This Nebraska Town Has The Biggest Heart
When people think of Nebraska, they often picture sunny, rolling plains, close-knit farming communities, and small-town spirit. Pawnee City, located in the state’s southeast, brings all of that to life and more. It may be small, but the warmth you feel when you arrive is unmistakable, whether you grab a bite at the beloved Shirley’s Place or explore a vintage filling station at Jerry’s Dream Museum. If you need a friendly respite, Pawnee City is sure to welcome you with warmth and kindness.
Jerry’s Dream Museum
If you are looking for a dose of nostalgia, you will find it at Jerry’s Dream Museum. The story of this museum begins in 1937, when the Matthews family purchased the building from a hatchery and converted it into a gas station under the name Pawnee Oil. The station operated until the 1990s before eventually shutting down. After its closure, the founder’s grandson, Jerry Stephens, purchased the building with hopes of restoring it. He spent the next several years renovating the station before falling ill with lung cancer in 2007. Determined not to let his efforts go to waste, Jerry established the nonprofit “Jerry’s Dream Museum & Foundation” before his passing to help carry out his vision. Although he passed away in 2008, his family and friends continued his work, completing the restorations in the years that followed.
Today, if you visit the museum, you will find a restored Phillips 66 filling station and a 50s-style Valentine Diner, appearing just as they would have many decades ago. There is also an exhibit of local memorabilia and filling station equipment on the property, allowing you to explore a bit more history. From April through October, on the second Saturday of each month from 7:30 am to 10:30 am, the museum hosts its monthly “Cars & Coffee” event. A different retro car is featured at each event, and visitors are encouraged to bring their vintage vehicles if they have one. Attendees can also grab a cup of coffee, some refreshments, and enjoy a conversation with staff and other visitors during the morning. If you are not able to attend the monthly event, travelers are also welcome to reach out to the museum on their Facebook page to schedule an appointment to visit the museum.
Pawnee City Historical Society and Museum
Featuring 22 buildings and 25,000 items on display, the Pawnee City Historical Society and Museum has done a tremendous job of preserving the town’s history. Many of the historic buildings that travelers can visit date back to the 19th century, including school houses, barns, homes, and businesses. The Curtis House, for example, is one of the town’s oldest homes, built in 1859 and showcasing a fine example of Greek Revival architecture. The Benz Blacksmith Shop is another notable landmark, originally built as a school building in 1863 before being converted into a carpenter and blacksmith shop. Inside, visitors will find a variety of tools. Make sure to check out the society’s chapel as well, which dates back to 1889, featuring chapel furnishings inside.
Some of the museum’s historic buildings host eclectic antique collections that are well worth a visit. In the Curtis House, visitors will find a button collection featuring an impressive 8,400 buttons! If you visit the Bartram Building, you will find a shaker collection that showcases 1,600 salt and pepper shaker sets. Moving into the barbed wire building, meanwhile, guests will encounter a barbed wire collection that features 800 different kinds of barbed wire. To visit the museum, be sure to reach out in advance and schedule an appointment, as it is open by appointment only.
Shirley’s Place
After exploring the town’s beloved museums, you will likely have worked up an appetite. Luckily, you will find a hearty and filling meal at Shirley’s Place, a cozy, American-style restaurant that has been operating in the community since 2009. On the menu, guests will find all kinds of classic dishes, such as fried pickles, curly fries, jumbo fried shrimp, bacon cheeseburgers, buffalo chicken salads, French dip sandwiches, and prime rib sandwiches. Keep your eye on the restaurant’s Facebook page as well, as they often offer lunch specials throughout the week!
Final Thoughts
In a world that moves faster each day, sometimes all we need is a chance to slow down. In Pawnee City, you will be able to unwind, enjoying the company of friendly residents as they guide you through the town’s museums and welcome you into their restaurants. Located just about an hour and 20 minutes from Lincoln, it is also an easy trip for those hailing from the city. So if you are ready for a visit filled with warmth and kindness, Pawnee City is waiting.
