandoz was born to Jules and Mary Sandoz in 1906.Her sister Marie, who later became a well known writer andchanged her own name to Mari, named this younger sibling.

The girl with the flowery name grew up in the wildflower richNebraska Sandhills and became a horticulturists. A permanentexhibit dedicated to her work is displayed at Chadron StateCollege’s Sandoz Center. (308) 432-6401.

Chadron Events

Nebraskan Mari Sandozbecame a writer despite

the harsh objections of

her father, Old Jules. Her

life’s work is preserved

and perpetuated through

the Mari Sandoz High

Plains Heritage Center at

Chadron State College.



HOTELS & MOTELS Phone Rooms A menities Rate Range

Best Western West Hills Inn,1100 W. 10th St, 1/2 mi. S.

Jct US Hwys 20 & 385, Chadron.

www.bestwesternnebraska.com

308-432-3305

877-432-330567

Wheelchair accessible, restaurant on premises, indoor pool, free

continental breakfast, pets allowed75+

BunkHouseMotel,901E. 3rdSt.,Chadron

www.bunkhousechadron.com308-432-5591 21 Pets allowed 1-50

Economy 9 Motel, 1201 W. US Hwy 20, Chadron 308-432-3119 21 Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed 1-75

Grand Westerner Motel, 1050 W. US Hwy 20, Chadron.

www.chadron.com308-432-5595 45 Restaurant on premises, pets allowed 1-50

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

Chadron.

308-432-3000

800-297-74104 3 Wheelchair acces sibl e, indoor pool, pets allowed 51 -7 5

Super 8 Motel, 840 W. US Hwy 20, Chadron.

www.chadron.com

308-432-4471

800-800-800045

Wheelchair accessible, indoor pool, free continental breakfast,

pets allowed51-75+

Westerner Motel, 300 Oak St, W. US Hwy 20, Chadron

www.chadron.com/business/westerner

308-432-5577

800-947-084727 Restaurant on premises, pets allowed 1-50

UNIQUE LODGING Phone Amenities Rate Range

Olde Main Street Inn, 115 Main St., Chadron. www.

chadron.com/oldemain 308-432-3380

Rustic country inn on National Register of Historic Places. Rooms with

private bath. Full contiental breakfast.1-75+

Rocking Heart Elk Ranch,1338 Table Rd., Chadronwww.

elkplanet.com3 08 -4 32 -4 31 4 2 -s to ry l og ca bi n. E lk t ou rs . Whe el cha ir ac ce ss ibl e, f ul l br ea kf as t 5 1- 75

Trunk Butte Ranch House, 5144 US Hwy 20, 8 mi. W. on

US Hwy 20, Chadron. www.trunkbutteranchhouse.com402-469-6289

Century-old ranch house. Rooms with private and shared bath. Full

breakfast and dutch oven suppers available.51-75+

Victorian Inn B&B, 307 Shelton St., Chadron

www.chadronvictorianinn.com308-432-5696

Built in 1910. High-speed Internet, grand piano, central AC. Rooms with

shared bath. Full contiental breakfast.1-75

CAMPGROUNDS Phone Open Amenities Fees

ChadronStatePark, 9mi.S. onUSHwy 385,Chadron.

www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov.308-432-6167 Year Round

RV Amenities: electricity, water, room for 70 trailers Rest Facilities:

Showers, flush and pit toilets, Camping: 18 tents. Cabin Rentals: 22.

$11-65 NE ParkPermit

Eagle’s Rest RV Park, 1/4 mi. W. on US Hwy 20, Chadron 308-432-4349Elec. only

winter

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 48 trailers. Rest

Facilities: Showers, flush toilets, Camping: 20 tents.$25

Red Cloud Campground, Nebraska National Forest,

8 mi. S. on US Hwy 385, Chadron. www.fs.fed.us/r2/

nebraska

308-432-0300 Year Round RV Amenities: room for 6 trailers.Rest Facilities: Pit toilets,

Camping: 7 tents.

