Chimney Rock National Historic Site

Chimney Rock rises 480 feet above the rocky plains near Bayard. Resembling an upturned funnel, this rock spire is widely considered the most famous landmark for pioneers on the Oregon, California and Mormon trails. Many pioneer diaries and journals made mention of and included sketches of the rocky point seemingly out of character for an almost otherwise flat prairie. The Nebraska State Historical Society preserves this landmark’s storied history with educational exhibits at the Ethel and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center. The center is open year-round, except major holidays, 1.5 miles south of Highway 92 on Chimney Rock Road. You can almost hear the creaks of wooden wagons while staring with wonder at this Nebraska icon.