Lodgepole NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lodgepole, Nebraska.
1. Lodgepole Depot Museum
HISTORIC RAILROAD HERITAGE
The Lodgepole Depot Museum, located at the corner of McCall Street and Bates Boulevard, displays horse buggies, antique furniture, pony express items, and historical clothing inside an old train depot. The museum tracks Lodgepole's history dating back to 1867 and the development of the Union Pacific Railroad. This historic depot was constructed by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1887 and was in use until 1968.
2. Old Settlers' Days
ANNUAL LABOR DAY CELEBRATION
Old Settlers' Days is the biggest event of the year for Lodgepole, taking place during Labor Day weekend annually. The celebration includes a free barbecue, mud volleyball tournament, parade, street dance, tractor pull, and city-wide garage sales. In 2018, the event marked its 94th year as Lodgepole's Old Settlers' Reunion, showcasing the town's rich history and community spirit.
3. North Park
SPORTS AND RECREATION AREA
North Park is located by turning north on Payne Street from Highway 30 in Lodgepole. The park features a baseball field with lights and concession stand, tennis and basketball courts with lights, horseshoe pits, playground equipment, picnic tables, and restrooms. It serves as the primary recreational facility for outdoor sports and family gatherings in the Lodgepole community.
4. South Park
RELAXING COMMUNITY SPACE
South Park can be accessed by turning south on McBride Street from Highway 30 in Lodgepole. The park features a charming gazebo, playground equipment, picnic tables, and restrooms for visitors. This peaceful community space offers a more tranquil alternative to North Park for families and visitors seeking relaxation.
5. Pony Express Museum
MAIL DELIVERY HISTORY
The Pony Express Museum is located right next door to the Depot Museum in Lodgepole. The museum commemorates the historic Pony Express route that had a station a few miles east of Lodgepole during the early 1860s. Visitors can learn about this revolutionary mail delivery service that connected the East and West before the telegraph.
6. Sullivan Hills
YOUTH AND ADULT CAMPGROUND
Sullivan Hills is a campground in or near Lodgepole that welcomes both adults and youth visitors. The campground offers outdoor recreational opportunities and a chance to connect with nature in the Nebraska countryside. Sullivan Hills serves as a gateway for experiencing the natural beauty of the Lodgepole region.
7. National Pony Express Monument
HISTORICAL MAIL SERVICE TRIBUTE
The National Pony Express Monument commemorates the historic mail delivery service that operated briefly from April 1860 to October 1861. The monument stands as a tribute to the brave riders who carried mail on horseback across the western frontier. Visitors can learn about this important chapter in American communication history while viewing the impressive monument.
8. The Silver Dollar Bar & Grill
LOCAL FOOD AND DRINK
The Silver Dollar Bar & Grill is a popular dining establishment in Lodgepole with a 4.4 rating from visitors. The venue serves as both a restaurant and a social hub where locals and travelers can enjoy meals and drinks. The Silver Dollar offers a taste of authentic small-town Nebraska hospitality and cuisine.
9. Living Memorial Gardens
PEACEFUL BOTANICAL DISPLAY
Living Memorial Gardens provides a serene botanical experience for visitors to Lodgepole. The gardens serve as both a beautiful natural space and a tribute to commemorate local residents. Visitors can enjoy the thoughtfully designed landscape and seasonal plantings that enhance the charm of this small Nebraska town.
10. Jumbo Lake
NEARBY FISHING DESTINATION
Jumbo Lake is located in Ovid, Colorado, just 25 miles from Lodgepole, Nebraska. This lake offers fishing, boating, and other water recreation opportunities for visitors from the surrounding region. As one of the closest lakes to Lodgepole, it provides a welcome aquatic destination for residents and tourists seeking water activities.
11. Bass Pro
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT RETAILER
Bass Pro is located in Sidney, Nebraska, approximately 20 miles from Lodgepole. The store offers a comprehensive selection of fishing, hunting, camping, and outdoor recreation equipment and apparel. Outdoor enthusiasts from Lodgepole and surrounding areas visit Bass Pro to prepare for adventures in Nebraska's natural landscapes.
12. Oktoberfest
GERMAN CULTURAL CELEBRATION
Oktoberfest takes place in Sidney, Nebraska, just 20 miles from Lodgepole. The festival celebrates German heritage with traditional food, beer, music, and cultural activities. This annual event attracts visitors from throughout the region, including Lodgepole residents looking to experience the festivities.
13. Lake McConaughy
MAJOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Lake McConaughy is located near Ogallala, Nebraska, approximately 50 miles from Lodgepole. This massive reservoir offers swimming, boating, fishing, camping, and water sports opportunities on its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Known locally as 'Big Mac,' it's the largest lake in Nebraska and a major tourism draw for the western part of the state.
14. Ash Hollow State Park
HISTORIC NATURAL LANDMARK
Ash Hollow State Park is located near Lewellen, Nebraska, about 42 miles from Lodgepole. The park preserves a historic site where pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail descended through a steep ravine to reach the North Platte River Valley. Visitors can explore caves with 6,000-year-old archaeological artifacts, hike scenic trails, and learn about the area's rich pioneer history.
15. Lincoln Highway National Historic Byway
AMERICA'S FIRST TRANSCONTINENTAL HIGHWAY
The Lincoln Highway National Historic Byway (Highway 30) runs through Lodgepole as part of America's first transcontinental highway. The historic route traces paths followed first by Native Americans and also sections of the Mormon and Oregon Trail. In 2021, this byway was designated as a National Scenic Byway, recognizing its historical significance and scenic beauty.