6 Underappreciated Towns to Visit in Nebraska

The Tree Planters' State has an almost negative reputation for being underwhelming, and while Nebraska is certainly unique, the stereotype attached to its name is untrue and ignorant of all the state has to offer, meaning that Nebraska is more often overlooked, and it takes a careful eye to see the true treasures that remain hidden and obscured by a false reputation. Something must be done; someone must show the underappreciated towns in the nooks and crannies of a state that is also undervalued. For that reason, here are six underappreciated towns to visit in Nebraska.

Chadron

A town historically surrounded by a mix of Great Plains and Pine Ridge escarpments, Chadron offers both historical attractions like the Museum of the Fur Trade and natural beauty as part of the nearby Nebraska National Forest and Pine Ridge National Recreation Area. It's here that this tiny town, situated on large flatlands of green grass, really gets its noteworthyness—the area is majestic.

Surrounded too by the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area, perhaps the real Chadron is not among the quaint streets reminiscent of a smaller America, but out there in the wilderness, next to the hills, pines, and nearby lakes. But even so, Chadron is a place with a bit of everything, combining both the modern amenities of 21st-century civilization, history, and the undisputed beauty of a land untouched.

Scottsbluff

It should be no surprise that the towns of Nebraska celebrate the Great Plains—or what little is left. Scottsbluff plays this part well with its Legacy of the Plains Museum. Sitting right on the Oregon Trail, this museum has an incredible collection of antiques and plainsman artifacts and an impressively functioning 80-acre farm. Few places in the entire state have as much to do and see as the museum that thrives off of the most recent and far-back past.

Curiously, not too far from the museum, and, in fact, viewable from it, is the Scotts Bluff National Monument. A towering slab of rock rises 800 feet above the plains and is the grandest and most obvious sight in every direction for miles. This creation of nature served as an important landmark for those on the trails, even the native Americans, and it's easy to see why. Whether that be using it as a marker or stopping in awe to take a break from mostly flatlands, this behemoth is as gorgeous as it was back then.

Papillion

Certainly a more modern town, Papillion still has its fair share of unique and cool spots that are admittedly more geared toward family. For one, the Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Ranch is not just a farm where one can pick up fresh pumpkins and an assortment of berries, but acres of farmland, hayride tours, a 120-foot-long pirate ship for the kiddos, and much more. Truly a good and unexpected experience, this is one of Papillion's jewels.

The other has to be Walnut Creek Lake and Recreation Area, and don't get fooled by its name. The lake itself is reflective and small but gorgeous. Growing by its shores are flowers and plants of a multi-color variety, and one can only imagine how lovely it actually is during its spring. A perfect place to relax and have a view, Papillion owes much to the lake.

Gretna

The oddball of Nebraska, Gretna, is an incredibly tiny town with some specialties. For the lovers of reptiles and not just ophiophilists, rejoice at the Schramm Education Center. While its new name may be a slight downgrade, this aquarium, park, and new activity center is beginning to draw the eyes of non-locals—that is, their park activities, wildlife conservation, dedication, and good use of the surrounding nature are actually paying off quite well. It would have already been attractive as just a center for reptiles and interaction, but now it's much more.

On the artistic side, for both the faithful and the faithless, is Nebraska's own Holy Family Shrine. With few other things around in the area, a shrine of glass and wooden beams may seem like a mirage among the dusty and dirt-trodden paths in the summer heat. But rest assured, the site is real, and visitors are very welcome. Though more known for its crazy yet surprisingly sturdy architecture, the real treat is in the aesthetic of its main walls of glass, and from the site, the environment seems so much bigger, as it can be viewed from all angles, all around. A wonder in sight alone, the shrine is an odd but worthy place to visit.

Nebraska City

Contrary to its name, Nebraska City is, in fact, a town. A small and historical one at that. To attest to this, Arbor Lodge State Historical Park is also not merely that. The birthplace of Arbor Day and the moral obligation to plant trees (see above Nebraska's nickname), this state park is home to the Morton Family Mansion, a 52-room wonder with artifacts, antiques, relics, and machinery from a bygone era. But that is not all, as the park is also home to arboretums, walking trails, log cabins, and apparently more than 200 kinds of beautiful ilicas.

For an equally elegant and perhaps more refreshing time, visit the Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard, where fresh apple cider is served, apple pies, apple doughnuts, and a whole selection of the freshest snacks, jams, and butter since everything is made right on the grounds. As fresh as can be, it's worth noting that Asian Pears, Gala Apples, and Ginger Gold Apples are in season.

Beatrice

Beatrice, the 15th most populous town in the state (while still having a meager population of under 15,000), marks a return to celebrating the wonders of the area and the earth. Chautauqua Park, with its dense trees, thickets, and running streams, covers 50 acres along the Big Blue River, with rustic amenities like picnic shelters and walking trails.

But while Chautauqua remains untamed, Homestead National Historical Park couldn't be more different. As a sort of remembrance for the large chapter in American history of homesteaders and Manifest Destiny, this national park attempts to create a variety of houses just like those of the 19th century. Exploring these well-made replicas and getting a small peek into the life of a homesteader is the park's mission, and it always seems to satisfy this large swath of land under an infinite sky.

Discover Nebraska's Hidden Gems

It's no secret that Nebraska is a small state, but what seems to be the case is that there's still plenty to do, see, and enjoy. The Great Plains, or what's left of them, survive here. And it is these grasslands, small hills, and nearby woodlands that really give birth to all the unique products of both nature and man-made creation. One might even be tempted to say all things are made by nature, and regardless of whether that's true, the small but hidden wonders of all of these small towns aren't any less beautiful. Perhaps one day, Nebraska and all its treasures will be appreciated in greater numbers for what they really are.