8 Friendliest Towns To Visit In Nebraska In 2024
The United States’ sole triply landlocked state, Nebraska, situated in the American Midwest region, is distinguished for its rolling countryside, bountiful grasslands, unsullied water bodies, treeless prairies, thriving cultural scenes, and outstanding attractions. Besides that, being historically inhabited by diverse Indigenous peoples for many millennia before European arrival, Nebraska is the best place to gain knowledge about the Native American history and cultures of the Old West. While principal population centers, including the state capital Lincoln and the biggest city Omaha receive the maximum number of tourists, the innumerable small towns sprinkled all over the Cornhusker State appeal to vacationers with their welcoming atmosphere and unparalleled hospitality by the kind-hearted locals. So, if you plan to visit this adorable Midwestern state sometime in the remainder of 2024, look no further than these friendly towns.
Ogallala
Ogallala, christened after the Indigenous Oglala (Oklada) Sioux tribe, is a serene grassland community along the South Platte River that serves as the administrative center of southwestern Nebraska’s Keith County. Initially a stop on the Pony Express at the time of ‘The Territory of Nebraska,’ holidayers visiting Ogallala can travel back in time to the Wild West days by strolling the Front Street chock-a-full of 19th-century structures, the Kenfield Brothers Petrified Wood Gallery, the Crystal Palace Revue, gift shops, a free western museum, and eateries serving real buffalo burgers and steaks. Furthermore, adrenaline junkies can partake in plenty of outdoor recreational activities at the adjacent Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area, while merrymakers must not miss the fun-filled “Kites and Castles” event held annually on July 27 on the shores of Big Mac.
Valentine
Cherry County’s seat of government, Valentine, is set on the northern extremity of north-central Nebraska’s Sandhills region immediately north of the Niobrara River. Dubbed “America’s Heart City,” this 2,633-resident town, having several miles of hiking trails, championship golf courses, national wildlife refuges, and abundant fishing and hunting opportunities, is indeed a paradise for outdoor lovers. The Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park, Cherry County Historical Society Museum, and Centennial Hall are must-visits for heritage buffs, while outdoorsy types must head straight to the Smith Falls State Park to observe the state’s tallest waterfall and survey the Valentine and Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuges. Also, hike/bike the Cowboy Trail, kayak down the Niobrara River, dine at the famed Bunkhouse Restaurant & Saloon, and keep your calendars free from July 28 through August 2, 2024, to partake in the 31st edition of the Annual Nebraska Star Party at Merritt Reservoir’s Snake Campground.
Nebraska City
Considered by the Nebraska State Legislature to be the state’s oldest incorporated city, Nebraska City is located alongside the western banks of the Missouri River, around 40 miles south of Omaha in southeastern Nebraska. Tourists visiting this Otoe County seat can get an insight into the town’s glorious bygone days by taking note of the numerous carefully maintained ancient structures that fill the alluring downtown. The Arbor Lodge State Historical Park & Arboretum, Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Center, Mayhew Cabin, and Arbor Day Farm are some noteworthy attractions. Labeled as the ‘Home of Arbor Day’ for being the homeland of Julius Sterling Morton - the first US Secretary of Agriculture who proposed a holiday to motivate his fellow Nebraskans to plant trees. Although the 2024 Arbor Day festivities have already taken place on April 26, revelers must try to be present at the Nebraska City’s AppleJack Festival on the third weekend of September, celebrated through multiple events like parades, quilt show, carnival rides, a classic car show, and the noted AppleJack Fun Run/Walk.
McCook
McCook, a teeny town in southwestern Nebraska’s Red Willow County, named in honor of Alexander McDowell McCook - the Union Army Brigadier General during the American Civil War, is situated approximately 70 miles south of North Platte and 15 miles north of the Nebraska-Kansas state boundary. When touring this ‘Capital of the Buffalo Commons,’ holidayers should stop by the umpteen interesting attractions such as the Heritage Square, Museum of the High Plains & Carnegie Library, Senator George Norris State Historic Site, McCook Art Guild, Heritage Hills Golf Course, and Harvey P. Sutton House - the sole building in Nebraska designed by eminent architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The neighboring Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area is ideal for swimming, kayaking, hiking, fishing, wildlife-watching, and camping. Although in 2024, the town has already celebrated the annual Southwest Nebraska Freedom Festival (July 3), and the Buffalo Commons Storytelling & Music Festival (June 14 - June 16), be sure to be present at the town’s biggest celebration - “Heritage Days” with several events such as the Heritage Day parade, road race, Vendor Show, etc., from September 15, 2024, to September 21, 2024.
