7 Towns In Nebraska That Were Ranked Among US Favorites
Also known as the “Cornhusker State,” Nebraska is a beautiful component of the Midwestern United States. Full of loads of natural wonder and alluring episodes of American history, this overlooked jewel is a great place to spend a holiday. While it boasts a small population of just some 1.9 million inhabitants, Nebraska is home to a number of wonderful towns and communities full of inviting charm that will surely create fun memories for all ages of travelers. So take to the road and see some of Nebraska’s most entertaining and pretty towns, ready to welcome guests and create a memorable holiday experience.
Ashland
Home to a modest population of just over 3,000 inhabitants, Ashland is a lovely little town where the splendor of the outdoors is never far away. Visit the nearby Mahoney State Park, where camping, cycling, and hiking opportunities await, while a unique safari ride at the Wildlife Safari Park transports guests right into the heart of the African Savannah. Meanwhile, in the town proper, several lovely green park spaces and relaxing golf courses ensure that a peaceful outdoor outing is always nearby. And for those who want to step inside for a while, do not forget about the Strategic Air and Space Museum, where everything from black holes, the Milky Way galaxy, and the construction of space shuttles is highlighted in an interactive and informative fashion. Finally, with Ashland’s cute assortment of local shops, restaurants, and other businesses, the small-town charm is most evident here, creating a perfect snapshot of genuine Americana.
Nebraska City
Despite the “city” in its name, Nebraska City is a humble community with just over 7,000 residents. The seat of Otoe County, the town was formally incorporated in the 1850s and is recognized as the oldest non-indigenous settlement in the State. Enjoy a quiet and pleasant atmosphere here, filled with charming local businesses and restaurants, while unique attractions like the Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting and the Lewis and Clark Center offer fascinating insights into the nation’s past. Meanwhile, the town is widely known as the “Home of Arbor Day,” where the first such event was held way back in 1872. Today, you can find numerous tree-themed parks and other attractions in Nebraska City, like the Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard, where picking one’s own fruit has never been so much fun! From there, visit the Enchanted Arboretum Park and the Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, where amusing farm-based activities and interactive displays highlight the importance of agriculture and tree planting. It is a fun outing that all ages of visitors can enjoy in a beautiful sylvan ambiance.
Ogallala
The seat of Keith County, the town of Ogallala can trace its modern history to the mid-19th century, and it even served as a stop on the famed Pony Express mail route. Home to a modern population of nearly 5,000 inhabitants, the historic Ogallala is a most charming place where guests can sample what life was like in the Old Wild West. Explore the unique Front Street, where many late 1800s-style buildings remain (including saloons, of course) along gravel roads and wooded boardwalks. One might even feel as if they have walked onto a movie set! Meanwhile, Ogallala and the surrounding area are great for outdoor action, too, and guests can enjoy quiet reflection in a splendid natural setting. Visit Lake Ogallala for a scenic picnic or enjoy an afternoon at the Ash Hollow State Historical Park nearby. Indeed whether one is looking for a nice outdoor adventure or a charming historic backdrop, Ogallala is one Nebraska town that should definitely not be overlooked.
McCook
McCook is a beautiful community of nearly 7,500 inhabitants in southern Nebraska, serving as the seat of Red Willow County. Known for its hot summers and mild winters, this lovely town is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and its unique charm. Visit a number of public parks in the area where you can enjoy hiking and biking trails, fishing ponds, picnic sites, camping areas, swimming pools, and even sand volleyball courts. Meanwhile, an afternoon at the welcoming Museum of the High Plains is a fun and interactive way to learn more about Nebraska’s settler history and place in the American Union. From there, explore some of McCook’s historic homes and buildings like the H.P. Sutton House (1905) and the George Norris House (1899), amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Add a charming array of local restaurants, shops, and other businesses, and a complete portrait of small-town USA can be appreciated in McCook.
Minden
Seat of Kearney County, the town of Minden is also affectionately known as “Nebraska’s Christmas City”, and any guest who visits during the Yuletide season can certainly understand why. With activities like the “Light of the World” pageant and a downtown area and main square filled with up to 12,000 bulbs and other decorations, the spirit of Christmas is on full display in this charming community of just over 3,000 residents. In the summertime, guests can also enjoy Minden’s quaint natural setting, and a visit to the Rowe Sanctuary is a great way to admire local species of birds (particularly migrating cranes) in a serene wildlife setting. Finally, no visit to Minden would be complete without time spent at the Pioneer Village Museum, where an impressive collection of over 50,000 historic items transports visitors across decades of life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Covering over 28 buildings and including items like Model T-Fords, antique tractors, steam carousels, and even flying machine prototypes, this exhaustive and immersive place is one of the most special destinations that any casual and passionate fan of history will remember for a long time!
Rushville
The seat of Sheridan County in northwestern Nebraska, the cozy town of Rushville can trace its modern history to the 1880s, and today, it maintains a most humble population of just over 800 residents. A quiet community filled with natural beauty, time spent at the Niobrara River is an excellent way to relax and have fun. Enjoy swimming and canoeing here while awesome hiking and biking trails at the nearby Pine Ridge are accentuated by stunning canyon and cliff panoramas. Back in town, an alluring slice of yesterday can also be appreciated, and several historic buildings can be explored. These include the Armstrong House Museum (1890) and the Sheridan County Courthouse, amongst several others that are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As with many small and charming towns, Rushville welcomes guests with a fine assortment of local shops and restaurants, ready to create a most favorable impression of Midwestern Americana.
Valentine
Self-styled as “America’s Heart City,” Valentine is a charming town of just over 2,600 inhabitants in the northern portion of the State. Seat of Cherry County, the town was established in the 1880s, and it continues to be a popular destination to enjoy Nebraska’s fantastic natural geography. Explore the nearby Niobrara River, where swimming, fishing, and boating can be enjoyed, while the vast 19,000-square-mile Sandhills region is ideal for hiking, camping, biking, and even horseback riding! At the nearby Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park, one can try their hand at the farming and ranching lifestyle, all while taking in the hot sun. Meanwhile, the historically minded tourist will not want to miss out on visits to the Cherry County Historical Society Museum or the Centennial Museum (1897), which highlight the expansion of the American West through fascinating collections of items and stories. Add in a nice array of tasty restaurants and inviting shops, and plenty of heart will definitely be experienced while staying in Valentine's.
When traveling through the Midwestern United States, do not forget about the great “Cornhusker State” of Nebraska and its splendid natural beauty, alluring history, and charming small-town intrigue. Indeed, by experiencing some of Nebraska’s pretty smaller communities, an intimate feeling of the State can be appreciated, leading to some awesome vacation memories for all ages of travelers. From the Old West setting of Ogallala to the forested wonder of Nebraska City, these and other great towns in Nebraska stand as testaments to the unique and special charm that is Americana. Wait no longer then and come see the “Cornhusker State,” where an exciting and memorable holiday awaits!
