Boomer Destinations: Nebraska’s Panhandle

 By Tim Trudell

Driving across Nebraska on Interstate 80, it’s easy to think the state is nothing but cornfields and cattle pastures. But, the reality is Nebraska is home to beautiful and unique attractions. The Nebraska Panhandle is home to a baker’s dozen of amazing places to explore and enjoy an outstanding dining experience.

Chimney Rock National Historic Site

Easily Nebraska’s most-recognizable attraction, Chimney Rock has long-served as a beacon on the horizon for travelers. From Indigenous travelers, fur traders and Euro-American settlers, Chimney Rock – Hehaka che (hay-hah-kah chay) in Lakota (elk penis)   – was an early GPS, providing an idea of how far travelers were from the Rocky Mountains or other locations.

Despite its tower being damaged through years of erosion and lightning strikes, Chimney Rock remains a popular destination for tourists. Chimney Rock National Historic Site, located near Bayard, is home to a visitors center, museum and walking trail that takes visitors within about a quarter-mile of the 360-foot-tall natural attraction.

As you approach Chimney Rock, it remains breathtaking. Take a moment and soak in the historical significance of the landscape.

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Rising 800 feet from the ground, Scotts Bluff National Monument provides a magnificent view of the North Platte River valley. Located in Gering, Scotts Bluff served as a landmark for travelers, from Native  Americans to Euro-American migrants. Scotts Bluff anchors a series of buttes, bluffs and other landscape formations in creating Nebraska’s Badlands region.

Whether you drive to the top or walk the paved trail from the visitors center, once there, you’ll find yourself in awe of the scenery. With colorful birds perching on treetops to squirrels and other animals scurrying about, you’ll join them as you move from one view to another.

Legacy of the Plains Museum

Examining the history of the North Platte River valley, Legacy of the Plains Museum shares stories of western Nebraska history. Quality exhibits offer looks into Native American history, American westward movement and development of agriculture in the panhandle.

From plastic western horse saddles to beet production, Gering’s Legacy of the Plains Museum shares outstanding Nebraska stories. Its living history museum town and vintage farm equipment exhibit add to the museum’s charm.

Each September, the museum hosts a weekend Harvest Festival, with visitors having an opportunity to pick their own potatoes. Horse-drawn farm machinery are popular attractions, along with an antique tractor parade.

Toadstool National Geologic Park

Millions of years in the making, dating back to the days of Nebraska being part of a prehistoric sea, Toadstool National Geologic Park is aptly named as rock formations resemble mushrooms. Located about 90 miles north of Scottsbluff, Toadstool’s landscape is the result of water and wind erosion among siltstone, sandstone and clay.

Toadstool National Geologic Park’s three trails vary by difficulty. A one-mile interpretive loop offers the easiest route to traverse. You’ll hike among the formations.

The Bison Trail splits midway through the interpretive trail, following a canyon three miles to the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center, home to fossils of extinct bison.

A five-mile loop begins at the park’s campground and takes hikers to the Bison Trail and Toadstool Campground. You can also follow the trail in reverse order, ending in the parking lot.

As you hike Toadstool’s three trails, keep an eye out for fossils of marine life.

Fort Robinson State Park

With missions that took it from serving as an outpost during the US-Indian wars to a prisoner of war camp during World War II, Fort Robinson is now one of the most-popular parks in Nebraska.

Located outside Crawford in Nebraska’s Pine Ridge region, Fort Robinson State Park has more than 22,000 acres of scenery. People can rent cabins or reserve a room in a refurbished soldier’s quarters. You can also camp in the park.

During its summer season, the park features stage coach and wagon rides. Guests can hike, fish, swim and boat. You can even take a horseback ride along a trail.

Fort Robinson was the site of the “killing” of Crazy Horse, the Lakota tribal leader who remains revered by Native Americans. The military claimed he was killed while resisting arrest. Native Americans have questioned how he died almost from the day it happened in 1877. A monument honoring Crazy Horse is located near the site of his death.

Museum of the Fur Trade

Seeking to tell the true stories of the fur trade industry, the Museum of the Fur Trade opened in Chadron during the mid-1950s. The museum is located on the spot of the original trading post, operated by James Bordeaux beginning in 1837. The business handled trades between Native Americans and Euro-Americans.

With items made from animal pelts, such as beaver-lined tall hats (a luxury during their heyday), as well as coats and bags, exhibits include a blanket from 1775.

The Museum of the Fur Trade also showcases a variety of rifles, including ones owned by Shawnee Chief Tecumseh and Kit Carson. A collection of history books examines the lives of mountain men and traders, as well as Native Americans.

