There’s no better time than autumn to take a day trip in Nebraska. There are so many sweet little towns that are just waiting to be explored, each with its own personality and atmosphere. This one in western Nebraska is the perfect place to spend a cool autumn day.
Crawford, in Dawes County in northwest Nebraska, has a population of just under 1000.
flickr/J. Stephen Conn
The little town has retained its Wild West charm and mixed it with good old Nebraska friendliness.
flickr/J. Stephen Conn
It’s greener here than you might expect, and because of the elevation (along with the lack of city pollution), the air is refreshingly clear.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
There is some impressive historic architecture in the town, like the post office which was built in 1938.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The building that houses the Crawford Historical Museum dates back to 1887.
By Chevsapher (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
After you’ve explored the museum, visited the shops, admired the architecture, and maybe had a bite to eat in one of the local eateries, it’s time to set out on an adventure. Crawford is the perfect home base for what’s sure to be a truly epic day trip.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The nearby Fort Robinson is probably the most popular attraction in the area.
flickr/J. Stephen Conn If you prefer to walk to your destination, a trail runs from a park in Crawford to Fort Robinson a mere three miles away. There are many accommodations on site, including camping, a huge lodge, individual cabins, or even the historic enlisted or officers’ quarters. Learn more about Fort Robinson (and there is a LOT more) here.
The area is known for its rich cache of fossils, including one exceptional example.
Fossil Freeway Some 10,000 years ago, two mammoths engaged in a fight to the death. There was no winner in this battle, however; during the fight, the tusks of the two animals became tangled. Unable to free themselves, both mammoths died here and were preserved just as they fell, their tusks eternally entwined. You can see this display and many other historical exhibits at the Trailside Discovery Museum on the grounds of Ft. Robinson State Park.
Another incredible spot to peer into the past is at the Hudson-Meng Bison Kill site.
By SkybirdForever (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons This active archaeological excavation is an interesting place to visit for fossil enthusiasts and mystery lovers. Around 10,000 to 11,000 years ago, some 600 bison died on this site. Some scientists believe it was a hunting ground while others believe the bison died of natural causes like a prairie grass fire. The bones - and the mystery - are being actively researched more than 60 years after the site’s discovery. Learn more about the site here.
If you’re up for another walk (or a short drive), you can step onto another planet just three miles away from the Hudson-Meng site.
flickr/Kevin Saff Toadstool Geologic Park is one of Nebraska’s most incredible spots - and one of its best-kept secrets. The rock formations here are absolutely otherworldly. A one-mile loop will take you through the entire park. Learn more about this unique park here.
All of these spots are located in the beautiful Oglala National Grassland.
flickr/Ali Eminov It’s hard not to stare open-mouthed at this pristine scenery.
But hop back in your car and you’ll be treated to equally impressive sights on your way to another historic site.
flickr/Ben Schmitt The Pine Ridge area is absolutely beautiful, brimming with buttes, peaks, canyons, and untamed lands. This aerial video gives you an idea of just how wonderful it is out here near Crawford.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is a bit further out than the other destinations.
By National Park Service Digital Image Archives [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons But it’s worth it. Not only will you see amazing terrain like this; you’ll also learn all about the fossils, culture, and history found in this part of the state. Learn more about Agate Fossil Beds right here.
While you’re in the Harrison area, swing by to see the Warbonnet Battlefield Monument.
By Philkon Phil Konstantin - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9426227 This allegedly haunted battlefield is alive with the memories of a short but intense fight in 1876. Find out more about the battle and the battlefield here.
If you loop around back toward Crawford, you can visit Nebraska’s only railroad tunnel.
Irene North The Belmont Tunnel is the only railroad tunnel to be carved out of rock in the entire state. While trains no longer run through the tunnel, they do run right next to it. Be extremely careful when visiting. Read a wonderful account of a visit to the tunnel right here.
Head back near your starting point for a meal or an overnight stay at the High Plains Homestead.
