Platte River Road Route to Hill City

Total Mileage: 557.0

Approximate Time: 8+ hours

The Platte River Road route takes you through all the major historical trails west - the Oregon, Mormon, California, Pony Express and the first transcontinental railroad along with the Plate River Valley - for an enjoyable ride to Hill City. Major attractions found along the Platte River Road route include the following:

Pioneer Village, the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument (over I-80), and Fort Kearney Historical Park are all located near Kearney. Lexington has the Heartland Museum of Military and Gothenburg has an original Pony Express station in town. Fort McPherson National Cemetery is just south of Maxwell. North Platte is home to Bailey Railroad Yard (the worlds’ largest) and the Home of Buffalo Bills Scouts Rest Ranch Historical Park. Paxton offers Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse, which is a must see. Ogallala offers Boot Hill and Lake McConaughy (the largest lake in Nebraska). The trip to Hill City can be made in one day from Lincoln, but the towns of North Platte, Ogallala, Alliance or Chadron all have good choices of motels and camping areas for overnight stays.

AMA Disclosure:

"These routes will traverse public roads and highways. The organizer is not responsible for the conditions of these roads and highways, nor for the behavior of/or hazards caused by other individuals using the public roads and highways. The organizer is not responsible for any changes in the condition of these routes that may have occurred since they were selected. Each participant is solely responsible for the safe and successful operation of his motorcycle during this event."