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Nebraska's Trails West

Welcome to Western Nebraska; America's last great western frontier. Western Nebraska is a unique landscape full of memory, history and the character of the old west. We're ready for you to experience all that it has to offer in your next vacation. Enjoy a culture like no other. Discover Nebraska' trails west!

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Western Nebraska Trails West

Finding your next adventure in western Nebraska is as easy as looking across a distance field, exploring canyons, hiking buttes that rise off the intermediate prairie, or biking the dirt roads and exploring the history of the Oregon-California Trails, Agate Fossil Beds and nearby archeological sites.

Discovering western Nebraska means stepping back in the past and exploring the contemporary simultaneously. Western Nebraska offers vistas of scenic landscapes as well as outdoor adventures that rival those of Yellowstone National Park and Rocky Mountain Park, just in a different setting. Western Nebraska is for everyone. Come and join us on your next vacation adventure.

Roubadeau Pass Trading Post A replica of the trading post set up by Roubadeau in the 1800’s near Gering, Nebraska. Information on the trading post can be found at the Legacy of the Plains Museum. Photography by © 2020 Hawk Buckman

Stories from West Nebraska's Trails West Region

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00:11:03

48-Hour Road Trip – The Wildcat Hills & The Tin Roof Sundae 

Western Nebraska
In this installment of Trails West Magazine, our journey leads us to Potter, Nebraska, where we'll uncover the origins of a delectable delight – the Tin Roof Sundae. This frozen confection reshaped the nation's dessert preferences during the latter half of the 20th century.
00:12:19

48-Hour Road Trip – Scotts Bluff National Monument Gering, NE 

Western Nebraska
Scotts Bluff National Monument is a part of, and maintained by, the US National Parks Service. It hosts a visitor's center which we were not allowed to film in without a permit which would have taken a few weeks to obtain so, we just enjoyed the outside..

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.
00:12:19

48-Hour Road Trip – Carhenge – Alliance, NE 

Western Nebraska
In this episode, we travel to Alliance, Nebraska, and embark on an unforgettable adventure. Our first stop takes us to the iconic Carhenge, where we explore its fascinating history and its intriguing sculptures.
00:10:45

48-Hour Road Trip – Chimney Rock, Bayard, NE 

Western Nebraska
In this episode of Trails West Magazine's 48-Hour Road Trips, our destination is Bayard, Nebraska. Where we visit and explore Chimney Rock National Historic Site.

Alliance, Nebraska, and the Iconic Carhenge 

Western Nebraska
In the heart of the American Midwest, tucked away on the plains of Nebraska, lies the town of Alliance. While often overlooked on the map, this unassuming community holds a fascinating history intertwined with a peculiar roadside attraction known as Carhenge.

48-Hour Road Trip – Jail & Courthouse Rock – Bridgeport, NE 

Western Nebraska
As we continue our Trail's West 48-hour road trip leaving Bayard, NE, we travel east on Highway 92, following the old Oregon-California trails toward Bridgeport, NE, where another small adventure awaits.

Mount Richthofen: The Great Chief 

Northern Colorado
Nestled within the Never Summer Mountains of Northern Colorado, Mount Richthofen, also referred to as the "Great Chief" or "Chief Mountain," proudly stands as a prominent peak in the region. It has captured the hearts of many visitors, including ourselves, making it a beloved destination during our time in Colorado

The Cache la Poudre River 

Northern Colorado
The Cache la Poudre River is prominent in Colorado, United States. It is located in the northern (NoCo) part of the state and flows through the scenic Poudre Canyon, west of the city of Fort Collins.

48-Hour Road Trip – Scottsbluff, NE

48-Hours in Western Nebraska
Experience the thrill of Trails West Magazine's 48-Hour Road Trip as we take you on an unforgettable journey to Scottsbluff, NE, and the acclaimed Flyover Brewing Company. Immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes of western Nebraska during this action-packed adventure.

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.

The Vault Coffee & Community; The Flavors Of Western Nebraska 

Western Nebraska
The Vault Coffee & Community in Bayard, NE is changing the face of a nearly forgotten town.

Bobbi Jo’s Branding Iron Brings a Little Coyote Ugly to the Panhandle of Nebraska 

Western Nebraska
Bobbie Jo's Branding Iron is only a few miles off the beaten path from Chimney Rock.

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.

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?”

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.

Scotts Bluff National Monument & the North Platte River Valley

West Nebraska
Your windshield is suddenly filled with the breathtaking sight of the North Platte River Valley and the Wildcat Hills, which is dominated by the Scotts Bluff National Monument, rising 4659 feet (1420 meters) above sea level. Welcome to WyoBraska.

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

Scotty’s Drive-In: A Landmark Food Destination

Western Nebraska
The immigrant trails, western Nebraska's western heritage, agriculture, and rural culture hold particular interest to most visitors. Still, there's always more to the Nebraska panhandle than meets the eye, and fast food hasn't been excluded from its history. 
00:01:26

Montz Ranch is Not an Outdoor Adventure

Western Nebraska
Montz Ranch could be a better hiking experience. But, unfortunately, it's not an area you want to try and visit
00:01:54

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.

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.
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About Us

We really don't know what we'll be doing this winter. Between normal jobs and abnormal circumstances, as always, we don't know if we can make it out to places we want to visit and experience, and then return here and, for fun, write about it and share our adventure. No clue—at the moment. But, you know, when we do, we'll do our best to make an impression on you, even if it's a really bad one.

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