Step Into the Past

Discover the rich history of Northwest Nebraska. View fossils from an internationally recognized fossil site at Agate Fossils Beds National Monument. Walk trails, view animal skeletons and fossils and see what life was like 20 million years ago. One of America’s first business enterprises was the fur trade and the Museum of the Fur Trade gives you a glimpse of the North American Fur Trade. 

Explore Chadron State College and learn more about one of Nebraska’s most important female authors at the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center or see Nebraska’s largest collection of ethnobotanical medicinal plants and historical pharmaceuticals at High Plains Herbarium. Don't forget to stop at the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center and see the excavation site that is believed to be the bonebed of nearly 600 ancient Bison.

Explore the Outdoors

With 150,000 acres of public land and 200 miles of trails equipped for hiking, biking and equestrian exploration, Northwest Nebraska has an abundance of outdoor adventures. Toadstool Geologic Park is a site to behold with the unique rock formations it’s made of. Described as having a “moonscape” appearance, this park has fun scenery to view while you walk through the one-mile loop hiking trail. 

Chadron State Park is the state’s first state park where visitors can participate in a number of activities including horseback riding, fishing, hiking and stay at one of their semi-furnished cabins. Fort Robinson State Park is the largest park that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. Fort Robinson is located on a formerly active military post and offers horse-drawn wagon rides, biking, jeep tours and much more. Other outdoor destinations great for hiking and wildlife viewing include Nebraska National Forest, Pine Ridge National Recreation Area, Oglala National Grassland and Ponderosa Wildlife Area.

Eat & Drink Local

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, look no further than High Plains Homestead Drifter Cookshack in Crawford. This old west cowboy town offers cowboy-sized meals of ribeye steaks, pork ribs, or their famous Coffee Burger. In Chadron, listen to live music while eating your choice of dips and sandwiches at the Bean Broker Coffee House & Pub. Stay a while and finish your meal off with a sweet treat and cocktail. If you’re looking for a local brew, Flyover Brewing Co. in Scottsbluff pairs its extensive list of handcrafted beer with wood-fired pizzas that’ll make you want to stay all night.

Stay the Night

While you’re out exploring, stay a night or two in one of many unique accommodations offered in the northwest. Stay at an 1890s bed and breakfast, the Historic Olde Main Street Inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you’re looking for an authentic ranch experience, stay at Our Heritage Guest Ranch in Crawford. Ride horses, hike, bike, fish, stargaze or accompany the ranchers as they carry out their daily tasks for a pioneer family experience.