It's Impossible To Drive Through This Delightful Nebraska Town Without Stopping
By Delana Lefevers|Updated on July 21, 2024(Originally published October 29, 2016)
×
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.
With so many charming towns in Nebraska, nearly every one 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 around 5,000 people, you might expect Ogallala, NE, to be less than impressive, but it’s hard to drive through this quirky town without stopping to experience it up close – especially with all the awesome things to do in Ogallala, Nebraska.
Many times, when people pass by Ogallala, they are headed for the beloved Lake McConaughy.
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.
The free Front Street Cowboy Museum is full of fascinating artifacts from Nebraska's past, including Native American and cowboy items and displays about the history of the area.
Front Street Steakhouse & Crystal Palace Saloon, 519 E 1st St, Ogallala, NE 69153, USA
The little building is now Ogallala's Visitors Center.
The Prairie Theatre 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.
Prairie Theatre, 208 N Spruce St, Ogallala, NE 69153, USA
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.
Petrified Wood Gallery, 418 E 1st St, Ogallala, NE 69153, USA
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.
Open Range Grill and Tavern, 320 N State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Open Range Grill, 1108 N Spruce St, Ogallala, NE 69153, USA
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 plenty of things to do in Ogallala, Nebraska, but 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. Book a stay, and make a weekend out of your visit.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
