Chimney Rock National Historic Site

Chimney Rock National Historic Site is a geological landmark in Morrill County, Nebraska, rising as a narrow rock needle from the North Platte River plain. The formation consists of a broad base that tapers into a slender tower visible against the sky, remaining recognizable across the flat landscape for many miles.

Indian tribes knew the rock formation long before European explorers arrived, while Robert Stuart's expedition in 1813 recorded the first documented encounter by non-native people. In the following decades, it became the most important waypoint for thousands of settlers traveling the Oregon Trail along the river.

The name dates from the 1820s, when travelers compared the slender spire to a chimney and used it as a navigation point along the Oregon Trail. Emigrants followed the river and often spotted the rock needle days before reaching it, helping them gauge their progress on the long journey west.

The visitor center sits at the base of the rock and offers information about the geology and history of the area. A walking trail leads closer to the base, though the fragile sandstone and clay composition prevents any direct climbing.

The spire once stood several meters taller before natural erosion and occasional lightning strikes wore away portions of the soft material. Cannon fire practice nearby during the 19th century also accelerated the decay of the upper layers.

Location: Morrill County

Inception: August 9, 1956

Elevation above the sea: 1,254 m

Operator: History Nebraska

Address: Chimney Rock Trail, Bayard, NE 69334, USA

Email: loren.pospisil@nebraska.gov

Website: https://nationalparks.org/connect/explore-parks/chimney-rock-national-historic-site

GPS coordinates: 41.70370,-103.34800

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:17