8 Main Streets Where Nebraska Comes Alive

In March 1st, 1867, Nebraska became the 37th state to be part of the United States. Since then, Nebraska has gone through a history filled with grit, progress, and industrialization. Like with so many other towns, the history is readily shared not just in museums but also in lively main streets in places like Omaha and smaller towns that are equally as dazzling and wondrous.

Whether you're there for a day or planning an entire weekend in town, here are some iconic main streets worth checking out in Nebraska.

Sidney

The oldest community in western Nebraska, Sidney, was the home of soldiers who protected the railroad and the crew when it was being built. The population swelled during the gold rush and after the railroad was built, making the downtown area a bustling "Old West" town. The over 80 saloons also helped with that western vibe. Today, Historic Downtown Sidney is one of only two downtown districts in western Nebraska to be listed as a Historic Place in the National Register of Historic Places, and it lives up to that title.

The Sidney Boot Hill Cemetery is filled with history, as the soldiers of Fort Sidney and the victims of Sidney's Wild West days were buried there. You can also spend time at the Living Memorial Gardens, a living memorial that is dedicated to loved ones and the role that Sidney played in American history. Or you could swing by Cabela's, Sidney's flagship retail store with roughly 85,000 square feet filled with merchandise and museum-quality animal displays set in realistic settings.

Norfolk

Before Norfolk was settled, the land and water resources were plentiful; after all, it was situated near the "North Fork" of the Elkhorn River. The history of their main street, aptly called River Point District, was that this area was the spot where many stores and trading posts were located. The city gained even more traffic in the 1870s when the Black Hills Gold Rush came about.

But even as those gold rush days are over, Norfolk's main street is as vibrant and charming as ever. Get a taste of international flavors at Aroma Circuit, which provides authentic Indian Cuisine with spice tailored specifically to people's preferences, or a quality Taiwanese Boba Tea or fruit juice from Asian Combination. You can also dig through a treasure trove of trendy fashion at Bend the Trend. You might be lucky to find designer clothes for $10 or possibly less!

Red Cloud

Red Cloud got its name on the map thanks to its most famous former resident, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Willa Cather. Since then, Red Cloud's downtown has been a homage to the author, as historic buildings have been maintained since Willa Cather's childhood days, making Red Cloud one of the best small towns to visit, according to Smithsonian Magazine.

Naturally, the walking tour of Red Cloud's historic buildings, where one can see Willa Cather's home and where her childhood friends grew up, is a historic treat. But there are other places in between that offer something special, too. The Mark Dahle Art Gallery displays work from the artist's personal collection. If you want honey as pure as you can get, visiting the Abundant Life Honey shop is the place to go. They promote natural beekeeping without the use of chemicals, creating raw, unprocessed, and unfiltered honey. Or you can relax at On the Brix, a tasting room serving wine, classic cocktails, and local craft brews in a relaxed and entertaining environment.

Alliance

Blessed with fantastic sunsets and resting amongst the Sandhills is the town of Alliance. Its historic downtown began to build up during its ranching days, established in 1889, thanks to the Nebraska Stock Growers Association, which protected stockmen from illegal rustling. The Alliance Livestock Commission Company also entered the picture as it began selling market cattle locally until December 1976. To this day, historic buildings of Alliance's past have been maintained, alongside quirky additions that make it worth spending a day or two in Alliance.

Most famously, there is Carhenge, a take on England's iconic Stonehenge, but with vintage cars. Sticking around the area, you'll notice other appealing options like the Knight Museum, which examines five areas of local history: Native American Life, Life in the Country, Life in the Sandhills, Life in the Town, and The Railroad. The Carnegie Arts Center is another great spot to check out, featuring fine arts from local and regional artists, including a sculpture garden. And if you happen to make it up until nightfall, Alliance is one of the best spots to stargaze, especially after a trip to Tipsy Dixie's, an outdoor bar within Derby's food truck court that brings in live concerts, unique food options, and market lights.

Ashland

A small and simple place to unwind and slow down, Ashland's downtown district does just that with surprising ease. The quality of its shops and the general atmosphere are significant, especially since this is a town with over 3,000 people and its downtown is only 1.5 square miles. But Ashland is vibrant and celebratory, and the residents are all excited to meet new people.

If you make it in the morning, a quick drive for those living in Omaha and Lincoln, visiting The Beanery is the best. They offer sweet and savory breakfast items, hot coffee, cappuccinos, mochas, and even smoothies to perk you right up. If you bring your dog along, the Central Bark Park and Dog Agility Course aren't far away either. It's a nice, clean space and is perfect for letting all your furry friends' energy out. And no trip is complete without visiting one of Ashland's parks or museums. The best of both worlds has got to be the Wildlife Safari, which offers a vast array of exhibits, including hiking trails and exposure to North American plants and animals like elk, white-tailed deer, bison, waterfowl, bugs, and pelicans.

Nebraska City

One of the oldest cities in the state, Nebraska City has a rich downtown history in its buildings and its Main Street overall. Nebraska City is near the Missouri River, which is where the Lewis and Clark Expedition went around. You'll find traces of their journey scattered throughout alongside other bits of important history.

For starters, there's J. Sterling Morton's Mansion, a 52-room mansion turned museum of the man who created Arbor Day. The mansion is filled with artifacts and exhibits displaying Morton's family and the history of Arbor Day. Tree Adventure at Arbor Day Farm is another place to visit any day of the year, with apple picking, tree climbing, and visiting a tree house that's 50 feet high. Or swing by Steinhart Park for a time to unwind playing baseball, basketball, or tennis. They also have an aquatic center in the Steinhart Aquatic Center during the summer to cool off.

Beatrice

If you've heard of Beatrice, you've heard of its neighbor, the Homestead National Historic Park, a park memorializing the Homestead Act, an act that turned over 270 million acres of land into the hands of individuals. It's by far the biggest draw, but you would still be missing a lot if you brushed over Beatrice, as its downtown district offers unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment opportunities.

After visiting the Homestead National Historic Park, you can swing by Beatrice Nutrition, a drink stop for locals due to the wide selection of teas, coffees, and shakes. If you can't figure out what to get, then the staff will be happy to offer a recommendation. For something heartier, The Black Crow Restaurant and Bar is exceptional; after all, it's critically acclaimed to be the best restaurant in southeast Nebraska, let alone all of Nebraska. An elegant but casual place to have dinner with the family or friends is what awaits you. And if you happen to make it for the entire day, a trip to The Pond will give you a quiet, country life at a Nebraska farm. Enjoy camping, fishing, and rest at a patio for some scenic views.

Valentine

Commonly known as "The Heart City," the quirky little town of Valentine lives up to its namesake, as it's a tradition for visitors from across the country to come here, cards and letters in hand, for Valentine's Day. Valentine's Main Street is part of that history, with landmarks like the old post office and bank building remaining intact to give people a glimpse into the old tradition.

Other great stops are the Bolo Beer Co., where you can enjoy yard games or relax by a fire pit with your favorite drink. You could also dig into the research and rich Sandhills heritage at the Cherry County Historical Museum. Or if you're feeling daring, you can visit the Valentine Railroad Depot and Centennial Hall Museum, originally built as a high school in 1897 and rumored to be haunted.

There's a reason Nebraska's slogan is 'The Good Life,' and you can get a sense of that alone from visiting the numerous Main Streets. From keeping up the Valentine's Day tradition in Valentine to seeing some exotic animals in Ashland, each of the Main Streets has something for everyone to create unforgettable experiences. Enjoy Nebraska's history as well as the small-town charm of these stellar Main Streets.