$5

May-Nov

Roberts Trailhead Campground, Nebraska National

Forest, 18 mi. S. W., www.fs.fed.us/r2/nebraska308-432-0300 Year Round

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

available.

$8 vehicle

May-Nov

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

Ridgeview Country Club, 16611 US Hwy 385, Chadron. 308-432-4468 9 holes, semi-private Under $15







Fort Robinson State Park, 3 20 0 H ig hw ay 2 0, C ra wf or d 3 08 -6 65 -2 90 0 R es ta ur an t o n p re mi se s, i nd oo r p oo l, p et s a ll ow ed . 5 0- 24 5+

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

Crawford

308-665-1144

800-504-144413 Pets allowed 51-75

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

Crawford

308-665-1450

800-903-145024 Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed. 1-75+


AuntMyrna’s Cabin, 1 007 B ethel Rd, 5 mi . S. of US Hw y 20 , 3 08 -6 65 -2 34 3 R oo ms w ith s ha re d b at h, fu ll co nti ne nta l b re ak fa st 5 1-7 5

Creekside B&B, 303 Squaw Creek Rd, Crawford. www.

creeksidebedandbreakfast.com308-665-1289 Roomswithsharedbath,fullbreakfast,hottub,privatepatio,outdooractivities. 75+

DownHomeRanchGuestHouse,12733NEHwy2/71,

Crawford. www.downhomeranchhouse.co m

602-620-5755Rooms with shared bath, 4-bedroom,2-bathranchhomenearcanyonsand

rollinghills.Sleeps10.

1-50

HighPlains Homestead,263SandcreekRd, 16mi.N.,

Crawford.www.highplainshomestead.com

308-665-2592

888-365-2592

Wheelchairaccessible,roomswithprivatebath,fullbreakfast,cow townmuseum,

lodging,horsecorrals,huntingandfossilcollecting.Openmid-Aprthrumid-Nov.51-75

Johnson Ranch, 220 Lawrence Rd, Whitney, 5 mi. N. of

Crawford on Hwy 2, 2 mi. E. www.onelazyj.com308-665-3960

Roomswithprivatebath,continentalbreakfast.Horserentalandboarding,and

hunting.51-75

OurHeritage,1041ToadstoolRd,16mi.N.W.&7 mi.N.W.,

Crawford. www.vacation-ranch.com308-665-2810

Wheelchairaccessible,roomswithprivateandsharedbath,fullbreakfast.Sleeps

15. Ranchactivities,hiking&fossil hunting.1-75

PonderosaRanch,524SawLogRd,21/2mi.S.,2 mi.E.,31/2mi.

S.,Crawford,www.ponderosaranch.net308-665-3983

Wheelchairaccessible,roomswithprivatebath,fullbreakfast.Acozycabinon

workingcattleranch.Horsebackriding,workingranchvacations&hunting.51-75

SchoolhouseB&B,1 31 2 W. A sh C re ek R d. , Cr aw fo rd 3 08 -6 65 -1 81 4Rooms with private and shared bath, full breakfast. Acozycabinonworking

cattleranch.Horsebackriding,workingranchvacations&hunting.51-75

Southside Cottage,1107 Hospital Dr., Crawford 308-665-2309 Rooms with shared bath. Remodeled 2-bedroom cottage 75+


Crawford City Park, First & Main St., Crawford

www.crawfordnebraska.net308-665-1462 Year Round RV Amenities: electricity, room for 2 trailers. Camping: 2 tents.

