9 Old-World Towns to Visit in Nebraska

Take a step back in time and experience the old-world charm that Nebraska has to offer. In towns like Chadron and Ogallala, travelers will find several preserved buildings, museums, and historic landmarks. Many of these locations have been largely shaped by events from the past and still hold space for a slower way of living. So whether you are looking for a relaxing day-trip destination or want to jam in as many history lessons as you can, The Cornhusker State has you covered.

Chadron

Chadron, Nebraska, is a charming historic town situated at the base of the Pine Ridge escarpment. Vast prairie lands and the beautiful Nebraska National Forest surround the town, making it an ideal destination for outdoor lovers. Equally appealing is Chadron’s rich history with the fur trade. This history is a point of pride for the small town and is celebrated by residents each July at the annual Fur Trade Days event. During a visit to Chadron, history buffs can dive deeper into that fur trading past at the Museum of the Fur Trade, which features over 6,000 artifacts and "the most comprehensive collection of historical artifacts covering the fur trade period in the world (Museum of the Fur Trade)."

Other points of interest for history enthusiasts include the Eleanor Barbour Cook Museum, the Mari Sandoz Statue, and the Dawes County Historical Museum. Those who prefer to get outdoors will want to explore Chadron State Park. Here, the buttes and canyons of the Pine Ridge are on full display. Park visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including hiking, pickleball, swimming, archery, camping, and fishing, to name a few. Another highlight for outdoor enthusiasts is the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area. The 6,600-acre area offers a variety of day hiking trails and a selection of backpacking trails for visitors to traverse. The national recreation area is also a hot spot for mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping.

Ogallala

Tucked along the shores of the South Platte River, travelers will find the small town of Ogallala, Nebraska. Historically, Ogallala is known as one of the most important towns along the Great Western Cattle Trail because of its ideal location between Wyoming, Montana, and Texas. But it didn’t start out that way. Ogallala started as "nothing more than a stop on the Union Pacific Railroad (Keith County, Nebraska Government)."

Today, travelers can dive into the town’s cattle trail past at places like the Front Street and Cowboy Museum or the Keith County Historical Society. Ogallala also boasts serene outdoor areas that are ripe for exploration, starting with the Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area. Here, travelers can spend their time fishing, paddling, swimming, hiking, camping, and hunting. The recreation area is also a prime location for wildlife and bird watching. Visitors can hope to see everything from bald eagles to deer in the area.

Plattsmouth

Named after the popular Platte River, Plattsmouth, Nebraska, is a historic town with plenty of old-world charm still untouched by modern times. The town was originally founded in 1854 and, throughout the years, has served as a busy river town, a headquarters for the Burlington and Missouri Railroad, and a stop along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Today, visitors can spend their time exploring Plattsmouth’s historic downtown core, which features a total of 45 buildings from the National Register of Historic Places. Starting on Main Street, head to the Cass County Historical Museum and the Cass County Courthouse, where history enthusiasts can dive deeper into the origins of the town.

Those looking to stay a while can book accommodations at the Victorian-era Banker's House B&B, which is also located downtown. After thoroughly enjoying the downtown area, it’s time to venture out into the Plattsmouth wilderness. Check out the Schilling Wildlife Management Area for an afternoon of hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, or picnicking. Additionally, visitors will be able to see the confluence of the Platte and Missouri Rivers, an important site once visited by Lewis & Clark on their famous journey West.

Brownville

The town of Brownville, Nebraska, was first established in 1854 and, for a time, served as a vital port along the Missouri River. However, with the onset of the railroad, Brownville's importance dwindled, causing many residents to move. Today, Brownville is home to many historic sites and buildings, and the town functions mainly as a tourist attraction. Even the Brownville Bridge, which crosses the Missouri River, is on the National Register of Historic Places. During a trip to Brownville, art lovers can enjoy a close-knit community and plenty of live entertainment as they explore local gems like the Brownville Village Theatre and the Brownville Concert Hall.

