Reviews of Chimney Rock National Historic Site (Museum)

Kristi Davis

Been there done that. It's ok

Brian Holland

Worth the stop.

Kim White

I seem to always arrive when the visitor center is closed. But there is a old pioneer cemetery up the road, to the right, down a gravel road that takes you very close to chimney rock. Must see monument on your own Oregon trail expedition.

MsSixty?

I had the very same experience as Marcia. I puzzled over the older lady's sharp, haughty attitude, especially when a man came in with his wife and asked identical questions to mine, yet she responded in a friendly, chatty manner (We asked if our National Park Pass could be used at this site). She may be a volunteer or even a benefactor, but her attitude is doing no good for this site. She was friendlier when I bought some items in the gift shop and she processed the sale. I considered paying to see the museum and film, but her attitude made me decide against it. Interesting note - this site was organized by benefactors involved in aviation, this site was a landmark used by aviators to navigate by in the 20's and 30's.

Sandy Flansburg

We got a nice little history lesson.

Nancy Harrold

A part of history Remote location Interesting cemetery with headstones back to 1800

Jason Havey

It’s a cool and unique rock formation, it served a lot of history and significance to many people throughout the times. You cannot get close to it, because it’s endangered of erosion, the thing is made of sandstone. There is a museum nearby and it’s worth checking out.

Bruce Provencher

We always enjoy shopping here on our way through. I have always enjoyed the history of the Oregon trail and this is a nice part of it. There is an interesting museum here also.

Cynthia B

Fantastic museum with many fun, hands on kids activities. Just wish you could get closer to the rock.

Emily R. Olson

A new National Historic Site, open all year round, great stop on the Oregon Trail

Brittany Dana

Cool place to see!

Matt Fedorka

A great little stop if you are into the history of the Oregon Trail (or if you were ever into the game The Oregon Trail). I didn't see any rattlesnakes, and you couldn't get that close. But a small, informative visitor center helps paint the picture. A very cool natural formation to boot. It's constantly eroding so be sure to visit it sooner rather than later!

Emmy Lou

Awesome!

Dayna Bown

We were very disappointed that you can not hike close to the monument. It was a pretty picture. Definitely not worth another trip through rural Nebraska. We did enjoy walking through the cemetery and the "wee granny" grave.

Scott Lakeside

Chimney Rock is one of the defining features of the Oregon Trail. It is not the largest, or even the most impressive feature along the route, but it is very distinctive, looking like an upside-down funnel on the edge of the plains. To take the metaphor further, it was a site that gave the pioneers “fuel” to continue at a point in their journey when they needed it, just by visually letting them know they were making progress. We arrived at the visitor center, not quite a mile to the east of the rock itself, after business hours, so I don’t know what’s inside. But the view from there is good and classic. However, we drove on a dirt road just north of the monument near sunset and the way the rocks were illuminated there at that time of day was superior.

Monica Lieske

Great movie and gift place but I was expecting to get closer to the chimney. Roads are not in very good condition. Needs to be more attractive to bring more tourists.

Lennae Seevers

Wonderful historic landmark

Travis Schweitzer

I was expecting more

Bravo Tango

Like a beacon in an endless sea of prarie grass horizon, Chimney Rock is a fascinating geologic formation. The location and museum are a great companion stop to see along with Scott's Bluff National Monument to the west. Unfortunately a close up view is restricted.

Haley Ehrke

Visit Chimney Rock on your way through! Won't disappoint!

Wendi Nichols

Awesome staff! Great information & terrific with kids!

Heather Dimmitt

I love this place just gorgeous

Mark Radtke

Might as well stop because there’s nothing else to do. The visitor center tries pretty hard for its size and the staff are friendly.

Amanda

We ride along the old Oregon trail when we go on our vaca road trip. This was a marker I needed to get a picture of for my collection. I didn’t go inside I just went around the side of the building and standing in the parking lot.

Brad Provencher

Wonderful spot. The chimney has severely eroded from the wind, but the history and view is still here. Pretty neat to see what the trail riders saw.

Daniel Doxey

Awesome site. Worth the drive.

Jennifer Scoggin

We had an almost identical experience to Marcia Paasch. It was so discomforting that we stamped our passport and left.

