History & Culture
History abounds in Western Nebraska through a variety of museums, memorials and iconic landscapes. Retrace the steps of pioneers and engage in tales of the wild west while also taking in the local art and culture.
City of Alliance
Alliance Area
Unique adventure, filled with one of a kind sites, exceptional hospitality and fun, family activities make Alliance one adventure that you and your family don’t want to miss.
Dawes County Historical Museum
Chadron Area
The Museum has tens of thousands of artifacts dating back to the early 1800s. You will find something for everyone - artifacts, publications, documents, household goods, farm and ranch items, military memorabilia, toys and much more.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Golden Spike Tower
North Platte
In 1995, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard as the world’s largest railroad classification yard. It has since grown by 25 percent. It stretches eight miles and covers nearly 3,000 acres. More than 15,000 cars pass through daily.
High Plains Homestead
Crawford
Enjoy your stay in our 1880's village! Family vacation, Group events, you will find our comfortable rooms/cabin or RV/tenting options perfect for your stay in this amazing area. Our village museum and mercantile are open daily. Plus so much more! Welcome to the Homestead!
263 Sandcreek Road
Crawford NE 69339
Crawford NE 69339
Legacy of the Plains Museum
Gering Area
Located on the Oregon Trail, the Legacy of the Plains Museum features an impressive newly renovated exhibit hall featuring hands-on interactives; collections of pioneer and early community artifacts, antique tractors, and farm implements. All with striking views of ScottsBluff National Monument.
Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center
Chadron Area
The Mari Sandoz Historical Marker is in a valley of natural lakes 30 miles south of Gordon on Highway 27. Follow the signs from there east to Mari’s Grave on the Sandoz homestead and see the still-producing fruit orchards planted by her father, “Old Jules” Sandoz, long ago.
Midwest Theater
Scottsbluff area
Since 1946, the Midwest Theater has stood as a beacon of culture and community in downtown Scottsbluff - a timeless treasure with its breathtaking Art Deco design and marquee. From silver screen classics to live performances, generations have gathered here to share in the magic of storytelling.
Museum of the Fur Trade
Chadron Area
The Museum of the Fur Trade is located at the site of a trading post operated by the American Fur Company from 1837 to 1876. The museum’s three galleries interpret the fur trade from early colonial days to the 20th century. The museum is open May 1 - Oct. 31 or by appointment.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Nebraska National Forest – Bessey Ranger District
Halsey Area
This district of the Nebraska National Forest covers more than 90,000 acres, and is the largest hand-planted forest in the world. It is a favorite place for camping, ATV-ing, horseback riding, hiking and picnicking. The lookout tower offers a panoramic view of the surrounding forest and hills.
Our Heritage Guest Ranch
Crawford
Sixteen miles northwest of Crawford and a quick jump from Toadstool Geologic Park is Our Heritage Guest Ranch. Riding lessons are available and there are 26 indoor stalls, and several paddocks and corrals to board horses. The rides take you over 3,600 acres abundant with wildlife.
PO Box 48
1041 Toadstool Rd.
Crawford NE 69339
1041 Toadstool Rd.
Crawford NE 69339
Post Playhouse
Crawford Area
Post Playhouse, Inc. is Northwestern Nebraska's favorite live theatre company, producing several musicals running in a repertory schedule every summer by bringing together skilled creative professionals from across the country and nearby. Performances are at the theater in Fort Robinson State Park.
Potter Duckpin Bowling Alley
Potter Area
This newly restored historic bowling alley is believed to be the only one west of the Mississippi River.
P.O. Box 67
Potter NE 69156
Potter NE 69156
The Potter Sundry
Potter
The Potter Sundry is the “Home of the Tin Roof Sundae” – this famous sundae was created at the Sundry back in the 1930’s and named for the tin ceiling in the historic building.
Serving up Breakfast, Lunch and Dessert! Located in historic downtown Potter, NE just a minute off I-80 in West Nebraska
Serving up Breakfast, Lunch and Dessert! Located in historic downtown Potter, NE just a minute off I-80 in West Nebraska
Trailside Museum of Natural History
Crawford
Featuring the skeletal remains of two large bull mammoths lying as they have since the Ice Age - locked together in mortal combat. Also explore a wide variety of rare Nebraska fossils such as an ancient rhino, giant tortoise, mosasaur skull, standing mammoth, and more.
