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Discover All Trails West in Western Nebraska

Explore the beauty and history of Western Nebraska with Trails West Travel Magazine. This region is where the pioneers blazed the trails to the west, leaving their mark on history and shaping the course of a nation. From the towering bluffs of the Scotts Bluff National Monument to the winding trails of Chimney Rock, there's something for everyone to discover in this legendary region. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems and iconic landmarks that make Western Nebraska unique. Start planning your adventure today with Trails West Travel Magazine.

Journey through Western Nebraska

If you’re looking for a unique travel destination in the Midwest, Western Nebraska should definitely be on your list! Here are just a few reasons why you should plan a trip to this stunning region:

  1. Natural Wonders: Western Nebraska is home to some of the most unique and awe-inspiring natural wonders in the country, including Chimney Rock, Scotts Bluff National Monument, and the stunning sandhills.
  2. Outdoor Adventure: Whether you’re into hiking, biking, fishing, or wildlife watching, Western Nebraska has plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. With numerous state parks, wildlife refuges, and recreational areas, visitors can explore the rugged terrain of this stunning region.
  3. Rich History: Western Nebraska is steeped in history, with numerous sites that tell the story of the region’s early settlers, Native American tribes, and pioneers. Visit places like Fort Robinson State Park or the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park to learn more about the area’s past.
  4. Unique Attractions: From quirky roadside attractions like Carhenge to cultural destinations like the Legacy of the Plains Museum, Western Nebraska has plenty of one-of-a-kind attractions that you won’t find anywhere else.
  5. Friendly Communities: Finally, one of the best things about Western Nebraska is the warm and welcoming communities that call the region home. Whether you’re in a small town or a larger city, you’re sure to encounter friendly locals who are eager to share their love of the area with visitors.

So if you’re looking for a travel destination that offers natural wonders, outdoor adventure, rich history, unique attractions, and friendly communities, look no further than Western Nebraska!

Western Nebraska Destinations Map

Exploring the vast and historic landscapes of Western Nebraska can be a challenge, with over 700 miles of dirt roads to navigate. However, this unique region is home to some of the most fascinating destinations in the Midwest. To help visitors make the most of their trip, we’ve created a comprehensive Western Nebraska Destinations Map.

This map includes most of the places we’ve visited and featured in our 48-Hour Trails West Series, making it easy to plan your own unforgettable adventure. With our map, you’ll be able to explore the most interesting and historic sites in the region without getting lost. So, whether you’re a resident or a visitor, our Western Nebraska Destinations Map is an essential tool for anyone looking to experience the best of this incredible region.

Stories Western Nebraska

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Toadstool Geological Park & Campground 

Western Nebraska
Situated within the Oglala National Grassland in the far reaches of northwestern Nebraska, Toadstool Geologic Park stands out for its exceptional geological marvels. The remarkable rock configurations found here bear the moniker "toadstools," a nod to their uncanny resemblance to mushrooms.

Carhenge 

Western Nebraska
Discover Carhenge, one of Nebraska's most iconic and unique attractions! Located in Alliance, Nebraska, Carhenge is a unique replica of Stonehenge made entirely from vintage cars.

Arrival Of The Sandhill Cranes In Western Nebraska 

Western Nebraska
The largest gathering of Sandhill cranes happens near North Platte, Nebraska, beginning in mid-March and early April.

Geology of Scotts Bluff National Monument

Western Nebraska
Striations of rock expose the history of the Scotts Bluff National Monument. Each layer records the history of the erosion of the land.

The Plight of Nebraska’s Black-tailed Prairie Dogs

Western Nebraska
The Great Plains encompasses the entirety of Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota and parts of Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming. Each state offers ecoregions and ecosystems unto themselves and each is unique.

Nebraska Panhandle Nature Photography

Western Nebraska
Nature photography in western Nebraska. "How does anything survive in this open wilderness of rolling grass and majestic buttes?”

North Platte River: Highway to The West

Western Nebraska
Narrow and shallow, the North Platte River doesn't reach its full strength until the waters reach far eastern Nebraska near Lincoln.

Wildcat Hills of Western Nebraska 

Western Nebraska
Wildcat Hills’ beautiful habitat abundantly supports wildlife. Photographers rarely leave disappointed after arriving.

The History and Significance of Scotts Bluff National Monument

Western Nebraska
Scotts Bluff National Monument boasts a captivating history that dates back thousands of years, starting with its Native American heritage. The area surrounding Scotts Bluff was once inhabited by Native American tribes like the Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Pawnee.

Courthouse and Jail Rocks

Western Nebraska
On the far western side of Nebraska, the land that would become the small town of Bridgeport, Nebraska, are two promontories that served as landmarks on the Oregon-California Trail, the Mormon Trail, the Pony Express Trail, and the Sidney-Deadwood Trail.

The Horse Creek Treaty of 1851

Western Nebraska
The Great Plains were home to many tribes for countless generations. They lived and hunted all along the prairie, and sometimes warred with neighboring tribes. In the mid-1800s, they began witnessing mass migrations of white men through their respective territories.

Nebraska’s Archeological Treasure: Signal Butte

Western Nebraska
Signal Butte was the first archeological site to be carbon dated, and is a testament to the Woodland Indians who once called western Nebraska their home.

The Elusive and Endangered Swift Fox

Western Nebraska
The elusive swift fox (Vulpes velox) earns its name by reaching speeds of up to 25 mph in pursuit of its prey, which consists of anything that doesn’t eat them first

Nebraska’s Bighorn Sheep

Western Nebraska
The ram looked up from eating his grass and met my gaze. He had been aware of me since I got out of my car in the parking lot at the Cedar Canyon Wildlife Management Area in southern Scotts Bluff County.
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Chimney Rock: Landmark of Generations 

Western Nebraska
During the 1800s, Chimney Rock was one of the most noted landmarks along the immigrant trails. As travelers passed close to Chimney Rock,

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Western Nebraska
The Scotts Bluff National Monument dominates the landscape around it, serving as a landmark for people for hundreds of years but, make no mistake, it sucks! It was a sacred place for Native Americans and a marker for emigrants who traveled the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Today, it's a testament to a declining economy of three towns in desperate need to stay alive.

Discovery of the Bisterfeldt Potato Cellar Site

Western Nebraska
In 1933 an archeological find of a lifetime was discovered in Gering, Nebraska containing the skeletons of 32 adults and five infants of Woodland Plains Indian hunter-gatherers located in four separate pits.

Lake Minatare Lighthouse

Western Nebraska
No consideration is given to one of seven land-locked lighthouses in the United States that they can only see in the panhandle of Nebraska and honestly, no one cares.

About Us

We're Long Draw Productions, LLC, and we began Trails West Magazine as a travel guide to western Nebraska, south-central South Dakota, and all of Wyoming. The county of Scotts Bluff contracted our magazine as a means to promote the area for tourism. Needing an online platform to index the region’s resources using custom, original media, the county—pushed by Charlie Knapper—hired our staff. We did our job until the county violated its contract near the end of the year, at which point we decided to simply move on, accepting a small loss in profit as we began other projects. Trails West Magazine was placed on pause, remaining online as a resource for the stories we had created.

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