Fort Robinson State Park, 3200 W. US Hwy 20.,

Crawford. www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov308-665-2900

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 103 trailers.Rest

facitilies: showers, flush and pit toliets. Cabin rental: 3412-21

100-cabin

Soldier Creek Wilderness Trailhead, 6 mi. N.W. of Fort

Robinson State Park, Crawford 308-432-0300 Year Round RV Amenities: water 8/vehicle

SouthsideCottageandRVPark, 1105 Hospital Dr. ,

Crawford. www.southsidecottage.com308-665-2309

Apr 1-

Oct 31

RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer. Cabin Rental: furnished

2-bedroom cottage15-17

Toadstool Geologic Park, Nebraska National Forest, 19

mi. N., www.fs.fed.us/r2/nebraska308- 432-0300 R oom for 6 t ra il er s. $5 ca mp in g, $3 use fe e mi d- Ma y th ru m id -N ov .

NE Park

Permit


Legend Buttes Golf Course, 3440 US Hwy 20, Crawford.

1/2 mi. W. on US Hwy 20308-665-2431 9, public Under 15

Alan Bartels

DAWES COUNTY PIN

others insist the bison died rom anothercause. Further excavation may revealmore answers – or raise more questions.Te site is south o oadstool Park. Onoadstool Road, turn off on Sand CreekRoad and go six miles. Te site is openmid-May through September.

On the road to Hudson-Meng is theHigh Plains Homestead, a little rontier village. Te Drifer Cookshack eatures“cowboy-sized” meals and homemadepies. Modern lodging is available, and the village also eatures a working blacksmith

shop, antique store and the Dirty CreekSaloon. (308) 665-2592.Te High Plains Homestead is one

o many unique businesses o theNorthwest Nebraska High Country

Crawford Events

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

of Crawford.



HOTELS & MOTELS Phone Rooms A menities

Sage Motel, 410 E. US Hwy 20, Harrison

www.visitnorthwestnebraska.com308-668-2441 13 Restaurant on premises, pets allowed

UNIQUE LODGING Phone Amenities

Harrison House Hotel, 115 Main St., Harrison

www.harrisonhousehotel.net.308-668-2166

A restored historic hotel located in scenic Sioux County. Rooms with sha

bath, free continental breakfast.

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

Rd., www.restinthenest.com308-432-4227

Fully furnished ranch home accommodates up to 10 overnight guest

Rooms with shared bath.

CAMPGROUNDS Phone Open Amenities

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

www.visitnorthwestnebraska.com308-668-2441 Year Round RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 1 2 trailers.

Harland Schuster

Nebraska Tourism

SCOTTS BLUFF & SIOUX COUNTIES PIN26 • JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

north o the church. Te site is part oOglala National Grassland.

Agate Fossil Beds National Monu-ment is one o the richest ossil sites onthe Plains and home to an importantcollection o Native American artiacts.Visitors can walk among quarries andthe ossils o ancient animals that onceroamed here, and can see the artiacts o31 Native American tribes with historicties to the region.

Rancher James H. Cook, who used

to own this land, made many riendsamong area tribes, who gave him gifsthat are now p art o the museum’s collec-tion. Among the items is a shirt belong-ing to the great Lakota chie Red Cloud.Life magazine named it one o the top 10treasures o the National Parks Service.

Agate also maintains an active NativeAmerican artist-in-residence program.Located 22 miles south o Harrison or 34miles north o Mitchell on Highway 29,it’s worth the trip. (308) 668-2211.

For more inormatiocontact the Harrison Cat (308) 668-2466.

group promoting local bed-and-break-asts, cabins or rent, guest ranches,working cattle ranch vacations, “horsemotels,” hunting and fishing, hiking andcamping, and ossil hunting. All mem-bers are located in the rural parts in andaround the timbered Pine Ridge. nebras-kahighcountry.com.

Te state’s only railroad tunnel, the750-oot-long Belmont Tunnel, is carvedthrough solid rock and no longer used bytrains. Railroad enthusiasts watch enginespulling trains up the 10-mile-long Craw-ord-to-Belmont grade, one o the steep-est in the Midwest. Go nine miles south

o Craword on Highway 2 and look orthe Belmont sign.

For more inormation about Crawordand vicinity, contact the Craword Cham-ber o Commerce at (866) 665-1817.

