Sidney has had quite a few nicknames in its past, including “Magic City on the Plains”. Back in the 1800s the town’s size could triple in a day from traveling gold seekers, herders, freighters, cowboys, and desperadoes.

Founded in 1867 by the Union Pacific to be a railroad hub near the military base of Fort Sidney, this town was a vital part of the Sidney Black Hills Stage Road that transported gold from the Black Hills in the late 1800s.

Fast forward to the 1960s and Sidney became the headquarters and home to Cabela’s, a sporting goods store specializing in hunting, fishing, boating, and camping.

Now the county seat for Cheyenne County, Sidney is a popular traveler’s stop because of its location at the junction of U.S. Route 385 and I-80, as well as being approximately halfway between Cheyenne, Wyoming and North Platte, Nebraska.

Rugged roots are still prominent in Sidney, but they’ve been tamed down to encapsulate a peaceful small town that’s perfect for families.