SCENIC BYWAYS 71 3 2 Nort h P 26 385 Miles 144 The Route US 26 and State 92 from the Wyoming border to Ogallala 1 latte 27 Covered wagon 4 Ogallala South Platte River 80 Rive r 92 Scottsbluff WESTERN TRAILS SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY Pioneers would have come across the same towering formations and pine-shaded bluffs on this route as drivers encounter today. Get out of your “wagon” and explore: Storied sites, picturesque trails and sparkling lakes await your discovery. Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Nature Center, Gering 4 WAYS TO DO THE WEST 1. Hike or mountain bike Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Nature Center in Gering. The views—of rocky bluffs, evergreen-studded canyons and the North Platte River Valley—are epic at this site, too. 2. Chimney Rock National Historic Site in Bayard protects a rock formation so perfectly pointy, it appears to be “Towering to the Heavens.” Don’t forget comfy shoes for walking—or your camera. 3. Homesteading artifacts from early set-tlers, as well as fossils and arrowheads, are the draw at the Bridgeport Pioneer Trails Museum in Bridgeport, free from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 4. In Ogallala, access both Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala State Recreation Areas . These two Nebraskan lakes are peaceful and scenic—just right for fi shing, swimming and taking shoreline hikes. Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Bayard SMALL STOP TOWN LEWELLEN Just minutes from Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area, as well as historic pioneering sites, Lewellen welcomes adventurers and history buffs alike. DO – Browse paintings, sculptures and other creations by local artists at The Most Unlikely Place . DO – At Ash Hollow State Historical Park , look for an old schoolhouse and wagon ruts, evidence of the Oregon Trail era. EAT – At Otter Creek Lodge , fi ll up on fried chicken in a log cabin-style restaurant, just steps from Lake McConaughy. STAY – Enjoy the convenience of an in-room kitchenette at the remodeled Lewellen Lodge . 46 VisitNebraska.com CREDITS: HAAG/NEBRASKALAND MAGAZINE, NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION; RICK NEIBEL
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2020 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 46
