In northern and central Sheridan County, large rock formations and limestone cliffs lie among Ponderosa pine forests. The Niobrara River is the county’s main flowing waterway. This landscape offers different perspectives on the region—from rocks and forest to waterways and the Sandhills.
Landscapes, Roads, and Trails
Highway 250 follows a scenic route through the Sandhills from Lakeside to Rushville and onward toward Pine Ridge Country. The route provides an overview of this vast landscape and the places mentioned along it, without requiring you to follow a set itinerary.
The county’s trails also have a history of their own. The Cowboy Trail follows the route of the former Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. In Sheridan County, a 16-mile section between Gordon and Rushville has been completed. The Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail is suitable for walking, biking, running, and horseback riding. Depending on your interests, you can take a look at the former railroad route or focus on one of the trail’s listed uses.
Lakes and Wildlife Viewing
Walgren Lake is especially well suited to viewing birds and other wildlife. Walgren Lake State Recreation Area offers 40 basic campsites beneath shady cottonwood trees. Hunting for waterfowl, rabbits, doves, and pheasants is also available at the lake; check current regulations before your trip.
Smith Lake has a concrete boat ramp and dock, as well as a basic campground and picnic area. Fishing is possible there in both summer and winter. If you want to distinguish the lakes by a specific interest, seasonal fishing is noted for Smith Lake, while Walgren Lake stands out as a place to observe birds and other wildlife.
Common wildlife at Metcalf Wildlife Management Area includes deer, doves, elk, grouse, squirrels, and turkeys. These species offer further clues to the region’s nature-related attractions.
Museums and Stories from Sheridan County
The Scamahorn Museum is located in Gordon’s oldest building. The house originally served as a Methodist church and was dedicated in 1884. The collection includes quilts, household items, early 20th-century clothing, military uniforms, and Native American art and artifacts. Everyday life, clothing, and other cultural objects are represented side by side.
The Tri-State Old Time Cowboys Memorial Museum offers another perspective on ranch history. Built in 1969, the wooden building measures 40 by 80 feet. Exhibits include ranching artifacts and more than 200 cattle brands. The museum’s public events include an Old Timers Picnic featuring Western music, cowboy poetry, and stories. Events take place throughout the year; check specific dates before your visit.
The Spotted Tail Agency is also connected to the county’s history. It was established in 1874 to distribute treaty provisions under the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, including food, clothing, weapons, and household utensils. On September 4, 1877, Crazy Horse surrendered there after fleeing the Red Cloud Agency.
The Spade Ranch headquarters is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Around 1900, the ranch’s grazing land covered about 500,000 acres, primarily in the particularly rugged Sandhills areas of Sheridan and Cherry Counties. In Ellsworth are the business offices built around 1890 and the rancher Bartlett Richards’s (1862–1911) house, built in 1902. Richards was from Vermont.
Other historical and literary connections add to this picture: Gourley’s Opera House was built by Dave Gourley in 1914, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and still has its original theater seats. Mari Sandoz was born in Sheridan County, Nebraska, and is buried there in her own western homeland.
Events in Gordon
The Sheridan County Fair and Rodeo in Gordon includes a parade on Main Street, an Old Time Cowboy Breakfast, and a Buyer Bonanza. If you want to plan your trip around an event, check the dates in advance.
Explore more destinations: Bingham, Kearney County, Buffalo County, Douglas, Sarpy County, Garfield County, Wayne County, Washington County.
For the overview of the wider region: Nebraska.
