Fort Robinson | Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (original) (raw)
State Park
Soldier Creek Road and US Highway 20 | Crawford, NE 69339
Stunning Fort Robinson State Park comprises more than 22,000 acres of exquisite Pine Ridge scenery, compelling Old West history, exceptional lodging, scenic camping and the park’s own bison and longhorn herds.
As its name implies, Fort Robinson was operated as a fort from the early days of the Old West until after World War II. Many original buildings survive and remain in use at the park today, and others have been reconstructed. Fort Robinson was the site of the tragic Cheyenne Breakout in 1879 and the death of famed Sioux Chief Crazy Horse. Over the years, the fort served the Red Cloud Indian Agency, as a cavalry remount station, K-9 dog training center, POW camp and beef research station. It was established as a state park in 1962.
Features
Biking
Boating
Cabins
Camping
Canoe/Kayak
Equestrian trails
Fishing
Food service
Hiking
Hunting
Lodging
Picnicking
Playground
Swimming
Trail rides
The Fort Robinson State Park stagecoach ride is a popular attraction for park visitors. Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Grilling in front of the 1875 Officers Quarters cabins during a family reunion at Fort Robinson State Park. Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Historical reenactments at Fort Robinson State Park. Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Float trips down the White River are one of many activities offered at Fort Robinson State Park. Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
American Bison at Fort Robinson State Park. Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Park visitors fish at the Grable Ponds at Fort Robinson State Park. Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Christmas lights adorn the park's historical buildings each holiday season at Fort Robinson State Park. Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
A family plays volleyball outside one of Fort Robinson State Park's lodging facilities. Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
NOTE: Due to safety concerns, the dam at Carter P. Johnson Lake was decommissioned in fall 2023, emptying the lake and allowing Solider Creek to return to its natural flowing state. Learn more.
Fishing
Fort Robinson has nine ponds, along with fishing opportunities on cold-water streams in and near the park, making it an ideal location to cast a line. Anglers can find rainbow and tiger trout, small- and largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, black crappie and more.
Hiking & biking
Fort Robinson State Park offers 60 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of mountain biking trails, making it Nebraska’s top park for hiking enthusiasts. The park also offers mountain bike rental at the Activity Center. Explore downloadable trail maps below.
Jeep rides
Get a close-up view of Nebraska’s panhandle skyline while on a Jeep tour of Fort Robinson’s surrounding buttes and interesting geologic formations unique to this part of the state. Rides are available daily during the summer months. Reservations may be made at the park.
Nebraska Passport bonus stop
The History Center at Fort Robinson State Park is a 2024 Nebraska Passport Program bonus stop! Explore Fort Robinson’s complex past through exhibits in the 1905 post headquarters building documenting the history of this camp since 1874. The History Center is operated by History Nebraska.
- Dining
- Equestrian trails
- Museums
- Playhouse
- Stagecoach and wagon rides
- Swimming
- Other activities
- Nearby
Located at the park’s headquarters, Fort Robinson’s restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The park can also cater for group functions from mid-April to mid-November. Snacks are available at the Sutler’s Store in the Activities Center.
Fort Robinson is a horse rider’s paradise, offering 20 miles of trails, as well as many miles of fire service roads to ride, with more riding opportunities available nearby at the Nebraska National Forest. Additionally, Fort Robinson provides great accommodations for both horse and rider.
For history buffs, the Nebraska State Historical Society operates the Fort Robinson History Center and many restored or reconstructed exhibit buildings to interpret the Fort’s history.
The University of Nebraska operates the Trailside Museum, which interprets the geology and natural history of the region.
The Post Playhouse at Fort Robinson attracts professional actors from across the country and has developed a reputation throughout the region as a destination for quality, entertaining theater. The Playhouse features five musicals in rotation throughout the summer and offers eight shows a week during the season. Tickets and show details are available online and tickets can be purchased at the box office.
Get acquainted with the lay of the land by enjoying a horse-drawn tour of the park, as well as stagecoach rides. Both are available daily during the summer months. Reservations may be made at the park.
The indoor, Olympic-size Lindeken Pool, complete with an outdoor wading pool and sun deck, is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Hours
Memorial Day through Mid-August
- Daily, Noon to 6 p.m.
Mid-August through Labor Day
- Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day: Noon to 6 p.m.
Fort Robinson also offers an activity center, visitor center, picnic shelters, tube and mountain bike rental, hayrack breakfast rides, steak and chuck wagon cookouts and more. The Activity Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jeep, hayrack rides, cookouts and other activities may be arranged for groups in the fall; contact the park office. After mid-August, activities will depend on staff availability. Times are subject to change.
