Horse Trail Directory Equine News

 

Rock Creek Station

Near: Fairbury, NE
Trails: Not Rated
Camp: Not Rated
Miles of Trails: 15
Easy

Trail Description: Rock Creek Station is a favorite of Nebraskans. Located in south central Nebraska, just east of Fairbury, Rock Creek Station offers about 10 miles of trails; some in the trees and some prairie riding. Ride through the replicated Rock Creek Station and acclimate your horse to stagecoaches on display! The horse camp is primitive with fire rings and picnic tables, vault toilets. There are 12 horse corrals; first come, first serve. Please clean up your corral before leaving. You may also set up portable fencing or tie to your trailer. Rock Glen WMA adjoins Rock Creek Station (under separate management) and offers riding on marked trails through this wildlife management area. This area provides additional hours of riding if enjoying Rock Creek Station. Pay special attention to the posted rules for riding hours in this area due to hunting. In addition, active cattle grazing may be taking place. Leave gates as they are found. Call 402.729.5777. (Courtesy www.horsetrailriders.com) Fun facts from Wiki: Rock Creek Station was established in 1857 along the Oregon Trail and California Trail, along the west bank of Rock Creek. The station was a supply center and campground for emigrants. In 1859, the property was purchased by David McCanles, who added another station on the east bank and built a toll bridge across Rock Creek. Two years later, he leased or sold the property to the Russell, Waddell, and Majors firm, which owned and operated the Pony Express. In July 1861, David McCanles, who had a reputation as being a local bully, stopped by Rock Creek Station to inquire about the status of his payments. An argument ensued, and McCanles was shot and killed by a young James Butler Hickok, who later became known as Wild Bill Hickok. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission began development of the area as a state historical park and state recreation area in 1980. Deep trail ruts can be seen on the 390-acre (1.6 km2) park complex. Many of the station's buildings have been reconstructed, other attractions include a visitor center with exhibits about pioneers along the Oregon trail and Wild Bill Hickok, hiking trails, and a campground.

There are 12 corrals that were donated by the Nebraska Horse Trails Committee but campers can set up portable fencing or tie to the trailer. Plenty of camping, no marked sites. Quite busy during holiday weekends.

Contact: --