Places to Go
Each community in Western Nebraska has its own personality and unique attractions. Find your next adventure.
Alliance Area
Sandhills and Scenic Rivers Region
Alliance has a long lineage of agriculture, business, industry and railroading. Rogues, rascals and visionaries have colored the town’s history since its very beginnings in 1888. Alliance has grown from a frontier town to a bustling community of 9,000 residents and is the largest city for 50 miles.
Bayard Area
Trails West Region
This historical area is well known for the Chimney Rock. In addition to the visible wagon ruts and remains of original sod houses. Aside from the chimney Rock there are plenty of other historical or recreational opportunities.
Big Springs Area
Wild West Region
The first and largest robbery of a Union Pacific train happened here in 1877. Texas outlaw Sam Bass and five companions made off with $60,000 in gold and currency. The town is named for a natural spring. From the town’s founding through 1950, the spring supplied water for Union Pacific steam locomotives.
Bridgeport Area
Trails West Region
Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock are prominent in pioneer history and ancient legends. The area is five miles south of Bridgeport on Highway 88. The rocks are visible from many miles away. Courthouse and Jail Rock Golf Club, a nine-hole public course, is nearby.
Chadron Area
Pine Ridge Region
Chadron has a rollicking frontier history including fur traders, tough cowboys, Native Americans, ranchers and railroaders. The community lies between the Pine Ridge and the High Plains.
Chappell Area
Wild West Region
Travelers see grain elevators along I-80, but none with a paint job like the Farmers Elevator in Chappell. An American flag 52 feet by 100 feet is painted on its south side.
Crawford Area
Pine Ridge Region
History abounds at Crawford. The Army scout known as Little Bat was killed on Main Street. Not far away, MJ’s Ranch House is said to be haunted. Crawford’s post office has a mural commissioned by the government during the Great Depression. The Crawford Historical Museum chronicles this history.
Dalton Area
Wild West Region
South Park offers a covered picnic table area complete with BBQs and a beautiful flower garden. North Park is located on the corner of State Street & HWY 385. There you'll find picnic tables in the shade, conveniently located next to our historical Log Cabin and Prairie Schooner Museums.
Gering Area
Trails West Region
Scotts Bluff National Monument is closer to the city of Gering than it is to Scottsbluff. Folks living around here call it “The Monument,” a name as matter-of-fact as its wise Native American moniker, Ma-a-pa-te, which translated means “hill that is hard to go around.”
Hemingford Area
Sandhills and Scenic Rivers Region
Hemingford features year-round holiday events, including the Harvest Moon Festival and the Avenue of Flags. Hemingford displays more than 200 American flags along its streets during various holidays, such as July 4th weekend, Flag Day, Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day.
Kimball Area
Wild West Region
Kimball began as a railroad construction camp. Because of large herds of pronghorn in the area the new village was called Antelopeville. In 1885, the settlement was renamed for railroad executive Thomas Kimball. Kimball’s history is displayed downtown at the Plains Historical Museum.
Lodgepole Area
Wild West Region
Old Settlers’ Days is the big event of the year for Lodgepole. A free barbecue, mud volleyball tournament, parade and street dance are just a few of the events that take place during the Labor Day weekend celebration.
Mitchell Area
Trails West Region
Mitchell is the usual point of departure for travelers bound for the world-renowned Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. Hunting, fishing and hiking opportunities abound in this scenic area of varied terrain.
Mullen Area
Sandhills and Scenic Rivers Region
As the only town within Hooker county, Mullen sits at the geographic heart of the Sandhills. The area offers astounding views of rolling hills and waterways. The land is beneficial to the renowned golf locations in the area.
North Platte Area
Wild West Region
The home of Buffalo Bill has tons of great options for anyone looking for fun. From great outdoor activities, sipping locally crafted beverages, to exploring the area’s unique history.
Ogallala Area
Wild West Region
In the 1870s and 1880s, Ogallala was the end of the trail as cowboys drove herds of longhorns up from Texas to be shipped east on the Union Pacific Railroad. After several long, hard months in the saddle, cowboys were ready for a rip-roaring good time when they reached town.
Oshkosh Area
Trails West Region
Oshkosh is known the world over as the Goose Hunting Capital of Nebraska. Several local hunting outfitters accommodate sportsmen from around the world. Oshkosh also is a point of departure for Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located deep in the remote and beautiful Sandhills Lakes country.
Potter Area
Wild West Region
Downtown Potter is just a minute’s drive from I-80. Unwind at city parks or at the Reading Garden beside the library downtown. In one of several restored historic buildings, Potter Sundry is an old-fashioned soda fountain serving homemade food and ice cream desserts.
Valentine Area
Sandhills and Scenic Rivers Region
The “Heart City” is near the Niobrara National Scenic River. Five miles east of Valentine on Highway 12, bison and elk roam Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. Attractions include, Smith Falls, Merritt Reservoir, McKelvie National Forest and Valentine NWR.