Marsland’s Postmaster Opal Hinchley’s history of the town is preserved at the University of Nebraska’s Virtual History. In discussing the tunnel, Hinchley said, “The Belmont railroad tunnel, located eight miles north of town, played an important role in the development of Marsland. Without this tunnel the railroad was at a standstill. Carved out of the rock by men and horses, it took two years to finish, opening for traffic to the west in 1890.”

Those who have visited the tunnel in recent years will advise that the dirt road leading to the tunnel is rough. It’s clearly an understatement. Small vehicles easily fishtailed whenever the speedometer is higher than 35 mph. The slow drive along South Belmont Road curves north, followed by a right-hand turn east onto East Belmont Road.

It’s not recommended to drive over the railroad tracks and down to the tunnel. It’s easier to park alongside the road and hike along the path on the east side of the railroad tracks. Visitors can also walk along the fence protecting someone’s property, but that only provides views from above and no access to walk through the tunnel.