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Tourism

One visit to Sidney and you’ll see why it’s been a “favorite stopping place since 1867.” Seasoned visitors are well aware of the charms of Sidney, from the historic memorabilia of Fort Sidney, to the Deadwood Trail and the cherished wagon ruts of the Oregon Trail that can still be seen in parts of Cheyenne County. The famed Sidney Boot Hill Cemetery is being restored where over 200 old west characters were buried, and the downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Since the early days, people have beaten a path to Sidney, en route to other destinations, stopped for the night or several. Many have found the location, the culture and the people so much to their liking that they now call Cheyenne County their home. And still more find their way back to visit on a regular basis.

The biggest draw for tourism in Western Nebraska, and the entire state, is Cabela’s, “The World’s Foremost Outfitter. Each year approximately 3 million visitors pass under the gigantic green roof that houses an impressive selection of hunting, fishing, camping and general outdoor gear as well as a display of museum quality game animals from the U.S., Canada and Africa. Once they’ve filled their outdoor shopping list, there’s always something fun to do in Sidney.

The Post Commander’s Home is a major attraction in the county. The home has been restored to its original state. The Fort Sidney Museum and Post Commander’s Home offer unique memorabilia recreating a story of Sidney’s past.

Other historic sites in the county include a log cabin in Dalton, complete with original furnishings of the pioneer era, and a railroad and agriculture museum is available for viewing in Lodgepole. If you enjoy antiques, visit Potter as well as Lodgepole for many treasures.

The Sidney fishing pond is a hotspot for kids to get some fishing practice in. The pond was recently built in June of 2007 and offers a walking trail, free fishing, a fountain, and gazebos all conveniently located in Sidney’s Legion Park.

The Sidney Shooting Park, completed in 2006, offers great activities of trap and skeet for the novice shooter to the shooting enthusiast.

A wide selection of rooms are available from 12 hotels and motels. Some are historic, but most offer the latest in appointments and conveniences such as pools, hot tubs, high speed Internet and reasonable rates.

If you’re planning a trip through Sidney when one of the area’s numerous celebrations are going on, better make your reservations early because they are all very popular. Each year the community comes together to toss their hat in the air in celebration of their culture that’s based in agriculture. The Cheyenne County Fair is held each year at the end of the wheat harvest, offering traditional arts, crafts, carnival rides, delicious fair food and the entire gamut of livestock exhibits and competitions.

Sidney’s glorious past is the subject of Gold Rush Days, which is held each summer in June. During Gold Rush Days you can take a ride on a horse drawn wagon; explore a Native American lodge, watch their tribal dance display; see an authentic, working chuck wagon; watch old west gun fights; enjoy daylong entertainment; and sample a variety of food, arts and crafts. This celebration is held in conjunction with Cabela’s Kids’ Fishing Tournament, where every child is a winner.

Sidney’s Oktoberfest is one of the most popular festivals in western Nebraska, with live bands, floats and fans attending from surrounding states. This classic fall festival features hundreds of entertainers from musical to dance and comedy, and of course there’s an adequate supply of brats and cold beer. Saturday’s Oktoberfest Parade is huge, with large crowds, antique cars, community floats, clowns and top quality bands that often includes Denver’s Bagpipe band marching in full Scottish regalia.

The Rod and Roll custom auto show is also a big part of the Oktoberfest celebration, with Friday night generally reserved as “cruising” night. You can sit along the sidewalk downtown and watch as dozens of vintage cars and trucks relive the time honored tradition of driving up and down Main Street, showing off their ride!

From a Taste of Sidney to our Old Fashioned Christmas, a long list of events fill the calendar of activities throughout the year. You pick the time and you’re sure to find plenty of interesting things to do in Sidney during your stay. We’d love to see you come back for another visit when you have more time to sit and relax.