Places To See

Fast Facts about Keith County!

Welcome to Ogallala and Keith County, Nebraska – home of beautiful Lake McConaughy, the largest lake in a 3-state region!  We hope you’ll take some time to explore the historic and cultural attractions of our area. Learn more about our local history here.   While you’re at it, check out places to stay and places to eat.

• Ash Hollow:  In nearby Garden County, this state historical park commemorates a famous stopping point on the Oregon/California Trail.
• Boot Hill:  Take a self-guided walking tour of this 1880s Texas Trail era cemetery.   Cowboys who met an untimely end in Ogallala were said to have been buried “with their boots on” at this grassy hill on the north side of town.
• Front Street Crystal Palace Revue:  The longest running summer stock theatre production in Nebraska, Front Street hosts an Old West shoot-out and show during the summer.
• Historic Walk of Fame: Enjoy the self-guided Historic Walk of Fame walking tour in downtown Ogallala.  Outdoor markers chronicle the history of Keith County.
• Lake McConaughy Visitors/Water Interpretive Center:  The local Game and Parks HQ, the Center also contains an aquarium and interactive educational exhibits.
• Little Church, Keystone: Keystone’s historic church with both Catholic and Protestant altars is open by appointment.
• Mansion on the Hill: Ogallala’s 1887 Victorian home and museum is open to tour during the summer.
• Ole’s in Paxton:  See a vintage collection of over 200 trophy mounts at this Paxton steakhouse and lounge that opened in 1933.
• Petrified Wood Gallery:   This unique collection of ancient woods, art and artifacts is a visitor favorite.
• Second Chapter Brewing, Ogallala’s new microbrewery and taproom, is housed in the historic former Goodall City Library building at 203 West A Street.
• Spruce Street Station: A restored 1922 Standard Oil station serves as a summer visitors center in downtown Ogallala.
• Tri-Trails Park:  A convenient stop from the interstate, this small, scenic park commemorates all the historic trails that passed through Ogallala and Keith County.

Little Church of Keystone

(lake photo courtesy of Bailee Schow)