Seward
The administrative center of Seward County, this tiny town with 7,643 inhabitants as per the latest US Census, forms a part of the Lincoln Metropolitan Statistical Area. Acclaimed for its scenic beauty, Seward invites vacationers to discover the adjacent Plum Creek Park which provides a green background to a number of sporting facilities like tennis courts, basketball courts, etc. Also, to know more about the cultural legacy and the town’s past, the Seward County Museum, the Bartels Museum & Marxhausen Gallery of Art, the Nebraska National Guard Museum, and the age-old Rivoli Theatre are not to be missed. As “America’s Official Fourth of July City - Small Town USA,” Seward is widely known for its uninterrupted US Independence Day celebrations on the Fourth of July every year since 1868. If you miss Seward’s Fourth of July festivities, then surely attend the 2024 Flatwater Film Festival from September 27 to 29 at the Rivoli Theatre.
Aurora
Planned out as a town by David Stone who labeled it ‘Aurora’ after his erstwhile Illinois hometown, this Hamilton County seat of government is set exactly 75 miles away from Lincoln. Highly rated for its stunning scenery and friendly ambiance, Aurora’s popular tourist magnets include the Central Park Square, Edgerton Explorit Center, Gjerloff Prairie & Sherman Ranch, Cole Park, and Plainsman Museum. Satisfy your appetite at any of the town’s top-class eateries like Rath’s Café, Leadership Center at Espressions, and JoJo’s Gelato & Grill. From June 1 to August 31, every Saturday morning, ‘The Market on the Square’ event is organized in Hamilton County Courthouse’s parking lot, where fresh homegrown veggies, spices, jellies, jams, pastries, and handmade products are sold.
Chadron
Chadron, christened after the Metis fur trapper Louis B. Chartran, is the administrative capital of Dawes County located close to the White River in the Nebraska Panhandle, a few miles south of the Nebraska-South Dakota state boundary. Situated near this friendly community are a few open spaces like the Nebraska National Forest, Pine Ridge National Recreation Area, and Chadron State Park that offer outdoor enthusiasts myriad recreational opportunities. Displaying more than 6000 authentic artifacts, the Museum of Fur Trade on the site of the one-time Bordeaux Trading Post of the American Fur Company lures thousands of visitors from all over the globe. From July 11 to 14, 2024, Chadron hosted the 48th annual Fur Trade Days celebration in honor of its founding as a ‘fur trading post’ in the 19th century.
Ashland
A charming Saunders County town, Ashland, so-called after the illustrious Kentucky statesman Henry Clay Sr.’s estate, is set by the side of the Salt Creek River. At present, the town greatly benefits due to its closeness to the Interstate 80 Freeway and the state’s two economic hubs: Omaha and Lincoln. From being a railroad town at the outset to gradually transforming into a ‘bedroom community’ for the urban metropolises, Ashland enthralls vacationists with its excellent fusion of heritage, culture, and world-class recreations. When in town, walk down the lively Silver Street (the town’s Main Street) and peruse the quirky boutique shops, the Glacial Till Cider House & Tasting Room, and restaurants like Cheri O’s and Breadeaux Pizza. Moreover, check out the town’s other impressive sites, including the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, Kountze Memorial Theatre, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Quarry Oaks Golf Club, Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari, and Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park. In 2024, holidayers can partake in any of Ashland’s annual festivals, such as the Stir-Up Days Celebration (July 19 to 21), Summer Art Walk (August 24), Flea Market (September 8), Trick or Treat on Silver Street (October 26), and Christmas Open House (November 15 to 16).
From Valentine - “America’s Heart City” to McCook - the “Capital of the Buffalo Commons,” each gorgeous town in the 16th largest and 12th least populous state of the nation draws holidayers with distinctive personalities and offerings for visitors of all ages and interests. Despite mostly being eclipsed by the bustling metropolises and their magnificent attractions, these tight-knit Nebraskan communities boasting incredible sceneries, fascinating landmarks, profuse recreations, and vibrant yearly festivals welcome heritage lovers, revelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and cultural aficionados for a fulfilling and unforgettable experience.
