Scotts Bluff National Monument at dusk.

Scenic & Historic Byway

Western Trails

144 miles | 2 Hours | U.S. 26 and State 92 from the Wyoming border to Ogallala

Western Trails Scenic 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.

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

Stop 1

Wildcat Hills Recreation Area

Hike or mountain bike Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Nature Center in Gering.

Travel Tips

The views of rocky bluffs, evergreen-studded canyons and the North Platte River Valley are epic at this site, too.

A sign for Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area with wide-open spaces and scenic vistas in the background
Stop 2

Hotel 21

Book a relaxing stay at Hotel 21 & Co. in Gering. This elegant property features spacious guest rooms with scenic views of Scotts Bluff National Monument.

Travel Tips

Be sure to order a nightcap from the onsite 21 Bottles spirits room. Then, sit back, relax and sip your beverage in the sophisticated Two-One Saloon.

The lobby of Hotel 21 & Co.
Stop 3

The Mixing Bowl

We hop you've brought your appetite to The Mixing Bowl in Gering

Travel Tips

This spot serves breakfast and lunch favorites, from eggs Benedict and breakfast burritos to burgers and BLTs.

A woman enjoys a meal at The Mixing Bowl in Gering.
Default DFP Component 1
Stop 4

Bayard Depot

Browse local artifacts, like farming tools, quilts, pioneer implements and a 100-year-old cookie, at the Bayard Depot Museum,

Travel Tips

The attraction is located in a former Burlington Northern Railroad Depot. 

Visit Nebraska logo
Stop 5

Chimney Rock National Historical Site

Chimney Rock National Historic Site in Bayard protects a rock formation so perfectly pointy, it appears to be “Towering to the Heavens.”

Travel Tips

 Don’t forget comfy shoes for walking — or your camera.

An aerial shot of Chimney Rock National Historic Site.

Small-Town Stops

Gering

Near a spoil of outdoor activities and pioneering sites, Gering welcomes adventurers and history buffs alike. Visit in mid-July to experience Oregon Trail Days.

Travel Tips

Look for wagon ruts and historic markers at Mitchell Pass at Scotts Bluff National Monument.

Select a souvenir from the recently renovated Wildcat Hills Nature Center.

Enjoy home-cooking in a fun, casual atmosphere at Log Cabin Restaurant & Lounge.

Don’t miss the wagon in front of Monument Inn & Suites, a tribute to the past.

A view of the stunning vistas from Wildcat Hills Recreation Area.

Madrid

Sidetrack from the byway to learn more about the Texas Trail in Madrid. This small-town stop in Southwest Nebraska was once part of the historic cattle driving trail on the route to Ogallala.

Travel Tips

Shop a variety of gift items, including books, candles, décor and toys, as well as tasty baked goods and coffee, at Madrid General Store.

Stop into Bootleg Bar & Grill for mouthwatering burgers, sandwiches, fried baskets and more. 

Be sure to bring your appetite for Little Country Kitchen’s tasty comfort-food favorites.

Visit Madrid’s Texas Trail Marker which showcases how thousands of longhorns were herded through Madrid and Perkins County on the historic Texas Trail.

Inside the Madrid General Store with goods lining shelves.

Lewellen

Just minutes from Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area, as well as historic pioneering sites, Lewellen welcomes adventurers and history buffs alike.

Travel Tips

Browse paintings, sculptures and other creations by local artists at The Most Unlikely Place.

At Ash Hollow State Historical Park, look for an old schoolhouse and wagon ruts, evidence of the Oregon Trail era.

At Otter Creek Lodge, fill up on fried chicken in a log cabin-style restaurant, just steps from Lake McConaughy.

Enjoy the convenience of an in-room kitchenette at the remodeled Lewellen Lodge.

A sign for Ash Hollow State Historical Park, with scenic views in the background.
1 / 1
A couple stands next to a replica pioneer wagon on a trail at Scotts Bluff National Monument looking at Scotts Bluff towering in the background.

Trek the Western Trails

Follow the footsteps of the pioneers on an itinerary filled with Old West and frontier history, outdoor recreation and natural wonders.
View the Western Trails Trip Itinerary
Related Articles