SENTC Layout - Thayer County Economic Development Allliance

Transcription

SENTC Layout - Thayer County Economic Development Allliance
SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA
2012 VISITOR’S GUIDE
Where the possibilities begin...
From fishing and golfing to exploring the trails and back roads in Southeast Nebraska, there is
something for everyone in this diverse land. Enjoy the time you spend here doing the things you love!
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
www.visitsoutheastnebraska.org
1
VISIT THESE
Pawnee County Attractions
Pawnee City Historical Society
& Museum
25,000 reasons in 20+ buildings to visit
the Museum. Dan Whitney/AKA Larry the
Cable Guy’s barn is located there.
April-October: Tuesday-Friday 10-3:30,
Saturday 9-4, Sunday 1-4. Winter hours
are Thurs. 10-4 and by appointment.
Table Rock Historical Society Museums
See 9 historical buildings including an
opera house, log cabin, newspaper office.
Open by appointment 402-839-4135
Wildlife Areas • Take in bird viewing
at seven wildlife management areas in
Pawnee County. For more information
on locations, pick up a brochure or go to
www.nebraskabirdingtrails.com
Stop at the ZCBJ Lodge Hall near
DuBois and admire this one-of-a-kind
architecture. This Czech social hall is on
the National Historic Register.
Home of Harold Lloyd • Open by
appointment 402-865-4665.
Visit the birthplace home of the
internationally acclaimed silent film actor
and director. Starring in over 200 films,
Harold Lloyd introduced thrill comedy
featuring astounding realism, including
the most famous Safety Last. He was a
pioneer of 3-D photography. View silent
films and memorabilia.
Enjoy outdoor fun at Burchard Lake
near Burchard, Iron Horse Lake near
DuBois and Pawnderosa in Pawnee City.
St. Anothony’s Church in Steinauer
features beautiful stained glass windows
and a high altar.
Pawnee City Public Library “Our
Community Living Room” a welcoming
place for visitors to come use computers,
internet (wireless available) and get
caught up on the news.
Contact the Pawnee County Tourism Office for information about these attractions
Mon. - Fri. 8:30-5 • 402-852-2444 • www.pawneecountyhistory.com • 624 G St. • Pawnee City, NE
Paid for by the Pawnee County Lodging Tax
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They’re Made
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Table of Contents
2011 Southeast Nebraska Tourism Council
Memberships ......................................................4
Welcome to Southeast Nebraska ...............5
Cass County ................................................. 6-11
Fillmore County .........................................12-16
Gage County ..............................................16-18
Jefferson County ......................................19-21
On the cover The Homestead Heritage Center at Homestead National
Monument of America is a place where the magnitude
and world-wide impact of the Homestead Act of 1862 is
told. See this distinctive visitor center rise above the prairie.
Meant to look like a plow cutting sod, the roof purposely
points west.
Main photo: Heritage Center - Homestead National
Monument courtesy Gage County Tourism. Inset photos:
courtesy of the Homestead National Monument of America.
Photos throughout this publication are provided courtesy
of Southeast Nebraska Tourism Council members unless
otherwise noted.
The 24th edition of the 2012 Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
was published for the Southeast Nebraska Tourism Council.
Johnson County ........................................22-24
Nemaha County ........................................25-29
Otoe County ..................................30-31; 34-37
Points of Interest Map ..........................32-33
Pawnee County ........................................37-38
Richardson County ...................................39-41
Saline County ............................................42-47
Sarpy County .............................................48-51
Thayer County .........................................51-55
Calendar of Events ..................................56-57
Enterprise Publishing Company, Specialized Marketing Division
P.O. Box 328, 138 N. 16th Street, Blair, NE 68008 • Phone (402) 426-2121
Fax (402) 426-2227 • www.enterprisepub.com • [email protected]
Publisher - Mark Rhoades • Project Coordinator - Chris Rhoades
Layout & Design Coordinator - Jennifer Stolz • Sales Associate - Jane Konecny
Business Manager - Tracy Prettyman • Bookkeeping - Cassie Jennings
In conjunction with Southeast Nebraska Tourism Council.
www.visitsoutheastnebraska.org
Copyright 2012 by Enterprise Publishing Company
Lodging & Camping .................................58-59
Outdoor Recreation .................................60-61
Golfing ............................................................... 62
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
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SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA
TOURISM COUNCIL
2011
Memberships
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Pour House Tasting Room
GOLD SPONSORS
Homestead National Monument
Nemaha County Development Alliance
Grandpa’s Woods Golf Course
Pawnee County Promotional Network
Brownville Fine Arts Association
Merchants of Brownville
SILVER SPONSORS
Schilling Bridge Winery & Microbrewery
Deshler Chamber of Commerce
Gandy House Bed & Breakfast
Humboldt Shares, Inc.
BRONZE SPONSORS
Check-In Motel
Arbor Manor Steakhouse & Motel
Whiskey Run Creek Winery
Deer Creek Sodbusters, Inc.
Friend Chamber of Commerce
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Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
INVESTOR SPONSORS
Gerald & Kathy Hopp
Nemaha’s Only Stop
Snitily Carr
Syracuse Chamber of Commerce
JoAnn H. Jurgens
Wilber Area Chamber of Commerce
Econo Lodge
Grand Weaver Hotel
First National Bank of Johnson
Nemaha Valley Museum
COUNTY SUPPORTERS:
Thayer County
Sarpy County
Saline County
Richardson County
Otoe County
Johnson County
Jefferson County
Nemaha County
Gage County
Fillmore County
Cass County
COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES
Cass
Linda Rieke
[email protected] • 402-296-5999
Fillmore
Patt Lentfer
[email protected] • 402-759-4910
Gage
Jim Spangler
[email protected] • 402-223-2338
Jefferson
Sharon Priefert
[email protected] • 402-729-3000
Johnson
Judy Coe
[email protected] • 402-335-5900
Nemaha
Mary Kruger
[email protected] • 402-274-4193
Otoe
Carolyn Gigstad
[email protected] • 402-269-3242
Pawnee
Welcome
to Southeast Nebraska!
The Southeast Nebraska Tourism Council (SENTC) would like to “WELCOME” you to our
scenic and diverse counties. We have activities, events and attractions for all ages and
interests. The area is rich in history and opportunities. Heritage Highway Byway 136, runs
through five of the counties.
This is the 24th edition of the SENTC guide. The guide is divided into 12 counties and
then in each county section the communities are featured. The back of the guide contains
lodging, camping, outdoor recreation and a calendar of events. Members of the Southeast
Nebraska Tourism Council provided editorial content and most of the pictures.
The Southeast Nebraska Tourism Council formed in 1989 has grown from the original
nine counties of Cass, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee, Saline and Richardson. It
now also includes the counties of Fillmore, Thayer and Sarpy.
For more information or comments, visit the SENTC website at visitsoutheastnebraska.
org; call 402-335-5900 or mail SENTC, P.O. Box 59, Tecumseh, Nebraska 68450.
If you are visiting for only one day or plan an extended stay in Southeast Nebraska we
hope you enjoy your visit and will come again.
Sincerely,
Southeast Nebraska Tourism Council
Yvonne Dalluge
[email protected] • 402-852-3131
Richardson
Sandy Stalder
[email protected] • 402-862-3278
Saline
Lorine Mares
[email protected] • 402-821-2304
Sarpy
Linda Revis
[email protected] • 402-332-5771
Thayer
Arlis Hohl
[email protected] • 402-768-7407
Steamboat trace trail----Brownville to Nebraska City
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
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CASS COUNTY
Avoca
BLOOM WHERE
YOU’RE PLANTED FARM
911 108th St., is located 27 miles east of
Lincoln and 35 miles south of Omaha.
Offers a big dose of fall fun with an
emphasis on the agricultural side of
autumn. Lots of fresh air, wide open
spaces, recreation, relaxation in a beautiful
seasonal setting. (402) 267-4104,
www.bloompumpkinpatch.com
BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE
PLANTED FARM & PUMPKIN
PATCH
September 15 - October 31, 2012 - 911
108th St., Avoca. Fridays 1-6 p.m., Sat. &
Sun. 10:00 a.m.- 6 p.m. Hay rides to U-Pick
patch, nature trails, corn box, rubber duck
races, pumpkin painting. Kid’s Corral,
several farm-themed play areas, farm
animals, agricultural exhibits, historic
buildings. $4.75/person. (402) 267-4104,
www.bloompumpkinpatch.com
AVOCA QUACK-OFF January 28, 2012 - Bring a duck or rent one to race on the tennis court. (402) 275-3225 or (402) 275-3266
Eagle
EAGLE RACEWAY, 617 South 238th
St., Eagle, NE, is a one-third mile dirt track
often referred to by some as the “World’s
Fastest Third Mile” because of its speed.
www.eagleraceway.com, Track line
(402) 781-2243, Office (402) 238-2595.
(402) 994-3855
Greenwood
WWII LIBRARY AND MUSEUM is just off I-80, Exit 420. It features American, German
and Japanese memorabilia and a library. (402) 944-4238 or (402) 944-8118
NEBRASKA RACEWAY PARK, 14200 238th St., located at I-80, Exit 420,
Greenwood, NE. NASCAR-sanctioned semi-banked half-mile oval dirt track with races
April through September, plus special events. www.neracewaypark.com.,
(402) 659-3301
Elmwood
BESS STREETER ALDRICH HOUSE AND MUSEUM, 204 East “F” Street, Elmwood,
NE. One of Nebraska’s finest writers. She recreated in her short stories and novels the ups
and downs of small-town living in hopes that her readers would not only understand the
hardships and struggles of the times, but also see the virtues and hopes that became a
part of these prairie times in the Midwest. (402) 994-3855, www.bessstreeteraldrich.org
GRANDPA’S WOODS GOLF
COURSE, 5505 310th St., Elmwood, NE.
