8 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In Nebraska

In the transient gap between past and present, Nebraska's Main Streets offer a rich but varied milieu. Some Main Streets are big on art and murals, such as Beatrice and Wayne, while others present a nostalgic feel, like walking straight into the 1800s. Historic courthouses peer solemnly around, watching quietly as time constantly drifts forward. The brick walls, cobblestoned streets, and church spires are reluctant to lose sight of the past, a past that is increasingly becoming foggy and hazy. Still, a decent number are as picture-perfect as they come, almost resembling a Norman Rockwell painting. Starting with Fall City, discover eight picture-perfect Main Streets in Nebraska.

Fall City

Fall City is tucked away in the southeastern corner of Nebraska and boasts a Main Street with fascinating sights to feast your eyes on. Stone Street, the town's main hub, is lively and dotted with small, local businesses, a majestic courthouse designed in the Classical Revival style, and several buildings with an Old-timey feel. Keep in mind that Fall City boasts what could be the largest collection of original cobblestone streets in the state. The Grand Weaver Hotel, a few steps from the courthouse, was built in 1924. The hotel's original doors have been restored to add a historic look and feel. Falls City Library & Art Center, also along Main Street, is home to the Stalder Gallery, which keeps a permanent collection of artwork by area artists, including Alice Cleaver and John Philip Falter. Don't skip the Itha-Krumme Memorial Arboretum, the only site within the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum system that displays plants native to Nebraska and surrounding states.

Beatrice

Located just 45 minutes south of Nebraska’s capital, Lincoln, Beatrice is the gateway to the Homestead National Historical Park, located just four miles west of town. It has a gorgeous creative district that boasts a high concentration of public art, including multiple large-scale murals, galleries, and live performance venues, all woven into its heart-warming historical architecture. You will want to snap a photo of the Beatrice's Downtown Mural, a photogenic landmark right next to the Holly Theatre, whose history dates back to the 1940s. It is a comfy place to watch a movie and enjoy some popcorn. Food lovers will want to discover Kala's Savory Bites & Sifted Sweets on Court Street, a rare find, whose ambiance combines vintage charm with contemporary flair. Don't miss their delicious croissants.

Fairbury

Fairbury is an old railroad town with almost 100 buildings designated as historical, meaning it has one of the largest inventories of historic buildings in the Midwest. The downtown Fairbury Commercial District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. Almost every street within the historic district is paved with brick, which was constructed during the First World War period. The streets themselves are also listed in the Register. The Jefferson County Courthouse, which anchors the courthouse square, was built in 1891 at the cost of $60,000. You can float down the Little Blue River, enjoy some greenery at the Fairbury City Park, or explore bits of interesting local history at the Fairbury City Museum.

Grand Island

Downtown Grand Island, one of a handful of Nebraska towns listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to several beautiful and unique buildings, one of which is a social club themed to German culture that has been around for more than 150 years. Liederkranz, one of the town's hidden gems, was established in 1870. There is the Hall County Courthouse, with its monumental Beaux-Arts architecture, and several nostalgic experiences, including the big heritage trains that still ramble frequently in the vicinity. Grand Theatre, another cherished landmark, features a well-preserved art deco interior that feels like walking straight into the 1930s. You will want to pass by the Heartland Antique Mall on 3rd Street, which boasts three floors of fun, all filled with a variety of reasonably priced gems. With a population that hovers around 50,000, Grand Island pulsates with just the right kind of energy.

Fremont

Customers pop in and out of beautiful storefronts at a steady clip, while friendly shop-owners, a few of them husband and wife, offer heartfelt recommendations sprinkled with warm smiles and genuine interest. Fremont reclines in the plain between the Platte and Elkhorn rivers, in the northwest wings of Omaha. Wide sidewalks and comfy benches to sit make the whole stretch inviting, while the well-preserved brick facades, ornate cornices, and vintage signage lend a timeless charm and create the perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon stroll. At Antiques on Park Avenue, you will find several unique pieces from the past, even a wooden telephone booth. Pass by Milady Coffeehouse for some aromatic Apple Chai Tea Latte, a cozy space, whose interior features unique and thoughtfully selected decorations. You can then float down the Platte River or enjoy delicious waterfront views at the Fremont State Recreation Area.

Sidney

The oldest community in western Nebraska is known for several things, including introducing the world’s first 24-hour theater. Today, the town's Main Street, one of only two downtown districts in western Nebraska on the National Register of Historic Places, still boasts beautiful architecture of the late 1800s. Start with a home-style dish at Grandma Jo's, a family-run business with an environment that feels so much like home. Fort Sidney Museum has interesting knick-knacks about the area's history, and is a fun place to step back in time. Don't miss the Post Commander’s Home, where each room is furnished with authentic pieces from the era, reflecting daily life in the second half of the 1800s. Meanwhile, Popkorn Theaters has been showing movies since 1951 and knows something about surviving rough times.

Wayne

There is a lot to love about Wayne, from public sculptures that celebrate local heritage to colorful murals that brighten downtown, giving it a sense of place and character. There is the Wayne Sculpture Walk, a trend that is gaining traction in Nebraska, and Illuminated City, a nicely painted mural on the north side of the historic Majestic Theatre. The theatre itself is comfortable, reasonably priced, and conveniently located on Main Street. While ownership has changed, the venue has a history that dates back to 1929. You can kickstart your day with a yummy muffin at the Table Coffee House, a relaxing place for a filling meal, or to catch up with a friend over a drink. You may want to have a glimpse of local history at the Wayne County Historical Museum before pitching a tent at Victor Park Campground, a peaceful space uniquely located steps away from the downtown area.

Plattsmouth

With its two-story masonry structures, most of which exhibit the Commercial Italianate style, complete with decorative cornices and storefronts, Plattsmouth’s Main Street is as picture-perfect as they come. Plattsmouth is 30 minutes from Omaha and has more than 40 buildings from the late 19th and early 20th century located along the main street. The Cass County Historical Society Museum is great for browsing local history and features several interesting exhibits about Plattsmouth. Main Street Jewelers, conveniently located on Main Street, is a cool place to shop for a unique gift, including home decor items and accessories. If you have a thing for cozy family restaurants, Mom's Cafe & Catering is like going to your mother’s for a quick breakfast when she is not expecting you. The relaxing atmosphere is particularly hard to find elsewhere.

The Takeaway

Main Streets are not created equal. In every state, you will find a group, often the majority, that is drab, dull, and cookie-cutter. Fortunately, this sameness does not completely hold sway. A decent number of towns take beauty seriously and are intentional about every aspect. They put resources into eye-catching murals, strokes of art, trees, flowers, and beautiful walkways. Things that draw you in like a lover's gaze. From Beatrice to Plattsmouth, Nebraska's most picture-perfect Main Streets present different faces of beauty.