Oregon Trail
  It is a little west of Ogallala that the Oregon Trail (which had been following the Platte River upstream and beyond thus following the south bank of the South Platte) crossed the South Platte to cut north to the North Platte. They then followed the North Platte well into Wyoming (crossing it several time seeking out better terrain for the wagons.
  There has been a strong renewal of interest in the Oregon Trail and the Pioneers who courageously followed it to settle in the 'Far West'. Ash Hollow Historical Park on US-26 northwest of Ogallala (take exit 126 and just follow US-26) also has a museum containing a wide range of artifacts from the Oregon Trail period and Native Americans prior to the coming of the Europeans. Phone 1-308-778-5651 for info.

Frontier Days
  Ogallala survived the frontier days, buried its share of cowboys, gamblers, etc., in the local Boot Hill. The town puts on their version of an Old West shootout accompanied by an Old West 'musical' at their Crystal Palace Saloon. It is quite a lively affair but not quite as 'family-oriented' as the Cheyenne show.
  The Ogallala show runs daily throughout the summer. You can get the current schedule and other information from the Chamber of Commerce - toll-free 1-800-658-4390. If you are passing by, take exit 126 and their office is at 204 East A Street (which is the road on which you are driving entering Ogallala from the Interstate).

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Bald Eagle Viewing Center
  If you are driving by in the Winter (late December through March) you may wish to visit the Bald Eagle Viewing Center just below the dam at Lake McConaughly. For more information visit their web site at Bald Eagle.

Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area
  Across the River from town of Sutherland is another State Recreation Area. This also offers primitive camping pads if you are so equipped. It also has a small swimming beach and the lake (so we were told) is warmer in the summer than its ice-cold neighbor, Lake McConaughy.
  Sutherland is a much smaller lake but super convenient - only about a mile south of exit 158.

Ash Hollow State Historical Park. This historic site in Lewellen (about 50 miles from Ogallala) does a great job of covering Oregon Trail history. View the old wagon ruts plus a prehistoric cave, and visitor center.
   If you're eastbound on I-80, take exit 107 and head north on NE-25B to Big Springs; continue north on US-138 (Pine St) to US-30; The highway continues as Road 207 north to US-26; head west on US-26 to Lewellen (about 25 mi from I-80). To return to I-80, follow US-26/NE-61 to Ogallala. US-26 splits off in Ogallala but if you continue on NE-61 which will take you back to I-80 at exit 126. There are many fine hotels in Ogallala around exit 126 that frequently offer discounts (see list on Ogallala page)
   If you're westbound on I-80, take exit 126 and head north on NE-61 into Ogallala; road becomes US-26 (East 'A' St); continue on US-26/NE-61 to Lewellen (about 50 miles from Ogallala). To return to I-80 follow US-26 east to Road 207 (about 9 miles). Turn right on 207 and follow it to US-30 (about 9 miles). Continue across US-30 to Big Springs (this portion of the road is signed US-138). You will drive through Big Springs on Pine Street, continuing straight on Pine, across the railroad tracks and then crossing the South Platte River to exit 107 of I-80.