A nine-hole executive course that offers
a chance to use all the clubs, may it be
over the water or through the many
beautiful tree-lined fairways. Consists
of three par four holes and six par three
holes. (402) 994-2100,
www.grandpaswoods.com
NOVEMBER 24 & 25, DECEMBER
1,2, 8 & 9 - 2:00-5:00 p.m. daily, Bess
Streeter Aldrich House, 204 East “F” St.,
Elmwood, NE. See every room of the
author’s historic home dressed for the
holidays. Each room is decorated by a local
group or family, and themes change every
year. Complimentary goodies and browse
the gift shop. (402) 994-3855,
www.bessstreeteraldrich.org
PLATTE RIVER STATE PARK, 14421 346th St., Louisville, NE. A 418-acre park offers
swimming, horseback riding, hiking and biking, paddleboating and archery. An 85-foot
tower offers spectacular views of the Platte Valley. “Camper cabins" and “housekeeping
cabins” are available. (402) 234-2217, www.outdoornebraska.org
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Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
Louisville
LOUISVILLE LAKES STATE
RECREATION AREA, 18510 Highway
50, Louisville, NE. An excellent camping
facility. Five sand pit lakes, surrounded
by tall cottonwoods, offer fishing, nonmotorized boating, swimming and
picnicking. (402) 234-6855,
www.outdoornebraska.org
CASS COUNTY
Manley
LOFTE COMMUNITY THEATRE, 15841 Manley Road. Casual,
live theater year-round, including concerts, comedies and Broadway
musicals. (402) 234-2553, www.lofte.com
“PILLAGE THE VILLAGE,” September 15, 2012 - Manley, NE.
Kickball Tourney, Adventure Run, Pancake Feed, Water Fight, Tractor
Pull. (402) 234-5232 www.manleyne.com
Murdock
MURDOCK HISTORICAL MUSEUM, located on the
corner of Third and Nebraska, displays the proud history of
Murdock. Hours are Sundays 1:30-5:00 p.m. (402)867-3331,
www.murdockmuseum.org
Murray
LAKE RIDGE GOLF COURSE located 1 mile east of Highway 75
and Highway 1 junction at 1536 Country Club Circle, Beaver Lake,
NE. Breathtaking views of natural prairie grass roughs lining rolling
green fairways, beautiful lakes and championship greens. Open to
the public. (402) 235-4653, www.lake-ridgegolf.com
LAST HOT SUNDAY IN JULY AUTO/TRUCK SHOW
& SHINE, July 29, 2012 - Louisville Main Street,
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
SCARECROWS AMONG US DISPLAY,
October 21 - November 3, 2012 - Louisville Main Street
RINGING IN THE SEASON IN LOUISVILLE,
December 8, 2012
www.outdoornebraska.org Park entry permit required
Photo courtesy R. Neibel, Nebraska DED.
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
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Plattsmouth
CASS COUNTY
CASS COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM, 646 Main St., takes you on a historical journey dating back to when the town was settled.
Permanent collection and rotating exhibits tell the history of Cass County since settlement in 1854. Open April-October, Tuesday Sunday, noon-4:00 p.m.; November-March, Tuesday-Saturday, noon-4:00 p.m. (402) 296-4770,
www.nebraskamuseums.org/casscountymuseum.htm
SCHILLING WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT AREA, Main Street east
over the railroad tracks, first left on Refuge
Road. 1,500-acre wilderness area offers
hiking, picnicking, nature observation and
hunting and fishing. Confluence of the
Platte and Missouri rivers as written about
in the Lewis and Clark journals.
www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov
QUILTS AND VALENTINES,
January 31 - March 3, 2012 - 12:00 to
4:00 p.m. Cass County Museum, 646
Main St., Plattsmouth. An exhibit of
quilts and Valentines from the late 1800s
and early 1900s. (402) 296-4770,
www.nebraskamuseums.org/
casscountymuseum.htm
BAY HILLS GOLF CLUB, 3200 Buccaneer Blvd. Rolling hills that overlook the
Platte and Missouri river valleys. A scenic, tree-lined challenge awaits any level of
golfer. (402) 298-8191, www.bayhillsgolfclub.com
GRANDMA’S CHINA CABINET, November 1, 2011 - January 28, 2012 - 12:00 to
4:00 p.m. Cass County Museum, 646 Main St., Plattsmouth. An exhibit of porcelain, china,
custard glass, linens and knick-knacks that reminds you of looking in Grandma’s china
cabinet. (402) 296-4770, www.nebraskamuseums.org/casscountymuseum.htm
G.A.R. MEDALS, March 6-June 3,
2012 - March: 12:00-4:00 Tuesday through
Saturday; after April 1, 12:00-4:00 Tuesday
through Sunday, Cass County Museum,
646 Main St., Plattsmouth. An exhibit
of Grand Army of the Republic medals
collected by H.C. McMaken. (402) 2964770, www.nebraskamuseums.org/
casscountymuseum.htm
ROCK BLUFFS SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE, July 15, 2012 - 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Rock Bluffs
School. One-room brick schoolhouse built in 1870 and listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. (402) 296-4770, www.nebraskamuseums.org/casscountymuseum.htm
FARM LIFE AND HARVEST, August 28 -October 28, 2012 - 12:00- 4:00, TuesdaySunday, Cass County Museum, 646 Main St., Plattsmouth. Annual exhibit of paintings and
photographs relating to farm life in Cass County, in conjunction with annual Plattsmouth
Harvest Festival. (402) 296-4770, www.nebraskamuseums.org/casscountymuseum.htm
“CRUIZIN’ MAIN,” October 5, 2012 - Plattsmouth Main Street, 5:30 to 8:30. “Show &
Shine” Car Show, over 400 cars, and Open House on Main Street. (402) 296-6021,
www.plattsmouthchamber.org
ROCK BLUFFS SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE, October 21, 2012 - 2:00-4:00 p.m., Rock
Bluffs School. Open House and hot dog roast at one-room brick schoolhouse built in
1870. (402) 296-4770, www.nebraskamuseums.org/casscountymuseum.htm
Weeping Water
WEEPING WATER MUSEUM, three
buildings one block off Main Street,
and one on Main Street, that display
Native American Culture, frontier life, a
Doctor’s Office from the late 1800s and
re-creations of Weeping Water's early
businesses. (402) 267-4925,
www.weepingwaterhistory.org
LIVING HISTORY DAY, April
28, 2012 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,
Cass County Museum, 646 Main St.,
Plattsmouth. Demonstrations in
blacksmithing, soapmaking, weaving
and spinning. Also includes a May Basket
workshop for children.(402) 296-4770,
www.nebraskamuseums.org/
casscountymuseum.htm
NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIFACTS,
June 5 - August 26, 2012 - Tuesday
through Sunday, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Cass County Museum, 646 Main
Street, Plattsmouth. An exhibit of
arrowheads, tools,and pottery. (402)
296-4770, www.nebraskamuseums.
org/casscountymuseum.htm
PLATTSMOUTH COUNTRY CLUB,
18003 Clubview Drive, Plattsmouth Country
Club is tucked way in the country, away
from the distraction of housing. A 9-hole
regulation length course with tree lined
fairways.
SLATTERY VINTAGE ESTATES, 8925 Adams St., Nehawka, Nebraska,
located in rural Weeping Water offers a vineyard and tasting room. Summer
concert series, along with food and drink. (402) 267-5267,
www.svevineyards.com
LIMESTONE DAYS, June 30, 2012
- Weeping Water, Nebraska. Parade,
Canoe Races, Fishing Contest, Children’s
Games, Duck Races, Rock Olympics,
5KFun/Mud Run, Museum Tours, Photo
Contest, Car Show, BBQ, Fireworks
and Street Dance. (402) 267-5152,
www.weepingwaternebraska.com
FALL FESTIVAL, September 29, 2012
- Weeping Water, Nebraska. Craft Show,
Car Show, Scarecrow Contest, Silent
Auction, BBQ, Museum Tours, Children’s
Crafts, Chili Cookoff, Wine Tasting
and Street Dance. (402) 267-5152,
www.weepingwaternebraska.com
COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, December 1, 2012 - Weeping Water, Nebraska. Craft Show, Cookie/Candy Sale, Children’s Crafts,
visit Santa & Mrs. Claus, Museum Tours and Parade of Trees. (402) 267-5152, www.weepingwaternebraska.com
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Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
CASS COUNTY
Other Area Attractions
Looking for Something?
TRY MEESKE HARDWARE
Family Owned Since 1939
214 Eldora Avenue
Weeping Water
402-267-3185
A store like
Grandpa used to know!
Photo courtesy J. Nabb, Nebraska DED.
LEE G. SIMMONS CONSERVATION PARK AND
WILDLIFE SAFARI near Mahoney State Park is a driving route
4 miles through a variety of North American wildlife. The Safari is
open April through October (402) 944-9453 or (402) 733-8401,
www.omahazoo.com
EUGENE T. MAHONEY STATE PARK located just off
Interstate 80, Exit 426, is one of Nebraska’s most popular state
parks. Secluded cabins, camping, trails, trail rides, fishing,
miniature golf and driving range. Lodge with guest rooms,
70-foot observation tower, aquatic center, theater, marina and
much more. (402) 944-2523, www.outdoornebraska.org
Elmwood, NE
Only 15 minutes from Mahoney State Park!
Take E. Park Hwy. to 310th St.,
then south 8.5 miles to 5505 310th St.
• Tree-Lined Fairways
• Meandering Lake
• 3 Par 4 Holes
• 6 Par 3 Holes
• Riding Carts
• Rental Clubs
• Club House Beverages & Snacks
• Party Room
• Affordable
Group Outings
• Catering Available
Rates
Weekdays:
9 Holes $9.00
18 Holes $16.50
CALL FOR TEE TIMES
402-994-2100
Weekend & Holidays:
9 Holes $10.50
18 Holes $18.00
Mon.-Fri. All-Day Golf
$20.00
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
9
CASS COUNTY
STRATEGIC AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM, located just off Interstate 80, Exit 426, this
300,000-square-foot facility is home to a world-class collection of 30 aircraft and missiles,
two aircraft display hangars, an ever-changing exhibit area, an interactive gallery for kids
and a 200-seat theater. (402) 944-3100, www.SASMuseum.com
IRON HORSE GOLF COURSE, 900 Club House Drive, Ashland, NE. Just minutes
from Omaha and Lincoln. This unique golf course is built around an old rock quarry and
features incredible views and exceptional course conditions.
(402) 944-9800, www.golfironhorse.com
ASHLAND COUNTRY CLUB, 16119 Highway 6, Ashland, NE, is a semi-private
country club located between Lincoln and Omaha. Club includes an 18-hole golf course,
a clubhouse that is available for events and a swimming pool with a wading pool for the
entire family to enjoy. (402) 944-3388, www.ashlandgolfclub.com
CAROL JOY HOLLING CONFERENCE & RETREAT CENTER, 27416 Ranch Road,
Ashland, NE. A year-round, self-contained facility ideal for groups wishing to get away from
their everyday environments. (402) 944-2544, www.nlom.org
QUARRY OAKS GOLF CLUB, 16600 Quarry Oaks Drive, Ashland, NE, has been named
one of the nation’s best public courses by Golf Digest. (402) 944-6000,
www.quarryoaks.com
CHILI BOMB, January 28, 2012 - Strategic Air & Space Museum, I-80 at Exit 426. 11:00
a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sample different chilis, help choose a winner. Take a close-up look at our
bombers (B-36, B-17, B-25, B-29 and some components of the B-52).
