Ogallala

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism
Photo provided by Nebraska Tourism

Watch bald eagles hunting, fish for rainbow trout and learn about indigenous Americans at this vibrant community in the heart of the States.

Explore wild prairies and fishing lakes around Ogallala, a town that combines authentic American dining, welcoming locals and a proud history. The town flourished in the late 19th century as the end point for cattle drives travelling north from Texas. Today, it remains a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the cowboy heritage of Midwest America.

Experience Ogallala’s town spirit along 1st street, where you’ll find steakhouses and lively pubs for an afternoon drink with the locals. Shop for alpaca wool goods before examining the intriguing patterns of fossilized trees at the Petrified Wood Gallery. In the evenings, see a music or dance performance at the Historic Prairie Theater or take the kids for a game at the Cornhusker Lanes Bowling Alley.

Ogallala features excellent fishing, camping and hunting opportunities not far from town. Take some time to soak in the expansive wonder of Lake McConaughy. This 30,500-acre (12,340-hectare) lake is known locally as “Big Mac.” Try windsurfing, canoeing and Jet Skiing on the lake, or fish for trophy-sized trout from a boat. Camp on-site to enjoy a night amongst nature, under a star-speckled sky.

Nearby, try to catch a prized walleye fish from Lake Ogallala, which is also home to rainbow trout and yellow perch. Come fall, Lake Ogallala becomes a fowl-hunters paradise. Go on a hunting tour to shoot for your dinner while majestic bald eagles circle the skies above. In winter, bring some ice-skates to the frozen water for slip-sliding fun.

To learn more about the region’s indigenous inhabitants, visit the Ash Hollow State Historical Park. Visit the Ash Hollow Cave to see where Native American’s once lived and hear their stories, which have been passed down through generations.

Ogallala is a 3-hour drive west from Denver. Get around town on foot or travel to surrounding parks by car.

Be sure to visit the Mansion on the Hill, a gorgeous red-brick manor built by a Chicago banker in 1887. It is one of Ogallala’s most treasured architectural landmarks.

Quality Inn & Suites
Quality Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
201 Chuckwagon Road, Ogallala, NE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,434 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P5,434
P6,195 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ogallala. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Great Stay! Beware of Studio 308 prices!
"The hotel was great! Everything was positive except the attached restaurant. The food was amazing but they charged us more than the menu prices. $20 buck more for a family of 4. So check your bills if you go there."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Quality Inn & Suites
Hampton Inn Ogallala
Hampton Inn Ogallala
2.5 out of 5
502 OREGON TRAIL DRIVE, Ogallala, NE
The price is P6,331 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P6,331
P7,217 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ogallala. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Tri-Trails Park and Ogallala Nature Park are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (166 reviews)
"Nice, new hotel. Very clean! Nice pool. Breakfast was pretty good though staff was harder to find in the morning. No one was at the desk"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Hampton Inn Ogallala
Super 8 by Wyndham Ogallala
Super 8 by Wyndham Ogallala
2 out of 5
500 East A Street South, Ogallala, NE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,232 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P4,232
P4,824 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Ogallala. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Walmart within walking distance, scooters coffee within walking distance, MI RANCHITO Mexican restaurant with walking distance great Mexican food with flavor."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham Ogallala
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
South Platte Cabins & Kennels - Campsite
South Platte Cabins & Kennels - Campsite
2 out of 5
501 Stagecoach Trail, Ogallala, NE
Stay at this campground in Ogallala. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Ogallala Nature Park and Nebraska National Trails ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (178 reviews)
"Cabins were very nice!"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

South Platte Cabins & Kennels - Campsite
Pet-friendly Ogallala Home ~ 7 Mi to Lakefront!
Pet-friendly Ogallala Home ~ 7 Mi to Lakefront!
3 out of 5
Ogallala
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cottage in Ogallala. Enjoy free parking, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Mansion on the Hill ...
Pet-friendly Ogallala Home ~ 7 Mi to Lakefront!
Ogallala Getaway ~ 15 Mi to Mcconaughy Lake!
Ogallala Getaway ~ 15 Mi to Mcconaughy Lake!
3 out of 5
Ogallala
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Ogallala. Enjoy free parking, air conditioning, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions South Park and Memorial Park are located ...
Ogallala Getaway ~ 15 Mi to Mcconaughy Lake!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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