Welcome to Explore Niobrara, Celebrate America 250!
Over the next 18 months, the Explore Niobrara Committee hopes to provide you with ample opportunities to explore our rich Niobrara County history as we join with our nation in celebrating 250 years of America.
Our kickoff event is scheduled for September 20, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Hat Creek Stage Station.
Directions: Take highway 85 north of Lusk to mile marker 163. Turn on Hat Creek Road (County Road 64). Go 2 miles east to Stage Road, (County Road 65) and 1 mile south to Hat Creek Station. Please observe the parking signs.
Come equipped for an outdoor program. Shade is limited. Bring lawn chairs, umbrella, sunscreen, water, and bug spray. Please no pets outside of vehicles. No smoking outside of vehicles. There is no or very limited cell service. Portable toilets will be available.
Main Speaker: Paul Hedren
Paul Hedren is a retired National Park Service historian and superintendent and well-published author. His particular focus has been the events in the 1870s on the northern plains. Many of Hedren’s writings touch in one way or another the storied Hat Creek Stage Station, and he does so again in his most recent book, Sitting Bull’s War: The Battle of the Little Big Horn and the Fight for Buffalo and Freedom on the Plains, coming this fall. When not afield, Paul resides in Omaha.
Local speakers:
Ben Hanson — John B. Kendrick and establishment of OW Ranch west of Hat Creek
Danny Hanson — Hanson family ranch history in Hat Creek area
Jeb Hanson — Sadie Hanson and Bryant family histories
Cheryl and Chrisanna Lund — Mill Family and ranch history
Daniel Goddard family history
Other offerings:
A short documentary on Chris Madsen -A soldier’s experience at Hat Creek outpost
Brief video on stage driver Edmond Alfred Cook by Tena Cook, great-granddaughter
Various exhibits on display inside the Stage Station
Local history books for sale by Niobrara Historical Society
Next scheduled event: A day in the life of Node, October 5, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Node School House, 10 miles east of Lusk on highway 20
For more information about Explore Niobrara, Celebrate American 250 contact: exploreniobrara@yahoo.com and for additional Hat Creek History click here.
