The village of Lodgepole has a long association with transcontinental transportation history. Early on, the area hosted the “Pole Creek No.2 Pony Express Station”. The Union Pacific Railroad came through in 1867 and the community was formally founded.

Pony Express historian Joe Nardone donated this vehicle to the Lodgepole Depot Museum. It traveled 761,327 miles to document Pony Express history.
Pony Express historian Joe Nardone donated this vehicle to the Lodgepole Depot Museum. It traveled 761,327 miles to document Pony Express history.
Lodgepole’s main street moved three different times in the early years, and the route of the Lincoln Highway through town crosses the railroad tracks,
Replica concrete marker in the Lodgepole City Park.
Continuing on the south side of the tracks through town and on county roads. Still standing on the south side are an early grocery store with its accompanying ice house,
Lodgepole Opera House today.
Lodgepole Opera House in History.
and of course, the iconic Lincoln Highway landmark Lodgepole Opera House. Note the sign on the side of the Opera House in the historic photo – the ghost of this sign can still be seen.
Tourist Cabins today.
Tourist Cabins during the blizzard of 1949.
Along Highway 30 can be seen the relics of bygone era tourist cabins.
Lodgepole Depot Museum.
Lodgepole Depot in history.
The Lodgepole Depot Museum is filled with early pioneer memorabilia, and the Pony Express Annex houses items donated by Joe Nardone, Pony Express historian who is responsible for the mapping of the entire route and erection of historical markers at the sites of stations.
Lodgepole Depot living quarters.
An unusual feature of the Lodgepole Union Pacific Depot is that it included living quarters for the station master.
Historic Kripal Garage today.
Kripal Garage in history.
The historic Kripal Garage, though privately owned by a classic car enthusiast, is a favorite stop for Lincoln Highway travelers. It is filled with memorabilia dating back to the heyday of the historic road, and brings back nostalgic memories of full service gas stations and main street America car dealerships.
Lodgepole Light and Water, and Village offices.
Historic Light and Water building.
The modern Nancy Fawcett Memorial Library hosted the noon business meeting of the Byway Board of Directors, and the Lodgepole Community Hall, a refurbished Legion Hall, was the site of the evening informational meeting. A dozen local residents attended the evening meeting to hear about the history of the Lincoln Highway and the efforts of the Byway to preserve and promote the historic route.
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