Peggy Peters

Very worth seeing. historical treasured landmark that guided settlers across the oceans of prairie grasses.

Tim Butterfield

Dark. Just a few lights. Pretty cool.

Bonfire Photography

I arrived too early for the visitors center to be open and opted to go to the old cemetery and view it from there. I think the view is better from there and the cemetery was neat to walk through also. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes though.

Shane Thomas

Definitely worth the stop. Small charge for adults. Make sure to show your National Parks pass for a discount. Fun exhibits. Kids loved it. Helpful staff.

Chris

Staff running the Visitor Center were not very friendly at all. When we were looking at the gift shop, they kept watching us suspiciously. The center isn't much but the video is worth a watch. If I was to return just skip the Visitor Center and drive back the the Chimney Rock cemetery. There is a much better location from that location. Makes the Oregon Trail come alive!

Pat Stakem

very obvious, very welcome site for travelers on the Oregon Trail. It will help you find the Visitor's Center - helpful and knowledgeable staff, clean bathrooms, movie, interpretive displays. Surrounded by Prairie Sunflows, and watch out for rattlesnakes. Somewhat off the main drag. Ample parking.

Andrew Carroll

Awesome historic place. Stop if you are in the area.

Chad Churchill

Cool NPS site with Native American history

Kathryn Tuggle

I’ll be honest: I didn’t think I was going to get too excited about a tall pointy rock, but Chimney Rock is spectacular. The rock is quite beautiful and you can see what an incredible landmark it would have been for early settlers headed West. The museum offers high quality informative exhibits (as well as a cute interactive wagon for kids) and the short 20-minute movie offers a great history of the rock and surrounding area. Highly recommend!

Paul Hirsch

You can't get too close because it's on private land, so bring a good camera or zoom attachment. At night, they have Chimney Rock lit up very nicely and you can see it in a whole new level. Dunno for sure, but I felt sacred vibes around here - magical area to visit!

Darselle Mcdaniel

Must go see it is beautiful and very interesting

Dan Eiserman

So much history, just simply amazing

Honey_Badger

Visitor center charges for museum as well

Escobaria Gracilis

Very nice landmark in the Nebraska Panhandle.

Kolton Myers

it loks vaye coll :)

Bobbyjr Kerry

It's a very interesting rock formation. Pretty good little trail to hike. (Be careful of rattle snakes )

Josh Alecci

Amazing View!

justin saltzman

Cool experience but a little pricey for what is there.

Anna Turner

Wish it was a little closer to the actual Chimney Rock but cool all the same. Kids loved "loading their wagon" for the trip in the visitors center.

Steven Smith

A beautiful site

Ron Malandrini

Definitely out in the middle of no where. Caution signs are out to beware of rattlesnakes. Once inside the building, there is a 20 minute informational movie about the history of the location. To my amazement the Chimney Rock location and land was donated to the state years ago. Yet, you have to pay to get in! Otherwise you can drive past the building to a turnabout to get closer and take pictures.

Jeff Bates

This place is a joint effort between the State of Nebraska and the NPS. It falls alittle short of what you expect.

Harry Plendl

A great short hike before lunch. It’s a monument that has guided humans for eons and more recently the pioneers settling the west. Truly a beautiful day, especially for January!

Ben C

Was somewhat underwhelmed by Chimney Rock itself but the museum and gift shop are well kept.

Joe Ciemnoczolowski

Good place to view the Chimney Rock.

Larry Stratton

Great view of Chimney Rock. Next to a pioneer cemetery. One can easily reflect on the challenges the pioneers faced on their way West.

Christina Neff

Unusual and unique.

Adam Bolinger

Sooo much history to take in! Wonderful place to visit and if you can, go by after dark when it’s lit up!

Jessica Massing

Beautiful scenery. Make sure to drive up the scenic road

Greer Williams

To get a what they say is a better view of this rock you have to pay. For what you seeing it is not worth it. Stop down the road and take a photo

Werner Smeyers

Nice!

