National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
The epic story of America’s overland migration comes to life in the “Footsteps to the West” five-screen theater. This signature presentation incorporates original footage with historical recreations and wide-screen panoramas in an immersive theater environment. Surrounding the video screens are life-sized dioramas including covered wagons, American Indians, and oxen. These tableaus carry a significant part of the storyline. Surround sound and show-controlled lighting effects further immerse the visitor.
The River Crossing experience is a motion simulator that allows visitors to make their own crossing of the North Platte River in a covered wagon. The experience takes visitors into the cramped and treacherous environment of a wagon crossing a flowing river. Hazards and excitement are felt firsthand as some authentic surprises await our travelers.
Similarly, the Stagecoach presentation takes visitors on a simulated stagecoach ride across the rugged terrain of the Old West, where they are introduced to a collection of bona fide characters who provide historic insight into life on the frontier.
