7 Small Towns in Nebraska With Big Charm
In the United States, there are high rates of tourism in larger cities. However, there is a lot to be said about the small towns and the charm they hold for the residents and even for tourists as well.
Nebraska is a midwestern state bordered by South Dakota, Wyoming, Missouri, and part of the boundary of the Mississippi River. It seems that Nebraska has a smaller population overall when it comes to its cities and towns, but that smaller population leads to a lot of treasure found in small towns throughout the state. With a rich history from the Indigenous peoples and the frontier pioneers, there is much to explore and do in the charming small towns of Nebraska.
Check out these seven small towns in Nebraska with big charm.
Valentine, Nebraska
This lovely town in Cherry County houses a population of 2,737 (as of the 2010 census). Living in Valentine offers residents a sparse suburban feel, and most residents own their homes. Described as a place unlike any other. From rolling sandhills to the winding Niobrara River, there is no shortage of things to do, especially for an outdoor enthusiast. For those who enjoy a bit of wordplay, it is a great place to bring your valentine on Valentine's Day.
Points of Interest
Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park
This 7202-acre ranch showcases the history of Sandhills ranch life from the turn of the 20th century. It is located a short distance off Highway 20, just three miles north and east of Merriman. Owned by a former State Senator who managed the ranch until she died in 1985. Afterward, it was maintained as a working cattle ranch and a living history museum.
Centennial Hall Museum
A historical landmark that was built in 1897 and is listed as the oldest standing high school building in the state of Nebraska. The style of architecture of the building is one of the tokens of the past, one that is unlikely to be utilized in modern society. The Museum contains twelve rooms, each with a different theme and area-based historical artifacts.
Cowboy Trail
The Cowboy Trail Rails to Trails project converted the abandoned Chicago and Northwestern railroad into a crushed limestone trail with wooden decked bridges. One of the most spectacular parts of the trail is the old train trestle that crosses the Niobrara River just outside of Valentine. The trail is open from Valentine East to Norfolk, which is nearly 200 miles distance. There are plans for the trail to eventually go west to Chadron for a total of 320 miles.
Alliance, Nebraska
This Nebraska town lies in the Great Plains region of the United States. Its population was 8,151 (as of the 2020 census). This small town is described as a hidden gem. Located in the western part of Nebraska, it becomes an accessible place to go, just three hours south of the Black Hills of South Dakota and four hours north of Denver, reachable via Highway 385. Downtown Alliance is beautifully diverse and full of history to explore.
Points of Interest
Carhenge
A landmark that is unique to Alliance. A mock-up of Stonehenge but completely made with old cars. Conceived by artist Jim Reinders in 1987 as a memorial to his father. The site features 39 salvaged cars arranged in a circular pattern. An excellent place to visit for its history and artistry.
Alliance Central Park Fountain
A cherished local landmark that has a history dating back to 1935. The historic fountain is not only a respite from the summer heat but also transforms with beautiful lights as night falls, adding a touch of magic to the park's evening ambiance.
Dobby's Frontier Town
This attraction offers a historical trip through the old western frontier. There is a variety of attractions that showcase life on the frontier, from an old-fashioned general store to a blacksmith's shop ringing with the sounds of craftmanship. There is so much attention to detail, which creates a wonderful hands-on and educational trip for people of all ages.
Wahoo, Nebraska
Founded in 1870, this small Nebraska town houses a population of 4,818 (as of the 2020 census). In 1996, Wahoo became known as the "home office" location that produced the top ten lists for the Late Show, hosted by David Lettermen.
Points of Interest
Hanson House
This restored home of Howard Hanson, Pulitzer Prize-winner for outstanding contemporary musical composition in 1944, is a historical place to visit. Memorabilia features other native sons such as Dr. George Beadle, winner of the Nobel Prize for science, and "Wahoo" Sam Crawford, baseball hall of Fame member.
Saunders County Historical Society Museum
This complex has several historic buildings, including a depot, caboose, post office, ag building, church, schoolhouse, and log cabin. The Museum complex houses over 25,000 objects from the 1870s to the 1980s, ranging in size from small beads to large pieces of farm equipment. While the Historical Society was formed in 1963, the society didn't start actively collecting the artifacts until 1976, when there was a physical place to store and catalog them properly.
Lake Wanahoo NRD Recreation Area
This 1,777-acre recreation area is owned by the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District and was developed in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It spans the 662-acre lake Wanahoo, which offers fishing, no-wake boating, camping, miles of hiking and biking trails, birdwatching, a disc golf course, multiple playgrounds, and a day-use area with picnic shelters. There are even places to do ice fishing during the winter.
