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Beginning just a two-hour drive north from Omaha, the Cowboy Trail stretches 317 miles across the state of Nebraska. Cared for by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, this trail is celebrating 30 years of helping people experience the history and natural geography of the Cornhusker State.
The Cowboy Trail originally began as a Rails-To-Trails project. Currently, the Cowboy Trail is part of over 41,400 miles of trails from the Rails to Trails Conservancy, whose goal is to turn unused railroad track into usable outdoor recreation space for all to enjoy.
The rail line that has been repurposed into the Cowboy Trail, known as the “Cowboy Line,” was abandoned in the 1990s after having been in use for 120 years. The rail line was originally part of Fremont and Elkhorn Valley Railroad and later became part of Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, and was involved in the movement of both goods and people. In an effort to allow people the opportunity to explore this path safely on their own, the Cowboy Trail was established in 1995 and has been serving Nebraska residents and more since then.
The 27 cities and everything in between on the trail spanning from Norfolk to Chadron offer plenty for trail travelers to do. The Nebraska State Historical Society highlights 23 stops along the way that showcase Nebraska’s rich history.
The oldest site on the trail is Meadow Grove, which was a stop along the way for Pierre Antoine and Paul Mallet. The two were brothers from French Canada and are known as the first Europeans to cross the Great Plains stretch. It is said that the team passed through the area in 1739, and the city of Meadow Grove was officially platted in 1866.
The newest site on the trail jumps forward into 1944. During an instrument test flight, Lieutenants Fanslau and Beatty were involved in a plane crash. This site commemorates this unfortunate event and the people affected.
The trail also features original telegraph poles, an old grist mill, and a restored brick depot. These and many other markers showcase multiple facets of Nebraska life and history that demonstrate the grief, resilience, and perseverance of people who have lived on the Great Plains.
While the self-guided historical marker tour that includes these sites can be done year-round, Nebraska Game & Parks is putting on several special events throughout the year to celebrate this milestone anniversary.
The first individual event is happening on April 26: “Meet Ya in Clinton—Celebrate the Cowboy Trail” is taking place on the most recently developed part of the trail on the western end, from Rushville to Gordon-Clinton.
A more athletically geared event will be Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers, a five-day, six-night bicycle tour that will cover close to 200 miles as bikers pedal east from Valentine to Norfolk from June 8-14. The crushed limestone path will ensure a smooth experience for trailriders. This is set to be a rigorous bike ride, so it will be best to leave a leisurely attitude at home.
The official Cowboy Trail 30th Celebration Party will take place on September 5 in Valentine. With a bike ride to explore the area, the evening will also feature a dinner and social time on the historic Valentine bridge.
The final event set to commemorate 30 years of trail history is the Cowboy 200. This is not one, but two footraces, stretching 100 and 200 miles to Valentine starting in Ainsworth and Norfolk, respectively. Highlighted as an inexpensive, nonrepetitive 200-miler, this trail run will cross many bridges as miles along the way and offer all the aid and sleep stations necessary.
These are not the only events taking place over the course of the summer, so be sure to check out the complete list for some activities that may be less rigorous and more family-oriented.
Pairing with all of these events are the year-round dwellers of the surrounding habitat. Nebraska Game and Parks makes sure to let visitors know that the animals and nature that call the surrounding area their home need proper respect and care, no matter how exciting the events of the celebrations will be. The department is also working tirelessly to improve the habitat, including planting milkweed in 2015 as a migration aid to monarch butterflies.
The many bridges, historical markers, and towns to explore along the trail truly make up a beautiful part of “The Good Life” right here in Nebraska.
For more information, visit outdoornebraska.gov.
This article originally appeared in the May 2025 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