For history buffs, places like the Museum of Missouri River History, The Ice House Museum of Brownville, and the handful of museums operating under the Brownville Historical Society will each prove fun and interesting. In addition to its rich historic past, the town also boasts plenty of natural beauty. Outdoor lovers will find plenty of things to see and do at places like the Governor Robert W. Furnas Arboretum and Whiskey Run Creek Nature Trail.

Nebraska City

Nebraska City is a quintessential Nebraska town most known for its popular Arbor Day celebration. In addition to the tree-planting holiday, the town also hosts several regular events and festivals, including the annual AppleJack Festival, which is held each September. The apple-themed celebration features live music, food trucks, apple baked goods, craft vendors, and chances to pick your own bushel of apples. Lewis and Clark also play a major role in Nebraska City’s identity.

During a visit to the town, travelers can head to the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, where gorgeous flora and fauna, historic hiking trails, and live re-enactments are available to enjoy. Those looking to dive into stories of the past will find several museums worth exploring in town. A few examples include the Arbor Day Farm, the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, the Wildwood Historic Center, the Kregel Windmill Factory Museum, and the Civil War Veterans Museum.

York

York, Nebraska, is an ideal day trip destination for anyone who enjoys hopping from museum to museum and exploring peaceful outdoor areas. Visitors hoping to experience some of the town's old-world charm can head to the Wessels Living History Farm for an afternoon of cornmeal cookies and stories of Nebraska farm life.

After a few hours on the farm, check out other local museums, including the Clayton Museum of Ancient History, the York Area Children’s Museum, and the Anna Bemis Palmer Museum. Those looking to spend time outdoors will want to explore the Bruce L. Anderson Recreation Area. Home to the peaceful Recharge Lake, this recreation area is a great spot for camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and archery activities.

Beatrice

Beatrice, Nebraska, is a small town named after Julia Beatrice Kinney, the daughter of Judge John F. Kinney, an early resident of the town. Visitors looking to learn more about Beatrice’s past can start their journey at the Homestead National Historical Park. Here, travelers can tour historic buildings and learn more about The Homestead Act of 1862.

The Gage County Historical Society and Museum is another great place to dive into the town's past. Outside of museums, Beatrice also offers plenty of fun things to see and do. At Community Players, visitors can enjoy a live stage performance. Or for something more laid back, head to Chautauqua Park where waterfalls, bike trails, pickleball courts, duck ponds, picnic shelters, and horseshoe pits are just a few of the available amenities.

Gering

Located in scenic Scotts Bluff County, Gering, Nebraska, is bursting at the seams with old-world energy and unbelievable views. Originally established in 1887, Gering’s first building was a post office. According to an excerpt in History of Western Nebraska By G. L. Shumwayfter, after the post office, a general store, a newspaper, and a drug store quickly followed. In its early years, the town was bustling with Native Americans, frontiersmen, pioneers, fur traders, and soldiers who wandered through the area.

Today, the town is known mostly for its incredible natural features that draw in tourists and locals alike. During a visit, travelers can explore sections of the famous Oregon Trail or dive into the area’s geological and paleontological history at Scotts Bluff National Monument. Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and the Legacy of the Plains Museum are also worth exploring.

Fremont

Fremont, Nebraska, once an important town on the transcontinental railroad, boasts a historic downtown core featuring several historical buildings, antique shops, and museums. However, much of the railroad tracks have since been torn up, and the city’s former Nebraska Railroad Museum has shut down. However, visitors can still explore Fremont's history at places such as the Louis E May Museum, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area is another highlight here and features boat docks, campsites, swimming areas, playgrounds, and fishing opportunities.

Whether you are walking the same grounds as Lewis and Clark or looking up at the towering Scotts Bluff Monument, Nebraska is filled with nods of appreciation for a time long gone. These nine old-world towns are ideal for history buffs and nature lovers alike, offering everyone a chance to slow down, soak in the scenery, and honor the past.