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Rock Creek Station State Historical Park
The vast majority of travelers headed West chose the Oregon Trail
for three main reasons: a fairly regular, good supply of water
along the North Platte and Sweetwater Rivers; a dependable supply
of grass across the prairie; and an easy,gradual grade to and
through the mountains.
Originally called "The Emigrant Road"by the early pioneers,
the route commonly became known as "The Oregon Trail" and
later as "The Overland Trail." Regardless of its name,
emigrants always referred to it as "the road" and not
a "trail."
From Independence, Missouri to Oregon City in the Willamette Valley,
the Oregon Trail ran 2,000 zig-zagging miles across the present states
of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.
The distance in miles mattered less than the distance in time. It
usually took at least four and one-half months to reach the West,
and the trip became a race against the seasons. Most wagon trains
traveled at an average speed of 12 to 20 miles per day; but sometimes
only a mile or two a day if climbing mountains.
Late April or early May was the best time to get a wagon train
moving. The departure date had to be calculated carefully. If the
train started too early in the spring, there would not be enough
grass on the prairie to graze the livestock. The animals would
then become sick, slowing up the wagon train and causing changes
in the schedule that could bring serious trouble later. On the
other hand, a wagon train that started after other trains were
already on the road found trampled grass and polluted water holes.
Worse yet, a train that waited too long could get trapped in the
mountains by an early winter blizzard.
Burlington Northern Foundation Visitor Center
3,200 square-feet includes two wings for displays,  lobby and theater
with slide presentation upon request.
Hours: Mid April, 1-5pm Sat & Sun; May 1 - Late
September, 9am-5pm Daily, October 1-5pm Sat & Sun Call (402)
729-5777 for additional information.
Grounds and Picnic Area - Open Year-Round
Large picnic shelter with electricity, tables, grills, water
and toilets available. The picnic shelter may be reserved for a
fee of $30. Please inquire at the Visitor Center or with the Park
Superintendent.
Nebraska Park Entry Permit is required.Permits available at the
Visitor Center or from the Park Superintendent. Daily, $3.00; Annual,
$17.00; Duplicate, $8.50.
Modern Campground
Showers available Mid April - Late October. Fees: $15/night (camp
pads); $10/night (tent sites); $7 electric fee during off season.
All pa ds have hook-ups, camp grill or fire ring and picnic table.
All pads are paved. Tent sites have picnic table and grill or
fire ring.
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