Sarah Brumfield

When you live in Nebraska, Chimney Rock is one of those places you tend to take for granted of being in your very own state. The iconic rock formation - recognizable to some from the state quarters, or to those of us born before the 90s from playing Oregon Trail - was a highlight on an impromptu sightseeing trip for me of my own state. I was rushed to get there in time before the sun set, so I missed the hours of the visitor's center and didn't have a chance to walk the grounds of the site. But it was still definitely worth the drive. If you plan on heading out to Chimney Rock, plan your time well so you won't feel as rushed as I was. The entire surrounding area is truly beautiful. Soak it all in.

Destini Petitt

Cool site. You can skip the visitors center if you read about the place online. They have a short video and ask for ~$3 fee to watch it. No fee to see the rock and it has hiking trails around it. If you have more time, watch the videos. They don't allow dogs inside so not worth it for people traveling with pets. Warning: rattle snakes everywhere. (We didn't see any)

Marcia Paasch

There is a fee to view the museum at the Visitor Center. We’ve never encountered that at other National Monuments and Sites. We asked what was included in the fee and a rather unfriendly woman behind the desk told us the displays, timeline, film, etc. We may have considered paying to go in if we had been met in a friendly manner. $3 per adult, $2 if you have a National Park Annual Pass. We were able to stamp our passport for no charge. I also purchased a Chimney Rock Pin, which the woman took out of a drawer and tossed on the counter in front of me, and the cashier acted coolly towards me as she rang up the sale. This is most unfriendly experience we’ve had at a NPS Visitor Center.

Dawn Jordan

A lot of American history.

Devodare_Chicago

A beautiful natural landmark. The visitor center provided copious amounts information. I even went back to see it lighted at night. I am a fan.

Tami Smith

A must!!!

Jeff Rife

Trail not well marked but worth the trek.

Nikki Wooldridge

View of Chimney Rock from our RV site at Pioneer Crossing RV Park.

Traveling Man

Nothing much but does have historical significance. We stop here to take photos when we head home. Went through visitors center once. The visitor center was fairly small but gives you good locations to shoot the chimney rock.

Jack Grissom

Awesome landmark with history

Lori Mullins

I love it there

Sabrina Fraternale

Very Nice ❤

Danielle Van Veldhuizen

Cool to see but not a lot to explore or see otherwise.

Peter Haze Haring

Another great landmark of America.

Terrence McKinnies

Surprisingly not flooded with touristy trash. It's a refreshing slice of American history.

Lee Smith

Super cool spot. The nearby cemetery was an interesting glimpse back in time. Watch for rattlesnakes.

Jade B

Umm... yes, this place was cool.

Stan Smith

I know it just looks like a rock formation, but to the pioneers that rock said they were one third of the way to their dreams and it is important enough to today's Nebraskans to have it on their state quarter.

Elizabeth Ferguson

Very cool.

Jeff Price

The visitor center is a little small and more around kids. I'd like to see the new addition. The had a couple of people walking around that I wish would be more out going.

Sean Brozak

Made a point to drop down from the Blackhills on my way back to omaha and this place was closed Sunday. But I still got a picture and waved on my way by.

Anthony Simons

We arrived too late to go to the visitor center and it was too chilly to hike. We took pictures and then left. The rock was very cool but I imagined in my head that it was bigger.

Jerome Miller

The visitors center staff were unfriendly. Skip it, the real attraction is outside. Drive to the end of the road for the best and closest scenic view.

V Vwj

With some bad reviews of the Chimney Rock Historical Society. We skipped that and took a dirt road that leads us to as close as possible to Chimney Rock itself. There's also a small cemetery in the area you can visit for a better understanding of the tragedy and challenges these earlier pioneer faces heading west.

Alyssa Schaff

Really amazing site! Wish we could get closer to it but didn't want to walk up to it. They Ben have a visitor center with a video and it's kinda like a mini museum that was very informative.

Joseph Parsons

Very cool, however this is as close as you will get to the monument, as we were told the property between the visitors center and the monument itself is all privately owned. The vistor center itself was really nice.

Will Kennedy

had to check this out because of the Oregon Trail. Make sure to keep driving down the road, take a right on the dirt road for a better viewing and an old cemetery.

Hank Marks

This would’ve been a colossal waste of time if it wasn’t a NHS. The visitors center is made for kids. I’m glad the rock formation is still in place. I was pleasantly surprised to find they knocked the price down for my annual pass.

