Chimney Rock National Monument In Nebraska
At the visitor’s center their is a gift shop and small museum (admission fee charged) that tells all about Chimney Rock and it’s significance along the Oregon Trail.
Their was some weather heading our way so David got to flying right away. His video is below.
David Flying Chimney Rock
What else was interesting about this rv park was that it was surrounded by farmland. And what comes with farmland?
Cows.
The RV Park And Our Coach From Chimney Rock
Our first evening brought a beautiful sunset that lit up the sky.
When we left South Dakota we headed south towards Nebraska. What’s in Nebraska you might ask? Well, we came across Chimney Rock National Historic Site which is located in the western part of Nebraska between Scotts Bluff (a National Monument we’ll save for another time) and Bridgeport, Nebraska.
If you are a history buff, then you’ll know this is one of the most famous and recognizable landmarks for travelers along the Oregon Trail. This predominate geological rock formation stands nearly 300 feet above the surrounding North Platte River valley.
The Visitor’s Center With Chimney Rock In The Background
As far as where to stay, you could stay in town a few miles down the road or I had found an interesting rv park that sits right in front of the rock formation. So right outside our front window was Chimney Rock. How often do you get a view like that?
Our Site Facing Chimney Rock
So, our view was actually Chimney Rock and cows. It was an interesting view to say the least.
Beautiful Sunset
The next day it rained all…day…long. And to say the temperature dropped was an understatement. We had our air conditioning on the previous day and our heat on the next. Our last evening there we had a fierce storm come through, hence the change in temperature, that produced not only wind and rain but pea sized hail. Once the rain had stopped we were treated to a magnificent lightening show. Although miles and miles away from us at that point, the lightening lit up the whole surrounding sky. We did not know which way to turn, it was all around us.
Just beautiful. We had never seen anything like that before.
The next morning we woke to an even more spectacular site. Their was a layer of fog that blanketed the plains and Chimney Rock was no where in site.
Of course I had to get out the camera and these are the pictures that I captured of that morning. And yes, none of these pictures are doctored or enhanced in any way. Quite honestly, I don’t even know how to enhance a picture. I just point and click.
So start your ooooing and aaaaweing now…
Chimney Rock In The Fog
Close Up of Chimney Rock In The Fog
The RV Park In The Fog
The RV Park In The Fog
The Sun Trying To Come Out In the Fog
These last three pictures are actually not black and white as they may appear. It was just the natural eeriness of the morning.
And have you ever seen a fog rainbow?
A Fog Rainbow
Well…Now you have.
You are welcome.
You may be aware that Chimney Rock is on the Nebraska State Quarter. Quite a sight in person. Enjoy your travels!
Was not aware of that. Thanks for the note on this as it makes it all that much better that we had stopped. :)
Great video! Cool shots. Enjoying your website. Thanks!
We were there last year (You are totally following our path)….there is a house on the other side owned by the congressman who is the one who fought to have Chimney Rock be placed on the back of the quarter. His house also is made ALL OF HAY/STRAW….so amazing. If you are going to North Platte, DO NOT MISS going to the US canteen which is now a museum and also visiting Bill Cody’s ranch and if you want a place to stay, for $13.00 a night for electric only….you can stay right on the former property of Bill Cody which is now park…honor system for checking in….there is water at different points if you need to fill up but with electric it was good enough for a one night stay. The US Canteen is where during WWII the women/people of North Platte would meet all the trains coming into/leaving the station with men shipping out for WWII….emotional! PBS did a documentary on it. Enjoy following along with you.
Thank you Karen for the information and for some other areas we will have to stop at some point. We are now in Denver and heading to New Mexico on Friday as we continue to press on word.
You were totally right B…ooooohing and ahhhhhing over your fabulous photos! You should send the Chimney Rock fog ones to National Geographic! You just have a knack for pics that is natural born! Thanks for your pics and D’s videos that allow us to see this great country along with you!
Love yas!