The Historic Trails of Wyoming and Nebraska

Nebraska Highway 26
Following "The Great Platte River Road"

Regardless of their starting place or final destination, the covered-wagon pioneers of the mid-1800s all came together in the valley of the North Platte River on their way to Oregon Country, California and the Great Salt Lake Valley. This western Nebraska route is now paralleled by Highway 26, the modern automobile route of the Oregon Trail.

US-26 connects a series of Oregon Trail system landmarks and historic sites that have become legend through the diaries, journals and reminiscences of the emigrant pioneers. California Hill, Windless Hill, Ash Hollow, Court House and Jail Rocks lead the westering traveler, now as then, to Chimney Rock, the signature icon of the Oregon Trail. Farther west down the road is Scotts Bluff National Monument towering over rugged Mitchell Pass with Robidoux Trading Post in the distance.

In addition to the trails, western Nebraska is cowboy country. Ogallala is the nation's Cowboy Capitol and the end of the Texas Trail, where dance hall girls still kick up their feet on Front Street. Nebraska Highway 26 is an official state-designated Scenic Byway. Great side trips include visiting Lake McConaughy, Garden County Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Scotts Bluff National Monument.