cowboy life
Northwest Nebraska is the embodiment of the cowboy spirit. From the first movement of cattle out of Texas and into the High Plains, to the open range era and the transition to modern ranching, Northwest Nebraska cowboys have lived it all. Our Cowboy Life Bucket List lets you visit places of significance to the history of cowboys, the interpretation of that history and a chance to participate in a few activities yourself!
Outfit the family in true cowboy attire with a stop at Whiteaker’s in Harrison. From cowboy hats to boots, you’ll find what you need to look like a cowboy. Family owned and operated since 1931, Whiteaker’s is a true, traditional western store. Located at 265 Main Street, Harrison, NE
Pioneer ranches were established in the region in the 1870s and 1880s. One of the most prominent ranchers in the area was Charles Coffee, who ranched on Hat Creek in Sioux County. To save freight, he established Coffee Siding along present-day Highway 20 west of Harrison. Today, a State Historical Marker is all that remains of what was once a major cattle shipping port.
While you can stay at the glampground & RV park (they’ll host group events, too!), it’s still worth a visit even if your accommodations are elsewhere. Situated next to the Oglala National Grassland and near Toadstool Geologic Park, there’s plenty to do in the area of High Plains Homestead, but the site itself has been built to replicate a pioneer town, complete with a jail, general store and post office. Get a sense of pioneer life and pick up a souvenir or two. 263 Sand Creek Road, Crawford, NE; 308-665-2592
From hayrack breakfast rides, stagecoach rides, buffalo stew and steak cookouts, you’ll experience the western lifestyle at Fort Rob. And if you happen to make your visit on a summer-time Thursday, check out the free rodeo at the arena at 8 p.m. each week. Contact the Park Office at 308-665-2900 to make arrangements for activities.
Chadron State Park offers trail rides for individuals over the age of 6, so mount up and explore the trails through the Pine Ridge. Rides are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Contact the Park Office at 308-432-6167 for arrangements.
The Chadron to Chicago Horse Race of 1893 put Chadron on the map. What began as a hoax turned into reality, and riders began their journey to the Chicago World Fair from the Blaine Hotel, located at the corner of Bordeaux and Second streets. Once you’ve visited the State Historical Marker to see where the race began, head south of Chadron to the Dawes County Historical Museum to view memorabilia of the race, including the Colt presented to the winner.
Located on the lower level of the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center on the Chadron State College campus, the C.F. Coffee Gallery is dedicated to the development of the cattle industry on the High Plains. The exhibit tracks the movement of cattle from Texas to the High Plains, the open range area and the ranching system as it exists today. The gallery also features several recorded interviews with regional ranching families that can be viewed. Open Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed over the noon hour), Fridays 10 a.m. – Noon; 308-432-6401
