Why You'll Want To Spend An Entire Day In Nebraska's Most Unique Town
By Catherine Armstrong|Published September 23, 2017
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Nebraska has plenty of quaint little towns that are well worth exploring. But here’s a unique little town that embraces our state’s Wild West history, and also provides some incredible outdoor recreation opportunities. Gas up the car and head to Ogallala for the day.
If you've ever visited Ogallala, you've seen this iconic cowboy welcoming you.
Front Street was built in 1964 as a tourist attraction to showcase Ogallala's Western frontier history. This little community was once a rugged outpost, and Ogallala calls itself the "Cowboy Capital" of Nebraska. When you visit, you'll definitely get a sense of the history here.
Mansion on the Hill was completed in 1887, and you'll find it on the corner of West 10th and Spruce Streets. During summer months, you can take a tour.
Ogallala celebrates history throughout the decades. The Spruce Street Visitor's Center is housed in a historic gas station, complete with original gas pumps.
Lake McConaughy, just nine miles from downtown, is the largest reservoir in Nebraska. In addition to fishing, you can camp, hike, bird-watch, ride personal watercraft, go boating, and even try your hand at surfing. The sunsets here make it worth staying overnight.
Lake Ogallala is Lake McConaughy's little sister on the other side of the dam. It's well-known for its great fishing; you'll find tons of rainbow trout here.
