8 Best Small Towns In Nebraska For A Crowd-Free Summer

Nebraska is, for many, a quintessential part of the American Midwest. Joining the United States in 1867, after the tumult of the Civil War, the place also called the Cornhusker State, for its historic main crop, has long drawn settlers and visitors to its better-known places. But beyond larger cities like Omaha and the capital, Lincoln, many of Nebraska's smaller towns warrant a visit of their own. Towns like the ones below showcase the history, cultural diversity, and natural wonders that make the state an excellent choice for a visit during this summer's travel season, while leaving the crowds of bigger destinations behind.

Alliance

In northeast Nebraska, the town of Alliance is known especially for one unusual draw: Carhenge, an open-air art installation in which old automobiles stand up from the ground like weeds. The arrangement of cars resembles Stonehenge, the ancient site of stone slabs in England. Nebraska's analog site features a visitor center and gift shop during the summer.

Otherwise, Alliance presents a varied mix of offerings for the out-of-town visitor. The Carnegie Arts Center, housed in a 1911 building, features art from local and regional artists, as well as a sculpture garden. Dobby's Frontier Town, a reconstructed pioneer village, includes an authentic schoolhouse from 1889 and other artifacts of the days when Nebraska was still a western territory. Similarly, the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center, both in town, celebrate the go-west spirit of Nebraska's early years. The museum's noted collection of Native American artifacts makes it a local favorite.

Beatrice

In the state's southeast corner, Beatrice is best known for Homestead National Historical Park, a museum and learning center dedicated to the legacy of the Homestead Act of 1862, which transformed migration and settlement patterns of the American West. The site even includes research facilities where Midwesterners and others can look up traces of their genealogy in the region.

Beyond its beloved museum, Beatrice offers ample choices for getting outdoors. Chief Standing Bear Trail, built on the foundations of an old railroad line, draws families and pleasure-seekers and remains under the administration of the Ponca tribe of Native Americans. Rockford Lake State Recreation Area is the perfect place to picnic or unwind. Sample Beatrice's numerous craft beers at places like Stone Hollow Brewing Company for a relaxed evening downtown.

Broken Bow

Unlike the town of the same name in Oklahoma, Nebraska's Broken Bow sits in the central Sand Hills region of the state. The town's name comes from a settler's recollection of finding a broken bow nearby. A town was born, and a community with it.

Broken Bow straddles Mud Creek, and today it is a pleasant all-American destination. The town helps organize the Bike Ride Across Nebraska (BRAN), which is held each summer. For a well-deserved beer after a long day of driving, Kinkaider Brewing Company puts the best local ingredients in brightly labeled packaging with a Nebraska theme. Family-friendly fun is available at Melham Park just northeast of town, where visitors can catch a baseball game or a dip at the Broken Bow Swimming Pool.

Gretna

The town of Gretna, in southeast Nebraska, boasts an attraction few places can claim. The Holy Family Shrine, erected as a place of worship for Roman Catholics (though the site is open to all visitors), has glass-and-wood walls, a 45-foot cross, and a stream of water flowing through it. The site is free to enter.

Gretna sits along Nebraska's vibrant I-80 highway, giving access to old and new elements of Nebraska culture. The town's Local Beer, Patio, and Kitchen serves craft beers and hot pizzas. Those traveling with families will enjoy the Schramm Park State Recreation Area and Recreation Center, which includes an aquarium with interactive exhibits for kids and fun-seekers of all ages.

Ogallala

Ogallala, in Nebraska's southwest, bills itself as the "Cowboy Capital of Nebraska." The town's past as a ranching and cattle hub lives on at the Front Street and Cowboy Museum, which features displays and live re-enactments of local cowboy culture. Those wanting to get outside should head to Lake McConaughy—Nebraska's largest body of water, which stretches out north of town. The town of Ogallala rests on the north bank of the South Platte River, a great outdoor option of its own, with abundant picnic, fishing, and activities by the water.

For a unique, quirky, and utterly free experience, the Boot Hill cemetery acts as the final resting place for cowboys, not to mention ranch hands, pioneers, and drifters of old. A life-sized cowboy statue adorns the grave of a real-life figure named Rattlesnake Ed. According to legend, the man was shot and killed over nine dollars during an Ogallala card game.

Valentine

Like the February holiday of the same name, north-central Valentine brings people together. The town is unusual in that it once divided the Central and Mountain zones along its main street. More history awaits at Centennial Hall Historic Museum, the state's oldest surviving high school building, which has a touch of haunted history, too.

For outdoor ideas, Smith Falls State Park features a viewing deck for terrific waterfall photos. Valentine likewise provides access to a stretch of the Cowboy Trail, the new name for a former rail bed that draws cyclists and distance runners to cover its almost 200-mile stretch. Also nearby, the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge protects local species of animals like American bison and the white-tailed deer.

Seward

In eastern Nebraska, the small town of Seward bears the name of the surrounding county and of William Henry Seward, the Secretary of War under President Abraham Lincoln. Seward, the town, is beloved for its July 4th celebrations, drawing visitors from near and far for some all-American fun. (The town even calls itself "Fourth of July City.") Seward also offers a passport program to its Creative District, which encourages travelers to visit the numerous galleries, theaters, performances, and other artistic attractions available in town. And did you know? This Nebraska destination is one 10 U.S. towns called Seward today.

For other local traditions, the Seward County Courthouse Square Historic District includes park areas, a historic Carnegie Library, and a limestone courthouse. Wine and beer enthusiasts can try local products at Junto Winery and Bottle Rocket Brewing, both nearby.

Wahoo

The name Wahoo might seem silly, but the town's points of interest are serious fun. Sitting north of Lincoln, Wahoo's events and attractions include the Wahoo Country Music Show and the Saunders County Historical Society Museum, which displays more than 25,000 artifacts from local histories and lives spent here. Also in town, the Howard Hanson House, home to the Pulitzer Prize-winning music composer of that name, welcomes guests by appointment.

Wahoo is also a favorite among sportsmen. The town is popular among boaters, anglers, and other fresh-air types, especially at nearby Lake Wanahoo. Standout local restaurants, such as the Branding Iron Cafe or Chip's Restaurant and Bar, serve up beer, American food, and offer spaces to unwind after a day of small-town exploration.

Few Crowds, Great Fun: Nebraska's Small Towns Call For a Visit

These small towns offer an idea of how much Nebraska has to see and do, well beyond the larger and more-visited destinations in the state. Alliance blends the creative with the natural, and sites like Carhenge stand beside pioneer villages and art both indoors and out. Museums dot the landscape of the state's smaller destinations, from cowboys' days in Ogallala to local histories preserved in Valentine and Wahoo. Add to that the unusual architectural designs of Gretna's Catholic chapel, or the adult-beverage options from Broken Bow to Seward, and Nebraska's list of interesting places begins to run long. For a summertime foray, small-town Nebraska may be a great choice for couples, families, or solo travelers soon.