Ogallala, County seat in Keith County, Nebraska, United States
Description
Ogallala is a city in Keith County, Nebraska, situated along the Union Pacific Railroad line through western Nebraska. The town sits at about 3,220 feet (982 meters) elevation and is organized around the railroad tracks that run through it.
History
The arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad in 1867 transformed Ogallala into a major hub for cattle drives from Texas along the Great Western Trail. This railroad connection turned the location into a center of trade and transport that shaped the town's early growth.
Culture
The Petrified Wood Gallery displays minerals and fossils from the region, while the Fort Sedgwick Museum holds objects that tell the story of settlement and frontier life. Both places help visitors understand how people lived and what they valued in this part of Nebraska.
Practical
Ogallala sits where Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 26, and U.S. Highway 30 intersect, making it easy to reach and to travel onward to neighboring states and larger cities. These major routes connect the town to the broader region and provide convenient access for visitors.
Did you know?
The Ogallala Formation, which lies beneath the town and surrounding region, is named after this location and holds one of North America's largest underground water reserves. This vast aquifer supplies water to farms and communities across a wide area.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Keith County).
Lake McConaughy
10.7 km
Ash Hollow State Historical Park
38.5 km
Wallace W. Waterman Sod House
30.4 km
Grant City Park
31.3 km
Phelps Hotel
30.8 km
Lewellen State Aid Bridge
41.2 km
Leonidas A. Brandhoefer Mansion
534 m
Grant Commercial Historic District
32 km
Perkins County Courthouse
32 km
Dr. Burdette and Myrna Gainsforth House
897 m
Diamond Springs Stage Station Site
16.5 kmSignal Bluff
48.5 kmEagle Point
35.5 kmGreat Platte River Road Historical Marker
42.6 kmKingsley Dam Eagle Viewing Facility
10.1 kmJulesburg and Fort Sedgwick Historical Marker
42.6 kmBig Springs Historical Marker
42.5 kmAsh Hollow Historical Marker
9.8 kmOgallala Historical Marker
9.8 kmCourt House Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff Historical Marker
9.7 kmPetrified Wood Gallery
615 mMansion on the Hill
486 mLake McConaughy Visitors Center and Water Interpretive Center
9.2 kmPetrified Wood Art Gallery
591 mCedar View Beach
25.2 kmOgallala Beach
8.5 kmOgallala KOA
2 kmScenic viewpoint
42.6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes