10 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In Nebraska

The midwestern state of Nebraska has a tendency to be forgotten, especially when compared to most other states in the United States. This might be because of the well-known attractions like Acadia National Park in Maine, the National WWII Museum in Louisiana, and Disneyland in southern California. Yet, Nebraska has its own share of attractions worthy of visiting, even if they are in some of the most off-the-beaten-path towns within the state. From Ashland and the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum to Valentine and Smith Falls State Park, here are ten of the best off-the-beaten-path towns in the Cornhusker State.

Ashland

The quaint town of Ashland, with just 3,300 residents, is home to several awesome attractions. Yet this glorious town tends to be overshadowed by Omaha, which is located just 30 miles away. From Simmons Conservation Park to the Aerospace Museum to Eugene Mahoney State Park, a plethora of excellent activities can be experienced in Ashland.

Ashland is also home to several art galleries, like Cooper Studio and Turtle Creek, providing that hometown sense of community, and many golf clubs, including Quarry Oaks and Iron Horse, for those who enjoy the thrill of an 18-hole challenge. Some of the better lodging choices in Ashland include Kimberly Creek Retreat and Roost Bed & Breakfast.

Nebraska City

Nebraska City is an awesome place to visit, especially if you appreciate history. Kregel Windmill Factory Museum, the only windmill factory museum left in America, displays over a million different artifacts. Another excellent historical find within Nebraska City, the Civil War Vateran’s Museum honors both Union and Confederate soldiers who fought during the American Civil War between 1861 and 1865.

There are also several great festivals held in Nebraska City for those people who appreciate community growth. The Applejack Festival, held in September every year, showcases apples and the apple harvest. During the Christmas season, locals and guests share the ceremonial lighting of a community Christmas tree, which stands proudly before the Otoe County Courthouse.

Sidney

Picturesque Sidney is home to several awesome attractions. The National Pony Express Monument, a bronze statue of a horse and its rider, honors the courageous deliverers of mail from Missouri to California in the early 1860s. Sidney is also home to the Living Memorial Gardens, offering tranquility to guests through an abundant amount of fauna and flora.

Sidney possesses many other historic aspects that encourage visitors year-round as well. Housed in the former residence of the Post Commander during the 19th century, Fort Sidney Museum has 16 themed rooms with a plethora of interesting artifacts and interactive displays. There is also Historic Downtown Sidney, which offers some great attractions, like the Sidney “Boot Hill” Cemetery and an original Powder House from the 1800s.

Chadron

Another off-the-beaten-path town in Nebraska, the town of Chadron has around 5,100 permanent residents. That doesn’t keep this quaint town from possessing a variety of great historic and natural attractions, though. Chadron is home to the Museum of the Fur Trade, which offers an accurate interpretation of fur trade in America, and Chadron State Park, famous for its horseback riding capabilities.

Several festivities and events are held in downtown Chadron as well, including the Festival of Quilts in April and Fur Trade Days in July. Plus, in regard to nature, the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area offers 6,600-plus acres of landscape perfect for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, nature-study, and even cross-country skiing during the winter season.

Ogallala

Split by the South Platte River, Ogallala is home to several great attributes. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area, famous for its camping, offers a taste of nature without the crowds produced by its larger neighbor, Lake McConaughy. If you prefer to visit Lake McConaughy, this great lake offers swimming, fishing, boating, and even camping opportunities to guests and residents alike.

There are also several awesome historic aspects in Ogallala, including the Petrified Wood Gallery, which was first established by the Kenfields, twin brothers born in 1928. Another great attraction, the Mansion on the Hill, is an 1887 Victorian mansion that showcases nine spacious rooms and two baths which are furnished in some of the finest furniture of the 1880s.

York

Home of the Clayton Museum of Ancient History, the Wessels Living History Farm, and Lee’s Legendary Marbles & Collectables, the pastoral town of York is steeped in historical value. Along with these excellent sources of history, York is also home to the York Area Children’s Museum and the Anna Bemis Palmer Museum.

Yet, for those who want more than just the ability to delve into history, York also has a variety of natural attributes, as well. Several great hiking trails, like Oak Creek and York Park, await to show off the natural beauty of this part of Nebraska wilderness. There are even several great lodging choices in the quaint town of York, including a picturesque bed & breakfast on Sixth Street and Victoria Inn on Lincoln Avenue.

Beatrice

The town of Beatrice, though it is off-the-beaten-path, is home to several great attractions. From Homestead National Historical Park, home of Scotts Bluff, to the Gage County Historical Museum, displaying the history of this great Nebraska county, the importance of heritage is alive and well in Beatrice.

There are also a variety of natural amenities in Beatrice for those who love nature. Chautauqua Park, located along the banks of the Big Blue River, provides 66 acres of landscape with hiking, picnicking, and even camping options. There are also several great festivals in Beatrice. Homestead Days, taking place annually in June, honors the homesteading heritage of the area, while Beatrice Beer, Wine, & Spirits Festival, occurring in Charles Park during May, showcases the importance of community-connectivity.

Aurora

Self-proclaimed as the town “where the possibilities are endless,” the quaint town of Aurora is home to several awesome attractions that urge visitors to return over and over. From the Edgerton Explorit Center, which supports the importance of science discovery and exploration in kids of all ages, to the Plainsman Museum, with exhibits showcasing over 50,000 artifacts from the 1860s to the 1950s, there is something for everyone in Aurora.

There are also a variety of events held annually in town. The Aurora Colony Days celebrate the intrepid journey from Colonial Times to the present, while the Fall Vendor Festival allows locals and guests alike to display their wares to the public.

Burwell

With just over a thousand permanent residents, the town of Burwell tends to be forgotten by visitors. Yet this picturesque town has enough awesome attributes to entertain anyone. From Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park, with chances to hike, fish, picnic, and even camp, to the Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area, there are a plethora of natural amenities in Burwell.

The small town of Burwell is also famous for Rowse’s 1+1 Ranch, where guests of all ages can experience what it would be like to work on a ranch as a true cowboy. From food & lodging, which includes three meals daily and sleeping in a log bunkhouse, to activities like riding horses, rodeos, and even a true cattle drive, visitors can enjoy life in the West.

Valentine

Founded in 1882, the town of Valentine is a place not to be missed, especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast. Home of Smith Falls State Park, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, the Niobrara River, and the Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, the area around Valentine offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, boating, kayaking, and even camping overnight.

There are also several great cultural aspects to Valentine, in case you appreciate staying closer to town. Valentine hosts several annual festivals, including the Annual Art Walk, held every May, and the Cherry County Fair, occurring every summer at the fairgrounds, with a demolition derby, a rodeo, and a parade as some of the most popular events.

Nebraska, though it is hidden in the north-western part of the United States, has a plethora of great small towns that tend to be missed when people plan their vacations. Whether you are looking for natural attributes, such as Smith Falls State Park in Valentine or Scotts Bluff in Beatrice, or historical amenities, like the Fort Sidney Museum in Sidney, there are many off-the-beaten-path towns in the state of Nebraska that are well worth visiting.