8 Top-Rated Small Towns In Nebraska
In the midwestern US, Nebraska is one of many states with amazing small towns that cater to just about every type of tourist, no matter how experienced one is in travel or how far they are. With various attractions and unforgettable natural and historical landmarks, there are plenty of ways to feel included in such places for a weekend getaway. Uncover eight top-rated small towns worth visiting in the state.
Nebraska City
With a population of 7,222 residents, Nebraska City is frequently toured by outsiders because of its emphasis on history and natural surroundings. Arbor Day Farm, a famous orchard site for casual and fancy wine-tasting, is glorified as a top-rated attraction for audiences seeking farmland delights during short excursions, while the historic Lied Lodge is the perfect lodging option for anyone who visits this town with its significance related to the State Historical Park carrying the same name. These landmarks carry countless Morton Family artifacts crucial to the 72-acre mansion and instill a sense of the past for newcomers. The Missouri River Outlook is a nature-driven locale for those seeking the lively outdoors, with its overarching Birding Amphitheater providing ornithological wonders for avian lovers. Travelers who prefer museums over birds may be captivated by the Lewis & Clark Visitor Center, a 79-acre wooden bluff that has unobstructed renditions of interpretive history pertinent to two famous captains. The town's ability to balance between the past and present-day splendors makes things unforgettable for such a simple weekend trip.
Red Cloud
Tourists seeking prairie vibes over the weekend in Nebraska may love Red Cloud, a small town with 998 inhabitants. What makes this town unforgettable is its Burlington Depot, a historic attraction that beautifies the essence of the Progressive American past while honing in on indelible 1890s literature written by Willa Cather. Tourists can also encounter the wisdom of the past while visiting the Webster County Historical Museum, a mainstay landmark that ushers in the importance of pioneering and agricultural history. Travelers who want to check out the outdoors without feeling too influenced by mainstream trends may like the Starke Round Barn, a niche yet memorable locale that is a true Southern experience thanks to its emphasis on hay storage and livestock education. For entertainment and the arts, the Red Cloud Opera House is an 18th-century, highly-rated locale that makes visitors feel as though they are living in a Bohemian era. All of these landmarks and locales are the perfect reason to visit this town during any weekend off work; tourists can check in at the Cather Second Home Guest House or the Villa Willa Historic Loft Apartment for more outgoing exposure with the locals.
Ogallala
A remarkable small town with a population of 4,754 residents, Ogallala is a tourist hotspot in the state and is especially ideal for weekenders. Part of its popularity and top-rated reviews can be attributed to its recreational beauty found at the Mansion on the Hill, an authentic Victorian brick residence that was originally a late 18th-century foundation for Keith County locals. Those staying in this town for the weekend may come across the Petrified Wood Gallery, a historic site that pays its artistic respects to octogenarian twin brothers who handcrafted Native American wooden collections based on archaeology and paleontology. For up-close historical remembrance, Boot Hill Cemetery is a windswept hill that preserves the old cowboy traditions of the town. At Lake McConaughy, travelers may enjoy white sands and calm blue waters hitting their skin while they absorb sunlight. Those in town can visit the Kingsley Dam, a unique attraction that brings out the best of Lake Ogallala by alluding to central Nebraska's finest historic irrigation sectors and magnificent bald eagle viewing spots. Tourists may want to stay at the Tri-Trails KOA or the Kingsley Dam Resort for a rural view of the town coupled with friendly neighbors.
Gretna
A beautiful small town with 4,999 inhabitants, Gretna is unlike the rest since it capitalizes on traditional community-driven events and wholesome family interactions. Vala's Pumpkin Patch is one of the most notable family-friendly sites worth visiting over the weekend, bringing together guests and locals from all wakes of life to celebrate nearly 55 acres of squash with fall train rides and loving ponies. This town is also famous for the Holy Family Shrine, a highly esteemed historic Catholic chapel that stands 49 feet high with a serene appeal that stretches out far along the Platte Valley. While staying at the Bright Omaha Family Home or the Red Lion Inn & Suites, travelers may want to see the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, a recreational hatchery that is a worthwhile motivator for those seeking just a day's worth of adventure. For space aviation fans, the Strategic Air & Space Museum is a great way to fall in love with this town, with its interactive and futuristic aircraft gallery enclosed within a breathtaking glass atrium. Not too far away is the Wolf Canyon Overlook, a natural walkway that spans 30 feet of tranquil elk pastures and gift shops, combining unforgettable sights with welcoming tourism.
