Nebraska's 8 Most Laid-Back Towns For 2025
When Nebraska was voted the last state tourists wanted to visit, it rose to the occasion with a tongue-in-cheek slogan, "Honestly, it's not for everyone." That laissez-faire attitude and ability to poke fun at itself is part of the state’s “Nebraska nice” charm, where visitors discover down-to-earth communities with a strong sense of self.
Discover Nebraska’s eight most laid-back towns for 2025 that make the state so travel-worthy.
Nebraska City
Nebraska City sits on the banks of the Missouri River at the Iowa state border. The rural town is about 40 miles from both Lincoln and Omaha, making it a stress-free drive to spend some well-earned downtime.
Play a casual round of golf at Nebraska City’s oldest golf course, Wildwood. Wile away the morning unhindered by the pressures of winning, enjoying the spacious tree-lined greens on a challenging yet beautifully landscaped 9-hole course.
The Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard is a quiet spot tucked away in the peaceful Loess Hills of the Missouri River Valley. The lush land offers ideal grape and fruit growing conditions to produce a wide variety of wines. Spend the afternoon sampling local varietals at their cozy wine bar, explore the self-guided nature trails, pick-your-own seasonal fruit, or shop at the Apple Barn. Check to find out what is on offer, as the orchard’s hours and activities change with the seasons.
The 260-acre Arbor Farm offers diverse experiences from dining to cozy stays and nature encounters to wine tasting. The farm’s natural beauty and history create a unique backdrop for relaxation, including sampling hand-crafted wines at Apple House Market’s full wine bar. Three exceptional restaurants offer unique experiences, whether you indulge in the elevated menu and scenic views at Timbers, relax fireside with snackable bites and cocktails at the Library Lounge, or feast on casual barbecue and shareables at Porter’s.
Chadron
Chadron is a northwestern frontier town at the foot of the Pine Ridge near the South Dakota state line. This is a walkable town made for wandering, whether you stroll the creative district, explore town history, or discover its eclectic casual dining and watering holes. It is all about an easy-going lifestyle where the stresses of the day quickly fade.
Chadron's Open Frontier Creative District offers a diverse selection of self-guided walking tours, including over 10 colorful murals along Art Alley. Created by local and collective artists, the alley immerses visitors in the stories of the area.
History buffs tour Chadron’s Commercial Historic District, where the preserved structures and architecture tell the story of the town’s commercial center from its origins in 1885 to its role in promoting commerce and capitalism into the 1950s. The historical architecture is also part of the experience.
Chadron State College includes 44 pieces of the Nebraska 1% For Art Collection, five Historic Places, including the lovely statue in front of the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center, and several natural points of interest, including a planetarium, labyrinth, arboretum, herbarium, and geology museum.
After a day of exploring, head to Bean Broker Coffee House and Pub, where the mellow vibe is designed for lazy afternoons. Bean Broker is laid-back central, whether you want to sit and chat over a cup of coffee, munching delectable fresh-baked goods, cocktails, and casual conversation, or a lingering scratch-made dinner with drinks.
Ashland
Ashland sits on the banks of the lazy Platte River, just 25 miles from Lincoln and Omaha. It is the perfect destination for day trippers looking for a place to relax and let off some steam, communing with nature, or discovering the emerging wine industry.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is located on the Platte River, where outdoorsy types can fish, trot along extensive horseback trails, or climb the 70-foot-tall Observation Tower to take in the sweeping park views. The Willow Point Gallery is home to the quirky Archie Hightshoe Big Game Collection. The simulation created by Gene Roncka and Jim Shaul features over 30 animals in their natural habitats, with light effects, music, and seasonal backdrops helping to bring the collection to life.
Escape to the breathtaking scenery at Cellar 426 Winery to sample award-winning local wines. The cozy lodge-inspired tasting room is made for afternoons savoring the selection of wines, ciders, and sangrias in a serene setting. Pair your wine with tempting charcuterie boards, explore the beauty of the vineyards, or sit by the calming pond.
Explore the historic downtown area, where eateries, boutiques, and cafés welcome you to spend leisurely moments of discovery. Combine your love of art and cider at Glacial Till Vineyard Tasting Room, where you can browse the upstairs art gallery and sample a selection from their Palmyra winery while nibbling small plates.
Ogallala
Ogallala is located in western Nebraska on the South Platte River, close to both the Wyoming and Colorado borders. With its connections to the cattle industry, it is not surprising that Ogallala is known as the "Cowboy Capital of Nebraska," where the western lifestyle is a major contributor to its laid-back vibe.
Soak up the cowboy culture at Front Street Cowboy Museum, where you can experience life in the Wild West. Discover the world of historical cattle drives at the museum, stroll the historic replica Front Street, and relive the Old West at Crystal Palace Revue. Mosey up to the bar for drinks and watch cowboys reenact a gunfight. Take in the old-timey saloon revue and feast on juicy beef at the steakhouse.
