I picked up the Nebraska highpoint as part of a two-day drive from Indiana out to Colorado for the start of a two-week vacation. I had spent the previous night in North Platte after driving all day with only a few hour break at the Cahokia Mounds Historic Site in Illinois (just outside of St. Louis).

The summit of Nebraska, Aug. 10, 2002

I found the highpoint easily enough. I stopped at the gate, paid my two dollar access fee and examined the bison meat price list and other information at the gate (such as "Do not walk to the highpoint"). I followed the rutted dirt road to the actual highpoint and summit marker. Just before the highpoint I passed a herd of the commercial bison.

The highpoint itself is pretty barren. Like Kansas's highest point, this spot would be fairly meaningless with out the state line being where it was. Dodging the bison droppings, I took a self-portrait and signed the register.

During this delay, the bison herd began to move across the road, blocking my retreat. Driving slowly enough not to really startle the beasts (some of whom could have done serious damage to my vehicle) I headed into the herd. Most of the bison would stare at me until the car got too close for their comfort, then hurriedly amble out of my way. After a few minutes of this, I was right in the center of the herd, surrounded by bison.

The largest member of the High Point Bison herd.

Just then a few bison on my right parted, and standing there was the largest bison in the herd. Looming about a foot taller than all the rest, and quite a bit larger, he proceeded to rub against at 6-inch diameter fence post, nearly knocking it out of the ground. I don't know if this was a display of superiority or just an itch, but I got out of the herd as quickly as I could manage, frightening some of the younger calves.