9 Best Small Towns in Nebraska For A Weekend Escape
Nebraska’s landscape may not be as heart-melting as her neighbors, but the 37th state to join the Union still boasts beautiful rolling hills and many other attractions perfect for a weekend escape. Bordered by South Dakota in the north and Kansas in the south, the Cornhusker State boasts such marvels as Toadstool Geologic Park, a stunning collection of badlands in the Oglala National Grassland of Nebraska—and Chimney Rock, one of the most consequential landmarks in the United States. The latter has come to symbolize the greatest voluntary migration in the history of mankind. Those planning a weekend escape to Nebraska may be seeking small towns as bases from which to glean some of the state’s hidden gems.
Nebraska City
For history buffs, a weekend escape that includes visiting the oldest incorporated city in the state of Nebraska might just be what the doctor recommended. The city was incorporated on March 2, 1855, when Franklin Pierce, was the president of the United States. Nebraska City is all about trees and shade, widely regarded as the home of Arbor Day. Arbor Day is a day dedicated annually to public tree planting—not only in the United States—but also in Australia and other countries. A weekend getaway to Nebraska City must include a leisure stroll through streets and paths shaded by historic bur oaks and apple orchards.
Ashland
Ashland is that charming, little town that will effortlessly sweep first-time visitors off their feet. The town, nestled in Saunders County, is in the eastern part of the state. Boasting a population of about 3,000, Ashland is delightfully slow-paced and laidback; just the place where one will want to dash to for some winding down. With its warm, tightly-knit community, a weekend spent miles from home will feel like a holiday with long-lost friends and acquaintances. Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers will want to check out the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park, a 440-acre drive-through park to get up close with North American plants as well as animals such as elk, white-tailed deer, bison, pronghorn antelope, and waterfowl.
Red Cloud
Nestled in the heart of south-central Nebraska, Red Cloud is six miles from the Nebraska-Kansas border. The town boasts a population of less than 1,000 and has a small-town feel that makes it a perfect weekend getaway. In the world of novels and literature, Red Cloud is almost like a shrine. In American Writing in the Twentieth Century, a book that comprehensively details American 20th-century writing, Willard Thorp celebrates Red Cloud as "one of the most famous villages in American Literature." Among the town’s literary credentials is that it is home to the largest living memorial to an author in the whole country. The town boasts many historic sites a visitor can explore—dedicated to the memory and legacy of Willa Cather—one of America’s most celebrated 20th-century novelists. While in Red Cloud, be sure to tour the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie, located five miles south of town on Highway 281.
Aurora
Aurora conjures up one of nature’s most spectacular shows, the Aurora Borealis, or northern lights. However, this town of about 4,000 was not named after one of nature’s most astounding shows. Instead, David Stone, one of the town’s earliest settlers, to honor his wife who was a native of the Illinois namesake, proposed an identical label. A first-time visit to Aurora will make one wonder why this town is not on every vacationer’s lips. For accommodation, outdoor enthusiasts should consider the option of camping at Streeter Park, which, but for the sound of trains, is an oasis of quiet. Many regard the Edgerton Explorit Center, with its many cool educational activities, as the town’s highlight.
Ogallala
Ogallala is often mentioned among the most charming small towns in Nebraska. Once a lonesome expanse of grass, the town’s fortunes changed when it became a stop on the Union Pacific Railroad. Boasting an estimated population of less than 5,000, Ogallala was once the most dangerous town in Nebraska. Petty squabbles, like arguing over a card game, would see guns cocked and shots fired. At one time Ogallala even had the second-largest jail in Nebraska. Today, however, Ogallala is slow-paced, quiet, and peaceful—as if determined to shed her past. Visitors to Ogallala may want to explore gorgeous beaches that fringe McConaughy Lake. Informally known as "Big Mac," McConaughy Lake is the largest reservoir in the Cornhusker State.
Chadron
The smaller town of Chadron is home to about 5,000 residents. For those seeking a less-hurried, noisy, or crowded environment, Chadron boasts many attractions that make it worth backpacking for. It will be hard not to fall in love with Chadron’s pine ridge landscape. For history buffs, the Museum of the Fur Trade, dedicated to the preservation of the North American fur trade, widely regarded as the first business in the New World, is a must-visit. Another town highlight is the Nebraska National Forest which boasts endless trails, numerous camping locations, and breathtaking views. For nature enthusiasts, a visit to Chadron State Park, located about ten miles from town, will be fun-filled and enjoyable.
McCook
McCook boasts a population of about 7,000 and is one of Nebraska’s underrated gems. This little town is the county seat of Nebraska’s Red Willow County. Many attractions within the town will see a weekend trip end in a flash. Those keen on buildings, for instance, or building styles, will not want to miss the Harvey P. and Eliza Sutton House, the only handiwork of Frank Lloyd Wright in Nebraska. Needless to say, Wright remains America’s most celebrated architect. Though the house is private and is not accessible to the public, visitors can view it from the public sidewalks at 602 Norris Avenue. To learn the town’s fascinating history, the Museum of the High Plains—and the close-by Carnegie Library—are worth checking out. Visitors can also step back into Nebraska’s history by strolling through McCook’s beautiful historic district. For those looking to cool down, about 20 miles away, lies Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area, home to Hugh Butler Lake, a beautiful water body.
Minden
Minden is another idyllic weekend getaway perfect for one who wants to wind down. With a population of only about 3,000, Minden is never in a rush. Reputed to be Nebraska's official Christmas City, Minden is famous for its 12,000 bulbs that display a spectacular color show every year from the town’s courthouse and square. On other days, Rowe Sanctuary, featuring miles of river channels, and dedicated to the conservation of migratory birds, is a popular attraction. While in Minden do not fail to explore Pioneer Village which displays one the most comprehensive Americana collections in the United States.
Valentine
Even though it is "America’s Heart City," Valentine does not owe its origin to the informal holiday dedicated to love. Yet it is difficult, even for a stone-hearted Stoic, not to fall in love with Valentine. This city, situated picturesquely along the Niobrara River, of not more than 3,000 is all about charm, grace, and nature. Named after a Nebraskan Congressman, Valentine is a nature lover’s paradise. National Geographic, for instance, declared that Valentine, because of its many quiet waterways, is one of the best canoeing regions in the United States. A weekend can see one exploring the hills and woods and exploring Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge.
While Nebraska’s landscape is not as heart-melting as states that are home to America’s highest peaks, it is not without its show-stoppers. It is home to Toadstool Geologic Park, for instance, one of the country’s most outstanding geologic marvels. It is also home to a selection of small towns that can make for perfect weekend getaways. For those keen on this, Aurora, Minden, and Valentine—among others—are ideal for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
