Platte River Scenic Trails
Lexington, NE

Lexington began as a trading post along the Oregon Trail. In 1864 the Plum Creek Massacre occurred, thus the trading post was destroyed and Fort Plum Creek was built. Once the transcontinental railroad was completed, the outpost grew into a town as new homesteaders and ranchers settled in the area. Shortly thereafter, the town was named Lexington after the famous Revolutionary War battle.

You can stop in Lexington on your trip on the Platte River Scenic Trails and enjoy many recreational opportunities. The Platte River Scenic Trails byway follows the Platte River, and this provides many opportunities for fishing or wildlife viewing. Lexington is a nesting spot for an estimated 250 bald eagles, and the migratory route of the Sandhill Crane is also followed by the endangered Whooping Crane. Not far away is Johnson Lake State Recreation Area and Elwood Lake where you can enjoy boating, fishing, and camping.

In addition to these recreational opportunities, you can visit historical markers, such as the Oregon Trail Marker, or the Dawson County Historical Museum. This museum documents the history of the county with different displays, two of which are "Big Al" and "Cattlemen's Exhibit." "Big Al" is 15,000 year-old Colombian Mammoth was discovered in the area in 1993, and "The Cattlemen's Exhibit" shows the importance of cattle in the area. The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles is also located just outside of Lexington.