7 Bucket-List Small Towns In Nebraska
Nebraska is a perfect example of why you should take the road less traveled. Those who journey here, whether to stay for a while or just to stop on the way to top destinations like Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, are often surprised by the wide-open spaces and massive dark skies. The landscape invites them to stargaze the whole night and explore the Great Plains during the day. Across Nebraska, there are incredible waterways like the Missouri, Niobrara, and Republican Rivers, and community events like the Brownville Concert Series and Arbor Day. The best part? You can enjoy these places without having to battle your way through a crowd. If you want to experience Midwestern charm, local culture, the stunning outdoors, and some of the friendliest communities in the US, make your way to the following bucket-list destinations for the best of what Nebraska has to offer.
Red Cloud
The sign welcoming you to Red Cloud also announces that the town is the childhood home of the famous author Willa Cather. Cather loved Red Cloud, stating she would rather go home to this town than to any European city. She also based many of her characters on residents she met here. Her life and legacy are honored at the National Willa Cather Center, where you can take a guided tour of the museum and visit the on-site bookstore. Several buildings in Red Cloud are also featured in her novels. You can visit the Harling House mentioned in My Antonia and the Pavelka Farmstead.
If you want to explore the outdoors while in Red Cloud, head to the Republican River, which flows through the town. You can access the river at the River Bridge or the Narrows Wildlife Management Area. Surrounding the river are gorgeous chalk cliffs, and in the water, you can fish for channel catfish and largemouth bass. You can also camp in designated areas around the river. The river is also a great location for wildlife viewing, including bobcats, eagles, and deer. When you get back to downtown Red Cloud, you can catch a live show at the Red Cloud Opera House, once frequented by Willa Cather and her friends.
Aurora
Aurora is 80 miles away from Red Cloud and is a good next stop on your Nebraska road trip. In this bucket-list town, you can learn more about yet another famous person: Dr. Harold Edgerton, who was an inventor. Doc invented many devices, including the strobe light, which is still used today. After he passed away, his family created the Edgerton Explorit Center, which is essentially a science center where the whole family can learn something new.
In downtown Aurora, you will find Central Park Square, which includes the historic Hamilton County Courthouse. There are several places and stores to visit downtown, including 12th St. Cinema. You can also have an impromptu picnic at one of Aurora’s public parks, including the beautiful Cole Park. If you visit the nearby Pioneer Trails afterward, you can fish, swim, and hike.
Columbus
Columbus is an hour’s drive from Aurora and is located in Platte County. You will want to stay at least two days, since there is so much to see and experience in this historic town. Start with the magnificent St. Michael’s Complex in Tarnov, 20 minutes outside of Columbus. Inside St. Michael’s Church, there are breathtaking stained glass windows and an ornate altar. The church’s Polish heritage shines through in the details throughout the building. Outside the church, you can visit a stone grotto built as a memorial to the 16 local soldiers who fought in WWI, including the one who died in service.
In Columbus, you will find more war memorials, including the full-size replica D-Day landing craft at the Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial. You can get into a replica boat and see capsules filled with sand from all the beaches where Higgins boats landed. Andrew Higgins was born in Columbus and invented the Higgins boat, which was integral during WWII. Other things to do in Columbus include riding the Columbus Area Recreation Trails that follow the lakes. You can also spend an entire day at Pawnee Plunge Waterpark, featuring the only Flowrider in the state, along with an Aquaclimb wall, lazy river, play ship, and large swimming pool.
Beatrice
Beatrice has both history and extensive shopping. At Homestead National Historical Park, you can discover how America expanded west and the challenges the settlers faced. The Gage County Historical Museum is filled with artifacts and documents showcasing the town’s history and its foray during WWII. After visiting the museums, you can go shopping for fresh-baked goods and produce at the Beatrice Farmers’ Market. There are several shops in downtown Beatrice, so give yourself enough time to pop in and out of at least a couple of them.
At Chautauqua Park, there is ample space for walking and picnicking. Or, you can head to the Big Blue River for a day of fishing. Additionally, there is a large zero-depth swimming pool, a waterslide, and diving boards at the Beatrice Big Blue Water Park. You can enjoy the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and there is a small admission fee payable.
Brownville
Brownville is a must-visit historic village on the Missouri River in Nemaha County. Tour some of its most historically significant buildings. These buildings include the Carson House and the Captain Bailey House. On an official tour, you will also stop by the Brownville Depot and Railroad History Museum, where you can view a 1875 railroad depot and caboose.
If you love art and music, you can catch the Brownville Concert Series between March and December every year with performances on weekends. These concerts feature bluegrass, rock, classical, and jazz, so there is truly something for everyone. During the week, you can see gorgeous art pieces at the Schoolhouse Art Gallery & Nature Center. Brownville even boasts wine tasting at the pretty Whiskey Run Creek Vineyard and Winery.
Valentine
The small town and county seat of Cherry County, Valentine, is home to the oldest-standing high school building in Nebraska. Centennial Hall is now a heritage museum that displays historical artifacts dating to the 17th century. There are 12 rooms to explore, each with a different theme. Unsurprisingly, some visitors report experiencing something paranormal inside the building, including a rocking chair moving on its own or music playing from an unidentified source.
If ghosts are not your thing, you can drive five miles east of Valentine to the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. Here, you can view the bison herd or hike the trail at the Niobrara River, which runs by Fort Falls. If you want to get out on the water, you can do a lazy float in a tube and see many of the 200 waterfalls along the way. You can also take a boat or canoe out during the spring if you want to brave Class-II rapids.
Nebraska City
Nebraska City should definitely make your travel bucket list, even if you go just for one day. Plan your trip during the fall, so you can see the spectacular fall foliage in the town that is known for proclaiming Arbor Day. At the same time, you can go apple and pumpkin picking in the local orchards and patches. At Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, you can explore 11 small tree houses. Rope bridges link the houses, and there are a couple of slides as well.
To learn more about Arbor Day history, visit Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. J. Sterling and his wife, Caroline, lived on the property when they started motivating locals to plant trees. The first Arbor Day on April 10, 1872, saw nearly one million trees planted in Nebraska. There are more historic exhibits at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trails and Visitor Center, plus outdoor trails that lead to an earth lodge.
Heading Beyond the Interstate In Stunning Nebraska
Once you experience the Nebraska landscape for yourself, you will not want to stay on the interstate. You will want to stop at every small town and take in the atmosphere and serenity. There is so much more to Nebraska than cornfields, including an incredible history, wonderful outdoor escapes, and fantastic rivers. You can spend days on end floating on the water, checking out the museums, or dancing in the rain as you enjoy the oranges, bronzes, reds, and golds of the fall foliage. And the best part still is that you can enjoy all of the views without the crowds.
