Massacre Canyon National Monument, Nebraska
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Given its name, Massacre Canyon may not sound like a prime destination for adventure, but it’s definitely a good spot to stop by on your RVing vacation. Named for a vicious battle between the Pawnee and Sioux tribes, it’s actually a scenic canyon that runs near the Republican River.
The Massacre Canyon National Monument and the surrounding areas are full of gorgeous sights and nearby forests. The monument itself may be a somber reminder of a great battle, but it’s a good stop along the way for a great RV road trip.
The Monument itself is an obelisk set on three acres, with carvings of two Native American faces. Originally erected in 1930, it was moved to its current location to accommodate a new highway.
The monument is impressive in stature, weighing in at 91 tons, and the three-acre plot on which it sits is just as impressive. Massacre Canyon is actually about a half mile from the monument’s location. There are picnic tables and a small park area that’s nice for walking, stretching your legs, and enjoying lunch.
The Visitor Center at Massacre Canyon National Monument is a testament to Native American culture in Nebraska, especially the Sioux and Pawnee tribes. Nebraska was also a stop for many pioneers heading west.
Stop by the Visitor Center to learn more about the traditions of these two tribes, as well as the story of the battle that gave the canyon its name. There’s also a gift shop onsite to bring souvenirs home with you from your trip.
Located not far from the memorial is Swanson Lake Recreation Area, a vast lake perfect for a stop off on your road trip. There are opportunities to boat, fish, swim, and there are also playgrounds and picnic areas to make it enjoyable for the entire family.
Fishing in particular is a great pastime in the lake. It’s well-known for being home to a number of trophy fish. It’s even a popular spot for ice fishing come winter. The lake also provides access to the Republican River, connecting it to Massacre Canyon.
Some fish you may catch:
Long before Native Americans settled on the land that became Nebraska, dinosaurs roamed the area. They were all over what are now the Great Plains, and Nebraska was no exception.
Inside the Visitor Center, you’ll find a fossilized Stegomastodon (imagine a large, tusked elephant-like dinosaur) and a full exhibit based on fossil-finding and archaeology—something that’s important in Nebraska. So even if some of your travelers are less interested in Native American history, they may well be interested in the history of Nebraska that goes a little further back.
Visiting the Massacre Canyon National Monument, as well as the areas around it, also gives you an opportunity to do a little light hiking. You won’t find anything terribly strenuous (Nebraska is mostly flat, after all) but there are lots of areas nearby that are still very visually stunning.
The monument doesn’t sit on Massacre Canyon (it was moved to accommodate a new highway) but visiting the proper canyon is possible by getting nearer to the Republican River. This area offers interesting rock formations and classic Great Plains land.
Sitting in Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area, Center Dam Campground offers a variety of options for camping. There are electric only hookups, electric plus, and full hookups for an RV. Campgrounds inside Enders Reservoir, including Center Dam, are all on a first-come, first-serve basis and they only accept cash or check.
Not far from Massacre Canyon National Monument is Swanson Reservoir State Recreation Area. Macklin Campground is one of two sites inside the area, and it (clearly) sits near Swanson Reservoir for family fun. There are 17 RV-friendly sites at Macklin with electrical hookups, and the site also has shower houses and toilets. There’s also a dump station on the site.
Another campground inside Swanson Reservoir State Recreation area is Spring Canyon Campground. Larger than nearby Macklin, Spring Canyon offers 47 RV-friendly sites with electrical hookups (20-, 30-, and 50-amp hookups). The site is close to several trails, and also offers modern bathrooms and showers.
The Area A Campground inside Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area is one of the most popular in the area given its proximity to the reservoir itself. There are electric hookups, with some full hookups available as well. The campground is first-come, first-serve only and the camp only accepts cash or check for spots.
In nearby Red Willow State Recreation Area, you’ll find several 48 camping pads with electrical hookups. Red Willow is a water lover’s paradise, as you can enjoy water sports, fishing, and more. Willow View campground in particular gives you a full view of the lake. All of these spots are first-come, first-serve only and they only take cash or check.
There are no dining options at Massacre Canyon National Monument, but there are picnic tables. The view available from the monument makes it a nice spot to stop over and have lunch—one you can prepare from the kitchen of your rental RV. Plan for a quick meal here before moving on to your next location.
There are several small towns and recreational areas within a decent drive of the monument. In each one, you’ll find at least a couple of local places, like diners and occasional ethnic food. These diners will serve up great breakfast and short order foods, and you may also find interesting sandwich options. With several lakes in the area, you’ll also find marinas that double as restaurants, serving up fish options.
One of the great perks of traveling in your rental RV is that you’ve got a kitchen on board for moments when there aren’t restaurants nearby to enjoy. That said, in towns like McCook, Trenton, and Culbertson, you’ll find local, homestyle restaurants that will give you an authentic Nebraska dining experience.