Nebraska--Old Oregon Trail
Date: 2004-11-23
It seems everything in Nebraska is along straight lines, and you have
very few curves in this drive. It is scenic, though, as you follow the
North Platte River and The Oregon Trail much of the way. Start your drive
in Ogallala and head northwest on U.S. 26 for 129 miles to Scottsbluff.
Ogallala used to be the terminus for the Texas cattle drives, so its history
is full of rowdiness. There is a Boot Hill Cemetery on 10th Street. Ash
Hollow State Park, three miles before Lewellen, has some interesting rock
formations and is the sight of the first battle of the Indian Wars in
1854 (Bluewater Battlefield). Chimney Rock National Historic Site marked
the end of the prairies for the Oregonians on their trek west. It is now
illuminated at night (What progress!).
Other stops worth taking time for include Baynard, famous for its covered wagon vacations. Hop on a Conestoga for a week or so. You can see Oregon Trail wheel ruts at Scotts Bluff National Monument. You can drive to the top for some great views. Finally, on our loop out of Scottsbluff there is the Courthouse and Jail Rocks formation near Bridgeport. Upon returning, drive south from Scottsbluff on Rte. 71 and turn back east on Rte. 88. You will retrace a few miles on U.S. 26. Instead of following U.S. 26, you will be driving back to Scottsbluff on Rte. 92.
Starting Point:
Ogallala, NE
Distance of Drive:
220 miles
Must Eat:
Woodshed
18 East Sixteenth Street, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Phone:308-635-3684
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring to fall
Points of Interest on Drive:
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Boot Hill Cemetery
Ash Hollow State Park
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