WhitneyTe community o Dawes City ormed

in 1885. When the railroad arrived butstayed north o the White River, thetown o Earth Lodge ormed. Buildingswere moved to the new town, and it laterbecame Whitney. Old Fort Useless wasbuilt 9 miles rom town to protect resi-dents rom hostile natives but was neverused. Aunt Myrna’s Cabin is a popular

bed and breakast 5 miles south o Whit-ney. (308) 665-2343.

HarrisonHarrison bills itsel as “Nebraska’s op

own.” Harrison is inarguably closest tothe state’s northwest corner. From here,the nearest town is Craword, 27 mileseast, so Harrison is a good stop or ood,uel and lodging.

On the east side o Main Street, theSioux County Historical Museumincludes a schoolhouse, post office, coun-try store, telephone office and home.Te main museum tells the story oSioux County rom settlement throughthe 20th century. Open Memorial Day-

Labor Day and during September byappointment (308) 668-2110.

For a scenic side-trip, head north romtown to Sowbelly Road, a byway thatloops through Sowbelly Canyon pastG.H. Coffee Park (a good picnic spot),to the north edge o the Pine Ridge, thenback up the breaks to the tablelands east

o town on Pants Butte Road – about 12miles through one o the most beautiulareas o the state.

Gilbert-Baker State Wildlife Man-agement Area is five miles north o townon a paved country road. It offers hiking,primitive camping and fishing in sceniccanyon country.

In 1876, soon afer the Battle o the Lit-tle Bighorn, the 5th U.S. Cavalry oughta band o Cheyenne Indians at what isknown as Warbonnet Battlefield. Wil-liam “Buffalo Bill” Cody was there andis said to have killed Cheyenne warrior

Yellow Hand during the fight. Te siteis open year-round. o find it, go threemiles east o Harrison on Highway 20,then 16 miles north on Pants Butte Roadto a sharp right curve, then our mileseast on Montrose Road to the MontroseChurch. Monuments to the soldiersand to Yellow Hand are on a conical hill

Boxing Day OpeDec. 26. Agate FoNational Monumethe celebration ofholiday. (308) 668

Harrison E

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

The Sioux County Historical Museum in Harrison preser ves a pioneer

era country store, an early tele phone office, a home, schoolhouse,

former newspaper office and this post office.



Steveand Bobbi Olson

SHERIDAN COUNTY PIN28 • JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

it, go 10 miles north o Highway 20 onthe county road at the west edge o HaySprings. Sheridan Gates is the local nameor two large buttes through which earlysettlers and military soldiers passed.Wagon ruts are still visible. Te buttesstand west o Beaver Wall.

For more inormation on Hay Springs,contact the Hay Springs Chamber oCommerce. (308) 638-7275.

RushvilleTe story o the aorementioned CampSheridan and the Spotted ail Agencycan be ound at the Sheridan CountyHistorical Museum, along with exhibitsshowing rontier lie.

Te museum is at the junction o High-way 20 and Nelson Avenue. In nearby HaySprings, two branch museums, HeritageCenter I and II, are in the 1884 Method-ist Church in the 200 block o Baker Street,and in the building at Second and Main.Te museums are open 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, Memorial Day-Labor Day, and by

appointment. (308) 327-2374.Smith Lake Wildlife Management

Area has fishing, picnic areas and primi-tive camping. It is 27 miles south o

Rushville on Highway 2For more inormatio

contact the Rushville Cmerce. (308) 327-2221.

GordonCowboy memorabilia rom the late

1800s through the present day is dis-played at the Tri-State Old Time Cow-boy Museum at the Gordon City Park atFourth and Oak streets.

Te museum is open 1-5 p.m. daily,June 1-Sept. 15, and by appointment.(308) 282-0887.

Te Scamahorn Museum is a restored1880s church and houses local history

exhibits and genealogical records. It is onwest Fifh Street in Wayland Park. It isopen 1-4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Fri-day, and 7-9 p.m. uesday-Tursday romMemorial Day-Labor Day. (308) 282-1737 or (308) 327-2917.

