Courthouse Rock and its smaller neighbor, Jail Rock, rise about 400 feet above the North Platte Valley south of Bridgeport. Built of Brule clay, Gering sandstone and volcanic ash, they were the first of the great Panhandle landmarks that travelers on the Oregon Trail, the California and Mormon trails saw on their way west. Robert Stuart noted them in 1812, and the name "Courthouse" was in use by 1837; others called it the Castle, the Church or the Capitol. Many emigrants walked several miles off the trail to climb them. The Pony Express and, later, the Sidney–Deadwood Trail passed nearby. The rocks have been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973.
Visiting: a gravel road off Highway 88 leads to a parking area and trailhead. The site is free and open in daylight, with no staff, water or restrooms. The path toward Courthouse Rock has eroded in places, so use caution. A History Nebraska marker stands along Highway 88. Nearby: Chimney Rock National Historic Site, farther west along Highway 92.
Contact: History Nebraska, 402-471-3270.