Amanda Knowlton

Little small visitor center. 3 dollars to get in.

Rodrigue Nakigane

Huh never been there. sounds dope tho!

307dipsticks Wtf

Beautiful place to visit.

Spike M.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful to look at. Especially at night when it is illuminated. (Original) Schön anzusehen. Besonders bei Dunkelheit wenn es beleuchtet ist.

Anthony Cardenuto

Monument was cool. If you have a powerful zoom camera or binoculars looking at the tip of the chimney is interesting. As an adult, I wasn't a fan of the information center, maybe children would like it better.

Podunk Man

No access to the mountain. Not friendly personel. No recration space with shadow.

Christopher Soria

Can't walk to the actual site and can only view from a distance. The visitor center isn't really worth seeing.

Dennis Johnson

Very interesting. Don't forget to check out the little pioneer cenerty.

Jeffrey Schaupp

Been visiting since 1989 finally a National historic site! Local historian

Mase Driskell

Eh just a cool rock in the middle of nowhere. Mice hiking spot but nothing special

Austin Goetsche

The Stevin Talk Show is the best

Nathan Strutz

Lovely little stop. Adults are $3 but you can just stay outside if you're cheap.

Jeffrey Thomson

It is a very interesting location from the history of the Oregon Trail. It gives one a sense of the terrain that the migrants covered in their journey.

ken dabkowski

For all you fellow Oregon Trail nerds...worth the stop :)

J. Gardner

They even have lights for night time viewing

Brian Baack

Very interesting

Sheri McVay

Really cool to see! The only bad thing is you don't get to get very close to it. Disappointed kids and adults :(

Stephanie Ford

Nice small museum but National Park Passes are not acknowledged and there is no open trail to get close to the formation. Photo included was taken from as close as visitors are allowed. In fact, a telescope is set up in the visitor's center to have a better view.

Debbie LoCascio

This is such a unique shaped rock. I can see why the emigrants along the Oregon Trail looked forward to seeing it and checking it out. It doesn't cost much to check out the Visitor's Center, and many of its displays, history, and artifacts are interesting. If you want to get a little closer to the rock, there is a road just past it that you can take. WARNING: watch for rattlesnakes any time you are in western Nebraska, especially when hiking! The worker at the Visitor's Center told us that it's not uncommon for her to find 2 or 3 rattlers on the sidewalk near the entrance to the building on a fairly regular basis. Just keep your eyes open, and you'll be fine.

Jessie Piper

The visitor's center was nice but we hoped to get closer than we were allowed. They say they have too many snakes. But still quite the site to see.

Kirt Wise

Chimney Rock is an icon in the pioneer history

Raymond Prendergast

Had the entire place to myself. A lifetime experience

Lee Witte

The formation is petty cool, but the person at the visitor center was not friendly. We felt she was watching us suspiciously and wasn't into answering questions.

Ericka Goerlitz

If you're in the area and have nothing else to do, it's worth a stop. Otherwise, it would also work as a good place to get out of the car and stretch. The actual rock formation is neat to see, but it's not something I would suggest going out of your way for. Inside the visitor center is a mini mouse about the rock formation and the Oregon Trail. Can't complain for an admission fee $3 each.

Jamie Thorness

Beautiful monument to the pioneering spirit

Christine Comer

Neat place. Be sure to check out the cemetery.

Donald Porter

Neat little museum if your into history. Beautiful view of the formation as well.

Bret McVey

Well worth seeing about and learning more in regards to the westward expansion of the US. Travel further down the road beyond the visitor center to access a rural road that passes an old cemetery, you'll get a slightly closer view. Be prepared for rattlesnakes though as they are common to the area.

David Wilson

Must see

Em Walker

It was on our way home so, we stopped for a peak. Definitely go passed the visitor's center and got the road by the cemetery. It's a tad closer than you can get by the visitor's center. Is free to see, and just a few dollars of you partake in the visitor's center. Overall if you're a history buff, it's worth a trip if you're passing by and it's a quick jaunt over to Scott's Bluffs if you're looking for a great view.