Te Mari Sandoz Historical Markeris 30 miles south o G ordon on Highway27. Follow the signs rom there east toMari’s Grave on the Sandoz homesteadand see the still -producing ruit orchardsplanted by Jules Sandoz.

For more inormation about Gordon,contact the Gordon ourist InormationCenter. (308) 282-0730.

Hay SpringsLocals say a Loch Ness-style monster

lives in the waters o Walgren Lake. Wecan’t confirm that, but we do know thatWalgren Lake State Recreation Areahas camping, fishing and picnic areas.o find the lake, start at the junction ohighways 87 and 20. Go south 1.8 mileson Highway 87, then turn east or threemiles, then go south one m ile. o find themonster ... well, you’re on your own.

Wildlie abounds in the pine orest oMetcalf Wildlife Management Area. Te area is closed to motorized vehicles,but hiking is allowed, as is camping atprimitive sites. o find it, take High-way 20 to the east edge o Hay Springsand ollow the county road sevenmiles north.

wo local landmarks have historicalsignificance. Te Beaver Wall escarp-

ment is in the middle o the Spotted ailAgency and old Camp Sheridan. Spottedail was a amous Lakota (Sioux) leaderand a contemporary o Crazy Horse.From the top o Beaver Wall, you can seethe buttes o Craword 50 miles to thesouthwest and the outline o the BlackHills 75 miles to the northwest. o find

Western Art Show & Sale – GordonAlways the second Friday and SaturdayDecember. See the works of local artiscluding paintings and bronze sculpturannual event inside Hinn’s Home FurnGordon. (308) 282-1609.

Friendly Festival – Hay SpringsAlways the last weekend of August. Hay Sknown far and wide as a friendly town. Reprove it each year with this friendly eventincludes an ice cream social, golf tournamswimming, parade, lawn mower races anFriendly food vendors will sell Indian tacoand hamburgers, and the local VFW will olarge menu of meals. Friends you haven’tinvite you to join the friendly scene here Springs. (308) 638-7132.

Rushville Rancher Roundup – RushvLate October. Main Street in Rushville becstage for bulls, heifers, steers and horses aers display their best. There will also be hopie, a salsa contest and more. (308) 360-1

Sheridan County Ev

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

the Sheridan County Museum.

The Nebraska High School Rodeo comes to Gordon each summer.

HOTELS & MOTELS Ph R A iti R t R




Hacienda Motel, 605 W. US Hwy 20, Gordon 308-282-1400 23 Restaurant on premises. 1-50

Jefco Inn, 308 S. Cornell, W. US Hwy 20, Gordon 308-28 2-293 5 22 Wheelchair access ible, free contential breakfast 1-75 +

Western Sands Motel, 107 W. US Hwy 20, Gordon 308-282-1795 20 Wheelchair accessible, pets allowed 1-75

Antler’s Motel, 607 E. 2nd, Rushville 308-327-2444 20 Free continental breakfast, pets allowed 1-75

Nebraskaland Motel, 508 E. 2nd St, Rushville 308-327-2487 15 Pets allowed 1-75


Horse Thief Cave Ranch, 1711 550th Trail Rd, 15 mi. S.E.,

Gordon. www.horsethiefcave.com308-282-1017 Rooms with shared bath, continental breakfast. 1-75

Flying Heart Ranch LLC, 6473 440th Ln., Hay Springs.

www.flyingheartranch.com308-638-7426

Rooms with shared bath. 3-bedroom, 2-bath cabin. Solitude, wildlife,

hiking/biking trails.75+

HaySpringsRentals,213,221&230 N.PostSt&339N.

ChambersSt., HaySprings, www.hayspringsrentals.com308-638-4466

Rooms with private and shared bath. 3-bed-roomhouseswith kitchensand

livingrooms.


HamiltonPark, E.USHwy20.6trailers.www.ci.gordon.ne.us. 308-282-0837 Apr-Oct Room for 6 trailers.

