Local History

 We are on the Oregon Trail. Travelers came down the "Great Platte River Road" and crossed over to Ash Hollow from Big Springs.

Ash Hollow is about 16 miles away and is famous for Windlass Hill where the Oregon Trail travelers used a winch to lower their wagons down a steep incline to get across the area.

Big Springs, located 10 miles east of the Nebraska-Colorado border, is named after a natural spring that supplied Indians earlier and the railroad later with water. It still flows in our little town and is a scenic place to visit. 

• Historic Phelps Hotel, build in 1885.

• The Oregon Trail passes through Deuel county near Big Springs. Visit the California Crossing and see the deep wheel ruts.

• Ash Hollow is 20 miles away.

• Kingsley Dam and Lake McConaughy are 20 miles northeast. Boating, fishing skiing, water sports.

• Big Springs swimming pool

• Big Springs nine-hole sand-greens golf course - enjoy a step back in history playing on native grass with sand greens that you rake yourself after playing through; green fees are $5.00

• Two parks, city park with sheltered picnic area with tables, playground equipment, two hard-surfaced tennis and basketball courts with fencing, and two sand volleyball courts

• Historic Union Pacific Depot / Museum
• See more activities