This is the single most noted landmark on the Oregon Trail. The first noted use of the name was found in a journal from 1830, but it is in journals of hundreds of a covered-wagon emigrants. Chimney Rock could be seen from far out on the plains and it signaled that the second phase, the difficult mountain passage, was near. Thousands wrote about carving their names on the tower even though the inscriptions have weathered away.
This National Historic Site is located 19 miles east of Gering.
The Visitor Center/Museum is open year-round.
Hours: See https://history.nebraska.gov/rock for current hours.
Website: https://history.nebraska.gov/rock
Chimney Rock National Historic Site – wikipedia
National Parks Servie