Plains (Lake Minatare) Lighthouse

Built in 1939, the Plains Lighthouse is better known as Lake Minatare Lighthouse. Standing 55 feet above the lake, visitors often wonder why the lake needs a lighthouse. Without a working light, the Lake Minatare Lighthouse is actually a picnic shelter. It was constructed as part of a public works project during the Great Depression.

Part of the Lake Minatare State Recreation Area, you can climb a narrow set of steps to the top of the lighthouse and appreciate the impressive view of the lake. The recreation area consists of about 2,300 acres, and features the largest lake in the panhandle.

Located about 15 miles southeast of Scottsbluff, the state recreation area is perfect for boating, swimming and water skiing. Camping is also available.

Wildlife enthusiasts enjoy the views of water fowl and migratory birds.

Old West Balloon Festival

With Nebraska’s historic Scotts Bluff serving as a backdrop, the western sky fills with hot air balloons of different shapes and sizes during the Old West Balloon Festival.

Occurring over a six-day period in early August, about 30 hot air balloons launch in mass ascension shortly after sunrise.

The Old West Balloon Festival takes place around Scottsbluff, Gering and Mitchell. Balloons launch from Mitchell Airfield.

The festival kicks off annually on a Wednesday evening with a hot air balloon glow on the campus of Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff.

The Old West Balloon Fest wraps up its activities with music, food and drink at Gering’s Five Rocks Amphitheatre. The final night glow begins at sunset and runs for several minutes.

Carhenge

It’s not often you’ll see a tribute to the United Kingdom in the heart of Nebraska’s panhandle, yet you’ll find one in Alliance. Carhenge – one man’s honor to his father – is an automotive homage to Stonehenge. With 38 cars painted gray, the attraction is arranged to resemble the iconic stone formation.

Jim Reinders created the attraction as a memorial because his father loved his time in England. The Reinders family later donated the land and attraction to the city, which offers free admission to the park.

In addition to Carhenge, the park includes auto-focused art, such as a station wagon designed to resemble a Conestoga covered wagon and a bench created from colorfully painted tire rims.

Lewellen – Taos of Garden County

Home to The Most Unlikely Place, the village of Lewellen is nicknamed “Taos of Garden County,” because of its unique art attractions and local eatery.

With murals located throughout the small community, Lewellen draws art enthusiasts from around the country. A small downtown park was created to share creations by area artists.

While in town, visit The Most Unlikely Place (open May-September) for homemade meals, good coffee and fantastic art.

Dining Options

While exploring Nebraska’s panhandle, you’ll work up an appetite for some of the best food this side of Wyoming. Here are a few options to check out.

Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse and Lounge

Come to Ole’s in Paxton for a delicious steak. Stay for the wild animals.

With about 200 big game trophies and taxidermized animals, Ole’s is a hunter’s version of the Magic Kingdom. From a taxidermized polar bear to baboons and mounted trophies of bison, elephants and gazelle, visitors view Ole’s as part-restaurant and part-wildlife museum.

Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse and Lounge features a menu of amazing steaks, from T-bone to prime rib, as well as traditional Midwest dishes like chicken fried steak and hamburger steak. Of course, burgers and chicken dishes are available.

Dude’s Steakhouse and Brandin’ Iron Bar

Home to world-famous steaks and prime rib, Dude’s Steakhouse and Brandin’ Iron Bar has been serving up impressive meals for more than 70 years.

Located in downtown Sidney, Dude’s has been featured on national television for its steaks and vintage ambiance, with its dining room reminiscent of a 1970s steakhouse.

Come hungry, as Dude’s menu includes a 30-ounce Porterhouse steak and a 16-ounce cowboy ribeye. Don’t fret, as the menu also features smaller steaks, as well as burgers, chicken and salads.

The Potter Sundry

Potter may be best known as the home of the tin roof sundae, invented at The Potter Sundry more than 100 years ago. While the restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, the tin roof sundae is the draw.

Created by a teenaged soda jerk, the tin roof sundae starts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drzzle in chocolate syrup, then add a scoop of chocolate ice cream. Top it off with marshmallow creme and Spanish Peanuts. It comes in three sizes. Unless you’re feeding an army, I recommend ordering the smallest sundae.

From natural landscapes to manmade attractions, Nebraska’s panhandle is home to impressive tourism opportunities. And don’t forget the great food! From smalltown bars and grills to eateries such as Ole’s and Dude’s, a trip to the panhandle is a mouthwatering experience.