Ogallala receives its name from the OGALA Sioux Indian tribe. The Sioux spelled the name "Oglala" pronounced it "Oklada," which means "scatter" or "to scatter one's own." From 1870 to 1885, Ogallala was the gateway of the Northern Plains. Cattlemen from Wyoming and Montana met in Ogallala's hotel and saloons with Texas cattle kings and bargained over cattle prices. Today Ogallala is a quiet, friendly community with an inviting business district, located within one of the most popular recreational areas in the state. Best Western Ogallala Nebraska.
Things to do in Ogallala
Bald Eagle Viewing Center
Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District's Bald Eagle Viewing Center is located below Kingsley Dam on the shores of Lake Ogallala. The facility offers a unique vantage point and spotting scopes for observing the eagles as they swoop to capture fish or rest in the trees. Open to the public from late December through early March at no charge. Call 308-995-8601 for more information.
Bayside Golf Course
Bayside is a challenging course - although five tee boxes allow all skill levels to play. Golfers will enjoy spectacular views of "Big Mac." The facility also features a driving range and an 18-hole putt-putt course. Located at 865 Lakeview EW Road in Brule. Call 308-287-4653 for more information.
Boot Hill
Boot Hill, named for those who "died with their boots on," is the final resting place for cowboys, Union Pacific tracklayers killed in an Indian raid, horse thieves, gun fight victims, and residents who died from consumption, snake bite and typhoid in the late 1800's. Located 3 blocks west of the Mansion on the Hill on W. 10th Street. Call 308-284-4066 for more information.
Front Street & Cowboy Museum
A replica of a typical main street in the 1880s, Front Street features a museum, saloon, restaurant, and gift shop. Open year round, with a Western stage show given during the summer. Located at 519 E. 1st Street. Call 308-284-6000 for more information.
Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area
With 35,700 surface acres and 105 miles of white sand beaches, Lake McConaughy is Nebraska's largest reservoir. Its immensity has earned the lake the nickname "Big Mac." The popular lake and recreation area offer a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities, including excellent fishing, boating, water skiing, sailing, swimming and other water sports, as well as wildlife observation, camping, picnicking, hunting and more. A Visitor and Water Interpretive Center, located one-half mile south of Kingsley Dam, features aquariums, a theater, and interactive displays that explain the benefits of the Platte River and the High Plains Aquifer. Lake McConaughy is located eight miles northeast of Ogallala. From I-80 West take exit 126 at Ogallala. Call 308-284-8800 for more information.
Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area
At 320 acres, Lake Ogallala is comparatively small next to its sister Lake McConaughy, and is known as the "Little Lake." Its waters are gentle and sedate, unlike the rough waters of Lake McConaughy, with a shoreline protected from the winds. The primary water sports at Lake Ogallala are fishing and paddling. The lake is known for its rainbow trout. Camping facilities are available. Located below Kingsley Dam - take Interstate 80 to the Ogallala Exit 126, and travel north on Highway 61. Call 308-284-8800 for more information.
Little Church at Keystone
Located just east of Kingsley Dam, the Little Church at Keystone is a testament to religious harmony. Since the pioneer town was too small for two churches, special dispensation was received from Pope Leo XIII to use the church for two Christian faiths - the church has a Roman Catholic alter at one end and a Protestant alter at the other end. Pews with reversible backs were installed to permit parishioners to face either alter. The church, which seats 70 people, was built in 1908 at a cost of $1200. Call 800-658-4309 for more information.
Main Street Historic Walk of Fame
Located in downtown Ogallala, the Main Street Historic Walk of Fame consists of fifteen outdoor markers that chronicle the history of Keith County. Call 308-284-3975 for more information.
Mansion on the Hill
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the elegant Mansion on the Hill was completed in 1887. The authentic Victorian home incorporates Italianate and Queen Anne elements, has 16-inch thick walls, and features a central staircase carved of cherry wood. The Keith County Historical Society operates the home as a museum, open Memorial Day - September 15. Located at the corner of N. Spruce and 10th Streets. Call 308-284-4066 for more information.
Petrified Wood Gallery
Ogallala's Petrified Wood Gallery features an impressive collection of ancient woods, fossils, Native American arrowheads and artifacts gathered over 40 years by twin brothers Harvey and Howard Kenfield. The gallery showcases petrified wood rounds, music boxes, petrified wood pictures, gemstones and more. A gift shop offers unique and collectible gift items. Open April 15 - October 15. Located in Ogallala's famous Front Street at 525 E. 1st Street. Call 308-284-9996 for more information.
West Wind Golf Club
Located just 15 minutes from Lake McConaughy, West Wind is a popular course. The front nine is level with rows of cottonwoods lining the fairways, while the back nine contrasts the front with wide-open, rolling moguls and large greens. Practice facilities are available. Located at 359 Road E 85. Call 308-284-4358 for more information.