Chimney Rock- Nebraska

We had very high expectations on our trip out west.  Our expectations were generally exceded on this trip- for example.......





Chimney Rock in Nebraska was one of those places. You expect it to be cool, but once you see it inperson, you realize that is flawless.

 

Check out the photo I took recently compared to the much older one from the visitor center with the wagon in front of it.  There is noticable deterioration.  It is a monument that you recognize, yet it is changing.  And, unlike some other well known monuments and formations, we can see some very clear change.

 

To me, Chimney Rock feels very alive.  It is still noticed by travellers- greeting them as they travel by car, just as it greeted travellers by wagons over a century and a half ago.

 

I picked up a very nice little book at the visitor center by Merrill J. Mattes about the rock, and its first mentions by travelers.  The book includes quotes from journals about observing the site.

 

We were a little concerned about the "Rattlesnakes are common in this area" sign.  We did not seen any here, but we were told that a few are spotted each year.  Inside, we saw a photo of one right up against the side of the center.

 

 Inside of the visitor cetner, a nice film about the trails passing Chimney Rock is shown.  They have a very nice museum about those earlier travelers, and their observations.

There are many relics and bits of information relating to the formation, and its role in travelers passing through.

The formation has really become a symbol for the state of Nebraska, showing up prominently on the state quarter.