The area where Ogallala sits was home to various Native American tribes, including the Sioux and Pawnees. The first white settlers to arrive in the area were trappers from St. Louis. They had a good relationship with the Pawnee Indians, but the opposite was the case with the Sioux. The next group of settlers followed the Oregon Trail.
The arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad and the establishment of a stop in Ogallala led to the area's development. Soon, settlers followed the railroad to Ogallala while cattlemen brought their cattle to the area to sell. Within a few years, the site grew into a small town full of settlers doing business and cattlemen bringing cattle to ship or sell to Montana and Wyoming ranchers. All the shops, saloons, and restaurants were on the southern side of the railroad, which later became Railroad Street.
By 1880, Ogallala was a thriving area with a school, a courthouse, permanent residents, and other establishments. Business boomed during the summer and fall seasons, while the winter months were slow. The cattle industry was the main contributor to the economy. Ogallala boomed further in the 20th century. Today, Ogallala is a small city measuring 5.02 square miles with about 4,500 people.
Ogallala has multiple destinations to explore. The Petrified Wood Gallery, Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area, and Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area are some of the best recreational places. It is also home to colorful cafes, lively entertainment areas, and vibrant entertainment venues. Stroll the city's streets to marvel at its unique architecture.
Visit Niobrara National Scenic River, which is one of the best canoeing areas in the United States. You will love cruising along the river while fishing and watching wildlife along its banks.
Drive to Scotts Bluff National Monument to learn more about the site's human, geological, and paleontological history. The trails snaking through the region allow you to retrace the paths used by Native American and modern voyages in the past.
Look for directions to Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, where bear dogs, small camels, and other fascinating creatures lived millions of years ago. The area has a captivating visitor center and hiking trails.
Ogallala Indian Summer Rendezvous Parade – Have fun at this annual fall celebration in September. You will experience quality music, food, and games at this three-day event.
Nebraska State Fair – Attend this 11-day annual event at Grand Island. This event occurs from late August to early September and often features music, agricultural shows, and entertaining competitions.
Crane Watch Festival – Visit the Platte River Valley between late February and early March to watch over a million migrating cranes.
At 214 miles away, Badlands National Park is the nearest national park to Ogallala. Animal lovers will enjoy spotting deer, coyotes, snakes, prairie dogs, and other wildlife. Drive around the park's South Unit Perimeter to get stunning views of the badlands. Camp the night to gaze at the skies at night and wake up to spectacular sunrises in the morning.
Wind Cave National Park is 234 miles from Ogallala. Thousands of guests visit this park annually to explore its expansive underground cave. The park's forests are great areas for viewing antelope and bison. Walk along the one-mile Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail to get spectacular views of the Black Hills. Take a scenic drive along Highway 87 up to the Rankin Ridge Fire Tower.
Rocky Mountain National Park and Ogallala are 240 miles apart. This park has a freshwater lake, Bear Lake, where you can catch fish and boat. Take a self-guided tour to see the 30-foot Alberta Falls. Besides hiking the nature trails, you can explore the park's meadows and equestrian trails with a horse.
Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford is an excellent destination for outdoor recreation. Hike this park's 60 miles of hiking trails, or cycle along its 20 miles of mountain biking paths. You can then cool down in the available Olympic-sized indoor pool. The park also has amazing museums where you can discover fascinating artifacts.
Jackson Lake State Park near Fort Morgan is a paradise for RVers who fancy water-related activities. Anglers can catch catfish, walleye, pike, and trout on Jackson Lake. Swimming, sailboarding, and jet-skiing are also possible. Ice skating and ice fishing are popular during winter. You can try hiking, playing volleyball, and cycling on land.
Custer State Park in Custer is a nice getaway spot. Hike or bike the slew of trails traversing the park, including the Badger Clark Historic Trail and Creekside Trail. Catch bass, walleye, trout, and pike on French Creek and Grace Coolidge Creek. The park also has five lakes where you can participate in boating and swimming.
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation Area features an RV Park and the Buffalo Bill Ranch Museum. The area has 23 RV sites with sewer, electricity, and water, and its daily rates range between $10 and $35. Holiday RV Parks & Campground is in an easy-to-access location near restaurants, theaters, and shopping areas. It comprises 100 RV sites, and the pricing is between $28 and $43 per day or $168 and $258 per week. State Fair Campgrounds at Fonner Park is a pet-friendly location with shower, electricity, water, and sewer facilities. It is in a great location near parks and shopping centers.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Ogallala, NE, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Ogallala?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Ogallala from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Ogallala?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
