8 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in Nebraska
There are so many interesting and lovely things about Nebraska. Notably, a state with lighthouses and no ocean, home to carhenge, and the home state of billionaire, Warren Buffett, among other remarkable things. However, there are the small towns of this Midwestern state that are incredibly gorgeous, charming, and surrounded by natural endowments. These towns may not receive massive attention like their big siblings Omaha and Lincoln, but once here, it is impossible to forget the experiences and sights. Rolling hills, lakes, rivers, friendly locals, festivals, laid-back pace of life, and charming scenery combine to make Nebraska's small towns amazing. Here are 8 small towns to create unforgettable experiences in Nebraska.
Dodge
Dodge is a small town with just below 600 residents, making it a serene and charming hideout for visitors escaping the city's bustle. Visitors can relax at the Robin's Nest Garden of Hope, a scenic park and landscaped garden established in memorial of the town's breast cancer patient. The park features a flagstone walkway for hikes, with 28 different ribbons representing the various types of cancer, and a gazebo for relaxation and picnics. Alternatively, visitors can head to the Elkhorn River, one of the main tributaries of the Platte River that runs through the town, to fish and swim. Visiting in July will be more exciting as travelers can meet the Dodge Daze Festival to partake in an all-you-can-eat pancake competition. Otherwise, September is another better time to visit and watch the Demolition Derby festival for some of the most exciting motorsports activities in Nebraska.
Brownsville
Brownsville is a small village of below 200 residents, but don't be discouraged to visit as this town spots mesmerizing natural beauty. It lies above the Missouri River Valley, where visitors can enjoy an iconic floating breakfast at the River Inn Resort while savoring charming views of the surrounding vegetation. Outdoor lovers can explore the enchanting landscape of Brownsville by riding a bike along the Steamboat Bicycle Trail, with lovely views of the Missouri River and its valley.
Founded in 1854, Brownsville also has so much history to offer, with century-old buildings, museums, and art galleries reflecting its pasts. Some of its foremost museums include Sage Museum, Brownville Depot & Railroad History Museum, and Flatwater Folk Art Museum. Art lovers can hang out at the Brownville Village Theater to watch various talented performances by the locals.
McCook
McCook is a sensational town in Nebraska's high plains perfect for outdoor lovers. With unspoiled natural beauty, lakes, recreational areas, and wildlife like buffalo dominating the landscape of this town, unforgettable moments are guaranteed here. Also, locals are always willing to give buffalo tours to visitors and there's more. McCook is surrounded by Red Willow Reservoir - a charming prairie lake for fishing, and water-based sports like swimming, kayaking, boating, and canoeing. The lake also has a small scenic beach for picnics, birdwatching, and idle strolls to capture enchanting natural views.
History buffs will not feel left out as the town is home to the Museum of the High Plains, which features WWII relics, antique cars, Native American relics, and the exotic Carnegie Library. If visiting in June and July, be ready to immerse in the culture and celebrations of McCook at the Red Willows County Fair - an annual festival that celebrates everything about the town. In addition, the Buffalo Commons Annual Storytelling and Music Festival is another highlight event in the town held every June for poetry, arts, and music lovers.
Chadron
Chadron is a charming town within the Pine Ridge Region of Nebraska and along Nebraska National Forest. This town offers plenty of exhilarating and fun outdoor experiences for visitors that keep them coming back. The Eagle Theatre created in 1925 with 700 seats is a great place to watch the latest box-office, record-shattering movies. Outdoors, the 972-acre Chadron State Park in Nebraska's National Forest is framed by the spectacular beauty of the ponderosa pine ridges and offers exciting activities like biking, horseback riding, and hiking. Some of the best trails here include - the 3.2 mile long Blackhills overlook trail and the 1.3 mile Steamboat loop trail. Picnics and camping are also fun things to do at Chadron State Park and the park also featues amenities such as a swimming pool, craft center, and a volleyball court.