Tomahawk Park, 200 W. US Hwy 20, Gordon. 15 trailers.

Call for rates. www.ci.gordon.ne.us.3 08 -2 82 -0 32 9 A pr -O ct RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 15 trailers.

Call forrates

Sunset RV Park, 11 0 S . Po st S t, H ay Sp ri ngs 3 08 -6 38 -7 27 5 Ye ar R ou ndRV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 9 trailers. Camping:

9 tents7-20

WalgrenLakeSRA, 4mi.E.onUSHwy20,3mi.S.,Hay

Springs308-665-2900 Year Round

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

facilities: Pit toliets

6 & NEPark

Permit

Rushville Service Center,W. U S H wy 2 0. , Ru sh vi ll e 3 08 -3 27 -2 37 5 Ye ar Ro un dRV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 6 trailers. Camping:

5 tents10


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

Willow Sts, Gordon308-282-1146 9, semi-private Under 15

Sand Ridge, 3rd St & Golf Course Ln, Rushville 308-327-2966 9, public 15-30

Fossil Freeway

WESTERN NEBRASKA is blessedwith some of the great trails inAmerican history, but only oneof these routes takes you backmillions of years. The roadblocksin these time travels are saber-toothed cats, king-sized cousinsof the rhino, three-toed ancienthorses and prehistoric hog-likecreatures bigger than buffalo.

This paleontology path wel-comes visitors from across theglobe. Join us for the fascinating

journey along the Fossil Freeway. The trail to the past begins in

South Dakota with perhaps NorthAmerica’s most fascinating Ice Agetreasures at the Mammoth Site ofHot Springs. Visitors will be treated toa tour of the world’s largest mammothresearch facility and experience an activepaleontological dig site. (605) 745-6017.

At Toadstool Geologic Park you’llfind fascinating fossils that seem to befrom another planet. The extinct ani-mals discovered include the oreodonts,which were sheep-like creatures with

fierce canine choppers. There’s also thebrontotheres, built like an 8-foot-tallrhino. (308) 432-0300.

As you head another three milesdown the Sioux County trail, OglalaNational Grassland looms, with theHudson-Meng Education and ResearchCenter. Here 600 bison were slaugh-tered 10,000 years ago by efficientpaleohunters. These stealthy stalkerswere responsible for the world’s largestAlberta bison kill. (308) 665-3900.

About 25 miles south at Fort Robin-son State Park, the Trailside Museumof Natural History displays fantas-tic findings from fossil hunts that firstbegan in this Pine Ridge area in 1891.

The museum’s exhibits includes the

skull of a 40-foot-long sea lizard, calledthe mosasaur, as well as a bone fromthe famed three-horned dinosaur, thetriceratops. One of the red-hot attrac-tions is the Ice Age showdown, “Clashof the Mammoths.”(308) 665-2929.

To the west, near Harrison, Agate

Fossil Beds National Monument (inthe photo above) awakens long-gonecreatures like a mini-rhino called themenoceras, the buffalo-sized hog-likecreature called the dinohyus, and a

long-necked morocreated by the Grebear, horse and s2211.

The journey soutbrings travelers ongreat landmarks at National Monume

home to many fasccoveries and odd ptures dating back m(308) 436-9700.

South of Geringter near the WildcCenter features asaber-toothed catsbattle 25 million ye

That prehistoric covered in Western Nand the center also dispreserved fossilized s(308) 436-3777.

Fossil Freeway offers fascinating



A l a n

J .

B a r t e l s

T R

A I L S W E S T

Trails

West

A replica wagon train stands in front on

Scotts Bluff National Monument.

Gering • Scottsbluf Mitchell • HenryMinatare • Bayard • MorrillBridgeport • LewellenLisco & Broadwater • Oshkosh

GETTING STARTED

The Oregon Trail stretches 2,000miles, yet since the 19th centurymany found the heart of itsnatural beauty to be here inWestern Nebraska. This road ofwilderness offered an uncertainfate when fabled frontiersmen

like Kit Carson drove those firstwagon trains from Missouri in1842. No doubt, their favorite

treacherous tourist stops had tobe in the Platte Valley of TrailsWest Country.

