Chimney Rock
National Historic Site
Chimney Rock has become one of the most famous landmarks in the
American West. This unique formation--the most noted on the
Oregon Trail--has come to symbolize the greatest voluntary
migration in the history of mankind. The Nebraska State
Historical Society operates the Ethel and Christopher J. Abbot
Visitor Center at the Chimney Rock National Historic Site. The
Visitor Center features museum exhibits explaining the westward
migration of the nineteenth century and the significant role
Chimney Rock had in the memories of those who traveled the trails
west.
- VISITATION:
- There are over 35,000 visitors, annually. The highest is in
May through August; lowest is in January and February.
- LOCATION:
- Bayard, Nebraska
- ADDRESS:
- Chimney Rock National Historic Site
PO Box F
Bayard, NE 69334-0680
- TELEPHONE:
- (308) 586-2581
- OPERATING HOURS:
- Daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m.; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., during off season.
- CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
- Temperatures range from 105 degrees in the summer, to 10
degrees below zero in the winter.
- DIRECTIONS:
- Located 1.5 miles south of highway 92 on Chimney Rock
Road.
- FEES, COSTS, RATES:
- Admission to the visitor center is $1.00 for adults.
Children with adults free. State Historical Society members and
their immediate families admitted free. Group rates
available.
- FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
- Exhibits detail the westward migration of the nineteenth
century, the experience of those who traveled the trail, and the
significance of Chimney Rock as the most famous landmark on the
Oregon Trail.
- Programs/Activities:
- There is a 16 minute introductory film, "Chimney Rock and the
American West", that is shown at regular intervals.
- Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and
Opportunities:
- A museum shop.
- Accessibility:
- The visitor center is completely accessible by all
individuals.
- RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES:
- Enter the visitor center, view the introductory film "Chimney
Rock and the American West", take in the museum exhibits and view
Chimney Rock itself.
- RESERVATIONS:
- School groups should call ahead and make reservations.
- ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
- Courthouse and Jail Rocks, located in Bridgeport, Nebraska,
13 miles east on highway 92: Scotts Bluff National Monument,
located in Gering, Nebraska, 20 miles west on highway 92. Fort
Robinson Museum and State Historical Park, located near Crawford,
Nebraska, 100 miles north, via highways 92 and 71.
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