Ash Hollow State Historical Park
Overview
Sweet spring water made Ash Hollow State Historical Park near Lewellen a major stopover on the Overland Trail and prompted prehistoric Indians to use it, too. Ruts etched by west-bound wagons are visible on the bluffs at Windlass Hill. The history, archaeology and paleontology of the area are interpreted at the visitor center, Ash Hollow Cave and exhibits and structures. An interpretive center was built over the entrance of Ash Hollow Cave to protect its unique features. In 1978, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission opened the visitor center on the bluff overlooking the mouth of the canyon.
Activities
Hiking
A hiking trail from the visitor center provides access to the spring in the bottom of the canyon.
Historic Sites
In the visitor center, you can view bones of prehistoric rhinoceros, mammoths, and mastodons as well as pioneer history displays. At Windlass Hill, you can view the deep ruts carved by those thousands upon thousands of wagons that traveled the trail those many decades ago.
Picnicking
Also a part of the park, Windlass Hill is located on a separate tract 2 1/4 miles south on U.S. 26. Development there includes an interpretative shelter
Seasonality/Weather
The park's museum and visitor center is open from Memorial Day until Labor Day
Directions
Driving
Ash Hollow SHP is located 3 miles South East of Lewellen, NE, or 28 miles North West of Ogallala, Ne. When leaving Ogallala, just take highway 26 straight to Ash Hollow.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(308) 778-5651Links
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