It was in the majestic westernregion of Nebraska where theOregon Trail’s most famouslandmarks were seen at AshHollow, Courthouse and Jailrocks, and Scotts Bluff NationalMonument. 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 bluff that 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 theMissouri River reached it only afer two

months 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 seen here.

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; Scotts

Bluff is what remains o theancient High Plains that wereeroded by rivers over millionso years. It is part o the scenicWildcat Hills.

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 been discovered.

Atop the bluff on a clear day, one cansee Chimney Rock to the southeast andWyoming’s 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 Visitor

Center and Oregon rail Museum by wayo Summit Road, Nebraska’s oldest con-crete road. Te route provides a stunning view 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 bluff’s walls up

close is spectacular, and at one point the

trail 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 othe valley and the development o High

Plains agriculture. Te 110-acre sitehas exhibits ranging rom horse-drawnimplements and steam engines to conservation 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 that period.

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 Gering’s Five Rocks Amphithe-ater, which shows movies on summerevenings. Concerts, car shows and other

community 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 Nebraska’s most ruggedly beauti-

ul country. Eight miles south o Gering onHighway 71, Wildcat Hills State Recre-ation Area and Nature Center offers 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 center’s 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 beautiul landscape.

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

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


Monument Shadows Golf

Gering is one of the most

the state.

HOTELS & MOTELS Phone Rooms A menities

Cavalier Motel, 3655 N. 10th St., Gering.

www.motelcavalier.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


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

www.willowpondbandb.com 308-631-7234

Renovated suite with private bath, king bed and balcony overlook

low Pond. Rooms with private bath, full breakfast.

CAMPGROUNDS Phone Open Amenities

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

308-436-2046 Year Round RV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 42 traFacilities: flush toilets and showers. Camping: unlimit

Wildcat Hills SRA, 4235 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 Phone Holes & Type Call for hours and tee times.

Monument Shadows Golf Course, 2550 Clubhouse Dr.,

Gering 3 08-635-2277 18 holes, public




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 parking area.

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 onthe 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 Devil’s 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 Highway 71.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 UStreet 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 and joggers.

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

Father’s Day Rock-n-RollClassic Car ShowJune 20. More than 300 classicsfrom seven states roll into FiveRocks Amphitheater for this day-long show and shine.(308) 436-6886.

Oregon Trail Days

July 5 and July 9-13. Parades, foodfairs, bands, chili cook-off, artshow and more. (308) 436-6886.

Harvest Festival Sept. 19-20. Celebrate historicagriculture of the northwest atLegacy of the Plains Museum.(308) 436-1989.

Monument MarathonSept. 26. Run along the Oregon

Trail and through Mitchell Passin this mostly downhill event.(308) 630-6551.

Gering Events

Bicycle enthusiasts

can travel the U StreetPathway from 10th Street

in Gering, take in the scenic 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.





An Italian Eateryfor the Whole Family

See our menu online at:

samandlouiespizza.com

308-633-2345

1522 Broadway • Scottsbluf

Our famous hand-tossed pizza is topped withthe freshest ingredients. Build your own or try

one 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!

ScottsbluffYou’d 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 wouldn’t expect to seeexotic species such as chimpanzees, otters,tigers, Arican lions or varieties o tropi-cal birds, but you’ll 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 toSouth 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. When visiting in the summer, bring swimsuitsand flip-flops to enjoy the Splash-pad, azero-depth water eature that keeps youcool with a rereshing spray.

Te 23-acre acility includes a naturalhistory museum and children’s 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-residenceand 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 are planned.

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 thewoman’s 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 east

o Scottsbluff.Te area’s 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.

