Big Springs NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Big Springs, Nebraska.
1. Ash Hollow State Historical Park
HISTORIC PIONEER LANDMARK
Ash Hollow State Historical Park offers visitors a glimpse into pioneer history with its historic sites and walking areas. The park features a museum that showcases the area's rich history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the sod house and covered wagon at Windlass Hill, providing an authentic pioneer experience.
2. Eiker Park
FAMOUS TRAIN ROBBERY SITE
Eiker Park, located on the west side of Big Springs, commemorates the site of the first and largest robbery of a Union Pacific train in 1877. Texas outlaw Sam Bass and five companions made off with $60,000 in gold and currency during this infamous heist. A historical marker in the park tells the story of this famous robbery that put Big Springs on the map.
3. The Bunkhouse B&B and Stables
RUSTIC COUNTRYSIDE LODGING
The Bunkhouse B&B and Stables offers a unique countryside lodging experience in the heart of Big Springs. Guests can enjoy authentic western hospitality with comfortable accommodations and the presence of stables on the property. The rustic charm and rural setting make it an ideal retreat for travelers seeking a quiet getaway in western Nebraska.
4. Phelps Hotel/Motel
HISTORIC LOCAL ACCOMMODATION
Phelps Hotel/Motel is a longstanding accommodation option in the center of Big Springs. The establishment offers travelers a convenient place to stay while exploring the historic region. Its central location on Pine Street makes it easily accessible for visitors touring western Nebraska.
5. Lake McConaughy
NEBRASKA'S LARGEST RESERVOIR
Lake McConaughy is Nebraska's largest reservoir, spanning over 30,000 acres with white sandy beaches often compared to ocean shores. The lake offers exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities including boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Visitors can catch walleye, white bass, and other game fish, making it a premier destination for anglers in the Great Plains.
6. Front Street
WILD WEST RECREATION
Front Street recreates the wild west atmosphere of Ogallala's cattle town days with historical exhibits and performances. Visitors can enjoy theatrical productions that bring the Old West to life, including gunfight reenactments. The history museum showcases artifacts and stories from Nebraska's frontier period, making it both educational and entertaining.
7. Petrified Wood Gallery
ANCIENT NATURAL WONDERS
The Petrified Wood Gallery houses an impressive collection of ancient petrified wood specimens and other geological treasures. This educational site showcases beautifully polished cross-sections of petrified wood alongside Native American artifacts and fossil displays. Visitors can learn about the geological processes that transformed ancient trees into stone over millions of years.
8. Boot Hill Cemetery
NOTORIOUS COWBOY BURIAL GROUND
Boot Hill Cemetery is the final resting place for cowboys, drifters, and outlaws who died during Ogallala's wild cattle town era. The cemetery earned its name because many who were buried there died with their boots on, often in gunfights or other violent confrontations. Today, visitors can explore this historic site that offers a glimpse into the dangerous reality of frontier life.
9. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area
TRANQUIL FISHING DESTINATION
Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area offers excellent fishing opportunities in a more peaceful setting than neighboring Lake McConaughy. The clear, cool waters below Kingsley Dam create ideal conditions for trout fishing year-round. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing in this serene natural area.
10. Mansion on the Hill
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Mansion on the Hill is a beautifully preserved 1887 Victorian home showcasing the prosperity of early Ogallala. This specialty museum features period furnishings and exhibits about local history and the influential families who shaped the region. Guided tours provide insights into Victorian life and the architectural details that make this mansion a standout historical attraction.
11. Bayside Golf Course
LAKESIDE GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Bayside Golf Course offers stunning views of Lake McConaughy while providing an exceptional golfing experience. The 18-hole course features well-maintained greens and challenging holes that accommodate golfers of all skill levels. The lakeside location creates a scenic backdrop that enhances the enjoyment of a round at this popular western Nebraska golf destination.
12. Colorado Welcome Center
GATEWAY TO COLORADO
The Colorado Welcome Center serves as the first stop for travelers entering Colorado from Nebraska on I-76. Visitors can gather information about attractions, accommodations, and events throughout Colorado and nearby Nebraska. The center provides clean facilities, friendly staff, and informative displays about regional points of interest.
13. Hippodrome Arts Centre
HISTORIC THEATER VENUE
The Hippodrome Arts Centre is a beautifully restored historic theater that serves as a cultural hub for the region. This landmark venue hosts films, live performances, and community events throughout the year. The charming architecture and rich history make it a noteworthy destination for visitors interested in arts and culture.
14. Ole's Big Game Steakhouse
EXOTIC WILDLIFE DINING
Ole's Big Game Steakhouse features an extraordinary collection of exotic animal trophies from around the world alongside quality steaks and American fare. Founded in 1933, this unique restaurant showcases over 200 mounted animals collected by owner Ole Herstedt during his global hunting expeditions. The unusual atmosphere combines dining with a museum-like experience that has made it a Nebraska landmark for generations.
15. Lewellen Lodge
COZY LAKE COUNTRY RETREAT
Lewellen Lodge offers comfortable accommodations near Lake McConaughy and the North Platte River valley. The lodge serves as an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the region's fishing, hunting, and water recreation opportunities. Its proximity to Ash Hollow State Historical Park makes it convenient for history buffs exploring western Nebraska's pioneer sites.