History lovers in Chadron can chill out at the Mari Sandoz High Plain Heritage Center - a museum that educates visitors on the history, heritage, and culture of the High Plains County. The Dawes County Historical Museum offers more history, including exhibits of the region's fur trade and ranching eras.
Minden
There are so many remarkable things about Minden, a small town with just over 2,500 residents. Visitors here will find it hard to leave, especially during the festive season in winter. The town calls itself "Nebraska's Christmas City" and it's not hard to see why. Every Christmas, the courthouse square in this town comes alive with over 12,000 bulbs and it hosts a pageantry dubbed "Light of the World". Minden is also home to Pioneer Village, a massive museum town built by Harold Warp that comprises 28 buildings housing over 50,000 relics and historic items. The museum occupies 20 acres and features items since 1830 ranging from vintage cars and airplanes to art collections and farming machinery. For some outdoor experience, visitors can head to the Rowe Wildlife Preserve to spot a flock of sandhill cranes and other bird species.
Valentine
Valentine in Cherry County is home to less than 3,000 people, which makes it a scenic hideaway for unforgettable experiences. Outdoor lovers will be stunned by the picturesque natural scenery and abundant landscape to explore in Valentine. The spring-fed Niobrara River that runs through the town is incredibly scenic and perfect for paddleboarding, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Heighten the outdoor experience by visiting the nearby Smith's Fall State Park where the icy showers of Smith's Fall cascade down 70 feet.
Yet, it gets better by renting a bike and driving the cowboy trail - a rail line that converts to a trail starting from Norfolk to Valentine. It crosses the Niobrara River on a 148-foot high steel bridge with jaw-dropping views of the Niobrara River Valley. Wildlife lovers can have a field day at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge or Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, spotting prairie chickens, bison, elk, deer, native grassland birds, and several bird species.
Ogallala
Travelers looking for a small, charming town with western cowboy vibes and atmosphere will feel at home in Ogallala. Once here, a stroll around its quaint, historic streets with 19th-century buildings inspires the feeling of being on the set of a classic cowboy movie. Admire the views before heading to the great outdoors. Start from Ogallala Lake - a small enchanting lake in Ogallala State Recreation Park which sets the stage for fishing, boating, birdwatching, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, camping, and picnics.
McConaughy Lake is another fine option with white sand beaches for picnics and leisure strolls, while its crystal clear waters are perfect for fishing and boating. History and art lovers can have a gorgeous time at the free Cowboy Museum and Petrified Wood Gallery on Front Street. Both locations house artifacts, paintings, and galleries of wood fossils and cowboy items. Don't forget to see the latest movies at the Prairie Theatre on the Front Street.
Ashland
Ashland is a small but popular town in Saunders County, Nebraska, that offers visitors unmatched fun, relaxation, and great outdoor adventures. The Mahoney State Park by the Platte River is a wonderful destination to craft memorable experiences in Ashland. In this park, visitors can ride horses, fish, or boat in Baright Lake, rent a bike and ride, or hike its scenic trails. The 2.1-mile loop trail that begins from Peter Kewit Lodge, leads to a 70-foot observation tower where one can enjoy some of the best aerial views of the park and the Platte River.
Calm travelers can stroll through its historic downtown district, where trees form a canopy of shades to admire old-town beauty and shop in the boutiques or eat Midwestern cuisines in the restaurants here. For space enthusiasts, the Strategic Air and Space Museum is an interesting place to see aircraft and spaceships and learn about the galaxy. Before leaving the town, check out some wildlife like bison, bears, wolves, and eagles at the drive-through Wildlife Safari Park outside the town.
In Conclusion
Nebraska's little towns may be underrated but they are priceless gems, filled with mind-blowing and unforgettable experiences. They offer absolute peace of mind, fewer crowds, intimacy with nature and wildlife, including endless fun and entertainment to every visitor. From history buffs, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts to cowboy town lovers and easy-going travelers, Nebraska's small towns have something for everyone. Plus, they offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, while helping visitors experience the soul-soothing warmth and endearing hospitality of small towns.
