The concept of Miss Rodeo America was developed in 1955 by a group of gentlemen under the name of International Rodeo Management (IRM). The same year Burwell, Nebraska selected its first Miss Rodeo Nebraska. Dallas Hunt George of Lincoln, Nebraska, held the title of Miss Rodeo Nebraska in 1955 and 1956. She won the Regional title in Omaha, Nebraska at the AK-SAR-BEN Rodeo in 1956 and went on to compete and win the Miss Rodeo America title in 1957.

Laura (Lolly) Cameron Klug won the 1957 Miss Rodeo Nebraska title. She won the Regional title at AR-SAR-BEN and competed at Miss Rodeo America. In 1959 she was selected Buffalo Bill Rodeo Queen and given the title of Miss Rodeo Northwest. She then competed again at Miss Rodeo America where she was selected second runner-up.

After 36 years of the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Pageant being held in Burwell, Nebraska the pageant was then moved to Nebraska's official State celebration, NEBRASKAland DAYS and the Buffalo Bill PRCA Rodeo at North Platte, Nebraska.

In 1991 the pageant schedule was 3 days and in 2000 it was changed to a 4 day schedule. The contestants are judged on the categories of horsemanship, personality, and appearance.
The Pageant is held annually to select a young lady who has the desire and enthusiasm to serve as a goodwill ambassador for the "Sport of Rodeo" and the State of Nebraska.