(402) 944-3100, www.SASMuseum.com
Photo courtesy R. Neibel, Nebraska DED.
CASS COUNTY
BARN QUILTS,
located in rural Cass
County. Painted 8’x8’
barn quilt blocks
painted on prominent
barns near ElmwoodMurdock. www.elm.
esu3.org/barnquilt/
index.html
NEBRASKA ROBOTICS EXPO,
February 18, 2012 - Strategic Air & Space
Museum, I-80 at Exit 426. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00
p.m. Watch CEENBoT & First Lego League
Competition. (402) 944-3100,
www.SASMuseum.com
INDOOR AIR SHOW, March 31, 2012
- Strategic Air & Space Museum, I-80 at Exit
426. 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Displays featuring
para-gliders, gliders and sail. Flying
demonstrations featuring the Omahawks
& Orbiting Eagles. Paper Airplane
competitions for the kids and more.
(402) 944-3100, www.SASMuseum.com
VALENTINES SPECIAL, February 10-14,2012 - Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Reserve a cabin or lodge room at regular price and
add a Valentine’s package to your reservation for $50.00. Includes a special meal for two and complimentary gift package at the Peter
Kiewit Lodge. (402) 944-2523. www.outdoornebraska.org.
81st Annual
Plattsmouth
Harvest Festival
PLATTE RIVER ART SHOW, March 31 & April 1,2012 - Eugene T.
Mahoney State Park, a fine arts celebration featuring wildlife,landscape,
still life, impressionistic, Southwest and Western paintings in a variety of
mediums. Bronze, wood and metal sculpture and photography. Many artists
from many states. Saturday 9:00 a.m - 8:00 p.m., Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(402) 944-2523, www.outdoornebraska.org
EGG HUNT, April 7, 2012 - Strategic Air & Space Museum,
Where Corn is Still KING! EASTER
I-80 at Exit 426. 9:00 a.m. Fun for all of the children. (402) 944-3100, www.
SEPT. 6-9, 2012
in Plattsmouth, Nebraska
Cornation
Carnival Rides
Parades
Slow Tractor Races
Tractor Pull
Flower Show
Art Show
Fly-In Breakfast
Little Tuggers
Car Show
Craft Show & Many
Vendors
Many More Events!
Formerly known as the Kass Kounty King Korn Karnival
For information contact: P.O. Box 112, Plattsmouth, NE 68048
www. plattsmouthharvestfestival.com
Funded in part by Cass County Tourism
10
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
SASMuseum.com
SPACE DAY, May 5, 2012 - Strategic Air & Space Museum, I-80 at
Exit 426.11:00 a.m. Guest speakers, stargazing, shows in the museum's
planetarium and much more. (402) 944-3100, www.SASMuseum.com
HELICOPTER DAY, July 28, 2012 - Strategic Air & Space Museum, I-80 at
Exit 426. 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. It’s a bird, it’s a plane it’s...come on out and see
who will be landing at the museum. (402) 944-3100, www.SASMuseum.com
AUTUMN HARVEST ART SHOW, October 6 & 7, 2012 - Eugene T.
Mahoney State Park, a variety of mediums, from many artists. Saturday
9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sunday 9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m. (402) 944-2523, www.
outdoornebraska.org
HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW, October 20 & 21, 2012 - Eugene T. Mahoney
State Park, 9:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m. A wide range of crafts and jewelry. Free face
painting, all regular fall/winter activities. (402) 944-2523,
www.outdoornebraska.org
TRICK OR TREAT, October 27, 2012 - Strategic Air & Space Museum, I-80
at exit 426.10:00 a.m. Trick or Treat and airplane peeks, followed by a costume
competition. (402) 944-3100. www.SASMuseum.com
IN THE
CASS COUNTY
MIDDLE OF IT ALL
• Strategic Air and Space Museum
• Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
• Wildlife Safari Park
• Platte River State Park
• Hiking and Biking Trails
• Seven Golf Courses
PLATTSMOUTH • MURRAY • LOUISVILLE
SOUTH BEND • WEEPING WATER • MANLEY
EAGLE • UNION • MURDOCK • ELMWOOD
CEDAR CREEK • WABASH • NEHAWKA
GREENWOOD • ALVO • AVOCA
For FREE Visitors Information, call 1-800-965-8479
www.visitcasscounty.com
www.visitsoutheastnebraska.org
3
FILLMORE COUNTY
Exeter
It was the “free land” that brought the
settlers to Exeter in 1870. The railroad’s
advance west from Lincoln determined the
site and name for Exeter since the railroads
were naming towns in alphabetical order.
Some settlers from Exeter, N.H. suggested
the name.
Fairmont
The section of land where the town of Fairmont now sits was originally pre-empted by
four employees for the South Platte Land Company in the spring of 1871. Because the
law required a six-month residence, these men built a little house in the center of the
section to keep the claim.
FILLMORE COUNTY
MUSEUM The Fillmore County
Museum is housed in the
Fairmont Creamery Company
built in 1886. The company was
later called Fairmont Foods.
Dr. S.F. Ashby purchased the
building for his medical practice
in 1907. The museum contains
the doctor’s waiting room, WW
II and Fairmont Army Airfield
memorabilia and other items.
ST. STEPHEN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
The first St. Stephen’s Catholic Church was
built in 1874. The present Romanesque
church building dates from 1902 and
has undergone many renovations and
restorations. Original to the interior are
the altars and the stained-glass windows.
“Thomas” and “Paul,” the bells in the church
tower, are still in use.
EXETER MURAL The Exeter Mural, is a
representation of downtown Exeter around
1900 and was created by Greg Holdren,
an artist from Friend, Neb. Adjacent to the
mural which depicts a fire truck en route to
a fire is the historic marker for the founding
of Exeter.
HISTORIC MARKER 278 - 1879
EXETER 1979 The first settler in Exeter
Township, Fillmore County was Warren
Woodard who built the first house in 1870.
The Burlington & Missouri River Railroad
building westward determined Exeter’s
location in 1871.
AQUATIC CENTER Gilbert Park, 1103
Maplewood Street. The new Aquatic Center,
was built in 2009. A zero entry pool has a
large slide, a toddler slide and a wheel chair
area. 402-266-3001
SWEETWATER, 170 S Exeter Ave., in
downtown Exeter equals good home
cooked food and cold drinks. 402-266-4841
JOHN E’S CAFÉ & BAR, 116 South
Exeter Ave. Enjoy Great Food, Great Friends
and Great Fun at John E’s Café & Bar. Play
KENO and enjoy the music of local bands
on special weekends. 402-266-5251.
EXETER SUMMER CELEBRATION:
July 22 & 23. Co-ed softball tournament,
barbecue, beer garden and live music.
12
MCCLELLAN DRUG STORE The McClellan Drug Store, a part of the Fillmore
County Museum, contains a soda fountain, a 1905 carriage, a one-room schoolhouse, a
2,400-piece pitcher collection, farm tools and antique furniture.
FAIRMONT ARMY AIRFIELD The
historic Fairmont Army Airfield, located 2
miles south of Fairmont, was placed on the
National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
Visitors can walk the runways, see the
hangars and view a model of the airfield as
it appeared during WW II.
UNION SOLDIER MONUMENT
is located in the park just south of the
Fillmore County Museum. The Union
Soldier Monument was dedicated
on June 26, 1910, and restored and
rededicated in 2001 to all who have
served.
MANNING GRAIN Maining Grain at 4 Burress Road, Fairmont was once a trade
center for 75 people in the 1920s. The first railroad was built there in 1887. Dances
were held in the depot until a dance hall was built in 1937. It wasn’t unusual for more
than 500 people to attend dances there until the bands became too big and the prices
too high. The last dance was held in 1949 and now the hall holds grain.
HISTORICAL MARKER 381: Fairmont Army Air Field, on U.S. Highway 6, east
of Fairmont, was one of 11 Army Air Force training fields built in Nebraska during
World War II.
HISTORICAL MARKER 360: Fairmont Army Airfield, on U.S. Highway 81, is
located 2 miles south of Fairmont. Construction began on the Fairmont Army
Air Field September 17, 1942, and crews worked around the clock. It was one
of 11 Army Air Force training fields built in Nebraska during World War II. It was
deactivated in 1945.
HISTORICAL MARKER 309: 601 6th Ave. The Fairmont Creamery Company
was incorporated March 29, 1884, as a stock company by Wallace Wheeler and
Joseph H. Rushton. This building was the original office and the creamery was half a
mile east of town.
LEGENDS, at 540 6th Ave. Test your talent with karoake and enjoy food and drink at
Legends in Fairmont. 402-268-4191
OLD SETTLERS PICNIC: A community festival dating from 1876 is filled with
games, karaoke, a fun run/walk, parade, barbecue and street dance. July 28-29.
402-268-2461 or 402-268-3138
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
Geneva
FILLMORE COUNTY
In 1870 there was a large migration into
the area. In 1871 an election was held
in the dugout-residence of Nathaniel
McCalla. Officers were elected and the site
of the county seat was determined and
named Henry. In 1872, the town name was
changed to Geneva.
DEMPSTER WOODS The 1888
Dempster Woods Italianate-style home
was built by John A. Dempster, a Civil War
veteran from Illinois, who homesteaded
near Ohiowa and served in the Nebraska
House of Representatives. The home has
tin ceilings, fireplaces, hardwood floors,
stained-glass windows and an acre of
woods for walking.
OVERTIME GRILLE & LOUNGE Take
time to stop at Overtime Grille & Lounge in
downtown Geneva for delicious bar food
and drinks. Live bands perform certain
weekends. 402-759-3841
GENEVA CITY PARK, 1404 E Street,
is the home to an American Legion
Memorial Park Monument, an Army
tank, and the largest natural boulder
in Fillmore County with the inscription
“For God and County.” The park has
a swimming pool, horseshoe pits,
ballparks, and play equipment. Four
mini-parks grace local neighborhoods.
