Chimney Rock Golf Course: Jewel of the Prairie 

| SPECIAL INTEREST: GOLF |

Set against the sweeping plains of western Nebraska, just north of Bayard, lies a course where history, community, and the game of golf converge. Chimney Rock Golf Course, a 9-hole public track designed by Marty Johnson in 1991, proudly carries the nickname “The Jewel of the Prairie.” For players who tee it up here, the name rings true. 

| WHERE HISTORY MEETS THE FAIRWAY

The course stretches 3,271 yards as a par 36, with a course rating of 36.2 and slope of 119 from the tips. Its fairways weave across open farmland framed by cottonwoods, elms, and conifers, with contoured landing zones and built-up greens protected by grassy mounds. Yet the most striking hazard isn’t bunkers or rough—it’s the natural Wild Horse Creek, which winds through the property and directly impacts four holes: the 5th, 6th, 8th (voted one of the most difficult holes in Nebraska) , and 9th. On these holes, forced carries test precision, especially when the Nebraska Panhandle’s notorious winds sweep across the prairie. On a calm morning, the course is welcoming and forgiving. When gusts rise, every shot demands patience, strategy, and a steady swing.

Chimney Rock Golf Course’s setting makes it unique in American golf. The spire of Chimney Rock National Historic Site is only five miles from the course and is visible from the parking lot. More than a landmark, it’s a symbol of endurance: a guide for pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail in the mid-1800s, and now a timeless backdrop for modern golfers. Few courses connect so directly to the stories of the land they inhabit. Each round here feels like walking a stretch of living history, with wagon wheels replaced by golf carts but the horizon unchanged.

The course isn’t just about scenery and strategy—it’s also about community. Locals and travelers alike describe a friendly, small-town spirit. The staff and members offer warm welcomes and practical tips for navigating Wild Horse Creek or the unpredictable prairie breeze. The clubhouse, though modest, is more than functional; it includes a small restaurant where players unwind with snacks, meals and drinks, trading lies and stories from the round. For many in Bayard and the surrounding area, it doubles as a gathering place, a reminder that golf here is as much about fellowship as it is about fairways.

Facilities add to the course’s appeal. Golfers can warm up on a driving range with three practice tees before heading to the first tee, making it easy to sharpen the swing before tackling those creek carries. With affordable daily rates and seasonal passes, Chimney Rock Golf Course offers value that rivals its scenery, keeping the game accessible to beginners, casual players, and travelers exploring western Nebraska alike.

What truly elevates the experience, however, is perspective. Golf tourism often points to Nebraska’s Sandhills courses, but the Panhandle offers its own brand of rugged beauty. Here, the prairie stretches endlessly, the sky swallows you whole, and Chimney Rock itself stands watch as it has for centuries. A round at Chimney Rock Golf Course isn’t just another loop—it’s a connection to history, community, and the untamed charm of the High Plains. It lives up to its name: “The Jewel of the Prairie.” Few courses in America can boast such an immediate connection to history. A round here isn’t just about pars and birdies—it’s about immersing yourself in the spirit of the land.

• If you’re planning a day of golf at Chimney Rock Golf Course —bring bug spray. You’ll be glad you did.
• Visit Chimney Rock Golf Course’s Facebook page for updates and news.

| WHEN RV’ING

If you’re passing through Bayard, Nebraska, on your way to Wyoming, Montana, or the Grand Tetons, and traveling by RV, consider stopping at Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing RV Campground, located about five miles south of Chimney Rock Golf Course. The campground offers plenty of space with electrical hookups, sewer, water, and convenient trash bins.

Between the golf course and the RV park sits the town of Bayard, where you’ll find a grocery store, a Dollar General, and a single gas pump suitable for smaller RVs, trucks, or cars.

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