Western & Wildlife Art Show
Crawford
The Western & Wildlife Art Show proudly presents the juried art of over twenty artists from across the country. The gallery will be opened at no charge to the general public, 10am - 6pm July 2nd and 3rd, and 9am - 4pm July 4th.
20th Century Veterans Memorial
North Platte
America’s 20th Century Veterans Memorial honors all military men and women of the past century. A bas-relief sculpture depicts major wars from World War I to the Persian Gulf. Larger-than-life-size bronze statues depict the branches of the armed forces and the ladies of the North Platte Canteen.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Harrison Area
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is home to an important collection of Native American artifacts. Visitors can walk among the fossils of ancient animals. Located 22 miles south of Harrison or 34 miles north of Mitchell on Highway 29.
Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park
Valentine Area
Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park is a 7,202-acre ranch. Buildings and grounds are open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The grounds are open from 9 a.m. to sunset the rest of the year.
(308) 684-3428
Ash Hollow State Park
Lewellen Area
Nine miles of scenic hiking views cross Ash Hollow State Park. Hikers can follow in the wagon ruts of early pioneers to the top of Windlass Hill. An interpretive center and a visitor center are open seasonally. A stone schoolhouse, historic cemetery and an ancient cave are some of the attractions.
Avenue of Flags
Hemingford Area
Hemingford displays more than 200 American flags along its village streets during various holidays, such as July 4th weekend, Flag Day, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day and others. Each historic flag once draped the casket of a veteran from the area.
Banner County Museum
Harrisburg Area
Turning north from Kimball, State Highway 71 will take you past the little village of Harrisburg. The Banner County Museum is an 11-building complex that includes a 19th-century log schoolhouse, sod house, log cabin, 1910 barn, pioneer church and the old Banner County Bank.
308-575-0808
Beaver Wall & Sheridan Gates
Hay Springs Area
The Sheridan Gates served as a marker for those traveling through the area, and the ruts of a military trail that ran from Camp Robinson to Camp Sheridan can still be faintly seen running between the two buttes.
Box Butte Avenue
Alliance Area
Alliance’s downtown brick-lined main street, Box Butte Avenue, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an active Historic Main Street organization. There are numerous shops, restaurants and other businesses in the downtown district.
Buffalo Bill State Historical Park
North Platte
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park showcases the restored 1880s Victorian home, horse barn and outbuildings of William F. Cody’s famous Scout’s Rest Ranch. The site features Wild West Show memorabilia, period household furnishings, picnic areas and walking trails.
Carhenge
Alliance Area
Two-and-a-half miles north of Alliance on Highway 87, Carhenge is perhaps the strangest attraction in Nebraska. The full-scale replica of England’s famous Stonehenge is built entirely from old cars. Carhenge is built from 38 cars, painted gray.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Carnegie Arts Center
Alliance Area
The Carnegie Arts Center is a gallery featuring local and regional artists. This center hosts renowned art shows such as installations of original Rembrandt and Albrecht Durer prints. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Closed holidays.
Chappell Memorial Art Gallery
Chappell Area
The reproductions at the Chappell Memorial Art Gallery are so good that they were long thought to be Rembrandt originals. The gallery is part of the Chappell Public Library, 289 Babcock.
Chimney Rock
Bayard Area
Visible to wagon trains from several days away, Chimney Rock’s 120-foot spire was unlike anything Oregon Trail pioneers had ever seen. The landmark’s story is told at the Ethel and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center at Chimney Rock National Historic Site.
Chimney Rock, Ft. Robinson – History Nebraska
Bayard, Crawford
Nebraska State Historical Society, formed in 1878, the society has been and still is the steward of the state’s history.
Unique-Interesting Fact: History Nebraska owns the famous landmark Chimney Rock by Bayard along with ten other buildings at Fort Robinson by Crawford.
Unique-Interesting Fact: History Nebraska owns the famous landmark Chimney Rock by Bayard along with ten other buildings at Fort Robinson by Crawford.
Cody Park Railroad Museum
North Platte
The Union Pacific Railroad displays two of it's largest locomotives and a railroad museum. The locomotives are an interactive steam and diesel engine.
Dalton Prairie Schooner and Log Cabin Museum
Dalton area
Located on the Pony Express and Sidney/Black Hills Gold trails.
The genuine log cabin will transport you to a simpler life while the museum will tell about the life and times in Dalton. See the detailed models of railroad engines.
The museum is open weekend afternoons summer and by appointment.
