After seeing that I was only 23 miles away whilst at Scotts Bluff, I drove 23 miles to Chimney Rock to continue my westward expansion Oregon Trail larp. 23 miles later I arrived. The entrance sign this is a National Historic Site which I believe considering the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails all passed through this way.
Here is my covered wagon of the Toyota-branded variety parked in front of the visitor center. Unfortunately it was closing in less than an hour and I wasn’t paying $8 just to look around for a couple of minutes. Probably worth it if you are smarter than me and actually plan your visit.
The views from afar are fine but better up close. I drove up to the upper parking lot which is much nearer to the feature.
And here’s a view with all the zoom my camera has to offer. Some websites I have read list the prominence of the spire at 325 feet above the base, however…
One of the signs at the parking lot / trail head area show figures of 200 feet back in the year 1850, and only 120 feet as of 2024. Whatever, it’s tall. But that 80 foot reduction in height is a real thing due to erosion and someday this won’t exist at all (but not likely in my lifetime).
Another sign gives history of the natural landmark, it’s place in the history of westward emigration, and how the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation has worked to preserve and protect it.
And the final sign is detailing how Gordon K. and Patty Howard donated the land for the visitor center and their love for Oregon Trail history.
Finally all those years playing Oregon Trail in school back in the 80s has paid off. And I didn’t even die of dysentery this time!
Getting a bit warm now today and still no hiking due to sore feet. Time to visit a couple more rocks and then put on some miles. WAGONS HO!
Lat = 41.7038460 , Long = -103.3482285 -- Show at Google Maps
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