Nebraskaland

NEBRASKAland December 2014

NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.

Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/417216

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8 NEBRASKAland • DECEMBER 2014 ocated at exit 107 on Interstate 80, the small town of Big Springs may be small but it's big on history. From outdoor opportunities, a night spent at an old-time motel, great food and history, this small town offers I-80 travelers a look to the past. The restored Phelps Hotel Bed & Breakfast gives guests a great place to stay similar to its opening on New Year's Day in 1886. The Phelps Hotel was a stopping place for Union Pacific (UP) railroad workers who carried side-arms for protection against would-be robbers and Indians. The "House of Three Chimneys," as the hotel was referred to, was a landmark for pioneers. Enjoy some "Grub at Gunpoint" at the Sam Bass' Saloon and Steakhouse. In 1877, the Sam Bass gang robbed the UP express train No. 4 of $60,000 in $20 gold coins at Big Springs, the largest robbery of a UP train. Legend states that part of the $20 gold pieces are still buried in the area. Along with history and old photos, the menu of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and their self-proclaimed best hand-cut steaks in the area are hard to beat. For those looking for a day in the outdoors, Lake McConaughy is a 40-minute drive from Big Springs. With plenty of sandy beaches and a campground with amenities, Lake McConaughy is a great way to spend a day at the beach camping, boating, jet skiing and parasailing. The lake is a popular walleye fishery along with white bass, wipers, northern pike and channel catfish. Ash Hollow State Historical Park is a mere 22-minute drive from Big Springs. The scenic State Historical Park's visitor's center offers a look back at the Oregon-California Trail where the old wagons still show their mark across the landscape at Windlass Hill. The visitor's center covers the history of the area and hosts exhibits describing prehistoric animals, early man and indigenous people. The park features a landmark cave, spring and creek, a sod house and an old restored stone school house along with the site of an original trading post. Hunters will want to visit Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area north of Big Springs. Clear Creek includes a 2,500-acre waterfowl refuge on the North Platte River, a 600-acre controlled waterfowl hunting area providing more than 2,000 acres of public hunting lands open to excellent deer, turkey, pheasant and waterfowl hunting, as well as fishing and bird watching. For more information, visit Outdoornebraska.org, and Ci.big-springs.ne.us. ■ By Julie Geiser oc oc oc oc Sp Sp Sp Sp S m Big Springs Ash Hollow State Historical Park's sod house Relaxing at Lake McConaughy SRA The Phelps Hotel Bed & Breakfast Big Springs Tra Tra T in b robber Sam Bass

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