The Pony Express National Re-Ride, an annual tribute to the legendary mail service of 1860–1861, gallops into Nebraska Wednesday, June 18, 2025, as the Wyoming Division hands off the mochila (the leather mail pouch) to the Nebraska Division at Lyman.
This spirited reenactment, celebrating the daring young riders and historic trail, will carry the mail eastward through Nebraska, highlighting key heritage stops before handing off to the Kansas Division at the state line.
This year’s ride, running 24 hours a day in true Pony Express fashion, retraces the original 1,966-mile route from St. Joseph, MO, to Sacramento, CA, over a 10-day span. Riders relay the mochila on horseback, carrying commemorative letters and honoring one of America’s most iconic mail delivery systems.
A rider is expected to reach Oak at about 2 p.m., Friday, June 20. A welcoming community with local celebrations honoring the history of the Pony Express.
Other places along the Nebraska part of the route include: Lyman; Scottsbluff National Monument; Chimney Rock National Historic Site; Colorado Division carries the Mochila from Chappell to Big Springs; Tri-Trails Park, Ogallala; Midway Ranch (south of Gothenburg); Fort Kearny State Historical Park; Oak; Rock Creek Station State Historical Park; and the Nebraska-Kansas State Line (June 20).
The Nebraska Division passes the mochila to the Kansas Division, continuing the eastbound journey toward St. Joseph.
Spectators and history enthusiasts are encouraged to follow along the route, attend events at the featured stops, and experience a living piece of American history in motion. Schedules are approximate and subject to change based on weather and trail conditions.
The Annual Re-Ride is a living history event that celebrates the legacy of the Pony Express, which operated from April 1860 to October 1861.
Though short-lived, the service became legendary for its daring riders, rugged terrain, and commitment to fast mail delivery across a developing nation. Spanning over 1,800 miles across eight states, the Pony Express Re-Ride is a 24/7 non-stop relay involving hundreds of riders and horses.
Commemorative letters are carried in a mochila, just as they were over 160 years ago. The re-ride is both a living history experience and a logistical achievement, preserving the spirit of the original Pony Express.
“This event bridges generations and geography, “ Petra Keller, Corresponding Secretary, National Pony Express Association, said. “We ride to honor those fearless messengers of the past and to keep their memory alive for future generations.”
Spectators are encouraged to attend the mochila exchanges, meet the riders, take photos, and engage with local Pony Express volunteers at each major stop. Forts and interpretive centers along the route will offer special programs and trail information.
Follow the ride live via GPS tracking at: nationalponyexpress. org/re-ride/follow-theride/. Spectators are welcome at various hand-off points and historical landmarks.