GENEVA AUDITORIUM was built in
1915. The Geneva Auditorium served as
the city hall and opera house. The building
is now used for live performances and on
weekends volunteers transform the stage
into the Rialto II movie theater.
HIDDEN HILLS, located on the
northwest edge of Geneva at 1115
Road L, is a nine-hole golf course
with rolling hills, mature trees and a
winding creek. It may be used by the
public. 402-759-3084
FILLMORE COUNTY
COURTHOUSE Placed on the
National Register of Historic Places in
1977, the newly renovated Fillmore
County Courthouse was first completed
in 1894. A simplified version of the
Richardsonian Romanesque style, the
courthouse provides a sense of the
history and permanence of the county’s
heritage.
GEORGE W. SMITH HOUSE The
Queen-Anne style George W. Smith
House was built in 1890 by Geneva settler
George Smith whose loan office was the
predecessor of the First National Bank of
Geneva. From 1925 to 1942, the house
served as a hospital. National Register of
Historic Places
J.M. BURK HOUSE The J.M. Burk
House was built in 1891 for J.M. and Minnie
Burk who moved from Seward County to
Geneva to open a hardware business. Three
fireplaces, three stained-glass windows
and five sets of 6 by 8 foot pocket doors
are its special features. National Register of
Historic Places
CUMBERLAND‘S STYLE SHOPPE,
NEVAEH BOUTIQUE, ROYALTY’S
GIFTS AND A LITTLE INSPIRATION.
Visit these unique one-of-a-kind shops
located around the Courthouse Square
throughout historic downtown Geneva.
GENEVA JAVA & BRISTRO offers great
coffees along with pastries and sandwiches.
Enjoy dinner that has been cooked on the
grill, Thursday and Friday nights.
402-759-4400
GENEVA HOME AND GARDEN
SHOW March 16-17 - Held each year at
the Fillmore County Fairgrounds. More
than 60 vendors, also workshops and
entertainment. 402-759-1155
CELEBRATE PATRIOTISM-GENEVA,
July 3-4 - Games, a parade, street dance,
entertainment and a spectacular fireworks
display are downtown and at the county
fairgrounds. 402-759-4280 or
402-759-1155
FILLMORE COUNTY FAIR, July 20-25
Located at the west edge of Geneva at the
Fillmore County Fairgrounds, 100 5th St.
402-759-3274
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS, December
1- 24. Santa visits, a free Holiday movie for
kids, shopping specials around the square
in downtown Geneva. 402-759-1155
Grafton
The Burlington Northern Railroad had an
influential role in founding and locating
Grafton. In 1876, Grafton’s residents numbered
50 and it rapidly became an essential grain
market and trade center.
ST. HELENA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH The
original St. Helena’s Catholic Church was built
in 1880. In 1922, the church was sold and
moved to make way for its replacement. On
September 10, 1923, the new St. Helena’s was
ready for worship. Stained-glass windows from
Italy were added in 1927. The church was
refurbished in 2000.
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
13
FILLMORE COUNTY
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS AND WILDLIFE PROTECTION AREA The Grafton area is home to seven Wildlife
Management Areas and Wildlife Protection Areas http://rwbjv.org/pdf/RWBJV_eastern_tour_map.pdf
The BLUE RIVER BRIDGE has been identified as one of the 99 historically significant bridges in the state by the Nebraska State
Historical Society. Located 6 miles northwest of Grafton, it was designed in 1918. National Register of Historic Places
GARY’S BRICKYARD GRILLE, located
in one of Grafton’s historic downtown
buildings, serves buffalo as well as the
finest Nebraska steaks, chicken and
pork. Outdoor seating available. 255 N.
Washington Ave. 402-282-7311.
VILLAGE GREEN is a manufacturer and retail outlet for concrete lawn ornaments and
statuaries. It includes a garden area for viewing. 103 W. South St. (along U.S. Highway 6)
402-282-7226
ST. HELENA’S BAZAAR, August 29, 2012 -The church members serve home-style
food, sell crafts and baked goods, and hold a quilt raffle.
Milligan
Milligan claims the title “The Hospitality Capital of Nebraska”
and proves it by having many events throughout the year for its
citizens and visitors. Milligan has a predominantly Czech heritage
and often serves Czech cuisine.
CESKY BRATRI CEMETERY AND PIONEER CHAPEL is 2
miles west of Milligan along Highway 41. The earliest gravestone
dates to 1876. Passing wagon trains left older, unmarked graves.
The Pioneer Chapel, built in 1874, was the first Catholic Church in
Fillmore County. It was moved to the cemetery in 1901.
THE MILLIGAN AUDITORIUM is an all concrete, masonry,
and steel structure, built in 1929. It is one of 10 halls built
by liberal Czechs from 1920-60 and the only one built by an
association of organizations. It was a popular social gathering
place during WW II, and today. National Register of Historic
Places
RON’S TAVERN, 608 Main St. Visitors can enjoy home-cooked
meals. Pork & dumplings is the noon special on Thursdays.
402-629-4385
Ohiowa
Settlers from Ohio, Iowa and
Missouri settled the Ohiowa
area. A dispute arose when
deciding what the town should
be named. A group of settlers
wanted Ohio and others from
Iowa preferred the name Iowa.
The dispute was settled by
compromise: Ohiowa.
14
EVENING WITH FRIENDS, 524 Main St. Enjoy small
town-priced steaks and prime rib at Evening With Friends. This
unique downtown restaurant is named after a famous Redlin
painting and has a cabin in the main dining area for small
parties. 402-629-4411
THE BLIZZARD OF 1888 HISTORIC MARKER 247:
One of the most spectacular and harrowing events in the
history of the Great Plains was the Blizzard of January 12, 1888.
Marker on Highway 41 Northeast of Milligan.
TWO B-24 “LIBERATORS” CRASH HISTORIC
MARKER 475: On October 25, 1943, four B-24 “Liberator”
bombers from the Fairmont Army Air Field were flying in
formation when two crashed together killing 17 soldiers.
Marker is located on Nebraska Highway 41, northeast of
Milligan.
BT-13B “VALIANT” AND P-47D “THUNDERBOLT”
CRASH HISTORIC MARKER 476: In 1944, an instructor
pilot in a BT-13B and a student and a P-47 pilot had a mid-air
crash killing the student and the P-47 pilot. The marker is
located on Nebraska Highway 41, northeast of Milligan.
LONE STAR RECREATION AREA, a 160-acre
area 4 miles east of Ohiowa, has a 75-acre springfed lake. Camping, boating, fishing, swimming
and hiking are available.
GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
CHURCH Located 3 miles southwest of Ohiowa,
the church has a strong German heritage. The first
church built in 1888 was replaced by the current
church built in 1917.
OHIOWA AUDITORIUM, HISTORICAL MARKER 460. A community landmark, Ohiowa
Auditorium was completed in 1940 and preserved in near original condition. It is one of many Nebraska
buildings constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression.
During WW II the auditorium served as an entertainment center for soldiers from the nearby Bruning
Army Airfield.
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
FILLMORE COUNTY
Shickley
During the 1870s, many settlers, Swedish emigrants
predominantly, came to Bryant Township in which Shickley
subsequently was located.
STOCKHOLM SWEDISH LUTHERAN CHURCH,
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACESMARKER 399. The church, built in 1900 at a cost of $3,549,
has a 70-foot steeple and Gothic Revival detailing. Its red
roof can be seen for miles. Inside hangs a large painting by
Professor Oloaf Grafstom. 2 ½ miles west of Shickley.
MALLARD HAVEN WATERFOWL
PRODUCTION AREA Two miles north of Shickley,
Mallard Haven Waterfowl Production Area covers
1,087 acres, including 633 acres of wetland and 454
acres of upland ground. Among the 5-7 million birds
migrating each spring are Canadian snow geese, blue
geese, ducks, and seasonal bald eagles. Also a habitat
for pheasants and quail.
THE HOME PLACE, 209 N. Market Street, Enjoy
a unique shopping experience at The Home Place.
Contains antiques and collectibles. 402-627-7665
DAWG’S SMOKEHOUSE CAFÉ, 213 N.
Market Street. Enjoy delicious homemade meals
and smoked meats at Dawg’s Smokehouse Café in
downtown Shickley. 402-627-2735
BEERS OF NEBRASKA-MILLIGAN. March 24th -Milligan
Auditorium on Main St. Taste beers from various Nebraska breweries
while enjoying Czech food & music. 402-629-4446
MILLIGAN JUNE JUBILEE-MILLIGAN, June 8, 9 & 10: Main St.
Dances, parades, contests, entertainment, BBQ, beer garden, softball &
volleyball tournaments. 402-629-4446
KOCKIES BAR, located at 223 N. Market St. in
downtown Shickley is a great place to eat, try a variety
of wines and meet friends. 402-627-2735
B-47G “FLYING” FORTRESS AND P-47D
“THUNDERBOLT” HISTORIC MARKER 474: This marker
commemorates the 1944 crash of a “Thunderbolt” fighter from the
Bruning Army Air Field with a B-17 “Flying Fortress” bomber. Both
planes exploded and seven soldiers died. The marker is located on
Nebraska Highway 41, northeast of Milligan.
MILLIGAN’S 7TH ANNUAL CHILYMPIAD-MILLIGAN,
January 29 - Milligan Auditorium on Main St. Chili cook-off with
patrons taste testing and voting for their favorite chili.
402-629-4446
OHIOWA CAFÉ, 520 S. Main St., serves homemade
meals and provides that small-town atmosphere.
402-295-2319
OHIOWA DAYS-125TH CELEBRATION,
June 16 & 17 - Main St. Co-ed softball, kids parade,
activities for all ages, BBQ and dance, community church
picnic, ice cream social and water fights. 402-295-2515
OHIOWA CRAFT DAY-OHIOWA.
October 14 - Ohiowa Auditorium. Crafts, cookbooks,
homemade items, food and door prizes. 402-295-2515
Exeter • Fairmont • Geneva • Grafton • Milligan • Ohiowa • Shickley • Strang
THURSDAY CLASSIC CAR NIGHT, 4th Thursdays, May –September.
Classic car buffs bring their cars and showcase them on Main Street.
Things to see
Experiences to try
Milligan’s
June Jubilee
June 8-10
Ohiowa’s 125th
Celebration
June 15-17
Discover Geneva
Patriotism
July 3-4
Places to relax
Foods to eat & enjoy
Exeter’s
Summer Fun Day
July 20-22
Old Settler’s
Day - Fairmont
July 28-29
All in Fillmore
County!
www.visitfillmorecounty.org
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
15
GAGE COUNTY
FILLMORE COUNTY
Strang
Named for a windmill salesman who
donated a windmill to the community,
Strang is home to the historic Strang
School, Belle Prairie Township Hall and the
Strang Jail. A windmill still graces a place of
honor in the middle of Main Street.
STRANG MUSEUM Formerly the
Hamilton township hall built in 1889, the
Strang Museum was moved to Strang
in 1984. During Strang’s centennial year,
1986, the building was transformed into
a museum. Standing on the grounds is
a wooden windmill and the steeple bell
from the United Brethren Church. For
appointment, call 402-759-0120.
STRANG SCHOOL The Strang School is
a two-story brick building built in 1929-30
in a simplified version of the Renaissance
Revival-style. The last senior class to
graduate was in 1951 but it continued to
be used as a grade school until the 1990s.
National Register of Historic Places
STRANG WINDMILL: This village
was named when A.L. Strang, an Omaha
windmill dealer, gave the town its first
windmill. A windmill still sits in the middle
of the principal intersection on Main Street.
The BELL PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP HALL
was built in 1911 and became the official
place to cast your ballot and was the
meeting hall for village groups. National
Register of Historic Places
The TOWN JAIL, built in 1907, was used
by the constable and served as the village
office. Drunks from the local saloon were
housed there overnight. National Register
of Historic Places
BUBBA’S ANYTIME STRANG CAFÉ,
313 Main St. Stop in and enjoy the homecooked meals at Bubba’s Anytime Strang
Café. If the door’s open, the grill is smokin’.
402-759-4840
STRANG’S PANCAKE DAY is held the
4th Sunday of February each year serving
pancakes hot off the grill and speciallymade sausage.
16
Adams
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION,
June 30
ADAMS COMMUNITY DAYS,
Aug. 18
Beatrice
HOMESTEAD NATIONAL
MONUMENT OF AMERICA Explore
your National Park…interactive exhibits,
prairie, pioneer school, cabin, and special
events chronicle immigration, migration,
and Native American cultures of an
America forever altered by the Homestead
Act. 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the Homestead Act; numerous events and
activities throughout the year. For more information, call 402-223-3514 or visit
www.nps.gov/home.
CEDAR CREEK POTTERY is owned
by Ervin Dixon, a former Florida State
Professor. He makes and displays saltglazed stoneware at his refurbished 1895
Lutheran church 7 miles east of Beatrice.
Regular hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00
a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (402) 228-0138
YESTERDAY’S LADY is located in the
historic 1887 Schmuck Building in the heart
of downtown Beatrice. Owner Sue McLain
has been collecting vintage clothing since
1985 and has a wide variety of artifacts
from the Victorian Era through 1970 on
display. (402) 223-5121
GAGE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM is located in the
Burlington Railroad Depot built in 1906. Genealogy available. Museum hours are
Tue. - Sat., 9 a.m. – Noon and 1 – 5 p.m. and Sun. 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. in the summer;
and Tue. – Fri. , 9 a.m. – Noon and 1 – 5 p.m. and Sun., 1:30 – 5 p.m. (402) 228-1679
BEATRICE BAKERY has been featured
on the Food Network’s “Unwrapped” show.
From the mixing room to the oven, the
fruitcakes are designed by hand. The finest
ingredients are precisely measured and
mixed, the nuts hand sorted and selected,
and each cake is individually baked.
(800) 228-4030
The BEATRICE PUBLIC LIBRARY is
the host facility for the Nebraska State
Genealogical Society collection. This
includes more than 3,000 items of interest
to genealogists with Nebraska roots. In
addition, the library houses bound volumes
of D.A.R. Lineage Records and part of the
collection of the Southeast Nebraska
Genealogical Society. (402) 223-3584
GAGE COUNTY FAIR AND EXPO/BEATRICE SPEEDWAY Gage
County Fair and Expo is the third week in July and includes a midway carnival,
food, 4-H animals and exhibits. The fairgrounds is also home to Beatrice
Speedway where racing occurs each Friday night from March to October.
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
GAGE COUNTY
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK is dedicated
to the military men and women of the United
States who have served our country. The Memorial
Plaza was created using five points of the star
symbolizing the branches of the military. Ten
“Walls of Honor” provide the backdrop for
historical images, information and a
lasting tribute to those veterans.
COMMUNITY PLAYERS Since 1975,
Community Players has strived to produce
high-quality theatre for Beatrice and all of
Southeast Nebraska. Thanks to the talents of
our many volunteers, on and off the stage,
we consistently bring to the stage theatre
that entertains, educates, and enlightens.
(402) 228-1801
NATIONAL COMMEMORATION OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE HOMESTEAD ACT OF 1862 May 20 - at Homestead National
Monument of America. A special event with speakers, music, and a historical
reenactment. 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
HOMESTEAD ACT, April 25 - May 28 - Homestead Act of 1862 signed by
President Lincoln on public display at the Homestead Heritage Center.
FREE LAND? May 21 – 25 - Homesteading
Chautauqua, Nebraska Humanities Council will
present a weeklong Chautauqua with speakers,
workshops and presentations at Homestead
National Monument.
HOMESTEAD DAYS, June 12 – 17 - Interactive opportunities to experience
pioneer life with traditional demonstrators. Nationally-known entertainers,
parade Saturday morning, antique tractor and car shows and much more. Free.
(402) 223-2338
Filley
Cortland
CORTLANDFEST, June 23 Exhibits, flea market, festival, craft
show, and more. (402) 429-2480
FILLEY STONE BARN, located 2 miles south of town, is unique in its architecture. Built
by Elijah Filley in 1874, the barn is the site of the Harvest Festival, on the first weekend of
October.
HARVEST FESTIVAL, Oct. 5 – 6 - Corn husking, threshing, pumpkin carving, and oldtime music as well as many other activities (402) 228-1679
BEATRICE’S FINEST LODGING
& CONFERENCE FACILITY
27639 S. 80th Rd.
Beatrice, NE 68310
Daily Hours
Throughout the Year:
10-5 Monday-Saturday
Phone: 402-228-0138
Directions: From the
intersection of Highways 77
& 136, 7 miles east of Beatrice
to 80th Rd., ¾ mile south.
Beatrice
80th Road
• Salt glazed stoneware pottery
• Always special, useful and beautifully handmade
Offering comfort,
value & convenience,
Holiday Inn Express
is a favorite.
• Heated Indoor Pool
• Complimentary Wireless Internet Access
• Complimentary Manager’s Reception
• Priority Club Rewards Points or Miles
• Free Express Start Breakfast Bar
th
4005 N. 6 St., Beatrice, NE
402-228-7000
www.hiexpress.com/beatricene
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
17
GAGE COUNTY
Odell
BIG INDIAN NRD RECREATION
AREA: Six miles east of town, the
area has 250 acres for boating, fishing,
camping, picnicking and swimming. An
archery range, shelter and playground
equipment are on site. (402) 228-3402
The OLD WEST TRAILS CENTER is
located in a restored 1885 limestone bank
on Main Street. It features interpretive
stories on the growth of the area and the
influence of the railroad, historic trails and
highway. (402) 766-3700
ODELL COMMUNITY DAYS, Sept.
8 – 9 - Street dance, parade, BBQ, kids
activities, old-fashioned games and more.
ODELL CRAFT SHOW, Nov. 24
- Held annually on the Saturday after
Thanksgiving.
Wymore
GREAT PLAINS WELSH HERITAGE AND CULTURE CENTRE MUSEUM
AND PLEASANT VIEW SCHOOLHOUSE MUSEUM The Welsh Heritage Project
tells the story of Welsh settlers of Nebraska and the Great Plains through interactive
displays, artifacts and oral histories. Displays are in the Great Plains Welsh Heritage and
Culture Centre Museum at 307 S. 7th St., and the Pleasantview Schoolhouse Museum in
McCandless Park on Highway 77. (402) 645-3186.
SAM WYMORE DAYS, June 2 - Parade and much more.
See a Play • Golf • Attend a County Fair
Watch Car Races • Great Restaurants
18
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
JEFFERSON COUNTY
Fairbury
The ROCK CREEK STATION STATE
HISTORICAL PARK is home to a
Pony Express Station, a toll bridge on
the Oregon Trail, a visitor’s center and
the legend of “Wild Bill” Hickok. The
recreation area has hiking and horse
trails, RV and primitive camping. A state
park permit is required. (402) 729-5777
The FAIRBURY CITY MUSEUM at
1128 Elm St. features exhibits that focus on
pioneer life and the Campbell Bros. Circus,
which wintered at Fairbury in the late 19th
century. The museum is open year round.
Friday 4-8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 1-4 pm
or by appointment. (402) 671-6879.
LITTLE BLUE RIVER TRAIL &
FAIRBURY DAM
The Little Blue River Trail offers walking,
biking and cross country skiing starting
at 3rd & C Street. Crossing the river on the
Rock Island Railroad Bridge you’ll see the
Fairbury Dam. (402) 729-2148
The FAIRBURY ROCK ISLAND DEPOT
RAILROAD MUSEUM at 910 Bacon
Road features the heritage of the rail
industry in Jefferson County. It features
a Burlington depot, Rock Island Motor
Car 9047, a miniature train to ride and an
extensive model railroad display.
(402) 729-5131
The JEFFERSON COUNTY
SPEEDWAY is located at the Jefferson
County Fairgrounds. Banked dirt track
racing from April through September
featuring mini sprints, trucks and dwarf
cars. (402) 729-3008 or (402) 729-3514
FAIRBURY’S HISTORIC
DOWNTOWN SQUARE offers fine
dining, art galleries and antique shopping.
At the heart is the hand-cut limestone
Jefferson County Courthouse built in 1891.
It’s surrounded by an array of architectural
styles and forms that were popular in the
late 19th century and early 20th century.
CRYSTAL SPRINGS PARK located
southwest of Fairbury offers three lakes
for fishing and RV or tent camping with
electricity and water hookups from May 1
- Oct. 15. A quiet, shady setting with picnic
shelters, playground, horseshoe court,
restrooms and showers. (402) 729-2148
E
he hist
xplore t
ory of
• District 10 School
•W.C. Smith House & Lime Kiln
• Diller Bank
• Rock Island Depot Railroad Museum
• Historic Steele City
• Steele City Flea Market & Antique
Farm Machinery Show
• Living History Weekends
• Rock Island Rail Days
402-729-5131
www.JeffersonCountyHistory.com
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
19
JEFFERSON COUNTY
The MCDOWELL’S ROSE CREEK MAUSOLEUM, which is
part of Rose Creek Wildlife Area, is located southwest of Fairbury.
