Feel the awe and curiosity the pioneers experienced when they saw the most famous landmark on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. The Chimney Rock Museum showcases unique items in our collections that tell the story of the most documented landmark of the western trails of the 1800s. Discover why Chimney Rock has fascinated people since before the state of Nebraska was established.See more..
So much information about the trains and the yard itself. The intricate dance to form multiple outbound trains from the inbound trains is mind blowing. I work in transportation and to see this is in action from up high is fun. Worth the trip.See more..
We got there around 8 am and pretty much had the place to ourselves as we viewed the barn and outdoor areas. The barn has a lot of amazing photos with a little bit of history next to each one. We paid ($8 state park daily fee, $2 adult and $1 child fee) and went into the mansion around 9:20 am for a self-guided tour. Our visit ended around 10:20 as more people than I was comfortable with entered the mansion and we were about done anyway. We like history and walking so this was perfect for us.See more..
4.5Homestead National Historical Park(215 reviews) - A Pleasant Educational Visit Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers • Historic Sites
With the promise of Free Land, the Homestead Act of 1862 enticed millions to cultivate the frontier. Families, immigrants, women, and freed slaves flooded 10 percent of the nation’s land to chase their American Dream. American Indian cultures and natural environments gave way to diverse settlement, agricultural success, and industrial advancement—building our nation and changing the land forever.See more..
4.5Pony Express Station(183 reviews) - Wealth of Information Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums
Gothenburg is home to 2 original Pony Express Station. In 1931, this station was donated to the City of Gothenburg and moved to Ehemen Park Arboretum. It is open FREE to the public April-October. During off season, you may tour the station by appointment.See more..
This archeological site, revealing prehistoric fossils, is a subdivision of the University of Nebraska State MuseumSee more..
4.0Boot Hill Cemetery(93 reviews) - The forgotten cemetery Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Cemeteries • Ghost Towns
It became known as Boot Hill during the Texas Trail era of the 1880s, when unlucky cowboys were often buried with their boots on. During lawless times, rough cowhands and opportunistic criminals flooded the community of Ogallala in the 1870s. Trail boss' refused to let his cowhands come into Ogallala because of its wild and unsavory reputation – a popular phase became to be known that Ogallala was the “town too tough for Texans.” Boot Hill was abandoned in early 1885. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that there was an effort to treat Boot Hill with some honor. They cleaned up the hill, planted trees and made new wooden markers. Located in residential neighborhood. Street parking. It has two entrances: one with a number of stairs and the second one is around the block with handicap ramp for access. Free brochures and information plaques along walkway. Some have written that the cemetery is unkept. I appreciate that it looks authentic to time period.See more..
4.5General Crook House Museum(83 reviews) - A Very Welcoming Museum! Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums
The Museum is the authentically restored home of General George Crook. It was constructed in 1879 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is an Italianate style, which represented the no-nonsense grandeur of the military frontier. The furnishings are from the 1880 Victorian period. Monday-Friday 10am-4pm; Sat-Sun 1pm-4pm; Adults $5($6 holidays); Students $4; 6yrs-12yrs $3.Directions to General Crook House Museum - If you are heading North on highway 75, merge onto North 30th Street. Take a left (or turn West) onto Fort Street, which is the main entrance for MCC. Once on campus, head straight West through campus until you come to a "T" in the road with a stop sign, turn right (or North) - The General Crook House is the 6th house on the left (or West) side of the road. We are the only house with a large American flag hanging on the front porch.See more..
4.5The Willa Cather Foundation(53 reviews) - An Informative Experience Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
As the largest collection of nationally-designated historic sites dedicated to an author in the United States, the Willa Cather State Historic Site has grown into a premier literary trust and Red Cloud a must-see destination for the world’s cultural and literary tourists. Spend a relaxing evening in the historic Cather Second Home. Visitors may rent the room that was Cather’s or the rooms of her parents and siblings. Complete your trip with a visit to the native Willa Cather Memorial Prairie or take in a performance at the historic Red Cloud Opera House.See more..
Great stop during a quick trip to the Sandhills. A great piece of local history. Well preserved and curated. Some buildings closed due to Covid but still a great stop for history buffs. One hour is plenty of time See more..
4.0Ash Hollow State Historical Park(25 reviews) - Quick, interesting stop Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • State Parks • Historic Walking Areas
We stopped here quickly on a drive to South Dakota. There is a small, inexpensive indoor museum with some artifacts. The small cave discovered on the site is a short walk from the front entrance and is enclosed in a glass fronted building. There are a couple of short trails, the Spring one is quite steep on the way back. Beautiful overlook of surrounding hills. Bathrooms were clean.See more..
4.5Neligh Mills(15 reviews) - Worth a Visit! Historic Sites
The Mill is currently on the 2019 Nebraska Passport Tour. The mill has been wonderfully preserved for visitors to enjoy. Admission is free, but they do take donations. They offer a guided tour or you can explore on your own. There are displays detailing the history of the Mill and various pieces of equipment used in the production process. Visitors both young and old will enjoy a walk through the Mill. Its hard to imagine that it has survived for so long in such wonderful condition. A must place to visit if you're in the area and enjoy learning pieces of the history of Nebraska.See more..
