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Oregon
Trail
It is a little west of Ogallala that the Oregon Trail (which had been
following the Platte River upstream and beyond thus following the south
bank of the South Platte) crossed the South Platte to cut north to the
North Platte. They then followed the North Platte well into Wyoming
(crossing it several time seeking out better terrain for the wagons.
There has been a strong renewal of interest in the Oregon Trail and the
Pioneers who courageously followed it to settle in the 'Far West'. Ash
Hollow Historical Park on US-26 northwest of Ogallala (take I-80 exit 126 and
just follow US-26) also has a museum containing a wide range of
artifacts from the Oregon Trail period and Native Americans prior to the
coming of the Europeans. Phone 1-308-778-5651 for info.
Frontier
Days
Ogallala survived the frontier days, buried its share of
cowboys, gamblers, etc., in the local Boot Hill. The town puts on their
version of an Old West shootout accompanied by an Old West 'musical' at
their Crystal Palace Saloon. It is quite a lively affair but not quite
as 'family-oriented' as the Cheyenne show. The Ogallala show runs dail
throughout the summer. You can get the current schedule and other
information from the Chamber of Commerce - toll-free 1-800-658-4390. If
you are passing by on I-80, take exit 126 and their office is at 204 East A
Street (which is the road on which you are driving entering Ogallala
from the Interstate).
Bald Eagle
Viewing Center
If you are driving by in the Winter (late December
through March) you may wish to visit the Bald Eagle Viewing Center just
below the dam at Lake McConaughly. For more information visit their web
site at Bald
Eagle.
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Lake McConaughly
A Nebraska State Recreation Area offering a range of camping facilities (primitive
to full service), boating, fishing and swimming at some really great
beaches. (Lake McConaughy is the largest in Nebraska. It doesn't look as
large as it is because if is long and skinny.) We couldn't find a toll-free phone number but their local
number is 1-308-284-8800.
Ash Hollow State Historical
Park. This historic site in Lewellen (about 50 miles from
Ogallala) does a great job of covering Oregon Trail history. View the
old wagon ruts plus a prehistoric cave, and visitor center.
If you're eastbound on I-80, take exit 107 and head north on NE-25B
to Big Springs; continue north on US-138 (Pine St) to US-30; The highway
continues as Road 207 north to US-26; head west on US-26 to Lewellen
(about 25 mi from I-80). To return to I-80, follow US-26/NE-61 to
Ogallala. US-26 splits off in Ogallala but if you continue on NE-61
which will take you back to I-80 at exit 126. There are many fine hotels
in Ogallala around exit 126 that frequently offer discounts (see list on
Ogallala page)
If you're westbound on I-80, take exit 126 and head north on NE-61
into Ogallala; road becomes US-26 (East 'A' St); continue on US-26/NE-61
to Lewellen (about 50 miles from Ogallala). To return to I-80 follow
US-26 east to Road 207 (about 9 miles). Turn right on 207 and follow it
to US-30 (about 9 miles). Continue across US-30 to Big Springs (this
portion of the road is signed US-138). You will drive through Big
Springs on Pine Street, continuing straight on Pine, across the railroad
tracks and then crossing the South Platte River to exit 107 of I-80.
There is a
Best Value Inn (and Suites) in Big Springs. Spend the night here and
you're prepared for an early start in the morning convenient to I-80.
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