These 9 Towns Are Nebraska's Best-Kept Secret
Discover the scenic beauty and welcoming atmosphere of Nebraska’s small towns. From the Sandhills to the Missouri River, Nebraska’s unique landscapes amaze out of state visitors and local tourists alike. Float down the Niobrara River, bird-watch in many of the State Parks, or explore “cowboy” heritage sites to learn more about the “Wild West”.
If you need a break from the outdoors, Nebraska offers a wide range of activities to fit your desired holiday. For history, check out Chaldron’s Museum on the Fur Trade or the Cass County Historical Society Museum in Plattsmouth. If you enjoy the arts, visit Carhenge outside of Alliance or the town of Brownville, Nebraska which has two spectacular theater venues.
Alliance
“Experience the unexpected” at Alliance, Nebraska. Located in the Western part of Nebraska, this town offers plenty of activities for both rest and adventure. Take a leisurely stroll through Central Park and see the beautiful Central Park Fountain and Pillars during the day or at night. The fountain lights up in the evenings for a stunning night view.
If you enjoy golf and seek a challenge, Alliance features an 18-hole championship golf course. The Skyview Golf Course also shows off the beauty of the scenic Sandhills. For art lovers, head toward 4th St. and visit the Carnegie Arts Center, featuring local artists and new exhibits. A little outside town, be sure to see the spectacular Carhenge. This quirky masterpiece uses vintage cars to mimic Stonehenge. Murals decorate the surface, adding a splash of color to the landscape.
After a day of exploration, grab a bite at Derby’s Food Truck Court near 3rd Street. Also known as “Tipsy Dixies”, you can try this outdoor nightlife spot in the evenings and sip on your favorite drink under the stars.
Plattsmouth
Nestled in the Eastern region of Nebraska, Plattsmouth lies west of the Missouri River near the border of Iowa. Plattsmouth is the largest town in Cass County with a population of 6,808. Start by visiting the Cass County Historical Society Museum and learn about the history of Plattsmouth and the surrounding area. For more history, explore Caboose Park on 3rd Street and Main Street.
For nature lovers, Schilling Wildlife Management Area provides opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, biking, hiking, and birdwatching. Other highlights of this delightful town include two golf courses, the Lake Ridge Golf Course and the Bay Hills Golf Club. Lake Ridge Golf Course has a smaller course with 9 holes while Bay Hills Golf Club features 18 holes.
Aurora
The city of Aurora, Nebraska, claims to be a place “where the possibilities are endless,” and this small town certainly does not disappoint. For those who want to explore science, the Edgerton Explorit Center features interactive, family-friendly exhibits that are fun for all ages. Head next to the Plainsman Museum to learn some history of the town and Hamilton County. The displays focus on the time from 1860 to 1950. The museum currently houses over 50,000 artifacts. If you need a break or enjoy movies, the 12th Street Cinema in the historic downtown area is a great spot to catch a film.
If you are looking for golf, Aurora also has the Poco Creek Golf Course that features 9 holes. Pitch a tent or relax in an RV at Streeter Park. This campground has access to plenty of fun trails and outdoor activities.
Chadron
The county seat of Dawes County in Nebraska, Chadron holds one of the three state colleges, Chadron State College, and Chadron Municipal Airport which has flights to and from Denver, Colorado. The vibrant and friendly community welcomes visitors.
Visitors can experience the beauty of the high plains area and its heritage. For nature enthusiasts, Chaldron’s surrounding area makes an ideal getaway to hike, hunt, or ride horseback. See the Nebraska National Forest, Pine Ridge National Recreation Area, or Nebraska’s first state park, also called Chadron. After a few outdoor adventures, return to town and learn more about this area’s history as a former fur trading post at the Museum of the Fur Trade.
Gretna
In 1886, the small town of Gretna, Nebraska, sprang up after the Burlington Railroad built a short line between Omaha and Ashland. Now, it has become a thriving community with many attractions. The Holy Family Shrine rises from the prairie and overlooks Platte Valley beyond. Though created for travelers to pray and discover the Catholic faith, the fantastic architecture and beauty of the surrounding area can be appreciated by all.
In the Schramm State Recreation Area, visit the site of Nebraska’s first fish hatchery. The old hatchery house is now a fish management museum and part of the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium near the scenic Platte River. Nearby, enjoy picnic areas and 5 miles of hiking trails. If you visit Gretna in the fall, join the fall festivities at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. They plant nearly 55 acres of pumpkins each year and offer themed attractions like the Pumpkin Mine, Storybook Barn, a Haunted House, and much more.
Ogallala
Ogallala, Nebraska, was the gateway to the Northern Plains from 1870 to 1885. Most likely founded around 1867, it started as a section house and water tank for the railroad and became a town like what most imagine in the Wild West, a place for Texas cowboys to drive their herds to in the summers for shipping. See the Haythorn Ranch houses to see examples of historic architecture, or the Cowboy Museum on Front Street to learn more about their wild history.
If you are in Ogallala anytime between January and early March, bald eagles congregate in large numbers near Kingsley Dam on Lake Ogallala. View them from the Eagle Viewing Facility of Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District. Even if you cannot see the eagles, Kingsley Dam looks impressive at three and a half miles long and 162 feet high.
Brownville
One of the tiniest towns in Nebraska on our list, with a population of 146, Brownville considers itself a not-so-average town for the not-so-average traveler. They boast 11 resident artists, 418 scenic river bluffs, and 170 years of history. They also have 13 museums and historical sites. Tour 19th-century landmarks like the Didier Log Cabin or the 1860 Carson House. For more history about this neat little town, go to the Brownville Historical Society Museum at Bailey House on Main Street.
For those who enjoy theater and the arts, watch a show at Brownville Concert Hall, which claims to have theater shows that rival Broadway performances. If drama is more to your taste, Brownville also boasts the oldest repertory theater in Nebraska. The Brownville Village Theater entertains over 3,000 guests every theater season.
Sidney
Sidney, Nebraska, grew around Sidney Barracks, a small military outpost that protected the Union Pacific Railroad from attacks. Eventually, the outpost was moved to its current location and renamed Fort Sidney. You can visit the Fort Sidney Complex and see some of the old buildings like the Powder House, Old Officer Quarters, and a refurbished Post Commander’s Home. For more history, visit the National Pony Express Monument and Sidney “Boot Hill” Cemetery.
In Legion Park, the Living Memorial Gardens blends beauty, local history, and remembrance for those lost. Nebraska’s first Christmas Box Angel, called the Angel of Hope, stands at the center of the garden while the garden’s War Memorial remembers local veterans and features one of the tallest flag poles in the USA.
Valentine
An outdoor haven in the rolling Sandhills of Nebraska, Valentine will spark your sense of adventure with nationally acclaimed canoeing and other fun activities in the fresh air. Check out one of the many outfitters like Brewers Canoers & Tubers on the famous Niobrara National Scenic River. You can canoe, tube, and kayak in this area of natural beauty.
At Smith Falls State Park, hike up an impressive path to Nebraska’s tallest waterfall. You can also camp in their campgrounds. After a long day of adventuring in the Sandhills, return to the town for a drink at Bolo Beer Co.’s tap room, a local brewery in Valentine, or grab a bite at Bulldoggers BBQ on Main Street.
Explore new places and find adventure in these spectacular little towns in Nebraska. From outdoor fun to wild west heritage, each one of the nine towns offers unique attractions like river rafting on the Niobrara River or seasonal fun at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna. Adventure through the Great Plains and see buffalo, elk, a myriad of birds, and other native wildlife. Walk through historic downtowns, visit local restaurants, and drink at local breweries. Journey through the towns that are Nebraska’s best-kept secret.
