Paratroopers filled the skies over Chimney Rock recently as they descended on one of Nebraska’s most iconic landmarks as part of a celebration of National Airborne Day.
The public was invited to watch the exercises, which took place on the morning of Friday, Aug. 15, as paratroopers landed on the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation’s north field.
Sandra Reddish, Western Nebraska Coordinator of the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, explained the event was organized in coordination with the Nebraska National Guard in the spring.
“They did a jump last year at Fort Robinson, and it was well received,” said Reddish. “They were thinking of doing one at Chimney Rock, the iconic landmark. So, we kept in email conversation, and one thing led to another. They were looking at areas they wanted to jump at, and we do have the north pasture, which is fenced off for the walking trails. They came out one day in July, and I walked the fields with them, and they were doing their measurements. All the landing took place on the Foundation’s land.”
Reddish said the jump was well received by those in attendance, including Congressman Adrian Smith. She explained that people traveled from all over the region to watch this historic event, including from Wyoming and Colorado. It was estimated that over 800 people were in attendance to watch the jump.
“It worked out really, really well,” Reddish said. “It was great. The Guard really liked it. They just had a great time, and they were encouraged. They said they would like to work with the foundation for future events. Overall, it was just really terrific. There were a lot of family members, some of the people who knew the Guardsmen, watching them jump. You couldn’t ask for a more perfect morning.”
Hosting the event at Chimney Rock has historical significance, Reddish explained, with this event being well documented. She noted that Chimney Rock already has a lot of urban legends about what occurred there at different points in history, but this jump, since it was well recorded, will become one of the factual accounts.
“At least it’s well documented so it won’t fall into urban myth, or myth of the area,” said Reddish. “I think because it is so iconic to the state, that people just want to do events around it. It’s the wildest thing. I think most people, if you said ‘Chimney Rock,’ they would know it’s in Nebraska and the significance of it.”
Chimney Rock has seen its share of activity throughout the years, Reddish noted, including recently being passed by two Chinook helicopters, among other events.
“I think there’s just something about the Rock,” Reddish said. “There was a tanker refueling, flying out of Rapid City, and I was out there with somebody from Game and Parks, and we heard this noise and looked up. They were refueling right as they were going over Chimney Rock. It’s not just special for those who are land lovers, but for those who get up in the sky.”
Reddish hopes that those in attendance will recognize the iconic nature of Chimney Rock and the natural beauty of the region.
“For some of those people, it was their first time at the Foudation Trailhead, Walk to the Rock, and so, they got to experience the great condition the trails are in,” said Reddish. “Hopefully, they will come out again if they want to walk. Visitors who come out there, the main word they’ve always said is ‘peaceful.’ They said it’s so peaceful out there, and to keep it that way for folks to come out an enjoy the shortgrass prairie. It’s just a place for them to enjoy nature and really soak in whatever that Rock means to them, and that’s what we want.”
Reddish noted that the Foundation is separate from the Nebraska State Historical Society, and that the Foundation has worked tirelessly to preserve Chimney Rock for future generations. She noted that plans are in the works for a mixed-media art show in the fall of 2026. People who would like to plan events involving Chimney Rock are encouraged to contact Reddish and share their ideas.
“The whole thing is to treat the trails right and to enjoy the prairie, so nothing destructive,” Reddish said. “But also to get people out here. We would love to see more 5K runs, or something like that, emphasizing it’s just walking or jogging trails. No motorized vehicles or pedal power.”
Reddish invites people to visit Chimney Rock and to walk the trails to experience all that nature has to offer.
(Photos by Sandra Reddish)
