Western Nebraska’s most famous park offers infinite opportunities for exploring nature as well as learning about the history of the Sioux and the U.S. Army.
Nestled amid Nebraska’s iconic buttes, Fort Robinson has witnessed many history-making events. Sioux chief Crazy Horse died here during the Sioux Wars that took place in the American West in the 19th century. Later this was the site of the Cheyenne Outbreak when Native Americans interned here attempted to return to their ancestral lands.
Visit this bustling vacation destination to appreciate the natural bounty of Nebraska’s plains while communing with the area’s past.
Get up at dawn to watch the sun rising over the cliffs. Go on a horseback ride with the fort’s experienced cowboys and cowgirls or relax on a Jeep tour as guides explain the park’s geological and natural history.
Spot animals while riding aboard the stagecoach Fort Robinson Express or hike on your own amid the striking scenery. Fish for trout in the nearby river or join a crafting session back at the fort. After all the excitement, swim in the on-site indoor pool or sunbathe on the wide sun deck.
Spend some time inside exploring the historic fort and relaxing. Wander through interactive, kid-friendly museums to learn about the fort’s role in the Sioux Wars and as a POW camp during World War I, when Germans were interned here. Marvel at the massive mammoth skeletons, whose tusks are permanently locked in battle. Wander through the cabins and barracks, set up as they would have been when the U.S. Army occupied the fort. Feast on the fort’s own bison in the on-site restaurant then revel in the perfect stillness of this remote area.
Fort Robinson is located in northwestern Nebraska, a 5-minute drive from the nearby town of Crawford. Drive here in 2 hours from Rapid City, South Dakota, or in 4.5 hours from Denver, Colorado. A closer large airport is in Cheyenne, Wyoming, a 3-hour drive away, offering connections to other destinations in the western United States. Free parking is available on site.
The park grounds are open daily year round, but the lodge, cabins and museums are open only from April to November.
