8 Stress-Free Nebraska Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Nebraska is located in the Midwestern United States and boasts a diverse geographical landscape. It is bordered by the Missouri River on the east, comprised of the Great Plains in the center, and experiences higher elevation up to 1,654 meters in the southwestern corner of the state that borders Colorado and Wyoming. It’s known historically for being part of the Oregon Trail, which brought travelers from east to west in the mid-1800s, and much of this historical significance can still be seen today.
Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or simply in need of a weekend away from your busy life, these eight towns in Nebraska are perfect for a stress-free getaway.
Kearney
Kearney is a popular choice for a weekend retreat due to its unique attractions, indoor and outdoor activities, and offerings of locally owned businesses downtown. Kearney is known as the "Sandhill Crane Capital of the World," because over half a million sandhill cranes migrate to the Platte River valley near the city every spring. Visit Rowe Sanctuary for tours to view the cranes.
For history buffs, The Great Platte River Road Archway, a multi-story museum stretching across I-80, narrates the story of westward expansion, starting with the Oregon Trail era to the mid-20th century. The museum is the perfect way to spend an hour or the whole afternoon. Downtown Kearney is a historical district known for its original brick streets and is home to a variety of boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Stop at McCue’s Taproom for a tasting flight and unwind by choosing from over 30 beers available on tap. AmericInn by Wyndham Kearney is a great place to stay with added amenities including a heated indoor pool, pet-friendly rooms, and a free homestyle breakfast.
Hastings
Hastings is a rural community in Nebraska known for its small-town charm, making for an appealing weekend retreat. It is known as the birthplace of Kool-Aid and has other historical significance, which can be explored at the Hastings Museum. The museum features both permanent and temporary exhibits that explore the history of the region. It also features a planetarium and theater, allowing visitors to lose track of time exploring everything the museum has to offer.
Lake Hastings Park is a serene and peaceful spot for fishing, picnicking, relaxing, and enjoying the water on a kayak or canoe. Hastings is also home to the quirky Bigfoot Crossroads of America Museum, which features statues, exhibits, and displays of the mythical creature known as Bigfoot. Enjoy a soothing stay at My Place Hotel, which features rooms designed for comfort, including pillowtop mattresses, blackout curtains, and in-room climate control.
Beatrice
Beatrice is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet and relaxed weekend retreat. For those looking to destress in the outdoors, Chautauqua Park has an array of opportunities from relaxing by the duck pond, enjoying a picnic, or playing a game of pickleball or disk golf. Alternatively, use Beatrice as your base camp and set out to enjoy Homestead National Historic Park, which is only 5 miles from town and offers indoor and outdoor activities.
Wander through Beatrice’s historic downtown, home to 18 places to dine, drink, and shop. The Black Crow Restaurant and Bar is regarded as the best restaurant in southeast Nebraska and one of the best in Nebraska. It is a great place to take the entire family, offering American and international cuisine, and indoor and outdoor seating. Victorian Inn boasts comfortable and clean lodging while you enjoy your stay in Beatrice. Their amenities include free Wi-Fi, complimentary hot breakfast, and a heated indoor pool.
Scottsbluff
Scottsbluff is a good place for a weekend trip if you enjoy outdoor recreation, history, and a charming small town experience. It is best known for the Scotts Bluff National Monument, which was a crucial navigation point for 19th-century pioneers on the Oregon Trail. It offers hiking trails to the summit with panoramic views of the valley.
The Riverside Discovery Centre is home to over 170 native and exotic animals, including 16 species of rare and endangered animals. It offers something for the whole family, including a playground, petting zoo, and events held throughout the year. Visit the West Nebraska Arts Center, which features several exhibits each year from local, regional, and national artists and offers free admission. Hampton Inn and Suites is conveniently located in town, offering airport shuttle services, cable TV, an on-site convenience store, and an indoor pool.
Alliance
Alliance is an ideal destination for a stress-free weekend, offering a peaceful natural environment nestled in the Sandhills. It is known for its quirky and unique attractions, such as Carhenge, which is inspired by England’s Stonehenge. It is a roadside attraction with an on-site gift shop selling car-themed trinkets. Be sure not to miss Dobby’s Frontier Town, a recreated Old West village that transports visitors back in time to the pioneer days of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The village has different attractions to immerse yourself in, from an old-fashioned general store to a blacksmith’s shop.
Alliance is not without ample opportunities to relax in nature. Laing Park is nestled in the heart of town, allowing for relaxation and recreation. Well-maintained trails wind around the lake, and designated areas with tables and grills for picnickers. Holiday Inn Express includes a complimentary breakfast and various in-suite amenities such as a microwave, refrigerator, and a coffee and tea station.
Chadron
Chadron is a serene spot for outdoors enthusiasts in need of a weekend retreat due to its location in the Pine Ridge region. Nebraska’s first state park, Chadron State Park, offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities like camping, guided trail rides on horseback, hiking, and mountain biking through a peaceful forested landscape.
Chadron is home to the Museum of the Fur Trade, the most comprehensive collection of historical artifacts covering the fur trade period in the world. New exhibits are added every season, making for a different experience with each visit. After exploring Chadron’s outdoors, dine out in town at Bean Broker Coffee House & Pub, which is open all day serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, hand-crafted cocktails, and live music. Best Western West Hills Inn boasts an always-friendly service and is a central hub for exploring Chadron.
Seward
Seward has all the amenities of a big city condensed into a small-town setting that is perfect for a weekend retreat. But like most towns in Nebraska, Seward is not without its outdoor opportunities and unique attractions. The Plum Creek Trail is a 2.7-mile hiking and biking trail that winds through the east side of town. A garden is located at the trail's entrance, with benches for relaxing on and lots of trees, shrubs, and fauna for the enjoyment of citizens and visitors alike. Seward is also home to the World’s Largest Time Capsule, which was recently opened and contains over 5,000 relics. Enjoy a stay at Cobblestone Hotel and Suites, which is conveniently located near everything Seward has to offer, as well as its own amenities such as an on-site beer and wine bar, indoor pool, and fitness center.
Broken Bow
Broken Bow’s natural beauty, community-focused events, and access to outdoor recreation provide a peaceful atmosphere for visitors seeking to unwind and connect with nature. Broken Bow is the largest town in Custer County and home to the Custer County Museum, which showcases exhibits and artifacts depicting pioneer life in Nebraska from the 1880s to the present.
Tomahawk Park is open year-round and has many offerings, including picnic tables, softball and baseball fields, and tennis courts. Melham Park is the largest park in the city, spanning 65 acres, and it includes a 5-acre pond stocked with several species of fish. It has plenty of room, allowing people to be as active as they want, whether sitting by the pond or taking a dip in the heated Olympic-sized swimming pool on the park grounds. Wagon Wheel Motel & Campgrounds offers accommodation in a natural setting with a camping experience surrounded by flat plains.
Retreat to These Nebraska Towns
Nebraska might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a travel destination, but that’s exactly why you should visit it to escape the daily grind. Whether you’re drawn to quirky and unique attractions like Carhenge, the peaceful trails of Chadron State Park, or if you are after all the appeal of a big city condensed into a charming small town, look no further than these eight towns in Nebraska for a peaceful weekend getaway.
