Chimney Rock National Historic Site — Attraction in Bayard

Great stop!! I grew up in Nebraska and never made it over to the west side of the state to see Chimney Rock. I actually thought it would be a little more magnificent based on the history I’ve read on it. But finding out how it’s gotten shorter was sad. I’m glad they’re preserving it today for people to still go see. We stopped out at night to see it lit up as well as in the morning to go to the museum.

There are a TON of mosquitos and bugs outside. We didn’t get to hike to the base of it for that reason. My kids were being eaten up. My kids have lived in the south their entire lives and have never seen lightning bugs. It was fun for them to experience them!! The trails are very nice.

We also loved the little free library outside of the museum. My daughter picked out a book and will pass it along to the next free...

This is a neat place to stop by if you're in the area but I wouldn't recommend going out of your way for it. It's a neat rock formation to look at too and famous for being on a state quarter.

However, this is labeled as a National Historic Site but is not actually governed by the National Park Service. This was confusing because the NPS park pass doesn't work and you have to pay admission to their museum. I didn't go inside but the lady at the counter was friendly and gave me directions to where I could see Chimney Rock a little closer.

I also felt that they should find a way to provide hiking access at the rock to the public. It could be a monumental tourist...

The museum has excellent exhibits on the Oregon Trail's most mentioned land marks. There is a small fee to visit but we felt it was very resonable and worth it. The views of Chimney Rock are from quite a distance but the Nebraska State Historical Society has opened new paved trails in August of 2023 that take you through the prairie for a much closer view of the monument. Bring binoculars. Drive past the museum and take a right turn to go to the paved trailhead parking area. There is a private campground near the visitor's center. It has no trees but it offers what I imagine are stunning views of Chimney Rock when it is lit...