Nebraska’s reputation as a flat stretch of land is, as we Nebraskans know, completely undeserved. But this little secret is largely unknown to out-of-staters, and they’re often surprised to find out that there are some pretty impressive natural rock formations in the western part of the state.

Two of these formations were recently named by Reader's Digest as the coolest secret location in the entire state.
flickr/James St. John
Courthouse and Jail Rocks are large rock formations near Bridgeport in the panhandle. Like the nearby, more-famous Chimney Rock, these soaring formations were noted as some of the most breathtaking sights by settlers on the Oregon Trail.
Google Maps
In fact, these were the first towering rocks encountered by settlers headed west on their journey. From a distance, the rocks looked like massive buildings to the pioneers, hence the names.
flickr/James St. John

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When approaching the 400-foot-tall rocks from the east, they seem to be a single formation. Many pioneers called it The Castle or The Tower.
flickr/James St. John
But as you get closer, it becomes clear that there are two distinct formations, one larger than the other. The larger escarpment is the Courthouse while the smaller is the Jail.
flickr/James St. John
Next time you take a trip to Chimney Rock or one of the many other fascinating attractions of western Nebraska, be sure to stop by these little-known formations to see why they've been called the coolest secret spot in the whole state.
TripAdvisor/SidSidow

Find these impressive formations two miles south of Bridgeport on Highway 88. Have you ever visited Courthouse and Jail Rocks? Do you agree they’re one of our state’s best-kept secrets? Share your thoughts in the comments!

For a unique view of Nebraska’s most famous rock formation, check out the video in this article from the archives.

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Bridgeport, NE 69336, USA