chimney rock national historic site

Hey look! There it is! Yep, Chimney Rock, 12 miles the sign said, and we could see it already. I was excited. Gee, I could only wonder at how excited the folks from the early days were when they first saw it. The sight meant that the it wouldn't be long until they arrived at Scotts Bluff in the distance, and that was almost halfway to Oregon!Well, for sure it took them longer to go the 12 miles, (and there probably wasn't a 12 mile sign back then. Ya think?) But wow, it was so cool. I had read many stories about Chimney Rock in history books, and it was just like the descriptions. No let down here.We turned off the highway onto the road leading to the Visitor Center. I am of the opinion that the original Oregon Trail was probably smoother than this blacktop road by a long shot. So we eventually arrive at the visitor center, and go inside. 3 bucks to check out the rock, out the back door. Really? I don't think so.No folks, I'm not cheap, just not one to blow money just to walk through one door and out the other to get a photo. Heck, we just drove on down the road to the end, and took some images from the cemetery. Better view anyway. There is also a pullover place on the main highway, and that gives the opportunity for an image from another angle. I would have loved to taken one from the top of Chimney Rock, but, well, who knows what kind of bail bondsmen they have around there.So, if you go to visit this wonderful, really cool landmark, go to the end of the road.

We stopped here on our way from Rapid City to Denver. If you ever played the computer game The Oregon Trail as a child or with your children, then you will remember this as one of the landmarks along this famous trail for the pioneers. Although we had to travel a little out of our way, it was a chance to stretch our legs and use a clean restroom. Admission is $2.50 with the National Park pass; otherwise, it is $3 for adults. Interesting video and museum.

This Historic site is one of those rare, unique sites in a small community that many people miss but should take the time to see it! It is also close to part of the Oregon Trail. The area has SO much history of early days associated with it! Not much traffic or overcrowded! Involved some hiking.

We stopped by Chimney Rock on our trip out west to Colorado. We read some tips online about a gravel road that gets you closer to Chimney Rock than viewing it from the visitor's center. It was very easy to find the road. You simply continue past the visitor's center and very shortly after there is a right turn which is the gravel road that takes you closer. There was even a sign so you know you're on the right road. The road dead ends near a cemetery and a great view of Chimney Rock. We got some great shots and just took in the views. Interesting to think that the pioneers heading west came by this very spot. We also looked at some of the headstones in the cemetery. A very peaceful stop!

If you are into history, this is a place you must stop. These formations were landmarks for pioneers traveling on the Oregon Trail. They used them to gauge how far they'd come and needed to go. In a small pullout on the highway, there is a huge sign explaining the historical rock formations.

After visiting Scottsbluff National park, we went to Chimney Rock.Very interesting museum with lot of old foto's that takes you back in time.It learn you much more about the Oregan trail and the big trek of Thousand of people in the 1840's.Chimney rock is not close to approach (private land) but you still can see it from not far away.

Overnighted in Sydney and decided to head north to see Chimney Rock. Even with 16 hours of driving behind us and another 12 in front, it was worth the detour. No fee unless you want to tour the museum. When leaving, take a right to head up the road until it T's into a gravel road. If you turn right (North) the gravel road can be followed to a small grave yard with a great, closer view of Chimney Rock.Also, if you dont mind the drive, taking the state highways to follow the North Platte River is worth it (heads back to I-80), or head north, then East through the Sand hills.

The thought of traversing the Oregon Trail in a covered wagon and seeing this landmark on your journey must have been amazing to those very tough folks.But it also signaled the mountains were coming soon.Nice visitor center with a good film-however the multiple signs warning about rattlers was a bit disconcerting . The woman at the visitor center said this year they were very very plentiful.Be careful to stay on path and keep eyes wide open.

The price to see this landmark is nominal and you don't want to miss it! Although you can't get close to it, the views and photographic opportunities form the patio at the visitor's center are still rewarding. Don't miss the exhibits and film, therein, that illustrate the significance of Chimney Rock to the emigrants in the Westward expansion. We found the opportunity to load a wagon with supplies for the trek West a unique and educational experience. For a closer view of Chimney Rock, turn right when you leave the visitor center and drive the rough dirt road that will take you 1/2 mile to an "unofficial" scenic overlook.

It's nice to see such landmarks so well preserved. There was a large visitors center that was closed during our visit.From the visitors center you can view the Rock and get great pictures. It's located about 1 mile from the Center. Signs are posted cautioning about rattlesnakes in the area.

As a native Nebraskan, I’ve longed to visit Chimney Rock. I finally can mark it off my bucket list. Chimney Rock in western Nebraska stood as a beacon for pioneers heading west during the 1800s. Pioneers on the Oregon, California and Mormon trails used the rock formation to gauge their location. As we approached Bayard, we saw it in the distance. The long chimney-like pillar standing high above the plains. Just like the pioneers of yesteryear, I was in awe of this geological wonder.The natural feature is worth the trip to see.

While a must see from a historical perspective, I was frustrated at the scope of the museum and the fact you are at least a mile from the actual rock formation. The land surrounding the National landmark is privately owned preventing access. Recommend bypassing this and instead travelling to Scott's Bluff which has a great museum and where you can actually walk to the top of the formation!

So, we stopped at the visitor's center on our way to Scott's Bluff. If I had driven here just to see it, I would've been vaguely disappointed. Not because it's not a really amazing thing to look at - but more because the visitor's center is very small and there isn't anything else to do except look at it from the parking lot (like other's have said, you can't actually walk up to it). I didn't mind donating my $3 per adult to support the NPS but we were there for a very short time. It's cool to see something the pioneers saw but if you're in a hurry, you might be disappointed.

If you're following the Oregon or one of the other area trails, this is a must see. There is a small visitor center with a movie. You certainly can see the rock from the road and avoid the small fee for entrance if you like.

It's a modern building with great exhibits that explain the wagon train days and the importance of chimney rock. Only a 30 minute diversion from the road, but a fun one!