McCook
A major tourist highlight in Nebraska, McCook is home to 7,294 residents and is worth any weekend visit thanks to its pretty pastures and top-rated prairie lakes. The 10-block Heritage Square is a historic contributor to the town with its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Sutton House and Museum of the High Plains, both providing a 19th-century architectural foundation that was first conceived during World War II. Those looking for scenic routes in this town can opt for a road trip across the Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway or the Bridges to Buttes Scenic Byway, each with beauties related to casino gaming, craft shopping, and ranching heritage. Travelers who want to stay close to the waters may enjoy the Red Willow State Recreation Area, a guaranteed paradise for fishing, boating, and winter sports activities over two to three days of outings. Weekenders who are feeling the energy for physical thrill may find luxury at the Heritage Hills Golf Course, a state-acclaimed locale for golfers that features over 7,000 yards of native grass and lush fairways. For lodging, curious minds can look at Cobblestone Inn or Bobwhite Perch Lodge for travel arrangements and weekend bookings.
Minden
Minden, a small town with 3,083 residents, is a must-visit weekend destination because of its German influence and upbringing. One of the many highlights in this town is the Harold Warp Pioneer Village complex, a 1950s historic area featuring over 50,000 irreplaceable antiques related to the town's history. It is also known for the famous Pony Express Relay Station and Sod House, both creating an experience unlike any other with its references to Buffalo Bill and locomotive timelines. For outdoor sights, the Yanney Heritage Park keeps tourists happy with its thrilling labyrinth tour and observational garden towers, resulting in a truly meaningful weekend excursion. Travelers eyeing some entertainment may find themselves downtown visiting the Minden Opera House, an 1890s institution that generates travel interest since it hosts lavish conventions and high-quality art exhibits. With its fun-filled wintertime celebrations to top things off, it is no surprise that residents label Minden as "Nebraska's Christmas City." Anyone looking at lodges may want to check in at the Burchell's White Hill Farmhouse Inn or the Harold Warp Pioneer Motel for historic ranchland cordiality.
Beatrice
With a population of 12,119 residents, Beatrice is a small town that prides itself on ancestral history and heartwarming community spirit. After checking in at the Victorian Inn, guests may want to see the Gage County Historical Society & Museum as a first stop in the town for its insights into Dempster windmills, Beatrice Foods industries, and film entertainers who helped shape the town's development during the early 19th century. Tourists who like to take on casual drinking and enjoyment can pay a visit to Stone Hollow Brewing Company, which is in the downtown district and is central to the town's entertainment sector as a top-rated Mercantile Building locale. Cozy picnics can be arranged at Chautauqua Park, a 66-acre natural landmark that is home to various playgrounds, peaceful duck ponds, and dynamic creek falls that make this locale a wondrous weekend sight to behold in person. The Homestead National Historical Park is yet another landmark worth considering as a weekender, as there are homesteading genealogy showcases and three miles of historical trails that demonstrate the political impacts of the town on American Indians.
Alliance
Alliance hosts many attractions suitable for any weekend getaway, including the mysterious and inspirational Carhenge monument, a roadside replica of England's Stonehenge filled to the top with automobile-shaped rock formations. Another featured locale is the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center, which features local history about the American railroad system and the Native American way of living within Nebraskan Sandhills. Tourists may also want to check out the prestigious Dobby's Frontier Town, a locale that promises a momentous tour of the past through western Nebraskan wagon rides for visitors of all age groups, especially families visiting for the weekend. While in this town, tourists can examine marvelous preserved fossils at the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, a treasured landmark cherishing 23 million-year-old mammals and High Plains habitats. For lodging, Grandma Lala's Bed & Breakfast and Sunset Motel are two of the best options to consider.
These top-rated small towns make Nebraska unique and noteworthy for travel, even more so during weekend touring. There is an ample amount of activities and locales that can help tourists determine where to go and where to stay while in the "Cornhusker State." With so much history and natural environments to explore, everything mentioned on this list will aid travelers on their next weekend trip.