Jorn Olsen



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 Valley RallDate****. The longsugar beet industrythis hundreds of msion driving contest Nebraska. www.visit

Rock ShowDate****. Rocks, gemshow, swap and sale

Campground at 160W. Also jewelry, wirswap. All proceeds ties. (308) 436-4888 o

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 o Scottsbluff.

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 othe Scott’s Bluff Station is unknown but

is 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 Panhandle’s 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 in 1949.

For more inormation about Scottsbluff

contact 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.com 308-632-8647

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

Private rooms and full breakfast.

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

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


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 1 -5 0

Comfort Inn, 1902 21st Ave., Scottsbluff.

www.choicehotels.com308-632-7510 49


pets allowed75+

HamptonInn& SuitesConferenceCenter,301W.Hwy26,

Jctof AveB &Hwy 26,Scottsbluff..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+


ChimneyRockPioneerCrossing,3mi.S. ofBayardatJct

CtyRd 75& Hwy92, Scottsbluff. www.chimneyrockpio-

neerxing.com

308-631-4478 Year RoundRV Amenities: electricity, water, sewer, room for 16 trailers. Rest

Facilities: flush toilets and showers. Camping: 30 tents.8-20

Riverside Campground, 1514 S. Beltline Hwy W. S

www.scottsbluff.org.308-632-6342

May 1-

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 RVAmenities: electricity,water,roomfor6 trailers. Camping: avaliable

Call for

rates



Nebraska Tourism

MITCHELL & MORRILL COUNTIES TRAI42 • JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

MitchellMitchell is the usual point o departure

or Agate Fossil Beds National Monu-ment, 30 miles north on Highway 29.

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

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 Nebraska’s westernmost town.

One mile south, Stateline Island is parto the North Platte National WildlifeRefuge and 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 aservice road.

MinatareLake Minatare is large, but not so big

that it needs a lighthouse. It has one any-way and it offers an impressive 360-degree view. 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 alsoincludes 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 government’s per-spective, the treaty’s purpose was to ensuresae passage or people using the Oregonrail and to stop intertribal warare.

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

Concert in the ParkAlways the last Saturday in June.

The three basics of fun: a car

show, music and food cometogether in Centennial Park inMitchell for this fun communityevent. (308) 641-1692.

Scotts Bluff County FairAug. **. The Scotts Bluff CountyFairgrounds is home to thiswestern celebration. There’s 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 Rock was 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. Telandmark’s story is told at the Ethel andChristopher J. Abbott Visitor Centerat Chimney Rock National HistoricSite. Te center interprets the westward

migration 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 Museum is 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 Crossing offers gif shops,snacks, a stockedfishing hole, teepeesleeping, 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 trail riding.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 anruggedly 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 by one.

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 Gre ek Fest ival – B ridgeporAugust 8-9. A Greek celebration in cowboy

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

Morrill County Eve

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

Mitchell Events


Oak Tree Inn, 7 07 E. W eb st er, US H wy 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 o n p re mi se s, pe ts al lo we d 5 1- 75


PioneerTrailsHostelat Mitchell’sBusyCorner,150822nd

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

Wheelchairaccessible,roomswithsharedbath.MealsatTheFolk’sPlaceCafé&use

ofShaper’sGym.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+


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


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.net308-623-1828 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



Jorn Olsen

MORRILL COUNTY TRAI44 • JOURNEY TO WESTERN NEBRASKA 2015

hole public course, is nearby.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 is required.

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 knownas Bridgeport.

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 NorthMain Street.

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

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


Landmark Inn, 246 Main St, Bayard

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

Bridgeport Inn, 517Main St.,Bridgeport

www.bridgeport-ne.com308-262-0290 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


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 Hwy 88,

Bridgeport308-262-9925 9 holes, public Under 15


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


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

at McGrew. w ww.flyingbee-ranch.com 308-783-2885

Wheelchairaccessible,rooms withprivateand sharedbath,full continentalbreak-

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



Documents

Cover through Trails West 2015