Ogallala is deeply rooted in cowboy culture
In the late 19th century, Ogallala was a cattle shipping hub along the Texas Trail, used by ranchers to drive herds of cattle to the north. In early saloons, stories of gambling and gunslinging gave this community the reputation of an outlaw city. Today, it is hailed as the "Cowboy Capital of Nebraska," with Western attractions and a peaceful atmosphere close to a scenic lake shore. "The whole area has a lot of Western-era history," says Taylor Salas, an area local and Realtor at THE 1867 COLLECTIVE in North Platte. "Ogallala is a great town in a great location, and it's close to Lake McConaughy, which is very popular with locals."
Lake McConaughy offers 100 miles of shoreline
The community offers amenities like the Goodall Recreation Center, a fitness center with an indoor swimming pool. The Crandall Creek Golf Club has wide-open fairways, and its clubhouse serves craft-brewed ale. Nebraska's largest reservoir is Lake McConaughy, which has 100 miles of shoreline and white sand beaches. It features campgrounds, sandy off-roading areas and boat access. "The lake is super popular for locals and tourists," Salas says. "There aren't many houses on the lake, so you have more beach access. It has much to offer, with cabins, campers and location."
Wide-open skies and level lawns define this Great Plains community
Ogallala is in the Great Plains, with wide-open skies and landscapes that extend for miles. Homes are on level lawns with sidewalks bordered by juniper and pine trees. Residents may live in various home styles, including Craftsman bungalows and ranch-style homes. Houses typically have floor plans between 750 and 3,500 square feet. Prices range from $70,000 to $330,000, with values increasing east of downtown.
Old West charm and downtown dining define Ogallala’s culture
The Front Street complex is a time capsule of an Old Western village from the 1800s. It features a fake jail, a gift shop and the Front Street Steakhouse & Crystal Saloon. This popular restaurant has a dinner theater shoot-out that tells the story of an early conflict. The Open Range Grill serves burgers and has a spacious outdoor patio, while the downtown area has live music bars like Driftwood. Local supermarkets include options like Safeway and Walmart Supercenter.
Local schools include after-school STEM and household skills
Prairie View School serves Pre-K-8 students and offers the Kids Oasis after-school program, which offers STEM-based learning, exercise and homework assistance. Grades 9-12 attend Ogallala High School, which provides a community-based education class that teaches students basic math, time management and household maintenance skills. Both schools receive B-minus grades from Niche.
Museums and 1800s history at a cowboy graveyard
The Petrified Wood Gallery has exhibits of fossils, crystals and sculptures made from petrified wood. The Mansion on the Hill is a 20th-century mansion with guided tours of its artifacts and classical architecture. Locals can also visit Boot Hill, a graveyard for early cowboys, often buried with boots still on. "You can walk around and look at headstones from the 1800s," Salas says.
Interstate access and a flight connection to Denver
While there is no fixed bus route, Ogallala Public Transit provides transportation for a small fee. U.S. Highway 30 runs alongside the interstate, giving residents access to the surrounding communities. Interstate 80 is the local expressway. North Platte is about 55 miles east on I-80, and the North Platte-Lee Regional Airport offers passenger flights to the Denver International Airport.
