Oregon Trail Rodeo

Last year, 214 cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation competed at our rodeo, with winning competitors awarded $50,000 in prize money.

In addition to our rodeo, we host a Kids’ Day activity, where we gather 500 fourth-grade students from Adams, Webster, Nuckolls, and Hall Counties to learn about rodeo, its history in Nebraska, Buffalo Bill Cody, the care of rodeo animals, and rodeo events

Rodeo is a vital part of Nebraska history. Buffalo Bill Cody, who made his home in North Platte, formulated the idea of a wild west show, which basically melded with rodeo competition to create what we know today as pro rodeos. Buffalo Bill made 5 trips to Hastings with his Wild West Show, and we are proud that nearly 100 years later, the tradition of wild west action shines through in pro rodeo competition.

The Oregon Trail Rodeo attracts about 10,000 people over its 3 nights, and entertains fans with bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. It’s a great family atmosphere, a place to make memories with your kids, grandparents, and parents. For some people, it’s the closest they will get to a horse or a bull, and it’s a tribute to the pioneering men and women who settled this state, farming and ranching, using horses to pull wagons and transport goods. It’s a great way to reconnect with the past while enjoying your family and friends.