VALENTINE, Neb. — The nation’s longest rails-to-trails conversion project is marking 30 years. The Cowboy Trail, which spans 317 miles from Norfolk to Chadron, was celebrated Friday with a ride, dinner and social in Valentine.

Once a railroad line that carried cattle, crops and even a young Theodore Roosevelt, the corridor now carries cyclists, walkers and tourists from across the country.

“I think the last train ran on it in 1992. We got the corridor in 1995,” said Alex Duryea, recreational trails manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The trail has more than 200 miles already surfaced, with plans for expansion.

“At the end of 2026, we should have another 40 contiguous miles finished from Gordon to mile marker 400, which we’re really excited about,” Duryea said.

A new five-mile single track outside of Chadron also recently opened.

“I would say that it’s a wonderful state asset. We see people from all over the country—and the world, frankly—come to ride this recreational trail,” Duryea said.

A couple dozen riders took part in Friday’s celebration, including three men from Spearfish, South Dakota; Chadron, Nebraska; and Lincoln, Nebraska, who have built a long-distance friendship through biking.

“I started biking again at age 50 as a stress reliever as I worked, and I’ve continued since I retired,” said Gerry Oligmueller of Lincoln.

“The bikers are all a big community. Everybody helps each other out. If you have problems on the road, somebody is going to stop,” said George Ledbetter of Chadron.

While the trail aims to improve the health of area communities, it also wheels in extra money.

“There’s great economic development opportunity for the communities along or near the trail. For example, I came from Lincoln, Nebraska. I’ll spend two nights of lodging in Valentine and of course go out to eat. There’s a wonderful opportunity for communities to benefit from this outdoor recreational opportunity,” Oligmueller said.

And if dirt could talk, the trail would tell stories of trains and travelers, cattle and grain, and now new memories being made by riders from all over.

“Just the camaraderie of cycling is such a fun part of it,” Ledbetter said.

You can help fund improvements along The Cowboy Trail by donating to the Nebraska Trails Foundation.