Trail D Stop 1
Welcome to the Walk to the Rock Trail System at Chimney Rock National Historic Site.You’re about to walk through one of the most iconic landscapes in the American West. Chimney Rock has stood for centuries—rising from the prairie like a natural monument, guiding travelers across generations.This 2.3-mile network of trails is more than a path. It’s an invitation to experience the spirit of the Great Plains and connect with the people who crossed them long before us.These trails—and the land to the north—are owned and maintained by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, or NSHSF. Since opening in 2023, more than 20,000 visitors from around the world have walked these paths, each one part of a growing legacy.Take your time. Soak in the views. And remember—you’re not just walking through history. You’re part of it.
Trail D Stop 2
As you walk this trail, know that you’re following a path paved by decades of care, commitment, and community.The Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation was formed in 1942 to support the state’s history museum. By 1953, that dream became a reality. But over the years, the Foundation’s reach has grown far beyond one building.Today, NSHSF manages more than $23 million across 40 endowment funds—supporting everything from trail systems to preservation grants.One of those programs is RoamNebraska—a grant initiative that helps small museums and libraries protect their collections. Since its launch, RoamNebraska has awarded over 230 grants totaling more than $260,000.That support makes places like this possible—and keeps Nebraska’s stories alive across the state.
Trail D Stop 3
The story doesn’t stop at Chimney Rock—it stretches across Nebraska, and through time.The Foundation’s WanderNebraska program helps travelers and residents discover hidden historical gems across the state—from nearby Scotts Bluff National Monument and Ash Hollow State Historical Park to quiet town museums and forgotten landmarks.We also offer WanderNebraska Adventure Tours—immersive day trips and regional tours that bring the past to life in unforgettable ways. And we've also launched The Cottonwood Society, a new initiative to support long-term preservation and education.If this visit has moved you—if Chimney Rock stirred your curiosity or sparked your imagination—please consider giving back.A suggested donation of $5 per person helps us maintain these trails, create meaningful programs, and keep Nebraska’s history vibrant and accessible.To give, just scan the QR code at the next trail marker or visit nshsf.org.Thank you for being a part of this journey.The stories we preserve today become the inspiration for tomorrow.
