Agate Fossil Beds 308-668-2211
301 River Road, Harrison, NE
Turn North on State Highway 29 at Mitchell, Nebraska. The park is 34 miles from
Mitchell. Follow the National Park Service signs. Agate Fossil Beds and its surrounding
prairie are preserved in a 2,270 acre National Monument that boasts one of the
world’s most outstanding fossil records. The Visitors Center/Museum contains
Miocene Era paleontology exhibits and American Indian artifacts. The park includes
upper Niobrara River wetlands in a High Plains ecosystem. Open Memorial Day-Labor
Day, daily, 8am-6pm; rest of the year, daily, 8am-4pm. Closed Thanksgiving,
Christmas & New Years Day. American Indian artists demonstrate their art during
summer months on selected artist-in-residence weekends. Trails open year-round,
daily, dawn-dusk. Admission: $5 per vehicle or $3 per person. Federal Lands Annual,
Senior and Access permits are accepted and sold at the information desk. Age 16
& under free.
Oregon Trail Wagon Train 308-586-1850
Bayard, NE
Enjoy a covered wagon tour of the Oregon Trail, and a relaxing evening of a Prime
Rib Cookout with steaks cooked over an open wood fire complete with campfire
entertainment. We also offer tent camping, 3 hour tours of Chimney Rock and
provide canoe rentals on the North Platte River. RV camping available. Showers
and laundry facilities available. Please check out our website for more information
and activities!
Chimney Rock National Historic Site & Visitor’s Center 308-586-1850
4 mi. South & 1 mi. E of Jct of NE Hwy 92 & US Hwy 26
“Towering to the heavens” is how one pioneer described Chimney Rock, the most
recognized landmark along the Oregon Trail. Today, an interpretive center
operated by the Nebraska State Historical Society pays tribute to those who
traveled the trails and features original maps made from Captain John C. Fremont’s
1842-43 exploration of the Oregon Trail. It is lit nightly by the City of Bayard.
The Scotts Bluff National Monument 308-436-4340
2 mi. West on Old Oregon Trail Road, Gering
A majestic landmark used by Americans Indians, fur trappers, pioneers and modern
travelers. Oregon Trail still visible. Over 4 miles of hiking trails. Museum tells Oregon
Trail story Visitors can drive through three tunnels or hike to the summit and enjoy
the panoramic view. Open year-round, dawn-dusk. Visitors Center open daily,
8am-5pm, with extended hours in summer until 7pm. Visitor Center closed Dec 25
and Jan 1. Admission: $5 per car, $3 motorcycle, 62 and older free with a Golden
Age Passport, $45-$100 for buses. Also accept national park permit. Free shuttle
available to the summit during Summer months.
Robidoux Pass and Trading Post 308-436-6886
2 mi. South of Gering on Hwy 71, 8 mi West on Cedar Canyon Road
This 1851 trading post of Antoine Robidoux was where the Plains Indians traded
their wares. It has been reconstructed from 100 year old, hand-hewn logs on its
original site. It is a trip worth taking.
Chadron State Park 308-432-6167
15951 US Hwy 385, Chadron
8 1/2 mi. S. on US Hwy 385 – Nebraska’s first state park nestled in the picturesque
Pine Ridge with a modern campground, swimming pool, trail rides and more. Park
open year-round. Cabins available mid-Apr thru mid-Nov and for big game firearm
and wild turkey seasons. Day use and camping available year-round. Park permit
required. Camping fee.
Nebraska National Forest 308-432-6167
16524 US Hwy 385, Chadron
Deer and turkey hunting on public lands. Hiking, biking and horseback trails. Open
year-round. Primary attractions include Toadstool Park, Soldier Creek Wilderness and
Pine Ridge National Recreation Area. Hudson-Meng Bison Kill Site group tours offered
mid-May thru Labor Day weekend. Entrance fees: $5 adults, $4.50 seniors, $3 children
ages 5-12. Camping fees: $5 per night at Toadstool and Red Cloud. $8 per night at
Soldier Creek and Roberts Trailhead. Campgrounds open year-round, camping fees
charged May 19-Nov 17.
Fort Robinson State Park 308-665-2900
3 mi West on US Hwy 20, Crawford
Perfect vacation destination. Visitors can stay where blue-coated cavalrymen once
bunked. Activities include trail rides, historic tours, cookouts, swimming,
trout fishing,crafts, hiking, jeep and stagecoach rides, viewing pasture for bison herd,
purebred Texas longhorn herds and more. Park grounds open year-round for day use, hiking
and camping, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and hunting in season. Cabins
and lodge with modern facilities. Cabins open Apr-Nov. Park office open 8am-5pm
weekdays except during cabin season, then open 24 hrs/day Memorial Day-Labor
Day. Visitor activities Memorial Day-Labor Day plus limited schedule in fall. Group tours
offered for museums. Park permit required. Camping fee charged.