Trek the Western Trails Scenic Byway

Route Directions

Ogallala to Lewellen: 31 miles

Lewellen to Oshkosh: 12 miles

Oshkosh to Bridgeport: 46 miles

Bridgeport to Bayard: 15 miles

Bayard to Gering: 22 miles

Day 1

Ogallala

Start your western migration in the town once known to be “too tough for Texans” as you explore the Cowboy Capital of Nebraska. The day begins with a full breakfast at Caroline’s Omelet House before you head to the Petrified Wood and Art Gallery. This impressive collection features works of art made using petrified wood along with a variety of other art pieces. Across the street is Front Street Café and Cowboy Museum, a recreation of an 1880s Old West Main Street. If you arrive in the summer, stick around for the Crystal Palace Revue. Mansion on the Hill is an authentic 1887 Victorian mansion giving a glimpse into how Ogallala’s upper class lived while nearby Boot Hill showed what happened to unlucky cowboys who died and were buried with their boots on. Next stop north of town is Nebraska’s largest reservoir and a popular recreation spot, Lake McConaughy. The visitor center has an impressive water interpretive section explaining the importance of water conservation efforts.

Lewellen

Don’t let the small size of the village of Lewellen fool you as there are many unexpected surprises waiting for you here. The Most Unlikely Place is a perfect example with an art gallery featuring local artists, espresso and other specialty coffees and mouthwatering gourmet lunches. Next up is Ash Hollow State Historical Park, an important historical location along the Overland Trails where pioneer graves and trail ruts are visible today.

Oshkosh

Known for birding, hunting, fishing and camping, Oshkosh offers a welcoming and friendly small-town atmosphere. Formerly an early 1900s school and opera house, the Historical Society of Garden County offers a glimpse into the area’s Native American and early pioneer history. Then enjoy a freshly roasted coffee from Mark Ferrari’s Coffee and browse their gift shop of locally crafted items. Before leaving town, make sure to grab a photograph of the Oshkosh Water Tower, the first and only water tower in the state that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Bridgeport

Bridgeport is a town rich in history such as Courthouse and Jail Rocks, two major guiding landmarks for early pioneers traveling on the Oregon, Mormon and Pony Express trails.

Bayard

Chimney Rock was the most recognized landmark along the Overland Trails and written about in many early pioneer diaries. Before continuing your journey stop by for a tasty treat at the Settlers Trading Post.

Scottsbluff

Since, 1979 the Gollas family has served traditional Mexican food at El Charrito Restaurant and Lounge.

Day 2

Gering, Scottsbluff and Mitchell

Wake up and head to breakfast at Gering Bakery which has been making tasty goodies since 1950. After breakfast start the day with a trek to the 3,000-acre Scotts Bluff National Monument. Towering 800 feet above the scenic North Platte Valley, this monolith served as an important landmark for Native Americans, early pioneers, fur traders, and others. The adjacent Legacy of the Plains showcases how this rough and arid region was settled by American Indians and early hardy pioneers. Enjoy lunch at a true Scottsbluff fixture, Scotty’s Drive-In.

After lunch, spend time communing with nature south of town at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and exploring the top-notch visitor center. Taste excellent crafted ciders, wines and mead at Papa Moon Vineyards & Winery before exploring one of the largest natural fiber spinning mills in the U.S., Brown Sheep Company in Mitchell. The West Nebraska Arts Center in Scottsbluff is a premier visual arts and cultural center featuring works by local, regional, and national artists. After a delicious dinner of steak nachos at Steel Grill Steakhouse & Bar, take in a movie or cultural presentation at the Nile Theatre in Mitchell or Midwest Theatre in Scottsbluff.

Header Photo: Courthouse and Jail Rocks (Credit: @jaclyn_t)