Kynan

Like if you've seen this while playing Oregon Trail II

Aleksey Kushman

Just follow the hike trail that goes from graveyard straight to chimney rock about half a mile long and enjoy the scenery

Wes Hardy

It is neat to imagine settlers seeing this as they traveled out west on the Oregon Trail. There is a small literal cow path leading to the base. I didn't stop at the visitors center but visited on my own. Take a look around the cemetery and take notice of the varied plants and animals.

Lamb of God

My uncle speed George put up lights around chimney rock bye foot before they changed the lights in 2017 so. You can see it in the dark. A fun fact of history

David Cline

The small visitor center had more information and interactive activities for the kids than I expected. Unfortunately there's no way to get close to Chimney Rock.

Dan Komorek

The Native American word for chimney rock means "elk penis" and I can see why.... Amazing sight!!!

Josh Lubrano

Beautiful piece of history that is well worth the drive. We walked right up to the base of it. There's actually a plaque at the base of it.

Charles Bennett

Really something to see after miles and miles of Nebraska prairie. You get a feel for why people made such a deal out of it back in the day.

brad graham

Loved the history of the tables and Chimney Rock!!

Thomas Talbot

Cool looking rock. Used to offer a little hope that folks were on the right path, and that getting dysentery, fighting off wolves and Native Americans, and eating food cooked in axle grease were all going to have been worth it once they reached Oregon.

Justine Mattal

Pleasant surprise.

Curtis Howard

Great facilty and cool History

Vicki Cobb

Chimney Rock National Historic Site is the most famous landmark on the Oregon Trail. The California Trail, Mormon Trail and Pony Express Trail also went past the rock. It was in at least 96% of the diaries of the pioneers. It is owned and managed by the Nebraska State Historical Society.

Bungheng Taing

It's a great place to visit while in Nebraska.

Jared Smith

What a neat place to stop along the trail. It was a bit off the beaten path, but we were all glad we stopped.

Mike Bennett

A nice stop for the family. Lots of history!

Ken and Alicia Lund

Classic Americana. An interesting landmark in its own right, it is also loaded with pioneer history. Well worth the visit, and can easily be paired with Scotts Bluff.

Jake DeBoer

Beautiful

Michael Stewart

Small, but nice paid museum and gift shop. Heard rattlesnakes at the adjacent cemetery. You can't get too close to the actual rock.

Cheryl Duffy

If you are ever in western NC don't miss an opportunity to visit Chimney Rock at Lake Lure. Spectacular scenery, beautiful lake, great food and friendly folks.

Dustin smith

Not much to see.

Daliaha Turner

Beautiful and historic.

Mike Tigerbaer

(Translated by Google) Can be photographed from the end of the sandy path or before with the cattle. Interesting cemetery at the end of the sandy path. (Original) Kann man vom Ende des Sandweges fotografieren oder vorher mit den Rindern. Interessanter Friedhof am Ende des Sandweges.

David Ritter

The best view is at night because it is lit up.

Pd Mccarthy

Wow! Very interesting.

Lacey Ahlemeyer

Pretty cool but can't get very close

Oscar Garcia

Neat place. Makes one amazed at how many people used this as a waypoint back in the pioneer days.

Phillip Seidl

This is a another iconic landmark In the history of emigration along the Oregon and California trails. Spend some time in the visitors center and you will have a real feel for Those who endured along the trails in the importance of this landmark to those pioneers as well as the native Americans. We also visited the nearby pioneer cemetery and contemplated what challenges and privations were encountered.

Leader2light

The great journey west.

Lou Bell

It is what it is, not what it used to be... The visitor center is lame, no dogs allowed, so I didn't go inside. For being in the middle of nowhere, they should change that policy. If I'm ever in the area again, I'm gonna go hiking

Clarence Bennett

Great stop along The Oregon Trail. Very famous location. Worth the visit.

John Cooper

Beautiful interpretive center!

Jack Gadzala

Visitor Center for a scenic historic rock formation that is great for a short hike. Note that the actual monument is separate from the associated visitor center. The visitor center facilitates viewing from a distance (for a nominal fee). Hiking to the monument is free and can be (but shouldn’t be) done at any time (not wise to go after dark). Access is from a dead end read about half a mile past the visitor center. There is no official (or maintained) trail, but there is a well worn path that starts at the end of the road. Rattlesnakes do frequent the area, as do spiky plants, so care and appropriate attire are recommended.