Since times unrecorded, springs from the Ogallala Formation relieved travelers
through the Republican Valley. In 1930 Benkelman citizens improved a nearby spring to
benefit motorists on NE 3 (later US 34). The 1935 Republican River flood destroyed the
original spring and highway. When the highway was relocated, this rest area was
established in 1941 at the site of another spring. The highway was relocated again in
1970 and the state deeded the rest area to Dundy County. Local residents restored it in 2008.
Hansen Charitable Foundation
Nebraska State Historical Society, 2009
Old Highway 34, 1/2 mile south of U.S. 34 on Ave 339, Benkelman, NE
Dundy County
Marker 470