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Our Parks Through the Years

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Smith Falls, ca. pre-March, 1964. Lou Ell, Nebraskaland
Smith Falls, ca. pre-March, 1964. Photo by Lou Ell, Nebraskaland Magazine.

By Julie Geiser

It’s cliché, we know: Some things change through the years, while others seem to stay the same. Our state park system is no different. And throughout all of these changes, or lack there of, their photos have been featured in Nebraskaland Magazine.

Smith Falls

Early settlers knew Smith Falls as Arikaree Falls, in reference to a semi-nomadic tribe of Native Americans that lived in the area. In 1896, Frederic Smith filed the first homestead patent for the land and is who the falls are now named after. In 1941, Sandhills farmer Fred Krzyzanowski bought the property to graze cattle, not knowing at first that the beautiful falls were on his newly purchased land. In 1992, the Game and Parks Commission agreed to a lease with the Krzyzanowski family, turning the area into a state park.

In 2023, an ADA-accessible walking path was finalized at Smith Falls State Park, bringing even more visitors to this iconic landmark.
In 2023, an ADA-accessible walking path was finalized at Smith Falls State Park, bringing even more visitors to this iconic landmark. Photo by Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine.

Buffalo Bill

Once the home of American scout, Pony Express rider, buffalo hunter and famed showman William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park at North Platte recaptures his life through memorabilia displayed in the mansion and Scout’s Rest Ranch barn.

Scout’s Rest Ranch, ca. 1980s. Ted Stutheit
Scout’s Rest Ranch, ca. 1980s. Photo by Ted Stutheit.
Scout’s Rest Ranch, after a fresh coat of paint, 2014.
Scout’s Rest Ranch, after a fresh coat of paint, 2014. Photo by Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine.

Fort Robinson

Fort Robinson was the site of the tragic Cheyenne Breakout in 1879 and the death of famed Sioux Chief Crazy Horse. Over the years, the fort served as the Red Cloud Indian Agency, as a cavalry remount station, K-9 dog training center, POW camp and beef research station. Located near Crawford, the park comprises more than 22,000 acres of exquisite Pine Ridge scenery, offering 60 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of mountain biking trails, making it Nebraska’s top park for hiking enthusiasts.

Fort Robinson has served multiple roles through the years, including a military training station after World War I, ca. early 1900s. NSHS, RG1517
Fort Robinson has served multiple roles through the years, including a military training station after World War I, ca. early 1900s. NSHS, RG1517.
Nowadays, Fort Robinson is known for many activities, including its trail rides, 2014.
Nowadays, Fort Robinson is known for many activities, including its trail rides, 2014. Photo by Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine.

Chadron

Chadron State Park, founded in 1921, is Nebraska’s first state park and has been a crown jewel of the Pine Ridge for more than a century. Campers and other visitors have long admired its mix of open fields and surrounding outcroppings as one of the state’s most stunning landscapes.

Camping at Chadron State Park, ca. 1962.
Camping at Chadron State Park, ca. 1962. Nebraskaland Photo Library.
Campers still enjoy the spacious sites at Chadron State Park, 2015.
Campers still enjoy the spacious sites at Chadron State Park, 2015. Photo by Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine.

Indian Cave

Indian Cave is the main geologic feature of this state park and bears prehistoric Native American petroglyphs of unknown date and origin. These unique features can now be viewed from the ADA-accessible boardwalk that has seating, informational signs and a viewing deck seated just below the cave opening.

David and Kirsten Vogt sit above the cave opening in 1981.
David and Kirsten Vogt sit above the cave opening in 1981. Photo by Don Cunningham, Nebraskaland Magazine.
A new boardwalk and deck give visitors an up-close look inside the cave opening in 2022.
A new boardwalk and deck give visitors an up-close look inside the cave opening in 2022. Photog by Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine.

Ashfall Fossil Beds

Nearly 12 million years ago, volcanic ash engulfed this ancient watering hole, entombing more than 20 different species of animals from turtles, cranes, deer, and rhinos, covering them in the rolling hills. Because of its scientific importance, the 360-acre historical park between Orchard and Royal was acquired in 1987 and is a joint project of the Game and Parks Commission and the University of Nebraska State Museum. Guests can tour this historical location and see paleontologists continue to dig the site in search of fossils.

Paleontologist Mike Voorhies carefully brushes volcanic ash off a prehistoric rhinoceros fossil at Ashfall Fossil Beds, 1987.
Paleontologist Mike Voorhies carefully brushes volcanic ash off a prehistoric rhinoceros fossil at Ashfall Fossil Beds, 1987. Photo by Ken Bouc, Nebraskaland Magazine.
The fossil beds are now enclosed in the Hubbard Rhino Barn, as shown here in 2012, protected from the elements and still an active dig site.
The fossil beds are now enclosed in the Hubbard Rhino Barn, as shown here in 2012, protected from the elements and still an active dig site. Photo by Jeff Kurrus, Nebraskaland Magazine.

Arbor Lodge

Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City started off as a small house constructed in 1855 when it was purchased by Arbor Day founder J. Sterling Morton and his wife, Caroline. The home has been remodeled eight times over the years, transforming it into a beautiful 52-room mansion.

In 1875, the Mortons began calling their home “Arbor Lodge.”
In 1875, the Mortons began calling their home “Arbor Lodge.” NSHS, RG2993-414.
Arbor Lodge, 2024.
Arbor Lodge, 2024. Photo by Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine.