The Best Small Towns In Nebraska To Chill Out
The State of Nebraska, or the "Cornhusker State," is indeed a place full of natural beauty and fascinating historical intrigue. Long inhabited by indigenous peoples, today, Nebraska remains a great destination to explore an assortment of outdoor wonders and learn more about the Old West. Though the State's major cities may still attract the most attention, the small towns should certainly not be overlooked. Here loads of charm, hidden beauty, and plenty of fun can be encountered for the perfect weekend getaway, ensuring that a visit to Nebraska will not be soon forgotten.
Valentine
The seat of Cherry County and home to just over 2,600 residents, the town of Valentine is rightly known as "America's Heart City." Here visitors will love the opportunity to spend time outdoors with the vast 19,000 square mile Sandhills Region encompassing much of the local area. Enjoy horseback riding, camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming at the nearby Niobrara River, while an afternoon at the Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park offers guests a truly authentic piece of the ranching lifestyle. And with a number of cute restaurants and shops in town, Valentine is never short on small-town allure.
Rushville
Just over 800 people call the town of Rushville home, which was first incorporated in the 1880s. Indeed while it may lack size, any history enthusiast will not want to miss a visit to Rushville. Explore important historical sites like the Sheridan County Courthouse, the Armstrong House Museum (1890), and any other 19th-century and early 20th-century buildings that dot the town. Meanwhile, nature lovers will also appreciate Rushville, where opportunities for swimming and canoeing at the Niobrara River are always popular. And at Pine Ridge, plenty of stunning canyons, cliffs, and caves create loads of picturesque memories for all.
Ogallala
Ogallala was once a stop on the famous Pony Express mail route in the 1860s. This historic town is now home to just under 5,000 residents. Step back into the days of the Wild West here, where the wonderful Front Street is lined with gravel roads and many 19th-century style buildings, including, of course, saloons. Indeed one may even get the feeling of having stepped onto a movie set, while a stop at the Little Catholic-Protestant Church (1908) allows for some quiet reflection. And, of course, for those seeking some outdoor adventure, spending time at the Ash Hollow State Historical Park is always a popular destination, while time picnicking at Lake Ogallala is always full of plenty of splendid beauty.
Nebraska City
Although it has a 'city' in its name, the town of Nebraska City is home to just over 7,000 inhabitants. First founded in the 1850s, it has been recognized as the oldest incorporated settlement in the State. Among the places of interest include the Lewis and Clark Center and the Titan Toy Museum, while the town's beautiful natural green spaces are not to be missed. Known as the "Home of Arbor Day," Nebraska City is the site of the charming Enchanted Arboretum Park and the pristine Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard. At the latter, visitors can enjoy their very own apple picking, while time spent at the Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure park means visitors can partake in various fun farm activities. Learn more about the great variety of trees present in Nebraska and try one's hand at some important tasks essential to daily farm life.
Minden
The seat of Kearney County, just over 3,000 residents call the town of Minden home, also affectionately known as "Nebraska's Christmas City." Indeed during the yuletide season, the annual "Light of the World" pageant illuminates the county courthouse and the downtown with more than 12,000 bulbs! In addition, Minden is the home of Pioneer Village, an interactive museum with an impressive collection of more than 50,000 historical items. See such artifacts as antique tractors, model T-Fords, a steam carousel, and even some flying machine prototypes. Meanwhile, at the Rowe Sanctuary wildlife preserve, visitors will not want to miss the chance to see thousands of migrating bird species in a most welcoming and warm ambiance.
Ashland
Just over 3,000 inhabitants call Ashland home, an excellent stop to enjoy the relaxing charm only a small town can offer. Enjoy a round of golf or spend an afternoon at any nearby park for some fantastic and contemplative encounters with nature. At the Mahoney State Park, some superb biking and hiking trails are always popular, while at the Wildlife Safari Park, a ride into the wild is fun for the whole family. And for some truly simple pleasures, Ashland has several cute shopping outlets, souvenir shops, and charming local restaurants that make this town a special place to discover an authentic slice of Midwestern life.
McCook
The town of McCook was first founded in the 1880s and today is home to just under 7,500 residents. Framed by four prairie lakes and a river, the town is known for its lovely public parks, historic sites, and welcoming hospitality. The historically inclined tourist will also enjoy such sites as the Frank Lloyd Wright Sutton House (1905), which forms part of the National Register of Historic Places, and the Museum of the High Plains, highlighting the region's natural and cultural development. And with tasty local restaurant offerings and an assortment of cute shopping boutiques, McCook surely never disappoints.
Nebraska is one of America's most beautiful places to discover, and for any traveler looking to find some of the best of the Midwest, the "Cornhusker State" never disappoints. Through a voyage into its charming towns, visitors will experience firsthand stunning natural surroundings, fascinating local history, and loads of small-town allure. Ideal for relaxation, discovery, and fun for the solo traveler and family alike, Nebraska's towns will surely leave any guest with a most favorable impression.
