It's Impossible To Drive Through This Delightful Nebraska Town Without Stopping
By Delana Lefevers|Published October 29, 2016
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
Just about every Nebraska town has something interesting to stop and look at. Whether it’s an abandoned building or an important art museum, it seems like there’s always something to see. Naturally, some towns have more to offer than others. With a population of under 5,000 people, you might expect Ogallala to be less than impressive – but it’s hard to drive through this quirky town without stopping to experience it up close.
Many times, when people pass by Ogallala, they are headed for the beloved Lake McConaughy. That's understandable, but it would be a mistake to miss out on Ogallala itself.
You'll get your first taste of Ogallala's personality when you see the water tower painted to look like a UFO. There are even aliens peeking out of the windows!
Front Street is a replica of a wild west town, complete with reenactments of shootouts, a saloon where you can catch the entertaining Crystal Palace Revue, and a General Store selling cowboy-themed souvenirs. Stop in at the Front Street Steakhouse for a real western meal while you're there.
The free museum is full of fascinating artifacts from Nebraska's past, including Native American and cowboy items and displays about the history of the area.
Even more historical treasures can be found at the Mansion On The Hill, a beautifully preserved Victorian house built in 1887. The home is said to be haunted, so if you're a paranormal enthusiast it may be worth a visit for several reasons.
A one-room schoolhouse built in 1902 is also located on the Mansion property. You can tour the little building to get a feel for what it was like to attend school in the wild west.
The Mansion and one-room schoolhouse are open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Named for the cowboys who were "buried with their boots on," Boot Hill was Ogallala's original cemetery. More than a few of the folks that ended up here did so after they got into a dispute with a fellow cowboy or ended up on the wrong side of the law.
Attractions from more recent times include the Spruce Street Station, a restored Standard Oil Red Crown Service Station that was built in 1922. The little building is now Ogallala's Visitors Center.
The Prairie Theater is a beautiful 1930s building that still operates as a two-screen movie theater showing first-run films. The tickets are cheap and the concessions are delicious, and it's definitely a fun small town experience.
The Petrified Wood Gallery may be one of Ogallala's most unusual attractions. The museum/art gallery contains a robust collection of petrified wood and fossils, along with art made from petrified wood. You'll also get to see gemstones, geodes, and Native American artifacts gathered over the course of half a century by the brothers who founded the gallery.
A stop at the Open Range Grill is always a must when you're in the area. Serving all-natural burgers from grass-fed beef raised primarily on the owner's nearby ranch, this place is true cattle country heaven.
Make no mistake about Ogallala – it may look like it’s all about the past, but this town is still vibrant and offers all of the modern conveniences travelers look for. There are countless other attractions nearby if you want to do some exploring; Ash Hollow is nearby, as is Haythorn Land & Cattle Co, where you can experience life on a working cattle ranch. Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse is a short drive away in Paxton if you feel like having a very unusual dining experience. There’s so much to explore in the area – and you should come prepared to fall in love with this formerly rough cowboy town. Check out the City of Ogallala’s website for more information on fun activities and attractions in the area.
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