Ogallala
Campground
Ogallala/Tri-Trails KOA
This campground turned out to be so much more quiet than we had planned - because they closed it down during our stay. They did warn us and since water and electric would still be working (just no one in the office), we stayed. For most of the time, we were the only ones here. It worked out just fine.
Things to see
Boot Hill Cemetery
The Boot Hill Cemetery is named for the [sometimes unknown] cowboys and roughians who died and were buried with their boots on. There are some interesting stories on plaques around the grounds.
Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area and Wildlife Management Area
This lake (Nebraska's largest reservoir) was formed by a dam (one of the largest of its type in the world). All kinds of water sports here. The water level was down quite a bit but there are normally many bays with boat launches and camping.
Oktoberfest in Sidney NE
Just a bit down the road was Sidney. While we were here, they had an Oktoberfest going on. It was very family oriented. Lots of local vendors, German and other kinds of foods, beer, and a pretty big stage where they featured singers and dancers. They day we went, they had an all day dance recital from the local area but also had some Irish dancers come from Denver to perform! Finished our afternoon with an entertainer who did a decent Elvis impersonation and did lots of other songs too.
Tri-Trails Park
This is the geographic crossing of three major historic trails, the Oregon Trail, Pony Express Trail and the Great Western Cattle Trail (aka the Texas Trail). It really isn't much to see but it was close to our campground!
Hiking
Ash Hollow State Historical Park
Ogallala was one of many stops along the Oregon and California Trails. Ash Hollow was a welcome place to stop that had water and wood. Another part of this same park is Windlass Hill (see below).
Food and Drink
Open Range Grill
It is always interesting to go to local places like this. Good food, beer, and people watching. We sat at the bar and got to chat with the bartenders.
To make a long story short ...
Closed for the season
A few weeks before we traveled to Ogallala, we got a call from the owners of the KOA. They said something to the effect of
"Due to circumstances beyond our control, we will have to close the office during your stay. Water, electric, showers, and bathrooms will be functional."
We knew we were staying late in the season. We spanned Oct 1, which is when they decided to close the office. We don't need much from an office and, as long as everything else worked, we'll be fine. Admittedly, being the only RV in a campground can be a little odd. Walking around at night seems just a bit spookier when it is October.
When we checked in, the guy that helped us said he was covering for the owners - WHO WERE HAVING A BABY! He was about to be a grandpa.