8 Prettiest Downtown Strips In Nebraska
Nebraska holds plenty of open farmland and scenic hills. Some of its prettiest sights are in the small towns set within all that open land. Kearney lines its downtown with brick streets and preserved storefronts along the Platte River. Aurora arranges its red-brick commercial buildings around the Hamilton County Courthouse on Central Park Square. Red Cloud preserves the State Bank Block from 1883 and the hometown landmarks of author Willa Cather. The eight downtown strips ahead pair preserved buildings with local shops, museums, and the easy pace of small-town Nebraska.
Kearney
Kearney is a pretty town on the Platte River in south central Nebraska. Known for its friendliness and various scenic attractions, the town also features an appealing downtown district. Sporting brick roads, well-preserved buildings, and various murals and public art displays, downtown Kearney is a much-loved spot for shopping, dining, relaxing, and taking in the local events. Visitors can dine at spots like Alley Rose, which provides gourmet food and drink experiences.
The Crane River Theatre and World Theatre provide live music and entertainment events. Frequent events like Destination Downtown provide opportunities for the community and visitors to come together for fun activities. Those visiting Kearney won't want to miss local attractions like The Archway, a historical exhibit bringing the area's history to life through interactive tours and activities. Fort Kearney Museum and the Fort Kearny State Historical Park pay homage to the town's beginnings as a military fort. Various recreational opportunities like camping, hiking, and canoeing allow visitors to explore the town through adventures in nature.
Ashland
Ashland sits on the shores of the Salt Creek about half an hour southwest of Omaha. This pretty little town features a downtown strip with brick-paved streets and cute historic buildings, some hearkening back to the town's early days in the late 1800s. Visitors love to stroll through downtown window shopping or stopping in at some of the cute diners and boutiques. Consider visiting The Gift Niche or The Holiday Market, offering unique gifts and handmade items. Shop at the Ashland Farmers Market on Saturdays during the June through September season.
Several art galleries in Ashland, such as the Willow Point Gallery, provide a place for visitors to view local art and for artists to display their work. The Ashland History Museum takes visitors back in time through the town's history, which dates to 1870. Those hoping to spend time outside can enjoy the various parks and recreational opportunities throughout town. They may even want to test their skills at the Ox-Bow Disc Golf Course and Mountain Bike Trails.
Aurora
Aurora is a pretty little town located just east of Grand Island in the east central part of Nebraska. Its beautiful downtown district surrounds Central Park Square, a green space housing the historic Hamilton County Courthouse. Red-brick roads match the courthouse and historic commercial buildings of downtown, giving the place an old-fashioned feel. There are plenty of places to shop around The Square. Check out The Old Homestead, a market and floral shop, Dream Designs, a local bridal shop, or Susan's Books and Gifts, a great place for book lovers.
While in Aurora, visitors can check out the Plainsman Museum to learn more about town and county history. Various parks and trails let visitors enjoy time outdoors. Various events, like the Hamilton County Fair and Bands on the Bricks, bring people together for food, music, and lots of fun activities.
Columbus
Columbus sits on the Loup River about an hour and a half west of Omaha. Thanks to the river and other bodies of water, including Wagners Lake and Lake Babcock, there are plenty of recreational opportunities around the town. Frankfort Square Park, a pretty green area for strolling and picnicking, provides the focal point for the downtown district.
Visitors to downtown can shop at Colonial Antiques, grab a tasty dinner at Duster's, and enjoy hands-on exhibits and activities at the Columbus Area Children's Museum. Other points of interest around town include the Quincentenary Bell Tower, a monument to Christopher Columbus' first voyage to the New World. Lake North Campground offers visitors interested in RV or tent camping a place to stay while in town.
Ogallala
Ogallala is situated along Interstate 80 and the South Platte River in western Nebraska. It features a Wild West-themed downtown strip known as Front Street, where visitors can buy souvenirs at an old-fashioned general store, eat at the Front Street Steakhouse, and explore the Front Street Cowboy Museum. Elsewhere along the historic downtown district, visitors can explore preserved and restored buildings from the early 1900s. The Ogallala Visitor Center is housed inside the Spruce Street Station, a restored filling station originally built in 1922. The Prairie Theatre is an old theater built in the 1930s that is still in operation.
Another top attraction in Ogallala is the Petrified Wood Gallery, a museum and art gallery featuring petrified wood, fossils, and old Native American artifacts. The Mansion on a Hill, a preserved Victorian home built in 1887, displays beautiful architecture and is a favorite spot for paranormal enthusiasts, as it is said to be haunted. Boot Hill Cemetery, the town's original cemetery, pays tribute to the town's past as a burial place of many cowboys and outlaws who met their end in the area.
Alliance
Alliance is in the western part of the state. It is known for being exceptionally friendly, providing a warm welcome to visitors and encouraging them to stay a while and come back again. Its historic downtown strip is filled with well-preserved buildings from a bygone era, giving it a classic small town vibe. Many shops and restaurants call this downtown district home, such as The Gathering Spot, a popular bar and grill, and Bluebird Flower and Gifts, a great place to go for floral arrangements or thoughtful presents.
While in town, check out the Sallows Military Museum, which serves as a tribute to service members from Box Butte County. Central Park is a great spot to relax and explore nature, providing a large playground for children and scenic spots like the Pillars in the Park Garden. The City Park Fountain provides a serene backdrop for anyone strolling nearby or looking for a perfect spot to take pictures.
Red Cloud
Red Cloud is in south central Nebraska not far from the Kansas border. Famous as the hometown of Willa Cather, it contains many attractions connected to the Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Visitors can tour the Willa Cather Childhood Home, hike in the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie, book a stay at the Cather Second Home Guest House, and take a tour through the National Willa Cather Center. The town's beautiful downtown strip features many historic buildings, such as the State Bank Block, built in 1883. Visitors are encouraged to take self-guided walking tours through the downtown district to view the buildings and bask in their history.
While staying in this town, visitors can check out the Red Cloud Opera House, built in 1885 and still hosting various live musical events. The Starke Round Barn is a huge structure built in 1902 to 1903 without any pegs or nails to hold it together. The Republican River, on the south side of town, provides a great place for fishing and to view wildlife like turkeys, eagles, and bobcats.
North Platte
North Platte lies not far east of Ogallala along Interstate 80 and the South Platte River. It boasts a downtown strip known as the Historic Canteen District, with pretty brick streets and brick buildings in various colors and styles. The old buildings have been well preserved and restored to capture the flavor of past years. Various events, such as the world-famous NebraskaLand Days, bring the streets to life with food, music, and activities. Local shops and restaurants, like The Cedar Room and A to Z Bargain Books, keep the old buildings alive with business. The Prairie Arts Center provides a gallery for viewing and buying art as well as opportunities for visitors to take lessons and create their own art.
The town is filled with attractions such as the Buffalo Bill State Historic Park, containing Buffalo Bill's home and various preserved barns and outbuildings. Outdoor recreation options include playing mini golf at the Crystal Cave and Falls Adventure mini golf course, mountain biking at Potter's Pasture, and "tanking," or riding down the river in a cattle tank, at Dusty Trails.
Prettiest Nebraska Downtowns
Visiting the prettiest small towns in Nebraska is a great way to step into the past while staying firmly grounded in the present. Many of these towns feature beautiful brick-paved streets. Others are built around historic courthouses or beautiful green spaces. All of them contain cute shops housed in historic districts, perfect for window shopping or buying local goods. These towns provide an escape from larger cities and make for great summer retreats.
