8 Most Inviting Towns In Nebraska
Nebraska brims with small towns where visitors are invited to become acquainted with local history, food, wine, and commerce. This centrally located state provides a variety of museums and Information Centers where exhibits and displays are curated with pioneering pride, an integral aspect of the establishment of the nation as a whole. The following eight towns represent the pride in the community that helps to create an inviting experience for visitors around the world.
Alliance
Forget traveling to far-off places to see Stonehenge-Alliance, Nebraska has its very own version called Carhenge and it’s a must-see attraction while visiting this inviting town. Built in a style reminiscent of the ancient landmark, Carhenge is an icon of pop-culture and offers a one-of-a-kind experience. The Alliance Knight Museum and Sandhills Center should be the next stop on the list of things to do as it offers hours of exploration through five different themes regarding life in the Nebraska sandhills.
For an in-depth blast to the past, the Haine House Underground Museum features stories of freedom-seekers, abolitionists, and trailblazers from former times, representing the birthplace of social justice in America.
Papillion
Papillion, Nebraska, invites visitors of all ages to their family-friendly Papio Fun Park and Amusement Center, where rounds of mini-golf, laser tag, batting cages, and go-karts keep the young and young at heart entertained for hours. For more outdoor-oriented adventure, The Prairie Queen Recreation Area provides a whopping 135-acre lake where the catch of the day might include Bluegill, Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and Walleye. The park also features hiking trails for some prime wildlife viewing.
For those who like to splish-splash in the summer sun, the Papio Bay Aquatic Center has heated water in their zero-depth swimming pool as well as a sand play area and slides for children. For a taste of local culture, enjoy a performance at the Sumtur Amphitheatre, Papillion’s top-rated outdoor entertainment venue with a 1500-person seating capacity within 7 acres of natural splendor.
South Sioux City
South Sioux City, Nebraska, proudly invites visitors to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, where exhibits and displays come in a variety of forms, featuring art exhibits from all walks of life, sharing innovative concepts for all to appreciate. The Center’s permanent exhibits highlight the stories of prominent figures of South Sioux City’s past. The Sargeant Floyd River Museum and Welcome Center is situated inside a real boat and delights guests with three levels of exhibits that tell the story of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition as well as the history of river transportation in the region. On the third level of the boat, restored diesel engines are on view, inviting patrons to imagine life as a pilot aboard similar vessels.
The Sioux City Orpheum Theatre is a favorite venue for live entertainment where artists such as Sheryl Crow and Bob Dylan have graced the stage. Grabbing a bite to eat at Cahill’s Steakhouse will fill your belly in a dining room that overlooks the Missouri River. Enjoy seafood and steak and an award-winning wine list.
North Platte
North Platte, Nebraska, is where the Fort Cody Trading Post beckons visitors to stop and take a look. Established in the early 1900s, its old-west themed décor as well as its plethora of Native American goods, highlight the region's culture. Guests are invited to take in the trading post's exhibits, which feature stories from the 19th and 20th Century. Patrons will also enjoy their large selection of candy and toys for the little ones.
Capturing the history and heritage of Buffalo Bill, the Buffalo Bill Ranch State History Park Museum showcases themes that reveal the way of life for the famous Pony Express rider. For more family-oriented enjoyment, the North Platte Area Children’s Museum is just the place to be for hours of adventure within a variety of rooms and interactive exhibits that are sure to pique the imagination. Children will enjoy exploring the Light World, Construction World, and Medical World exhibits, where they are encouraged to experience hands-on playtime. The Museum is accessible to all ages and abilities.
Kearny
The Great Platte River Road Arch calls Kearny, Nebraska, home and invites visitors to enjoy family-oriented exhibits that showcase the stories of the Great Platte River and the men and women who pioneered the region along the Oregon Trail. With spots for picnics as well as a shop with snacks and souvenirs, this attraction is sure to delight. For car enthusiasts, Kearny is where you’ll also find the Classic Car Museum. At one time, the museum featured a variety of automobiles in a permanent collection from eras gone by, these days it features automobiles on loan and as a result, the Museum enjoys changing exhibits while striving to tell the history of the automobile in ways that are sure to entertain.
Last but certainly not least, the GW Frank Museum of History and Culture is located in an opulent mansion where a former tuberculosis hospital and sanitarium also once operated. The museum features American and European decorative arts as well as seasonal displays.
Holdrege
Holdrege, Nebraska, enjoys proximity to the 325-acre Lake Seldom, inviting visitors to enjoy a wildlife refuge project focused on the preservation of habitats for migratory birds. It also features trails covered in limestone for ease of navigation and places for picnics and wildlife viewing. The Nebraska Prairie Museum showcases memorabilia, artifacts, and archival documents that underscore the lifestyle of former generations of Holdrege residents. It also enjoys a vast photograph archive.
Get your performing arts fix at the Tassel Performing Arts Center, a state-of-the-art facility with reputedly superior acoustics where the two-level auditorium and lobby provide a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere as patrons soak up the vibes from their favorite performances. Be sure to check the website for programming schedules. For a scrumptious signature pizza and handcrafter ale or lager, stop by the Lost Way Brewery where mixed alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks provide something for everyone to enjoy.
Beatrice
Beatrice, Nebraska, rolls out the welcome mat with the Homestead National Historic Site. Take a step back to the days of old while visiting this attraction, learning of the vital contribution the Homestead Act gave to the region. Take in the leading-edge exhibits centered on examining the effects The Homestead Act had on the lives of everyday people while also focusing on the area’s natural resources and ecosystems. The museum even features a living wall that shows the percentage of successful homesteads in every state. The Gage County Museum in Beatrice holds exclusive archival and research material regarding local history.
Housed within a neo-classical style building, the museum even has its own research library. In order to blow off some steam after touring museums, enjoy a round of golf at the Hidden Acres Golf Club, where 18 holes punctuate the well-manicured course, designed with the natural beauty of the region as its focal point.
Gretna
The Holy Family Shrine puts Gretna, Nebraska, on the map. With its airy vibe and gothic design juxtaposed against the backdrop of open sky, this beautifully designed religious shrine is designated for prayer and contemplation, providing an opportunity for reprieve from the outside world for an opportunity to experience the Divine in a natural setting. The Nebraska Crossing Outdoor Lifestyle Center provides 400,000 square feet of outdoor shopping pleasure, green spaces, and even soccer fields, making it the biggest outdoor mall in the state. Give yourself the whole day to enjoy and explore!
Unleash your chocolate-loving dreams at Gretna’s Lindt Chocolate Shop, where displays of the famous gold-foil-wrapped bunnies and bins of delicious chocolates, as well as seasonal treats, promise the delicious flavor Lindt is famous for. Finally, enjoy an invitingly cold beer at Thirsty’s Pub, a favorite Gretna watering hole where locals gather to socialize.
Nebraska’s list of inviting small towns highlights all the wonderful aspects of the state, whether it’s taking a tour of its version of Stonehenge while visiting Alliance and its iconic Carhenge or enjoying a glass of merlot from the award-winning wine list of South Sioux City’s Cahill’s Steakhouse, there is a promise of a welcoming experience to be had. Take time to explore the outdoor mall in Gretna or enjoy a round of golf at the Hidden Acres Golf Club in Beatrice. Wherever you go, these eight small towns invite you to relax and enjoy your stay.
