courthouse and jail rocks

On a lonely highway South out of Bridgeport NE. take highway 88 follow the dirt road back into time, when wagon trains cut across the grassy plains. Imagine Following the Platte River toward a new home for many a weary traveler. Coming across two large clay, sandstone, and volcanic ash monuments. These two large rocks were just a glimpse of some of the perils yet to face in the months ahead West. Having lived in Nebraska all my 50 plus years and hearing many stories about these two monuments, my wife and I stopped to see them in all their glory during a trip home from the Black Hills. It was just wonderful as a Black powder Rendezvous was taking place that same weekend. So you could almost go back in time just standing there and looking at them. Glad I made it to see them finally!

We stopped by Courthouse and Jail Rocks while we were in the area. We were on our way to Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff Nat'l Monument. We took Rt 88 south of Bridgeport and then turned on to a dirt/gravel road that took us practically right up to the rock formations. There was no one else out there at that time so it was very quiet and peaceful. Worth a stop if you're in the area.

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.

Really great photo opportunities. Don't be afraid to drive around a bit to find roads that will lead to great pictures from many different angles. you will probably see others out there with there camera. Be sure to talk to them as they can help you get the better shots.

Courthouse and Jail Rocks are another great landmark that is not too far off of the beaten path. A great photo opportunity and a bit of history all in one location.

It's truly amazing what one can find while traveling through America. This is a true piece of Americana, something that you should take the time to learn about and visit if you're near Bridgeport. Take the short drive and the dirt road off the highway to get a close up view of these natural monuments. The more adventurous can clambor around Courthouse Rock and get some great photos of Jail Rock from it's vantage point. There's some good shots even if you don't climb part way up. Don't miss this sight if you're around Bridgeport. Learn something most people don't know about American history.

Beautiful formations and hiking opportunity! Great example of the beauty of western Nebraska!

Two big rock mountains the pioneers used to navigate by.

It is specifically worth a detour to travelers coming up scenic US 385, or for travelers along 92 or 26 who are otherwise following the old westward trails or sites.The rock formations are listed on national and state historic registers and are an important feature on the westward track of many of the early pioneers. In the vicinity run the major trails suck as the Oregon, the Mormon, and also the short-lived Pony Express route, plus a couple others. The rocks acquired their names more than a 150 years ago by the early passersby (no idea what the native americans called them) and along with Chimney Rock have stood as sentinels to the American westward expansion.There is no fence surrounding them, but neither is there any service or facilities, and only the slightest of markers; but it still isn't very far off the main road and would take no time at all to go and see. It would be a miss to come so close and not experience the hope in an unchanging landscape that the rocks may have presented.Maybe, hopefully, one day they too can be better preserved as Chimney Rock is.