Ogallala is also known for its scenic Lake McConaughy. The 30,000 surface acres and 100 miles of shoreline earned it the nickname “Big Mac” and bragging rights as Nebraska’s largest lake and reservoir. The sandy beach beckons visitors to lounge in the sun, enjoy a picnic, or watch the windsurfers and water skiers display their mad skills. Spend hours in the great outdoors hiking or biking miles of scenic trails, or out on the lake boating and fishing.
Second Chapter Brewery is located in the former Goodall City Library, where you can sample site-made craft beer and seltzer in their taproom or out on their shaded deck. The easy-going owners welcome take-out from local eateries, or you can order a house-made charcuterie board.
Valentine
Valentine is located in the Sandhills region near the Niobrara River, where the beauty of the area is made for mellow moments, lapping up the scenery. The town’s natural wonders include North America’s first international Quiet Trail, Nebraska’s tallest waterfall, and pristine waters at the local reservoir.
The Niobrara National Scenic River’s trail provides awe-inspiring views of woodlands, cliffs, and waterfalls. With the Quiet Trail designation, the park is free from human-made noise pollution, allowing you to experience uninterrupted natural soundscapes.
Of over 200 waterfalls in the Valentine area, Smith Falls tends to be the standout. Follow the trail at Smith Falls State Park to the footbridge crossing the Niobrara River to view the splendid 70-foot falls from the boardwalk.
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area is known for its deep waters, where inflow from the Snake River and Boardman Creek creates a honey spot for avid anglers. It is also a designated International Dark Sky Park, offering pristine stargazing conditions free of light pollution.
End your day over a beer or two at the Bolo Beer Company. The local brewery’s taproom offers a variety of beers and ciders. Comfy wood deck chairs on their patio invite guests to sit back and sample a flight in a backyard-like setting.
Red Cloud
Red Cloud is located in South-central Nebraska, just north of the Kansas border. It is perhaps best known as the hometown for renowned American novelist Willa Cather, making it an enticing prospect for bookworms looking for a place to recharge. The historic sites tied to the author take you back to the carefree days of her childhood.
Visit the charming Willa Cather Childhood Home, where she lived as a girl between the ages of 10 and 16. Explore family possessions and glimpse moments of her life that influenced her writing. Tour the J. L. Miner House, where Ms. Carther’s lifelong friends’ antics inspired My Ántonia. Stroll along Webster Street, where the restored Moon Block houses the National Willa Cather Center. It is the largest collection of nationally designated historic buildings devoted to learning about the life and legacy of an American author. The restored 1887 20,000-square-foot structure also houses a bookstore, art gallery, and performing arts center.
Find inspiration at The Corner Nook-Red Cloud, where bookshelves stacked with notable reads soar towards the ceiling and cozy seating invites you to settle in for a spell. Browse the handcrafted items in their boutique and sip a seasonally inspired hot beverage from the café.
McCook
McCook is another small town near the Kansas border where the picturesque backdrop of prairie lakes and pastures offers an untroubled place to retreat. McCook’s Heritage Square is brimming with history, including the surprising Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Sutton House with its classic stucco finish and dark wood trim. The square feels unhurried, allowing you to slow down and appreciate the subtle nuances of the architecture.
Visit the Museum of the High Plains at the childhood home of Kool-Aid inventor Edwin Perkins. View plans for a Frank Lloyd Wright home that was never built, explore exhibits from the WWII air base and German POW camp, view an impressive collection of American Indian artifacts, and discover the old-time general store and pharmacy. There is also an impressive collection of antique cars and appliances on display.
Unwind at the Red Willow State Recreation Area, set on 1,358 acres, including a pretty little beach and year-round grounds for relaxation and outdoor activities. Pack goodies from Ember Bakery and Cafe’s drive-thru to nosh while enjoying the views of Hugh Butler Lake.
Aurora
Aurora is located in Hamilton County in south-central Nebraska’s agricultural area, where you can slow down and savor simpler things. The town's history and pastoral surroundings help iron out the kinks of daily life with interesting sites to discover.
The Plainsman Museum honors the pioneering men and women who blazed a trail to establish a thriving agricultural industry with over 50,000 artifacts. The grounds include an agricultural building, a one-room schoolhouse, a Victorian home, a Blacksmith Shop, and a Burlington Northern caboose. The stunning rotunda in the main building features mosaic tile murals on the floor, a soaring ceiling, and large frescos depicting key moments in history.
Pioneer Trails Recreation Area is part of a Natural Resources District project where a serene lake offers a popular spot for carefree fishing without the annoyance of motorized boats. Extensive hiking trails offer wildlife viewing opportunities and a quiet place to explore the beauty of the landscape.
Expressions Coffee and Community is a unique gathering place where guests are welcome to spend time exploring the latest "Art on the Wall" exhibit, shop the display of local vendor products, or sample the food and drink available on their café menu.
Nebraska has so much more going for it than the savvy traveler might think. From an emerging wine industry to craft breweries in almost every town and intriguing foodie destinations to stupendous landscapes to explore, Nebraska does have something for everyone. When you are in need of a little rest and relaxation, consider one of Nebraska’s eight most laid-back towns to unwind.