4.5Haymarket District(15 reviews) - Loved this area! Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
This area has such cool shops, bars, coffee shops, stores, hotels, etc. Lots of variety. They also have a really cool train engine to get pics with. I really liked their fun mural!See more..
3.5Robidoux Trading Post(9 reviews) - A Sidebar to Pioneer History Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
This site, located at Robideux Pass, lies on the initial trail established by the early fur traders and Oregon Trail pioneers. This pass was the forerunner of Mitchell Pass at Scott's Bluff National Monument. Historical markers indicate the original site, but the current Robideux Trading Post is a replica. It is located some distance south of Scott's Bluff National Monument, accessed primarily through miles of dirt/gravel roads. A map to this attraction is available at the front desk of Scott's Bluff National Monument. The best way to access this site with very little travel on gravel road is to proceed south from Gering on Hwy 7, turning West on Carter Canyon Rd. From the point the pavement ends on Carter Canyon Road, it is exactly two miles to the building. Check with the Park Service about events or reenactments that might open the building to the public.See more..
Our GPS went crazy trying to locate this site seeing adventure. We had to stop and ask locals to help find this place. The locals didn't even know but, did know the names of roads getting there. We went 3 more miles as a gas attendant suggested and we just happen to see the sign. After looking at tracks we drove down 500' to turned around to leave and then we seen another marker explaining everything-WOW! We would have missed this for sure so we spent another 20 mins reading and looking for tracks. All I can say is they need markers because it is a neat place indeed!See more..
This is a really good place, especially if you like fishing. There is also a museum by the mill, search hours. Champion, Nebraska is a small but nice placeSee more..
5.0Starke Round Barn(4 reviews) - Huge barn - engineering marvel. Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings Ok, it's a barn. BUT it is a round barn that is held together without any nails or screws. Great history.See more..
4.5Jefferson County Courthouse(4 reviews) - Stunning Courthouse Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Government Buildings The courthouse has a stunning and beautiful - it's a much different style than most of the 1930's-era WPA-built courthouses. The interior is no different than other Great Plains courthouses. I went to do genealogical research, and the staff in the offices were friendly and helpful.See more..
4.0The Mausoleum(3 reviews) - great hike Historic Sites Very interesting place. close to the creek though. have to be careful. out in a pasture aways to walk. have good shoes. If it rains, it is a bit muddy. And spray on repellant for mosquitos. have fun when you get there.See more..
4.5Harold Lloyd Birthplace(2 reviews) - For Silent Film Buffs Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
This place is certainly out of the way but if you're a fan of the silent comedian or the early stars of Hollywood and in the area it's worth a little detour to visit. This is the house where Harold Lloyd was born. It's in the middle of a very small town buried in backroads of Nebraska. You have to call to make an appointment to tour through the building. The woman who runs it, Esther, is very friendly and accommodating. Inside there are some actual possessions of Lloyd's donated by his family. You can watch one of his films and just get a sense of what it was like to live here in the early days.See more..
Standard Oil Red Crown Service Station situated diagonally on a corner lot. Located downtown with street parking. Cute photo opSee more..
5.0Columbia Hall(1 review) - A taste of the old country. Historic Sites
Columbia Hall is at the center of the little town of Dannebrog, a quaint little town we discovered in our travels in the middle of Nebraska with a Danish heritage. Columbia Hall serves as a museum, archives, and meeting place for the town, and can be visited by appointment. It's also a great place to begin a short walking tour that goes down South Mill Street ending four blocks away at the cemetery. After checking out the historic marker in front of Columbia Hall, walk across the square and check out the murals and signage on the walls at (and behind) Kerry's grocery. Pretty cool. Next, stop in at the Danish Baker. Don't expect real Danish food there unless it's Christmas or festival time, but they have excellent food and great sourdough bread. As you continue down the street, check out the Dannebrog Fire and Rescue station with the neat little veranda in the front. Then there's the Lutheran Church, and finally at the end, a quiet little cemetery that really reveals the town's Danish heritage. Just look at the names on all the markers. Since my family is Danish, this place just seemed to capture my heart. And I love all the Danish flags (the Dannebrogs).See more..
3.0Friends Meeting House(1 review) - History IRL Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Cute little town in a residential area. Made me think back to childhood. A good time to relax and take in a time gone by.See more..
5.0Box Butte County Courthouse(1 review) - The huge Box Butte County Courthouse Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
I didn't expect to see a huge Courthouse. It is huge with its six pillars. The building is beige and cars park near the Courthouse. There is one monument at the front of the Courthouse. It is a statue. A cowboy is with its saddle. By the way, this is the Butte-Anaconda National Historic Landmark. Worthwhile to see!See more..
