Walk to the Rock

Walk the historic trail at Chimney Rock and explore pioneer stories, stunning views, and interactive history with the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation.

Walk the historic trail at Chimney Rock and step into the story of the American West. Discover a network of paths that trace the same landscape once seen by hundreds of thousands of emigrants traveling to Oregon, California, and Utah trails in the 1800s. About the trail: Welcome to the Walk to the Rock trail system, owned and stewarded by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to preserving Nebraska’s historic places, stories, and cultural legacy. Chimney Rock, one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks on the overland trails, rises above the valley as a powerful reminder of the hopes, risks, and resilience that shaped the nation. What visitors experience: As you follow the trails toward the Rock, interpretive content in the app connects you with real emigrant experiences, trail routes, and the broader history of westward expansion. Each step brings new perspectives on the landmark that guided wagon trains, inspired pioneer diary entries, and continues to capture the imagination of travelers today.