The genuine log cabin will transport you to a simpler life while the museum will tell about the life and times in Dalton. See the detailed models of railroad engines.
The museum is open weekend afternoons summer and by appointment.
Dobby’s Frontier Town
Alliance Area
Dobby’s Frontier Town, is a historic village with buildings from the 1890s through Prohibition. Kenneth “Dobby” Lee lamented the decay of early frontier buildings, so he began hauling them to his Alliance home to save them. The buildings include a general store, log cabin, saloon and more!
Eiker Park
Big Springs Area
The first and largest robbery of a Union Pacific train happened here in Big Springs in 1877. Texas outlaw Sam Bass and five companions made off with $60,000 in gold and currency. A historical marker at Eiker Park, on the west side of town, tells the story of the famous robbery.
Fort Cody Trading Post
North Platte
When viewed from the outside it looks like a frontier log stockade complete with authentically-dressed mannequins with toy rifles standing guard. Inside it’s a combination gift shop and museum, with authentic Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild West memorabilia, and a miniature mechanized Wild West Show.
Fort McPherson National Cemetery
North Platte
Established in 1863, Fort McPherson became Nebraska's first National Cemetery in 1873 and is the final resting place of veterans of the Indian Wars, Spanish American War, Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korean, Vietnam, Persian, and the current conflicts.
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
Valentine Area
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is home to herds of bison and elk. A 3.5-mile driving tour provides up close views. The bison are often encountered crossing the refuge road. While near the herds, stay in your car. A bison bull can weigh a ton and moves with astonishing speed.
(402) 376-3789
Fort Robinson State Park
Crawford Area
Fort Robinson State Park is one of Nebraska’s most popular attractions. Visitors can enjoy cookouts, trail rides, hiking, and a summer repertory theater at the Post Playhouse. Fort Robinson is open mid-April through mid-November. A state park permit is required.
Fort Sidney Museum
Sidney Area
Sidney Barracks was established in 1867 to protect Union Pacific Railroad track layers from attack. In 1869, the post was relocated to the present site at Sidney. At its height, the fort had 40 buildings. It closed in 1894. Three buildings remain on Sidney’s east side. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day.
Grain Bin Antique Town
North Platte
Clustered on a hill top in the scenic canyons south of North Platte, Grain Bin Antique Town consists of twenty historic grain bins and a massive barn that are connected by a boardwalk to form a huge and eclectic collection of antiques and primitives.
Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center
Crawford Area
Albert Meng and Bill Hudson discovered ancient bones belonging to more than 600 bison. Nearly 50 years later, Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center is open to the public and the 10,000-year-old bones are still being studied. Open mid-May through September.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Knight Museum & Sandhills Center
Alliance Area
Displays at the 19,000-square-foot Knight Museum and Sandhills Center span many aspects of western life, including an extensive display of Native American artifacts, railroad memorabilia, military history, homestead and ranch life, and the various cultures who shaped the area.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Lake McConaughy Visitor & Water Interpretive Center
Ogallala Area
The Lake McConaughy Visitor/Water Interpretive Center is on the south side of the lake, nine miles north of Ogallala on Highway 61. Nebraska’s first water museum interprets the significance of water to Nebraska’s past, present and future. The center includes an aquarium and 50-seat theater.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Legion Park & Memorial Gardens – City of Sidney
Sidney Area
When a local man suggested erecting a flagpole for the War Memorial in Legion Park and Memorial Gardens, volunteers and local companies converted an interstate light pole into a flag pole. At 140 feet, it is the tallest flagpole in Nebraska.
Lincoln County Historical Museum
North Platte
The North Platte Canteen is commemorated at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. The World War II Canteen met every train and fed the service men and women who passed through the depot – about 6 million in all. The museum also features a village of historic buildings.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Lodgepole Depot Museum
Lodgepole Area
The Lodgepole Depot Museum, on the corner of McCall Street & Bates Boulevard, displays horse buggies, antique furniture, pony express items and historical clothing inside the an old train depot. Open by appointment.
North Platte Community Playhouse
North Platte
The North Platte Community Playhouse is an 851 seat performance venue housed in the historic Fox Theater downtown North Platte. In addition to hosting community theater performances throughout the year, they also show movies on Fridays and Saturdays.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Ponderosa Ranch
Crawford Area
Ponderosa Ranch offers guests as young as 4 years old with riding options from May through October. Eight gentle quarter horses take you through 3,600 acres of pines, meadows, ravines and creek with greetings from mule deer and Merriam’s wild turkey. Corrals are available for your own horses.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Potter Area
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.