Chadron State Park
Nebraska’s first state park, Chadron State Park, offers cabins, camping and many activities against the backdrop of the beautiful Pine Ridge.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is one of the world’s most significant Miocene Epoch mammal sites. Several fossils can be found in exhibits along some of the monument’s trails. Exhibits in the visitor center contain a few real fossils and many plastic resin replicas.
Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands
Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands offers a combination of native ponderosa pine forest, hand-planed forest and mixed grass.
Pine Ridge National Recreation Area
Pine Ridge National Recreation Area provides 6,600 acres of ponderosa pine forests, trails and primitive camping.
Toadstool Geologic Park
The national park showcases the unique rock formations of the area, including many shaped like toadstools.
Museum of the Fur Trade
The Museum of the Fur Trade is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the North American fur trade and stands on the site of James Bordeaux’s trading post which was established for the American Fur Company in 1837.
Legend Buttes Golf Course
The Legend Buttes Golf Course is a nine-hole course that is open daily beginning April 1. Call 308-665-2431 for fees and tee times.
Lodging options
Fort Robinson is a particularly popular destination for family reunions and has been named one of the nation’s top family reunion spots by USA Today, among other publications. Please call the park office for more details about booking your family reunion at Fort Robinson State Park. Lodging season is mid-April to mid-November.
Historic lodging
Among the more unique features of Fort Robinson State Park are the stately buildings that once served as housing for the soldiers and officers stationed at the fort. Today, these spacious, beautiful buildings have been converted to lodging for guests at the park.
Stay in the 1909 enlisted men’s quarters or in the former officer’s quarters, which date from 1874 to 1909. These options sleep between two and 20 people. For those seeking space for a family reunion or other large group, Comanche Hall can sleep up to 60 people. All options have kitchens, baths and bedrooms. Larger cabins also feature living rooms. Cabins are furnished with blankets, towels, stoves, refrigerators, silverware and cooking utensils. Another historic option for overnight visitors is reserving one of the 22 rooms in the historic lodge.
Camping
Fort Robinson State Park offers campers Full Hookup, Electric Plus, and Basic campsites within a scenic and historic backdrop of the Nebraska Pine Ridge. Red Cloud Campground offers 74 Full Hookup campsites, Soldier Creek Campground offers campers a shady campground with 77 Electric Plus and 22 Basic campsites. Mare Barn campground offers 20 Electric Plus, 4 Full Hookup and 8 Basic campsites. Red Cloud, Soldier Creek and Mare Barn campgrounds offer advance reservations. Other camping amenities include modern restrooms, showers, drinking water, a dump and fill station, picnic tables and shelters. There is a coin-operated laundry facility for park guests located near the Mare Barn facilities.
Camping reservations are available for half of the electrical campsites. All other camping is first-come, first-served. All campers should check in at the park office upon arrival. For those camping without reservations, please go to park office upon arrival to check availability and register to camp. Memorial weekend through Labor Day, the park office is open 24 hours so campers can register to camp or check-in on their camping reservation upon arrival. During the camping shoulder season, first-come, first-served walk-in guests will pick a campsite and pay at the office the next day.
Equestrian camping
For those that bring their own horse or mule to ride the scenic trails, there is a third campground near the Mare Barn Complex that offers equestrian campers Electric and Basic campsites. The Mare Barn Campground is conveniently located next to modern restrooms, the park’s coin-operated laundry facility and the Mare Barn stalls. Reservations are available for the Mare Barn Campground by calling the park.
Reservation information
Fort Robinson offers reservations for cabins and half of the electrical campsites. The remaining campsites are available first-come, first-served.
Guests can make reservations online or can call the Nebraska State Parks reservation call center at 402-471-1414, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Rent a facility
Fort Robinson State Park offers multiple group facilities available for rent. Visit our pricing page for details. Picnic shelters may be reserved by calling the park.
Park FAQs
Answers to questions frequently asked by park visitors.
Read More
Fish
From bank fishing to boat fishing, Nebraska offers you everything you need to reel in a good time.
Read More
Equestrian Trails
Find equestrian trails and equestrian campgrounds near you!
Read More
Hiking & Biking
Explore rustic dirt paths, challenging mountain biking courses and wide, paved trails.
Read More
Visit a historical site or museum
Take a step back in time at one of Nebraska’s nine State Historical Parks.
Read More
Park Pricing
A park entry permit is required to visit state parks and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors, or in advance of your arrival online. View those fees, as well as attraction and amenity pricing.
Reservations
Reservations are accepted for cabins, lodge rooms, and group lodges up to one year in advance of the arrival date. Reservations for camping are accepted up to 180 days in advance of arrival date. The Reservation Call Center hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (CT) and closed on holidays.
Park Events
Our 76 gorgeous state park and recreations areas host a plethora of events throughout the year. From bird hikes to kayak races, Living History events to family outdoor days, our parks host something fun for every outdoor enthusiast.