It’s the work of resident Nelson L. McDowell who spent a decade
carving the two-room mausoleum with a hammer and chisel. He
died in 1937 and is buried in the Fairbury Cemetery.
(402) 729-3000
The W.C. SMITH HOUSE AND LIME KILN is located
northwest of Fairbury. The 1872 stone house features exhibits
explaining the history of the lime-burning industry and the kiln
itself. Open 2-4 p.m. on Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
(402) 729-5131
CITY PARK Frontier Fun Park, Union Pacific Engine No. 421, ornate
stone fountain and Girl Scout Cabin, horseshoe court, swimming
pool, picnic shelters and ball fields are located in the City Park.
MCNISH PARK is home to a challenging 9-hole disc golf course,
a stone shelter, fountain and Boy Scout Cabin.
JAYHUSKER RACING, April - September - Jefferson County
Speedway, Winged Outlaw 600, Non-winged Mini Sprint Legend
600/750, Restrictor 600 & Trucks. 402-729-3008, Scott Criner.
www.jayhusker.com
Side Trek
Bar & Grill
OVER 600,000 SERVED
“Best Wings
in Southeast Nebraska”
Served Daily
We make our own sauces
you can’t get them anywhere else!
Harbine, NE • 402-754-4391
Great food and cold beer
served 365 days a year!
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CARNIVAL • MUD DRAGS • PASTURE GOLF
GREAT FOOD • STREET DANCE
TRACTOR PULL • HUGE PARADE • KID’S RUN
Diller, Nebraska is located just 20 miles southwest of Beatrice on Hwy. 103
20
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND, May 5 & May 6 - Unique
museums in historic Steele City, a church, blacksmith shop, livery
barn, school and bank building. 402-729-5131
“RAILS & TRAILS”, “ROCK CREEK TRAIL DAYS”,
June 2 & 3 - Rock Creek Station Historical Park - east of Fairbury
living history demonstrations, buffalo stew cookout.
[email protected], 402-729-5777
ROCK ISLAND RAIL DAYS, Rock Island Depot, June 2 & 3
- Fairbury. Exhibits, miniature train rides, food and model railroad
display. 402-729-5131, www.jeffersoncountyhistory.com.
RUN, ROW, ROCK & ROLL ADVENTURE RACE,
June 16 - Fairbury. National Qualifier Race. Burkley Wellness Center,
2200 H St. 402-729-6139 Craig Bontrager,
[email protected], www.angrycowadventures.com
41ST ANNUAL SHRINER’S FLEA MARKET, July 4 Fairbury City Park. No reservations needed. Flat rate $50.
402-729-3221 or 402-768-6522 Pioneer Shrine Club
116TH ANNUAL DILLER PICNIC, July 5, 6 & 7, ThursdaySaturday - A parade, carnival, pasture golf, Nebraska Bush Pullers
tractor pull, Mud Drags, beer garden w/Cactus Hill. 402-793-5865,
www.dillerpicnic.com
STEELE CITY ANTIQUE FARM MACHINERY SHOW/
FLEA MARKET, September 15 & 16, Saturday & Sunday - Watch
blacksmithing, working saw & shingles mill. 402-729-5131 or
402-729-5857, www.jeffersoncountyhistory.com
22ND ANNUAL FROST FROLIC HOLIDAY MARKET,
November 3, Saturday - Fairbury Junior/Senior High School. More
than 100 booths attract hundreds of shoppers each year.
402-729-6116, Diane Schutt, [email protected].
Jefferson County, NE
Discover our Attractions
Explore The Oregon Trail
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Creek Station
Dow
Mc
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Mausoleum
Crysta
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Courthouse
Experience our Small-Town Charm
For more information, contact Jefferson County Visitors Center at [email protected]
Fairbury Chamber of Commerce at [email protected]
402-729-3000
www.fairburychamber.org
www.visitoregontrail.org
Bringing the exceptional wines & beers of Nebraska to a friendly
place, the Pour House is a tasting room destination. Enjoy
handcrafted wines, craft brews and gourmet snacks, all in the
unique atmosphere of the 126-year-old Warren Building, beneath
the Historic Warren Opera House.
WWW.VISITTHEPOURHOUSE.COM
WWW.MARYMARY-QUITECONTRARY.COM
Just a few steps from the Pour House, visit the beautiful
Mary Mary Quite Contrary, A Gallery of Beautiful Things.
Peruse handcrafted items, original art, photography and pottery.
Bring a group of friends and schedule a private tasting event in
the Mary Mary Gallery for your special celebrations.
JOHNSON COUNTY
Tecumseh
1ST RURAL MAIL DELIVERY IN NEBRASKA Tecumseh Post Office – 484 Broadway - Tecumseh was the
site of the First Rural Mail Delivery in Nebraska on November
7, 1896, and second in the United States. Information is on
display in the Post Office and a sign in front designating the
historic event was installed in July 2007, 111 years after the
event. Ben Buffum made the initial trip as carrier on Route
1 located in Nemaha precinct which was southwest of the
Tecumseh Post Office. Mr. Buffum, driving a team of horses
and buggy, delivered nine pieces of mail on his first trip.
Samuel K. Blythe, living ¾ mile south of Tecumseh, held the
honor of being the first patron to receive a parcel of mail
delivered by Rural Free Delivery Service in Nebraska. Cigar
boxes, tin cans and the like were hastily nailed to posts by
patrons and served as mailboxes in the beginning.
Photo courtesy Judy Coe.
Discover Tecumseh
w w w.tecumsehne.com
We Invite You to
Discover Tecumseh
22
Tecumseh Federal Bank • Belle Terrace/Ridgeview Towers • Johnson County Hospital • The City of Tecumseh
State Farm Insurance–Melinda Olinger Insurance Agency, Inc.• Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce: 402-335-3400
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
JOHNSON COUNTY
KEIM STONE ARCH BRIDGE – from
Tecumseh – 3 miles east and 1 mile north
of Highway 136 - The Nebraska State
Historical Society designated the Keim
Stone Arch Bridge as historic on June 19,
1992, by placing it on the National Register
of Historic Places of the United States
Department of the Interior – National Park
Service. The bridge was built in 1916 by a
prominent local bridge builder, the Keim
Cement Company, as indicated on the
bridge itself. It is a rare, well-preserved
example of early 20th century stone bridge
construction and the only surviving stone
bridge built by the Keim Company.
CIVIL WAR SOLDIER MEMORIAL STATUE – WORLD WAR I CANNON
– BANDSHELL - Courthouse square in Tecumseh - A Civil War Soldier Memorial Statue
was erected “in memory of all soldiers and sailors of Johnson County” by the Heckathorn
Post No. 47, Nebraska GAR in 1903.
A replica of a World War I cannon was erected in memory of the USS Maine which was
destroyed in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898. The cannon is a replica because the
original cannon was called up in World War II to be used as scrap metal. The plaque placed
on the memorial was originally cast from the metal of the USS Maine.
A bandshell was erected on the southeast corner of the courthouse square after World
War II in memory of those from Johnson County who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Their
names are listed on a plaque which is located on the bandshell.
BRANDON PARKWAY FOUNTAIN – In front of the
Community Building - The Brandon Parkway Fountain
has been restored and honors Judge H. W. Brandon, who
donated the land on which the Community Building is
located. For several years, a beautiful park was located in
back of the Community Building and people would walk
from there down to the railroad tracks located directly
south.
JOHNSON COUNTY MUSEUM COMPLEX – 3rd and Lincoln
Streets in Tecumseh - Several unique and unusual items are on display
at the Johnson County Museum which is housed in the Christian
Church built in 1888. The Hedgerow Country School is located just
north of the museum and contains items reminiscent of the 79
country schools that were located in Johnson County. The Historic
Limestone Jail was built in 1872 and legend has it that there are
cannonballs in the walls.
Cook
Photo courtesy Karen Thomas.
Cook was first known as “The Artesian City” because of the
numerous artesian wells in the area. One of the wells is located
in Windmill Park just west of town. The park also features the
only covered bridge in Johnson County. The covered bridge is
far right in the picture.
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
23
JOHNSON COUNTY
Photo courtesy Judy Coe.
COLONEL BARNEY OLDFIELD EXHIBIT
175 South 3rd Street in Tecumseh - depicts the life
of Tecumseh native, Col. Barney Oldfield. Barney was
a publicist, Hollywood columnist, public relations
assistant to Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan
and mentor to boxer George Foreman. In 1997,
seven miles of U.S. Highway 136 from Tecumseh
east to the Johnson County line was designated
as the Colonel Barney Oldfield Memorial Highway
and a sign designating the birthplace of Barney
was installed at the intersection of Highway 136
and Highway 50. At graduation in 2012, the 2000
Kindergarten Class of Johnson County Schools will
receive $1,000 from the Kinman/Oldfield Family
Foundation – a gift of Colonel Barney Oldfield.
OSAGE WMA: 3 miles north, 2 west, 3/4
north of Tecumseh. Deer, dove, pheasant,
quail, rabbit, squirrel, turkey. 778 acres.
Target shooting prohibited in certain areas
South West Osage, and in south parking lot
on North Osage.
TWIN OAKS WMA: 2 miles east, 3
south of Tecumseh. Deer, dove, pheasant,
quail, rabbit, squirrel, turkey. 1,120 acres.
WIRTH BROTHERS LAKE AND
PARK: 5 miles north, 1 west of Tecumseh.
NRD Park Permit Required. Park/89 acres
- Lake/33 acres. Fishing, swimming, picnic
tables, shelter house, rest rooms, boat ramp.
Sterling
HOME & GARDEN SHOW - March
30, 1 to 7 p.m. , & March 31, 9 a.m. to 1
p.m. Call Diane at 402-335-3361 for more
information.
JOHNSON COUNTY FAIR, Johnson
County Fairgrounds. 1st Street and
Highway 136 – August 17, 18 and 19.
Friday – Veterans Parade. Livestock judging,
free entertainment, 4-H exhibits. Sunday
evening Parade. Call 402-335-7050.
Vesta
HICKORY RIDGE WMA: 1/2 W, 3
1/2 S of Vesta. Deer, dove, pheasant,
quail, rabbit, squirrel, turkey. 444 acres.
DEER CREEK SODBUSTERS,
Second Sunday in August - 4 miles
south of Sterling. Tractors and small
engines on display. Featured tractor
line each year. Flea Market, Craft Show,
Entertainment, horse-related farming
demonstrations. Event features
activities that portray the farmers’
lifestyle from years ago. Only local
legacy event of this type in the Library
of Congress. Call Bob at 402-866-2122.
24
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
Did You Know....
Tecumseh was founded
in 1856 and celebrated its
Sesquicentennial in 2006. Located
at the crossing of the Nebraska
City to Marysville and Brownville
to Fort Kearny (Beatrice) trails,
it was originally named Frances
after the wife of General Richard
M. Johnson. In 1857 the name was
changed to Tecumseh to honor
the Native American, Tecumseh,
of the Shawnee Tribe. Because
Tecumseh was a crossroads, Seven
Trails were located in Johnson
County. The Tecumseh downtown
historic district was the first town
in Nebraska to be listed on the
National Register of Historic
Places in 1958. The area includes
approximately five square blocks
and is a fine example of a late 19th
century county seat. The best
known landmark is the Johnson
County Courthouse built in 1888.
Tecumseh was also home to
an opera house and a Carnegie
Library.
NEMAHA COUNTY
Auburn
Auburn was founded in 1883 from two distinct towns named Calvert
and Sheridan. When the county seat was moved to Auburn from
Brownville the businessmen of Auburn decided to connect the two
towns with a street called Courthouse Avenue. The avenue remains
today as the link between North Auburn and South Auburn.
auburn.ne.gov
NEMAHA VALLEY MUSEUM The Nemaha Valley Museum is
on the south side of historic Courthouse Square in Auburn at 1423
19th Street. It displays the history of the area in three buildings and a
courtyard. 402-274-2608, www.nemahavalleymuseum.org
The AUBURN POST OFFICE located at 1320 Courthouse Avenue
is on the National Register of Historic Places and features a painting
in the lobby by the artist Ethel Magafan, titled “THRESHING.” This is
one of 12 paintings in the State of Nebraska that was commissioned
by Franklin D. Roosevelt as a WPA project.
The AUBURN RECREATIONAL COMPLEX is well-known
as one of the best in the state. Since the complex was built in
2001 it has been in constant use hosting state and regional ball
tournaments. The complex also features a large picnic shelter
house for family gatherings and a RV Park that complements
the entire area. Located at 6th & Q Streets. 402-274-3420
Check out Nemaha County’s website at enjoynemahacounty.org
STATE HISTORICAL MARKER FOR THE HALF BREED
TRACT One mile East of Auburn on Highway 136 is a State
Historical Marker for the Half Breed Tract. This tract was
located between the Great and Little Nemaha Rivers. It was
the custom for many early fur traders to marry into Native
American tribes. As the Native Americans ceded their lands,
the rights of the half-breed descendants were not always
identified. This situation was recognized by the government
in 1830 by the Prairie Du Chien Treaty, which set aside a tract
of land for the half breeds of the Oto, Iowa, Omaha and Santee
Sioux Tribes.
POLAR PLUNGE Fundraiser for the Special Olympics held
at Rotary Lake on March 3rd.
LEGION MEMORIAL PARK has a National Historic Park designation. The land was
purchased for a park in 1929 by the City of Auburn. The granite and limestone building
structures were part of the WPA projects of President Roosevelt. The bandstand is still in use
today for church services, special events and music concerts. The gazebo offers a beautiful
setting for weddings. A rock creek dissects the middle of the park for a drainage area and the
rock bridges are still used by the pedestrians, not the horse and buggy, as they were originally
designed to accommodate.
Legion Memorial Park, Hwy. 75 & 10th Streets, is the site of the Nemaha County Veterans
Memorial dedicated May 30, 2011. The names of more than 1,000 Veterans are carved into the
black granite on one side and murals depicting scenes from the Civil War to present times are on
the opposite side of the black granite tablets.
The AUBURN COUNTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE is
2 miles south of Auburn on Highway 75. It’s a nine hole
course with grass greens, 2,940 yards and par 35. Auburn
has the distinct honor of having an airplane navigated by
Leut. Bahl of Humboldt and a passenger named Charles
Lindbergh land on number six fairway in 1922. They were
seeking permission to give airplane rides at the Nemaha
County Fair. The number six fairway is now known as
Lindbergh Fairway. 402-274-4500
W i ey Run Cree
VI EYARD & WI ERY
Experience our unique setting in historic
Brownville. Visit the 1886
cave, the 1900 barn and our
state-of-the-art wine production
facility. Take a tour and sip our wines.
702 Main Street
Brownville, NE 68821
402-825-4601
www.WhiskeyRunCreek.com
ROTARY LAKE sits on the North
edge of Auburn and provides
fishing experiences for the young
and old. The primary fish in the lake
are blue gill, catfish, carp and trout.
A concrete walking trail around
the lake provides a safe place for
walking year-round.
Three buildings and an outdoor display of the history
of the Nemaha Valley area from the 1800’s to present.
1423 19TH STREET
402-274-2605
AUBURN, NE 68305
402-274-3735
HOURS: 1-4:30 P.M. TUESDAY THRU SUNDAY
APRIL -DECEMBER
Freewill donations accepted.
www.nemahavalleymuseum.org
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
25
NEMAHA COUNTY
Brock
The first grist mill was built in 1876, and a
saw mill was built on the Nemaha River the
same year.
In 1883 a big flood came through and
washed away houses and livestock and at
that time the town of Brock was moved to
its present location.
STONESHOP STUDIO–art gallery and
classroom (2 miles west of Brock and 1/4
mile south) Highway 67. 402–856–3355
Brownville
Situated at the edge of the heartland prairie, the historic Village of Brownville, founded
in 1854, is located on the tree- covered picturesque rolling Loess Hills overlooking
the 1804 Lewis & Clark campsite on the Missouri River. Designated a National Historic
District, Brownville is celebrating 157 years of American history as a pioneering gateway
to opening the west. This scenic frontier river town, abundant with wildlife, showcases
the culture and natural beauty of the Missouri River Basin region providing historical,
educational and recreational opportunities.
CARSON HOUSE The Carson house was originally built by Richard Brown, founder
of Brownville, and later in 1864, became the home of John L. Carson, an early Nebraska
banker. Mr. Carson’s daughter, Rose, bequeathed the house to the Brownville Historical
Society upon her death in 1966. Hours Open Saturday and Sunday 1-4 p.m., May through
October. 402-825-6001.
GOVERNOR FURNAS MUSEUM, 1868, South 6th Street at Water Street (White Brick
House) This Italianate and Gothic Revival style house was built in 1868 and was occupied
by Robert Furnas from 1878 until his death in 1905 (as his retirement home). Robert
Furnas was Nebraska’s third (or second elected) governor. For hours call 402-274-2676.
Photo courtesy Judy Coe.
CORYELL PARK (1 mile east of Brock,
3 miles south) or 73203 633 Avenue,
Johnson. Coryell park was homesteaded
by the LL Coryell family in 1867. The park
commemorates the spirit and values of
Nebraska’s settlers. Coryell is unique and
incorporates peace, recreation and beauty
to all who visit. The park has a playground,
covered bridge, pavillion, chapel (often
used for weddings) and Treasure House
filled with collectibles of the family, most
notably a doll collection. Coryell Park was
awarded the honor of one of the State’s
Hidden Treasure’s for 2011. 402-856–2875
THE WHEEL MUSEUM Historical display
of various carriages, wagons, cannon, steam
engines, etc. Open and free to the public.
DR. SURGEON’S DENTAL OFFICE
Recreation of an early 20th century dentist
office open and free to the public weekly.
THE FURNAS ARBORETUM The Furnas
Arboretum, an affiliate site of the Nebraska
Statewide Arboretum, provides educational
activities, eco-tourism, birding, symposiums,
garden tours and memorial plantings
and dedication opportunities. The Furnas
Arboretum entrance is located on Main at
5th Street. For hours please call,
402-274-2676
SCHOOLHOUSE ART GALLERY AND
NATURE CENTER Located at 427 Main
Street, special exhibitions focus on visual
artists of the region and are dovetailed with
lectures, workshops and artist receptions.
For hours please call,
402-274-2676.
HEARTS UNITED FOR ANIMALS
located 6 miles north of Auburn on
Highway 75, 1 mile west on Highway
67–towards Brock, 1 mile south. Hearts
United is a no-kill animal shelter. Go to
their website for further information. A
truly moving experience.
26
BROWNVILLE VILLAGE THEATRE is
the oldest repertory theatre in Nebraska,
and is preparing for its 46th season of
repertory theatre, including four plays and
a musical. There is something truly magical
about live theatre--for performers and
audiences alike. Call (402) 825-4121
www.BrownvilleVillageTheatre.org
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
Photo courtesy Nora Tallmon.
BAILEY HOUSE The house is built of
brick manufactured in one of the three
brick factories in early Brownville. It is
unique in that it originally stood near
the Missouri River. When the river began
to change its course and endanger the
house, it was disassembled in 1877,
and moved brick-by-brick to its present
location on Main Street. Captain Bailey
was a Civil War captain. Hours Open
Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 pm, May
through October. Phone 402-825-6001 or
toll free at 877-559-6005
Experience Nemaha County
Birdwatching, art workshops,
entertainment and events
throughout the year also help
make this a great place to visit!
❷
Oh, the stories you’ll tell
Hike, bike, fish, hunt, shop and explore.
Indian Cave State Park • Steamboat Trail
Historic Brownville Winery
❶
❸
❺
❹
❻
❼
Did you experience ❶ Coryell Park ❷ Veterans Memorial ❸ Concert Hall
❹ The Steamboat Trail ❺ Whiskey Run Creek Winery Barn ❻ Indian Cave State Park ❼ Historic Houses
Auburn • Brock • Brownville • Johnson • Julian • Nemaha • Peru
www.enjoynemahacounty.org
877-404-4711
Paid for by Nemaha County Visitors Committee
NEMAHA COUNTY
THE MERIWETHER LEWIS DREDGE MUSEUM The Meriwether Lewis, a
decommissioned US Army Corps of Engineers dredge boat, now houses a Museum of
Missouri River History. Hours please call. Phone 402-825-3982,
www.MeriwetherLewisFoundation.org
Julian
Photo courtesy Jay Tallmon.