Potter Depot Historical Museum
Potter Area
The UP depot was moved back to Potter in 1991. After much restoration, it was opened to the public in 1996. It houses UP Railroad memorabilia as well as an agricultural room and other items. It is open by appointment only as well as special events in Potter. Phone 308-879-4332 for appointment
Potter Downtown Historical Museum
Potter Area
In 1983 Mr. & Mrs. Wm Stewart donated the historical building in memory of Fred Nelson to the Village of Potter. The museum is located on Sherman Street. It houses a military display as well as school memorabilia. It is open by appointment only as well as special events in Potter. 308-879-4332
Prairie Arts Center
North Platte
A renovated 1913 federal building complete with a grand entry hall, gift shop and gallery. The Prairie Arts Center hosts special exhibits, music performances, classes, and a variety of community events open to the public.
Red Cloud Buttes & Treaty Tree
Crawford Area
From Red Cloud Buttes, you see Crawford to the east, Fort Robinson to the south, and the Red Cloud Agency site to the southeast. Half a mile northwest is the site of the Treaty Tree, where in 1875 the U.S. government tried to buy the Black Hills from the Lakota.
(866) 665-1817
Riverside Discovery Center
Scottsbluff Area
Less than a 4 mile drive from the Scottsbluff National Monument, the Riverside Discovery Center is a fun family friendly Zoo that is open year round. It also has a splash pad that is open in the summer, a dino dig play area and petting zoo. It is the only Zoo in Western Nebraska.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Robidoux Trading Post
Gering Area
The sod-roofed building has been reconstructed with 100-year-old hand-hewn logs and period furnishings. It is located in beautiful Carter Canyon, on the original Oregon Trail route before travelers began using Mitchell Pass, known to settlers as Devil’s Gap.
Scamahorn Museum
Gordon Area
The Scamahorn Museum is a restored 1880s Methodist church and houses local history exhibits, military displays, Native American artifacts, pioneer and agricultural tools and genealogical records. It is open by appointment only.
Scottsbluff National Monument
Gering Area
Scotts Bluff is what remains of the ancient High Plains that were eroded by rivers over millions of years. The uniquely Nebraskan formation is part of the scenic Wildcat Hills. Fossilized remains of ancient rhinoceroses, horses, camels and other prehistoric creatures have been discovered here.
Sheridan County Museum
Rushville Area
Local artifacts include library of history, vintage clothing, Camp Sheridan, Indian War military history, 1890 Armstrong House, Rushville’s first log cabin post office. Hours Memorial Day-Labor Day Monday-Friday 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm
The Most Unlikely Place Cafe and Art Gallery
Oshkosh Area
A meal at The Most Unlikely Place artfully blends seasonal flavors, modern traditions, and an easy charm. Art Gallery and woodworking / Open for the season - May through October
Theatre West Summer Repertory
Scottsbluff
Theatre West Summer Repertory provides professional theatre productions to the residents of Western Nebraska and the surrounding region during June and July on the campus of Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff.
Toadstool Geologic Park
Harrison Area
Toadstool Geologic Park is regarded as a strange landscape within the grassland. Sediment layers deposited by ancient volcanoes have eroded at different rates, leaving sandstone formations perched on clay stems. Early residents referred to the formations as toadstools.
Tri-State Old Time Cowboy Museum
Gordon Area
Cowboy memorabilia from the late 1800s through the present day is displayed at the Tri-State Old Time Cowboy Museum. Relics include antique furniture, dental equipment, ranching tools and barbed wire. The museum is open 1-5 p.m. daily, June 1-Sept. 15, and by appointment.
West Nebraska Arts Center
Scottsbluff Area
106 East 18th Street
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area
Gering Area
This 531-acre park 10 miles south of Gering offers stunning panoramic views of the North Platte River Valley and 3 miles of trails. The rugged terrain is challenging and elevations approach 5,000 feet. A newly renovated nature center offers educational opportunities, interactive exhibits, and more.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
World’s Smallest Courthouse
Arthur Area
Arthur boasts what is believed to be the world’s smallest courthouse. The 26-by-28-foot white frame building was built a year after Arthur County seceded from McPherson County in 1913. Though it still stands, it was replaced with a larger courthouse in 1961.
(308) 764-2426