10 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In Nebraska
When the Otoe Native Americans arrived at a particular river in a state that would be known as Nebraska, they described the river as nebrathka, which meant “flat water.” Today, that specific river is now known as the Platte River, and though it may seem flat at times, the many captivating small towns situated beside it and beside many other rivers are far from flat. From Nebraska City’s fondness for foliage and Chadron’s dedication to keeping its national parks protected and perfect, the most captivating small towns in Nebraska are brimming with as much energy as a jug of Kool-Aid, for which the state is famous for inventing. You will not be disappointed at all by Nebraska's small towns since they will be as captivating as the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha.
Seward
American patriots celebrate the Fourth of July every year in "Nebraska’s Fourth of July City," the feet-sweeping town of Seward. It was in those humble streets in the year 1868 that the first Fourth of July celebration commenced after the Declaration of Independence was signed. One can admire an inkling of the past by seeing the World's Largest Time Capsule, or perhaps you can go exploring the outdoors along Big Blue River and at the Oak Glen State Wildlife Management Area.
More opportune explorations can be experienced when traveling through Branched Oak State Recreation Area, Branched Oak Lake, and the Smith Creek Recreation Area. Only about 25 miles from the city of Lincoln, let your appreciation for most things American soar like an eagle in Nebraska’s Fourth of July City of Seward.
Chadron
The riveting small town of Chadron is an entranceway to the Chadron State Park, Nebraska’s very first state park. Travelers can immerse themselves into the fur-trading businesses that have been operational since the year 1885 at the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area, or perhaps you might fancy scenic strolls along the North Platte River or through the Nebraska National Forest. The history and heritage of the High Plains of Nebraska can be appreciated at the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center.
In contrast, historical sites such as Fort Robinson State Park allow visitors to examine the remains of pioneer-era military fortresses and Native American artifacts.
Nebraska City
Beside the state border of Iowa, Nebraska City is a magnificent small town on the Missouri River, which is where the world-famous Arbor Day was created in 1872. Arbor Day is a yearly event from April 26 to 28, where people are encouraged to plant as many trees as possible. Should you wish to plant a sapling or a seed in Nebraska City, you can do so at the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, once the estates of J. Sterling Morton, who founded Arbor Day in the first place for which you can also explore a 50-foot-tall treehouse at the Arbor Day Farm.
You might also be motivated to explore the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clarke Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center to learn all about the different places that Meriwether Lewis and William Clark visited. Even though Nebraska City is called a city, it nevertheless exudes and exemplifies a perfectly small town in the majestic state of Nebraska.
Gering
Less than two hours from Chadron, the great town of Gering gives travelers an impressive view of the Wildcat Hills. On top of the hills, one can find the Scotts Bluff National Monument, a former resting spot for early pioneers and frontiersmen on their westward journey. The Chimney Rock Museum, on the other hand, is a pyramid-shaped geological formation that continues to mystify newcomers as to its creation.
One can find the remains of wagon wheel ruts along the historic Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail, while the North Platte River leads people towards the bountiful Riverside Park. There are plenty more of Nebraska’s animals to see in Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Area, and plenty more opportunities to enjoy in the small town of Gering.
McCook
Let the cool town of McCook cook with its exemplary landscapes and alluring attractions As the "Capital of the Buffalo Commons," one can find vast herds of bison grazing across the prairies surrounding McCook and even drinking from the Republican River. Even more of Nebraska’s wildlife can be admired at the Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area, the Hugh Butler Lake, Barnett Park, and Kelley Park. As American writer Willa Cather once said of Nebraska’s prairies: “Anybody can love the mountains, but it takes a soul to love the prairie.” So let your wandering soul fall in love with the prairies and pastures and perfect wonders available throughout McCook.
Ogallala
Live the life of a cowboy from the era of the Wild West in the small town of Ogallala. Being “The Cowboy Capital of Nebraska,” Ogallala’s Front Street contains the old-fashioned saloons and bars and other Wild West buildings that you might recognize from Western movie settings. The town was named after the former Oglala (Oklada) Sioux Native Americans who once hunted game near the Texas Trail. Whether you are following the South Platte River and strolling around Lake McConaughy, also known as the Big Mac, you can certainly find tons of new experiences to enjoy. Lake McConaughy, in particular, often hosts the Kites and Castles every July 27.
Naturally, you can follow the path that the pioneers and cowboys took towards the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, and California Trail. You can absolutely go adventuring and even camping in riveting landmarks like the Ash Hollow State Historical Park, Windlass Hill, and Clear Creek State Waterfowl Management Area. Ogle all you want at Ogallala’s amazing attractions.
Columbus
Beside the Loup River, a tributary of the Platte River, and an hour away from Omaha and Grand Island, you will find the sublime small town of Columbus. Meadowlarks are abundant in regions like Lake Babcock and Gerrard Park, and travelers will feel spirited and energetic when seeing all that there is outdoors.
Enjoy a quick game of chance and skill at Harrah's Columbus Racing & Casino. Escape the heat of the day with Pawnee Plunge Water Park’s refreshing watercourses. But most importantly, feel a sense of sorrow-borne commemoration for the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack and veterans of World War II at the Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial Park.
Red Cloud
Red Cloud, the birthplace of the Great Plains author Willa Cather, is a 35-mile getaway from the city of Hastings. Down the Republican River and Crooked Creek, you will find a number of humble and remarkable attractions in a town so named after an Oglala Sioux chieftain called Red Cloud.
Whether you are marveling at the well-preserved habitats of the Republican Valley Wayside Park or seeing the diverse wildlife at the Indian Creek State Wildlife Management Area and the Elm Creek State Wildlife Management Area near the state border of Kansas, you will not be disappointed by all the numerous amenities worth seeing in Red Cloud. Additionally, the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie Historical Marker honors the works of Willa Cather by preserving the prairies that Cather so adored.
Papillion
Papillion, one of many small suburbs on the outskirts of Omaha, stands out as one of the best small towns in comparison to its neighbors. So named from the French word “papillon” for butterfly, proof of Papillion’s popular position can best be enjoyed when seeing the basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts at both Halleck Park and Werner Park.
More recreation, particularly fishing and sightseeing for Nebraska’s animals, can be gained at the Walnut Creek Recreation Area, the Prairie Queen Recreation Area, and the Chalco Hills Recreation Area for their lakes and other tranquil bodies of water. Last but not least, you can find the butterflies that gave the town its French name at the Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Ranch.
Kearney
It is a spectacular and celebrated event to see thousands of migratory birds filling the sky. And for travelers visiting the town of Kearney—home to the University of Nebraska—you can certainly experience this natural phenomenon from the middle or late February to the ides of April when sandhill cranes return to the tributaries and main river of the Platte River.
Even though Kearney is hailed as the "Sandhill Crane Capital of the World" because of this grand migration, there are many other destinations that do not require periodical patience for you to see. Among these stationary attractions are Yanney Heritage Park, Apollo Park, and Ted Baldwin Park. Furthermore, you can find a replica of a fort that safeguarded the Oregon Trail since 1848 at the Fort Kearny State Historical Park.
Go bursting through walls and other barriers like the Kool-Aid Man on your way to the most captivating small towns in Nebraska. With Red Cloud’s serene prairies that inspired creative individuals like Willa Cather and with Columbus’ memorials to the fallen, you will feel honored and blessed to have visited the most captivating small towns in Nebraska. Many will be enamored by the butterflies in Papillion or by Seward’s celebrations for America’s freedom and independence. Most importantly, visitors to Nebraska will be enchanted by each of the state’s splendid small towns that are worth visiting.
