Chimney Rock National Historic Site - Bayard, Nebraska

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Chimney Rock National Historic Site - Chimney Rock National Historic Site - Bayard, Nebraska

Seeing the awe inspiring rock on the trip from the east coast on the Oregon, California and Mormon Trail made those traveling want to stop and leave something for those that would follow behind.  There were pictures describing their trip west, words of “wisdom” and encouragement were left.  All were part of a great movement of people and ideas that passed by Chimney Rock in the years 1812 – 1866.  

There are a number of the artifacts housed in the Visitor Center for you to see.  There is also a digital presentation of the material as part of the Western Trails Project that is available for you to view to get a better understanding of those thoughts and remnants from the brave people that headed west during that timeframe.

Chimney Rock stands at 4,225 feet above sea level.  This measurement was taken by a man named David Cosad who measured his shadow against the rock’s to come up with the figure of 360 ft from the base to the top.  With today’s measurement techniques it is interesting to learn that he was within 10 percent of today’s measurements!

The rock is really pretty interesting with the peak extending upward just like a chimney (therein it’s name).  Although there have been stories about how the rock with disappear it certainly will be a long time in the coming.  Although erosion created it and erosion will probably destroy it no one can tell how long it will be before the spire disappears.

The pictures show how the rock has changed over the years, the symmetrical lines of the past are altered some by the wind and rain so the base is less smooth than the picture from the 1930’s compared to the one from 1977.

Visiting the Ethel and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center is a great way to learn about the Oregon-California Trail.  The visitor center is open year round and group tours can be arranged in advance. 

Location: 1.5 miles south of Highway 92 on Chimney Rock Road from Bayard, Nebraska 69334-0680

Admission to the Center: $3 for adults.  Children with adults are free.

Group tours are available year round with special group rates.  Please call 308-586-2581 to make arrangements for the tour.

Phone: 308-586-2581

Email: chimrock@scottsbluff.net