6 Storybook Towns In Nebraska

When you think of Nebraska, visions of beautiful grassy prairies, gently rolling hills, and pristine rivers, lakes, and other types of waterways most likely come to mind. Although it's considered a part of the American Midwest, the landlocked state has a rich Old West and Native American history, giving it a storybook quality. Although Nebraska is known for its bustling cities of Lincoln and Omaha, it's the Cornhusker State's smaller, more charming towns that give it its warm, welcoming feel. Whether you're taking a dreamy weekend getaway or a novel-worthy family summer vacation, you'll find the perfect place to call home for a few days or weeks in one of Nebraska's sweet hometowns. Consider discovering these six quaint communities the next time you're in the state.

Brownville

Sweet Brownville is a quaint town in the gently rolling Loess Hills along the Missouri River. The southeastern Nebraska community is a popular tourist destination due to its scenic landscape, abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich history. Brownville was designated a National Register Historic District and stuns residents and visitors alike with its perfectly restored buildings, many of which are now museums or are open for public tours. Take a step back into Brownville's fabled past by touring Carson House, Governor Furnas House, and Captian Bailey House. Check out more of the town's exciting history with a trip to the Meriwether Lewis Museum of Missouri River History or the Wheel Museum. To complete your storybook visit to Brownville, check into the cozy River Inn Resort or the Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast.

Red Cloud

Located in pretty southern Nebraska, the tiny town of Red Cloud has adopted the tagline of "great stories grow here," making it the perfect place to experience a storybook escape. With just under 1,000 residents, Red Cloud is small in size but big on history, arts and cultural attractions, and natural beauty. The charming town is best known as the childhood home of Willa Sibert Cather, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Literary lovers from all over come to Red Cloud to experience the prolific writer's hometown and visit sites such as the Willa Cather Historic District, the not-for-profit Willa Cather Foundation, and the National Willa Cather Center, which features an art gallery and a bookstore. Other must-see attractions include the Red Cloud Opera House and the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie, a 612-acre respite with scenic walking and hiking trails.

Minden

The south-central Nebraska town of Minden was settled by Swedish, German, and Danish immigrants, giving it a unique mix of traditions and attractions. Although quaint Minden has just over 3,000 residents, it's conveniently a part of the Kearney Micropolitan Statistical Area. Start your storybook-inspired getaway to Minden with a trip to the Pioneer Village Museum, which consists of 20 acres and 28 buildings filled with more than 50,000 relics and artifacts. Some of the fascinating items include vintage cars and airplanes, as well as art and farming equipment. The charming town is known as "Nebraska's Christmas City" and lives up to that name every holiday season when its courthouse square is lit up with approximately 12,000 vibrant bulbs and the "Light of the World" Christmas show is staged every year. If you're visiting during a warmer time of the year and want to explore local wildlife, such as sandhill cranes, stop by the National Audubon Society's Rowe Sanctuary, which is nestled along the Central Platte River.

Valentine

There is no better Nebraska town in which to experience a fairytale escape than sweet Valentine, which is affectionally dubbed "America's Heart City." Located in the state's Sandhills region near the pretty Niobrara River, charming Valentine is also known as an outdoor lover's paradise. Start your vacation story with a stop at the Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park or Smith Falls State Park, where you can view Nebraska's tallest waterfall and canoe, kayak, or tube down the river. If you're feeling very adventurous, hike or bike down the Cowboy Trail, which spans nearly 200 miles of the old Chicago and Northwestern Railroad line. History buffs will delight in the Cherry County Historical Society Museum or Centennial Hall, while foodies won't want to miss a meal at the delicious Bunkhouse Restaurant & Saloon or the Peppermill Restaurant & EKV Lounge.

Nebraska City

The lovely small community of Nebraska City is situated in southeastern Nebraska along the Missouri River's peaceful western shores. The town's storied history dates back to 1855 when the Nebraska Territorial Legislature established it. Today, history comes to life as you stroll through the town's downtown district, taking in the perfectly restored historic structures, many of which house shops, cafes, and other local businesses. Popular attractions include the Kregel Windmill Factory Museum, the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, the Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting, and the Mayhew Cabin & Historical Village. If you're lucky enough to visit the town during late September, spend some time at the AppleJack Festival, which draws in attendees from all over with a classic car show, quilt show, carnival rides, a parade, and other hometown delights.

McCook

Although it's a pretty town surrounded by enchanting prairie land and lakes in Nebraska's high plains region, McCook offers much more than just natural beauty. During your fairytale visit, go on a buffalo tour so you can see the stunning animals in their natural environment, or stop in at the interesting Museum of the High Plains. Another advantage that McCook has is that it's home to the Red Willow Reservoir, a prairie lake in which you can go fishing and swimming on warm summer days. Rent a canoe or kayak from a local outfitter and float across the water for a relaxing respite. McCook's charming Heritage Square delights visitors with 10 blocks of architectural gems, such as the Sutton House, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Each June, McCook hosts the Buffalo Commons Annual Storytelling and Music Festival.

No matter what region of Nebraska you're visiting, from the enchanting Great Plains to the Central Lowland, you'll find a small town to provide the perfect setting for your fairytale trip. Although the state has its fair share of thriving cities, its quaint hometowns will treat you to the famous Midwest hospitality throughout your stay. Whether you're taking a solo weekend getaway or a family summer vacation, you'll find plenty of novel-worthy inspiration in the highways and byways of Nebraska.