Trail C Stop 1
Welcome to Trail C, a 0.75-mile loop through the tall silence and soft shimmer of the high plains prairie.This landscape may appear empty to the untrained eye—but look closer. Beneath the wind and grasses is a complex, interwoven ecosystem that has sustained life for centuries. It is a place of migration, adaptation, and renewal.Trail C is part of the Walk to the Rock Trail System, maintained by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation—a nonprofit committed to preserving the land, stories, and legacy of Nebraska’s past. Through programs, grants, and stewardship, NSHSF helps ensure that natural and cultural resources like this prairie are honored and protected.As you walk, we invite you to observe slowly, breathe deeply, and discover the quiet resilience of this landscape.
Trail C Stop 2
The prairie may look still—but it’s alive with motion, especially in the cooler hours of morning and evening.Scan the rock formations above you. Bighorn Sheep can often be seen climbing effortlessly, their curled horns blending into the stone. In the ravines below, Mule Deer move cautiously, their wide ears twitching at every sound.At your feet, life moves in quicker pulses. A cottontail rabbit may dart across your path. A coyote may appear and vanish in an instant—always alert, always watching.And then—listen.A sharp chirp rings out from the grasses. It’s a prairie dog, sounding the alarm. Prairie dogs are social creatures, natural lookouts who warn the entire colony of intruders—like you, walking quietly through their village.The key to seeing the prairie? Slow down. Watch. Listen. The wild reveals itself to those who walk with patience.
Trail C Stop 3
Not all prairie life has fur or feathers. Some of its most fascinating residents crawl, slither, or hop.You may see one of four snakes native to this area: the long, shiny Bullsnake the patterned and cautious Prairie Rattlesnake the curved-snout Western Hognose or the fast, green-blurred North American Racer, also called the Green RacerIt’s easy to confuse a Bullsnake with a rattlesnake—but look closely. The Bullsnake has black markings near its mouth and a glossier sheen. The Prairie Rattlesnake has dustier coloring and white lines from its eyes down its neck—and of course, a rattle. If you hear that sound, don’t panic—just keep your distance and give it space.Among the grasses, you may also spot the Ornate Box Turtle. Males have striking red eyes, while females’ are darker. They're slow-moving, long-lived, and a rare treat to observe.And finally, the Plains Lubber Grasshopper - Nebraska's largest grasshopper. Too big to fly, it travels in bold leaps, especially in summer when the sunflowers bloom. From insects to reptiles, each creature here has a role in keeping the prairie balanced.This prairie is a teacher. In it, we see cycles of resilience, community, camouflage, and transformation. It may appear quiet, but it is never still.The Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation helps care for this land—along with the people and programs that bring its stories to life. From trails like this to statewide educational grants, NSHSF works to preserve the wild and the human narratives of Nebraska.If you’ve enjoyed your time on Trail C, consider leaving more than footprints. A suggested donation of $5 per person helps support trail maintenance, interpretive programming, and future conservation.To make a gift, scan the QR code on the signage or visit nshsf.org.Thank you for walking with us—and for noticing the beauty in the details.
