Important landmark in noting the emigrants' progress to the West [Bayard NE]…read more We didn't make it to the Visitor Center... they closed at 4:00p we were thinking they closed at 5:00p. I wanted to get my NP Passport book stamped but this landmark is managed by the Nebraska State Historical Society as part of a historic site and not the NPS so no stamps. Chimney Rock is visible for miles but we wanted to get close to it as much as we could. Anyway, we proceeded to return to our car when an employee came out from the building and said that we would be able to see Chimney Rock a little closer and pointed to the direction. We drove to another area called "Walk to the Rock" with lots of parking spaces. This was private property of the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation (NSHSF). We were welcomed by a volunteer and gave us the lowdown on the "pathway rules" including "if you see a rattlesnake..." ¯\_('~')_/¯ There were four different trails. We took Trail A (1.05 mi) which was the longest of the 4 and the trail that took us closest to the rock. It was a pleasant hike... we didn't encounter any rattlesnakes or other dangerous species. We took lots of pics. The Chimney Rock is a significant landmark to emigrants as they progressed West on the Oregon Trail. Review #3502

Passing through Nebraska and since Chimney Rock is on their state's welcome sign we had to check it…read moreout. I educated myself at the visitor center and learned how this historic site served as a major 19th-century landmark for Oregon, California, and Mormon pioneers. Experiencing part of history is always on my road trip itinerary. This location offers a visitor center with interactive exhibits, walking trails, and panoramic views. Worth the stop if you are in the area.

Safety: 5. Well lighted, there are always people around, and the sheriff's department is right next…read moredoor. Note that a major prison is nearby, however, and the convicts' buddies could be stopping here. Location: 2. Easy to get to, but Colorado is putting its rest areas in towns, not between towns where you really need them. Tourist info: 3. Nice staffed visitor center is rarely open when I pass through. Not as nice as the one in Julesberg. Walking: 5. The rest area is meh, but there's a gorgeous lake (Overland Trail Recreation Area) across the street. Dog facilities: 4. Enclosed dog run, as well as the aforementioned lake. But this area has lots of sand burrs. Check Fido's paws before you get back in the car. Restrooms: 4. Usually pretty clean and well maintained.

The State clearly doesn't know how to do their job. The dog park's grass needs to be cut, the trash…read moreis full of poop bags, and they didn't refill the dog poop bag bins. Luckily, I bring my own doogie poop bags. They clearly don't care about keeping up on maintenance. You would think it would be priority since it's a rest area that travelers are bound to stop.

"Crazy-ass passion is the staple of life and persistence its nourishing force. Without them, you…read morecannot cross the trail." ― Rinker Buck, The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey **Please Note this visitor center is temporarily close for expansion/renovation at the time of my writing this. No timeline is available for it's re-opening but there is a temporary one setup in the meantime** Visitor center for Scotts Bluff that includes lots of historical displays and info about the area. Here's the highlights: -Free entrance to the park -Clean restrooms -Oregon Trail wagon train displays outside -Get your NPS Passport stamp -Filtered water bottle re-filler (not available during remodel) -Educational displays -Friendly and knowledgeable docents and rangers -Gift shop Must-stop for those visiting Scotts Bluff if for nothing else but a restroom break.

Small but interesting museum. Learned some new info. Gift shop was good also. Nothing out there but…read moreit was worth seeing.

It's a large area and you can walk a little and have some peace by yourself. Clean restrooms and a…read morewater bottle filler. You can tell they've had issues with past visitors who wash their hair in the sinks or fill gallon water containers at the water bottle filler from signage and the security camera system. This is the first time I've been here when there's been an attendant sitting at the information desk. Pretty cool. I loved the displays of Colorado history and the many maps they have. It's a nice welcome home stop with the iconic Colorado sign and bison sculpture, familiar to all who wander through the state.

An essential stop if you're visiting Colorado for the first time via I-80/I-76…read more Location: Easy access from I-76. Just this once, I'll forgive Colorado for putting a rest stop in a town (rather than where you NEED "facilities" and there are no towns nearby) because it's so close to the border. Restrooms: Usually clean and well maintained. Automatic lights may turn off if you're alone and sitting still. Walking: Nice trail up a small hill on the west side. There are benches if you get tired. Dogs: Unfenced "exercise area." Inspect paws for thorns before moving on. Visitor information: The visitor center is open and well staffed during the day. They have free maps and brochures for most of the tourist spots in Colorado. Sometimes they offer free beverages and snacks. Parking: plenty of spaces for cars, RVs, and semis. There are no convenient gas stations or restaurants here. Stop in Ogallala NE or Sterling CO instead; bring your food here and eat it in one of the faux teepees. Advice for newcomers to Colorado: Stopping here is a great way to start adjusting to the altitude. Walk the trail. Drink plenty of water (beginning right now and throughout your stay). Sleep two nights at 5000 feet (Denver or Colorado Springs) before venturing into the mountains.

I have always liked stopping here. Maybe it's because I don't usually stop in Nebraska. I drive…read morethrough Nebraska knowing this place will greet me as soon as I get to Wyoming. It is an older, small rest area. There's limited parking. Usually during the day, you can always find a space. It's a pretty area in the summer as it's situated in a small canyon. There are some trails if you have extra time. The trail on the west side will take you to the Pine Bluffs Archeological Interpretive Museum. Inside is a small lobby with information about the state. There is a monitor that has updated weather. It may or may not be working. The restrooms are decent. I've seen better and worse. The condition usually depends on the time of year and amout of travelers

Very clean rest area with a beautiful landscape around it. Bathrooms are well maintained and…read morestocked up. Nice place to stop and rest

If you want to ride ebikes around the grand lake area, this is the place to get them! Brooks was…read moresuper helpful and the communication was quick and clear. He showed us how everything worked and gave us suggestions on where to go. He even brought them to us and picked them back up. Next time we're in the area we will def book one of the guided tours that he offers!

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