8 Towns in Nebraska With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024

The American Midwest is home to so many unique towns, and Nebraska has no shortage of things to see! These quaint downtown districts deliver a little bit of everything: amazing views, shopping, great food, museums, and historical landmarks. If you time your stay just right, you may even get to partake in a local festival! With friendly locals, stunning architecture, and a rich history, there’s something for everyone in these bustling towns. The best part? They’re removed from the busier cities, so you get all of the excitement with none of the traffic.

Columbus

Located near the Platte River and major highways, Columbus is a great place to visit. Its friendly locals, bustling downtown, and historical sites are a must-see. The downtown area hosts many festivals and celebrations, like Columbus Day, which provides terrific food, shopping, and live music. It’s also home to some fantastic antique shops, cafes, and excellent bakeries. Also, be sure to stop by The Columbus Arts Council, which hosts live events throughout the year.

History buffs should be sure to check out the Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial. Located in Pawnee Park, this memorial pays tribute to a Columbus local, Andrew Jackson Higgins, who played a pivotal role in the Second World War. Columbus also hosts a few public parks in the downtown area with beautiful water views.

Ogallala

If you’re a fan of the charm of the Old West, there’s no better stop in Nebraska than the small town of Ogallala. Once a hub for cowboys on cattle drives, it’s now a charming town for shopping, restaurants, and Old West Charm. It’s known as the Cowboy Capitol! While you’re there, make sure you stop by Front Street in the heart of downtown. It’s a very popular tourist attraction that feels like stepping back in time. Hit up an old-timey saloon, explore the Cowboy Museum, check out one of the many shops, or even catch a stage show.

Another popular spot in Ogallala is the Petrified Wood Gallery. It displays fossils, Native American artifacts, and art made from petrified wood. For a slower pace, head to the north side of town to the Boot Hill Cemetery, which is the final resting place of Ogallalas original settlers.

Valentine

Valentine is the perfect spot for visitors who love beautiful scenery, a lively downtown area, and plenty of historical attractions. Main Street hosts a variety of quaint shops, boutiques, cafes, and local craft stores that you’ll only find in Valentine! It’s also the home to local festivals like Valentine’s Farmer’s Market from August through October.

To learn a little more about the rich history of Valentine, check out the Cherry County Historical Society Museum. Exploring this museum provides a glimpse of what life was like for early settlers as well as Native American History. Then, head to Valentine City Park to take in the scenery of the town, and take advantage of one of their many recreational facilities. Valentine City Park is also home to local events and festivals, so make sure you check out the yearly lineup before your visit.

Seward

Seward is a charming town west of Lincoln with friendly locals, unique attractions, and a lively downtown district. They're known for their yearly Fourth of July celebration, and earned the nickname “Nebraska's Fourth of July City”. The historic downtown district is a walkable route with amazing shops, antique stores, and cafes to keep you occupied all afternoon.

Be sure to check out the Seward County Historical Museum in the heart of downtown. It’s a fantastic museum to learn a little more about the town of Seward. The Red Path Gallery & Tasting Room is the town hub, and it’s a great place to relax with a glass of wine among the local art. For more excitement, head to the Seward Civic Center to catch a live concert, community event, or a live performance.

Plattsmouth

Did you know that the humble town of Plattsmouth is one of Nebraska’s oldest towns? Founded in 1854, it was crucial to the expansion of the United States. Situated on the Missouri River, it’s home to a thriving downtown district, rich history, and plenty of things to discover. The Historic Downtown District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its perfectly preserved architecture that feels like stepping into a postcard. Main Street hosts famous farmer’s markets and festivals that attract visitors from all over the state.

As one of Nebraska’s first towns, it’s home to some amazing historical sites worth checking out. The Cass County Courthouse is a perfectly-preserved site that was built in 1891, and is breathtaking in person! It displays local art and monuments that celebrate the town’s rich history. No matter when you visit Plattsmouth, there’s always something fun on the agenda!

York

If you are a big history buff, you have to check out York, Nebraska. The residents of York work hard to preserve the stunning buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Walking down Main Street, there are plenty of local shops, boutiques, and restaurants ready to explore. However, one of the best stops on your tour of York is the York Historical Museum! It was originally the Burlington Railroad Depot and now serves as a charming museum to help visitors learn more about the history of the town.

Make sure you time your visit with one of the most significant events of the year- Yorkfest! It’s a celebration of the town’s heritage, and hosts live music, fantastic food, and local crafts. While you’re in the area, stop by the Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park. It’s a great place to explore the local historical buildings or check out one of the many family-friendly festivals like Pioneer Days, Mennonite Heritage Days, or Harvest Fest.

Fremont

Located just 35 miles Northwest of Omaha, Fremont is a bustling town without the traffic of a more populous city. It’s the best of both worlds! Fremont is the perfect mix of fun festivals, great shopping and cafes, and historical sites worth checking out. The downtown area hosts many unique shops and great cafes, as well as stunning architectural wonders like the amazing Dodge County Courthouse, built in 1871.

One of the biggest draws to Fremont is the annual John C. Fremont Days, which offers live reenactments, fantastic food, and shopping, as well as live music. Or, check out the Louis E. May Museum, which is a stunning Victorian-style mansion built in 1874 that provides exhibits on pioneer life, a history of the town and its local Native Americans.

Norfolk

Norfolk, aka the home of Johnny Carson, is a bustling town with no shortage of things to discover. One of the most notable sites in Norfolk is the Johnny Carson Theatre which hosts concerts, live events, and theatrical productions. Visitors can also check out the Elkhorn Valley Museum which takes visitors on a rustic tour of the life of the pioneers.

The downtown area is also host to many local events and festivals, like the Norfolk Oktoberfest or the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce Holiday Lighted Parade. For a slower change of pace, head to Skyview Lake in the heart of the downtown area. Take in the stunning water views, or head out onto the water for fishing or boating. Skyview Lake is also home to local events like Independence Day or the annual Big Bang Boom Car Show.

Plan Your Visit to Nebraska's Historic Downtowns

The amazing thing about these downtown areas in Nebraska is they are almost perfectly preserved and deliver the old-timey feel of life in the late 1800s (sans horse and buggy). Walking around town and taking in the sites of the amazing buildings is almost worth the trip alone! With so many local museums, historical sites, shopping, and dining, each town on this list is worth checking out! If you plan your trip at the right time, you may even catch a reenactment or a local farmer’s market. So, fill that gas tank and prepare for an exciting road trip through the great Cornhusker State!