Make Your Way Along the Western Trails Scenic Byway
Come see the road taken by tens of thousands of our nation’s pioneers making their way out west back in the 1800s. You can immerse yourself in the area’s rich history with pioneer and cowboy cemeteries, still-visible trail ruts and various museums along the way. This trip also passes by several important landmarks used by the pioneers, including Chimney Rock which signified the end of the plains and the beginning of the Rockies.
ROUTE DIRECTIONS
From Ogallala:
31 miles west on US-26 to Lewellen • 12 miles west on US-26 to Oshkosh
30 miles west on US-26 to Broadwater, 16 miles west on N-92 to Bridgeport
16 miles west on US-26 to Bayard • 23 miles west on NE-92 to Gering
Ogallala
Come visit the home of Nebraska’s largest reservoir, Lake McConaughy, a popular recreation spot among Nebraskans and residents of neighboring states along with wild west attractions such as Boot Hill, an early cowboy cemetery. Visit Front Street Café and Cowboy Museum for a meal featuring Nebraska beef and a live show if you visit during the summer months!
Lewellen
Don’t let the small size of the village of Lewellen fool you. There are many unexpected surprises here for all who visit. The Most Unlikely Place is a perfect example of this with an art gallery featuring local artists, espresso and gourmet lunches. Ash Hollow State Historical Park is an important historical place here with a pioneer grave and trail ruts still visible today.
Oshkosh
Known for birding, hunting, fishing and camping, Oshkosh offers a welcoming and friendly small-town atmosphere. Formerly an early 1900s school and opera house, the Historical Society of Garden County offers a glimpse into the area’s Native American and pioneer history. Enjoy freshly roasted coffee from Mark Ferrari’s Coffee. Be sure to take a glimpse of the Oshkosh Water Tower, the first and only water tower in Nebraska to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bridgeport
Bridgeport is a town rich in history and full of things to see and do. Check out Courthouse and Jail Rocks, two major guiding landmarks for early pioneers traveling on the Oregon, Mormon and Pony Express trails. For more history, be sure to also pay the Pioneer Trails Museum a visit. Stop by the picturesque Bridgeport State Recreation Area for camping, swimming, fishing and more!
Bayard
Home of Chimney Rock, the most recognized landmark along the Oregon Trail, the town of Bayard offers visitors a glimpse into history. Located in what once was a Burlington Railroad depot, the Bayard Depot Museum has tons of local artifacts to discover. Grab a coffee and a freshly baked treat at the Vault Coffee Shop, or enjoy lunch and ice cream in a homemade waffle cone at the Settlers Trading Post.
Gering
End your trip in picturesque Gering. Towering 800 feet above the North Platte River, take in Scotts Bluff National Monument, which served as another important landmark for pioneers. Spend a day outside exploring the beautiful Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Area or hiking and backpacking at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area. Stop at The Mixing Bowl for a delicious home-cooked meal!