Broken Bow, Nebraska
It is a somewhat more isolated small town that holds its own charm in Nebraska. Its population was 3,559 (as of the 2010 census). Broken Bow is the largest town in Custer County. It is a town that maintains its tradition in agriculture while also moving forward with the times.
Points of Interest
Custer County Museum
This Museum has hosted several traveling Smithsonian exhibits and numerous displays from local collectors, artists, and craftsmen. It even showcases an entire exhibit of their pioneering photographer, Solomon D. Butcher, that contains a gallery of his photographs.
Wild Rose Gallery, Inc.
The Gallery is dedicated to furthering education in the arts and providing a venue for regional artists to display, promote, and sell their work. It is a wonderful display of talent and pride in the community. There are even classes for the creative individual to take.
Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Visitor Center
Also known as the Byway Barn. The center is located in a 1920s restored barn that was moved from the west of the city. There are well-defined walking trails, including one that will take you a third of a mile up the hill to the southwest of the Barn. A beautiful, scenic location that welcomes visitors and tourists.
Bayard, Nebraska
A homely, charming small town has a population of 1,209 (as of the 2010 census). A town that was once located in a slightly different place. The "Old" Bayard town was founded in the 1880s. It was named after the city of Bayard, Iowa. The small town of Bayard was picked up and moved to its present site in 1900 to be on the new Union Pacific Railroad line. It moved just a short one mile west from its previous location.
Points of Interest
The Vault Coffee Shop
A lovely coffee place to hang out and feel the sense of community in Bayard. Frequented by locals and tourists, they are served roasted coffee, loose-leaf teas, and made-from-scratch baked goods.
Bayard Depot Museum
A community museum that is housed in what was once a Burlington Northern Railroad depot is now refurbished and open for everyone to enjoy. The Museum contains many Bayard artifacts. It is completely free to enter and prevue.
Chimney Rock Museum
Chimney Rock is the most famous and recognizable landmark along the Oregon Trail. Officially designated a National Historic Site on August 9, 1956, Chimney Rock and the Ethel and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center are maintained and operated by History Nebraska. The landmark is estimated to be 325 feet from tip to base and 120 feet for the spire.
Crete, Nebraska
This small Nebraska town is described as a vibrant "community on the move" that embraces pioneering heritage and present-day diversity. It houses a population of 7,099 (as of the 2020 census.
Points of Interest
Crete Heritage Society
Preserved by the Crete Heritage Society, this 21-acre tract located along the Big Blue River was once part of Crete founder Jesse C. Bickle's 80-acre homestead.
Doane University
Doane University is a private institution that was founded in 1872. It had a total undergraduate enrollment of 990 during the fall of 2022, its setting is rural, and the campus size is 300 acres. Doane University is the home of the Doane Owl, established in 1879, the oldest student-run newspaper in the state of Nebraska. The large campus also includes the Whitcomb Conservatory/Lee Memorial Chapel and Boswell Observatory.
Boswell Observatory
Built in 1883, the observatory is the oldest functioning building on Doane's campus. Doane's original inland time ball, which was once mounted on Merrill Hall and operated by a clock in the observatory, is also on display.
Papillion, Nebraska
Papillion is a suburb of Omaha that houses the largest population of these charming Nebraskan towns that this article discusses. Its population is 24,159 (as of the 2020 census). The City of Papillion's government even has access to TV channels with information and education about City departments, services, facilities, and events.
Points of Interest
Veterans Park
A place to honor those who have served in the country's military, with more of a focus on those who resided in Sarpy County (Papillon). Veterans Park was established in 2013 from the humble beginnings of a Blue Star Memorial, flagpole, and flower planter. The park has since undergone many improvements through its numerous partnerships.
John Sautter Farmhouse
Sautter, a German immigrant farmer, operated a grist mill for many years. He farmed over 800 acres of land and served as one of the founders of the First Lutheran Church of Papillion. Sautter also donated land to the Lutheran Church to start what is now known as Papillion Cemetery.
Northwoods Cheese Haus
A locally owned cheesemaking house. Locally created and owned since 2014. Now, the business sells many flavors of cheese and meat. They have several specialty items. The benefit of this lovely business is that they can ship directly to you!
There you have it, seven small Nebraska towns with big charm. There are so many things to see and do whether you live in these towns or plan to visit.
