Garden County Nebraska

Park Entry Permit Required

Grounds open year-round, 8:00 a.m. to sunset, including Windlass Hill center
Interpretive Center, Visitors Center and Cave open daily, May 5 to September 5, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sweet spring water made Ash Hollow near Lewellen a major stopover on the Overland Trail and prompted prehistoric Indians to use it, too. Ruts etched by west-bound wagons are visible on the bluffs at Windlass Hill. The history, archaeology and paleontology of the area are interpreted at the visitor center, Ash Hollow Cave and exhibits and structures.

Attractions
In 1962, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission began acquisition of the 1,000-plus acres that now comprise the park. An interpretive center was built over the entrance of Ash Hollow Cave to protect its unique features. In 1978, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission opened the visitor center on the bluff overlooking the mouth of the canyon. A hiking trail from the visitor center provides access to the spring in the bottom of the canyon.

Also a part of the park, Windlass Hill is located on a separate tract 2 1/4 miles south on U.S. 26. Development there includes an interpretative shelter and informal signs. A walkway provides access to the crest of the hill to view the deep ruts carved by those thousands upon thousands of wagons that traveled the trail those many decades ago.

Handicapped Accessible

1/2 mile east and 3 miles south of Lewellen on U.S. 26, or 30 miles northwest of Ogallala

Ash Hollow Soddy, Oregon Trail - California Trail marker

Facilities:
Camping: No
Water: Yes
Modern Restroom: No

Trails: Yes
Hiking: 1 miles

Picnicking: Yes
Picnic Tables: 28
Grills: 5

Visitor Center: Yes 308-778-5651
View bones of prehistoric rhinoceros, mammoths, and mastodons
Pioneer history displays
Gift Shop
Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day Hours 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Links:
Ash Hollow Pageant
Ash Hollow State Park Historic Markers
Ash Hollow Historical District
History of Ash Hollow on www.lasr.net
Ash Hollow on www.lasr.net
Nebraska Games and Parks Commission - Ash Hollow State Park

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