Facebook/High Plains Homestead This place will show you what real wild west living was like. The Drifter Cookshack serves up the historic Coffee Burger that is big enough to satisfy any rancher’s appetite. This is an all-around delightful place to spend some time. (Note that, while it has a Crawford address, it is actually about half an hour’s drive outside of the town.) Learn more about High Plains Homestead here.
History buffs will want to make extra time to drive up to Chadron for a visit to a completely unique museum.
TripAdvisor/Jim B. The Museum of the Fur Trade is the only museum in the country devoted to this subject. Besides the museum itself, there is a dugout building which is a painstaking recreation of the original trading post that operated on the site in the mid-19th century. Find out more here.
Ok, you may think we’re pushing it by calling this a day trip. If you only have one day to spend in and near Crawford, pick and choose the places that are most interesting to you. Or how about you make it a long weekend and visit everything? There are even more incredible places in the area than those discussed here, especially if you widen your traveling radius. With several lodging options in the area, your day trip might even turn into a whole week of exploring this unique, historic, and vastly interesting part of Nebraska. Share some pictures with us when you make the trip!
flickr/J. Stephen Conn
By Ammodramus (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
By Chevsapher (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
If you prefer to walk to your destination, a trail runs from a park in Crawford to Fort Robinson a mere three miles away. There are many accommodations on site, including camping, a huge lodge, individual cabins, or even the historic enlisted or officers’ quarters. Learn more about Fort Robinson (and there is a LOT more) here.
Fossil Freeway
Some 10,000 years ago, two mammoths engaged in a fight to the death. There was no winner in this battle, however; during the fight, the tusks of the two animals became tangled. Unable to free themselves, both mammoths died here and were preserved just as they fell, their tusks eternally entwined. You can see this display and many other historical exhibits at the Trailside Discovery Museum on the grounds of Ft. Robinson State Park.
By SkybirdForever (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
This active archaeological excavation is an interesting place to visit for fossil enthusiasts and mystery lovers. Around 10,000 to 11,000 years ago, some 600 bison died on this site. Some scientists believe it was a hunting ground while others believe the bison died of natural causes like a prairie grass fire. The bones - and the mystery - are being actively researched more than 60 years after the site’s discovery. Learn more about the site here.
flickr/Kevin Saff
Toadstool Geologic Park is one of Nebraska’s most incredible spots - and one of its best-kept secrets. The rock formations here are absolutely otherworldly. A one-mile loop will take you through the entire park. Learn more about this unique park here.
flickr/Ali Eminov
It’s hard not to stare open-mouthed at this pristine scenery.
flickr/Ben Schmitt
The Pine Ridge area is absolutely beautiful, brimming with buttes, peaks, canyons, and untamed lands. This aerial video gives you an idea of just how wonderful it is out here near Crawford.
By National Park Service Digital Image Archives [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
But it’s worth it. Not only will you see amazing terrain like this; you’ll also learn all about the fossils, culture, and history found in this part of the state. Learn more about Agate Fossil Beds right here.
By Philkon Phil Konstantin - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9426227
This allegedly haunted battlefield is alive with the memories of a short but intense fight in 1876. Find out more about the battle and the battlefield here.
Irene North
The Belmont Tunnel is the only railroad tunnel to be carved out of rock in the entire state. While trains no longer run through the tunnel, they do run right next to it. Be extremely careful when visiting. Read a wonderful account of a visit to the tunnel right here.
Facebook/High Plains Homestead
This place will show you what real wild west living was like. The Drifter Cookshack serves up the historic Coffee Burger that is big enough to satisfy any rancher’s appetite. This is an all-around delightful place to spend some time. (Note that, while it has a Crawford address, it is actually about half an hour’s drive outside of the town.) Learn more about High Plains Homestead here.
TripAdvisor/Jim B.
The Museum of the Fur Trade is the only museum in the country devoted to this subject. Besides the museum itself, there is a dugout building which is a painstaking recreation of the original trading post that operated on the site in the mid-19th century. Find out more here.
Do you need more convincing? Here’s why Nebraska’s panhandle region is such a great place to visit.
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Address: Crawford, NE 69339, USA
