Western Nebraska's premier state park, Fort Robinson, west of Crawford, has it all -- with more than 22,000 acres of exquisite Pine Ridge scenery, compelling old west history, exceptional lodging, loads of fun-time activities, scenic camping and the park's own buffalo and longhorn herds.

This historic outpost served from the days of the Indian Wars until after World War II. This was the site of the 1879 Cheyenne Outbreak 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.

The State Historical Society operates a museum and many restored or reconstructed exhibit buidlings to interpret the Fort's history. The University of Nebraska operates the Trailside Museum, which interprets the geology and natural history of the region.

There are many ways to spend a day at the fort. First on the agenda should be a ride on the horse drawn tour to get acquainted with this unique park. Enjoy a refreshing Pine Ridge morning on horseback, an open-air Jeep ride among the buttes, or one of the popular nature tours aboard the Fort Robinson Express. When the day warms up, head for the indoor Lindeken Pool, complete with outdoor wading pool and sun deck.

Fort Robinson Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily during the summer season. 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 State Park visitors can choose lodging from rooms in the 1909 enlisted men's quarters or "cabins" ranging from sleep 2 to 20 in the former officers quarters that date from 1874 to 1909. All "cabins" have kitchens, baths, living rooms and bedrooms. Cabins are furnished with blankets, towels, stoves, refrigerators, silverware and cooking utensils. Lodging is available from mid-April through mid-November.

Fort Robinson State Park's shady campground offers electrical hookup sites plus primitive sites. Conveniently located are modern restrooms, showers, water, dump station, picnic tables and shelters. Fort Robinson offers a nice campground for the horse lovers. Put your horse up for the night in one of the newly remodeled horse barns. With many miles of trails to ride through the beautiful Pine Ridge, this makes a great place to camp and enjoy the outdoors. Fort Robinson campground offers group camping with equestrian facilities. The campground is open year round with electricity. Showers and water will be shut down during the winter months.

All campers must register. Reservations are accepted for cabins, lodgerooms, horse stalls and campsites. Reservations are taken for 50% of the modern camping at Red Cloud and Soldier Creek campgrounds. Reservations are taken up to 1 year in advance of arrival day. Year to date reservations begin at 9 .m. CT, and 8 a.m. MT by phone, in person or over the Internet.

The Lodge double or twin bed rooms; Cabins & Adobes that sleep 4 to 12 people; Brick officers Quarters that sleep 14 to 20 people; Comanche Hall handles 60 people for sleeping, cooking and dining (complete kitchen). The Buffalo Barracks Squad Room sleeps 20 with 20 cots ina large room, full kitchen, great pleace for youth groups & men or women's retreats. For all accommodations, linens are furnished, and some utensils, dishes and silverware are also provided, except in Lodge Rooms. You may also reserve a picnic shelter for your group or family reunion. Group and meeting facilities include Dodd Hall, Buffalo Soldier Barracks and the Mare Barn Annex. Dodd Hall and the Buffalo Soldier Barracks can seat up to 200 people and the mare Barn Annex seats up to 150 people. Don't forget asking about having the Fort Robinson Restaurant cater your next group or meeting event.