BROWNVILLE FIRST FRIDAY SERIES
The first Friday of every month offers
evening entertainment from regional
performers, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
www.Brownville-NE.com
BROWNVILLE CONCERT SERIES
Eleven world-class musical performances
from classical to jazz to cabaret are
presented in the Brownville Concert Hall
on N. 2nd & Atlantic Streets. For complete
concert details, call 402-825-3331 or visit
the website: www.BrownvilleConcertSeries.
com
ANNUAL SPRING FLEA MARKET
is Memorial day weekend on Main St.
More than 200 vendors from across the
United States. Antiques, flowers, jewelry,
collectibles and food, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free.
(402)825-6001.
ANNUAL BROWNVILLE FALL FLEA
MARKET, last weekend in September
- Main St. More than 200 vendors from 7
states. Antiques, primitives, crafts, flowers,
jewelry, collectibles and food, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Free. (402)825-6001.
Julian was settled by a sizeable number of
French immigrants who organized the St.
Bernard Catholic Church in 1881. Julian was
a flourishing city until the Great Depression
of the 30s began to take its toll. Julian still
has a heritage of the French immigrants
shown in the St. Bernard’s Catholic
Cemetery and the Lafayette Cemetery near
Brock. Julian also has the distinction of
being the smallest “Tree City” member in
Nebraska.
Johnson
Johnson is the kind of town many people believe no longer exists.
Located along the Heritage Highway Scenic Byway at the intersection of US Hwy. 136
and Hwy. 105 this family-oriented village of 300 residents is quiet and friendly, has a highquality school system, and a variety of stores and businesses that offer all the essentials for
Nebraska’s “Good Life.”
Here the ambience of small town America combines with the modern amenities to
offer fine homes, churches, a new village park complex, basketball and tennis courts,
community library, cable TV, high-speed internet access and emergency medical services.
Johnson’s Annual Father’s Day Chicken BBQ Weekend brings in thousands of visitors
each year to enjoy the many activities and events. The uniquely picturesque Coryell Park
is only 4 miles away.
Johnson is the best in small town living.
For more information contact the Village of Johnson, 224 Main Street, PO Box 58,
Johnson, Nebraska 68378. 402-868-5305, email @ [email protected].
ANNUAL FATHER’S DAY BBQ, June each year on Father’s Day weekend. The
weekend is filled with alumni, family reunions, friends, and thousands of visitors.
402–868–5305, [email protected]
Your Adventure Begins...
On The
Steamboat Trace Trail
21 Miles of Hiking/Biking Trail
through the scenic Missouri River
Bluffs of Southeast Nebraska
Look for Trailheads at
• Brownville
• Peru: North end of 5th St.
• Nebraska City: South on Hwy. 75
east to OPPD Power Station
402-335-3325
28
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
Nemaha’s Only Stop
Your Last Stop For Supplies Before Arriving At
Beautiful Indian Cave State Park
• Convenience Store
• Groceries
• Daily Lunch Specials
• Beer • Pop
• Ice
8 Miles North of Indian Cave State Park or 4 Miles South of
Historic Brownville, Open Mon-Sat, Closed Sunday
Nemaha, Nebraska • 402-824-5655
NEMAHA COUNTY
Nemaha
ASPINWALL BEND WMA, 1⁄2 mile
south of Nemaha. Located on the Missouri
and Little Nemaha Rivers, this is an
outstanding spot to catch channel catfish
and carp. Deer, pheasant, quail, turkey and
waterfowl are also a common site to the
area.
SITE OF ORIGINAL LEWIS AND
CLARK CAMP. (Not marked, need to
consult with local historians)
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD Nemaha was a station for the Underground Railroad for
smuggling slaves to the north.
Many were ferried across the river, hid in attics of local sympathizers by day and headed
to the north by night. There are two documented sites by the Nebraska Historical Society
and documented in Nemaha County.
INDIAN CAVE STATE PARK
Nemaha is the gateway to Indian Cave
State Park from the north, Highway 67.
The City Park offers primitive overnight
camping for the traveler. 402-883-2575,
www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov
METHODIST CHURCH, features native brick and a cornerstone laid in 1890. It still
houses weekly Sunday Services.
1865-ERA CEMETERY is located 1 mile north, 1 mile east of the town.
Peru
STEAMBOAT TRACE TRAIL, starts in Otoe County near Nebraska City and follows
the Missouri River along the bluffs. It goes past the ghost town of Minersville. The carved
drawings in the rocks known as Sherman’s drawings are a feature found nowhere else.
The Trail ends in historic Brownville after traveling about 21 miles of unmatched scenery.
The flora, fauna, birds and wildlife are abundant throughout the trip. The Trailhead at Peru
offers a place for a fresh drink, bathroom and camping. The plan is to have QR signs along
the Trail by the Spring of 2012. Web site gives current condition of trail www.nemahanrd.
org/trail.htm
NEAL PARK is located on the south edge of Peru.
There is hiking, biking, birding opportunities and
great picnicking areas in the park or beneath the park
pavilion .
The PERU MUSEUM features a history of the
Missouri River involving fishing, barge traffic and
recreation. The Museum is not always open so call
402-872-5865.
PERU STATE COLLEGE and the Campus of a Thousand
Oaks Arboretum is a botanical resource for students, visitors
and residents of Southeast Nebraska. Peru State College was
established in 1863 as Mt. Vernon College, then became Peru
State College in 1867. It was the first teaching college in the
state. 402-872-3815, www.peru.edu
PERU CEMETERY – Mount Vernon. The observation point features
a Tri-State identity of Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa. The genealogy
information is kept at the Peru Museum.
“OLD MAN RIVER DAYS” - first weekend in June. For further
information call 402–872–6685
The MISSOURI RIVER
BOTTOM LAND provides an
excellent place for the mushroom
morsels in the early Spring. If
you are not experienced with
the bottomland or just what the
morsels are, get a guide.
Arbor
Manor
STEAKHOUSE & MOTEL
Enjoy the atmosphere and great food
of this 1910 house-turned restaurant.
Relax in the gazebo bar during the
summer and stay in one of our
guest rooms year-round.
1617 Central Ave.
Highway 136 West
Auburn, NE • 402-274-3663
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
29
OTOE COUNTY
Located within easy distance of Omaha, Lincoln, and Kansas City, Otoe county is a lovely, rolling region of rich, cultivated soil, apple
orchards, vineyards, and untamed woods. It borders the dramatic bluffs and rapid water of the Missouri to the east and the High Plains
to the west. Otoe, as in the Otoe Indians, is an abbreviation for Watota, which means “lovers of pleasure.” And we’re sure you’ll find much
pleasure discovering the geographic diversity of the area as well as the frankly surprising variety of historic, cultural, romantic and familyfriendly attractions. The region is known for its great wines, BBQ, and, of course, apple pie, but be sure to sample some of the local cafes
and Mexican restaurants as well. Shopping is also a treat! You won’t get many chains in these parts, but you will find some outstanding
specialty boutiques: antiques, art galleries, quilt shops, clothing stores, and green goods are the favorites.
Burr
As of the last census, 66 people (or 16
families) called this charming southwest
Otoe County village home. From Syracuse,
you can find Burr 6 miles south on Hwy. 50
and 6 miles west on County Road R.
Dunbar
Douglas
The westernmost village of Otoe County,
Douglas, boasts approximately 230
people and close proximity to Lincoln, the
state capitol. From Palmyra, you can find
Douglas 7.7 miles south on Spur 66A.
With a population of about 230 people, this
rural village is situated between Nebraska
City and Syracuse in Otoe County. It is 11
miles west of Nebraska City on Hwy.2.
Lorton
Lorton, population 39, is one of the smallest communities of Otoe County, but remains an important point of socialization for area
farmers. It covers a total area of 0.1 square miles, all of it land. Locals frequent the popular Lorton Lounge.
Nebraska City
Although best known for its lush fall foliage and apple harvests,
you can experience the splendor of Arbor Day’s hometown yearround. In search of a sun-filled family adventure or cozy getaway?
Visit NebraskaCity.com for the best of the area’s eclectic shops,
cafes, wineries, museums (11), recreation and world-class lodging
opportunities. (402) 873-6654, www.nebraskacity.com
Wildwood Historic Center
Victorian House &
The barn Art & Gift Emporium
© Ashley Purdy
ARBOR LODGE STATE
HISTORICAL PARK, 2300
2nd Ave. Situated on 72 acres of
wooded, rolling hills, Arbor Lodge
mansion, home of J. Sterling
Morton (founder of Arbor Day),
features more than 300 varieties
of lilacs, a terraced garden,
whispering bench and walking
trails. Park grounds are open year-round. Mansion open seasonally.
Admission. State Park Permit required. 402-873-7222,
www.ngpc.state.ne.us
ARBOR DAY FARM TREE ADVENTURE, 2611 Arbor Ave.
Journey through the woods and orchard on the new Discovery Ride.
Climb 50 feet high in the Canopy Tree House. Hike the trails. Play in the
Nature Explore Classroom. Watch “Trees in the Movies,” and experience
the Lied Greenhouse where you’ll get a free tree seedling to take
home. Open daily, year round. Admission. 800-546-5433,
www.arbordayfarm.org
30
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
Visit this 10-room home built in 1869. Experience the
quiet, orderly, unhurried mood of the mid-Victorian
era. Shop in The barn Art Gallery & Gift Emporium
featuring regional artists . Plan your special event or
just relax in the Victorian Garden.
Open mid-April through October
Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sundays 1-5 p.m.
$3 Adult Admission - $1 for child for House Tour
(guides in costume)
Located at 420 Steinhart Park Road • Nebraska City, NE
402-873-6340 • e-mail [email protected]
www.wildwoodhistoriccenter.org
OTOE COUNTY
CIVIL WAR MUSEUM AT GRAND ARMY OF THE
REPUBLIC HALL, 910 1st Corso. Civil War and Grand Army of
the Republic artifacts are preserved in an original post used as a
social gathering place for Union Civil War veterans. Call for hours.
Admission. 402-873-4018
MAYHEW CABIN WITH JOHN BROWN’S CAVE, 2012
4th Corso. National Park Service Underground Railroad Network
to Freedom site. Visitors can tour the cabin, escape tunnel
“cave” and other exhibits. Open May-Oct and by appointment.
Admission. 402-873-3115, www.mayhewcabin.org
NEBRASKA CITY HISTORICAL
SOCIETY’S OLD FREIGHTER’S
MUSEUM & NELSON HOUSE,
407 N. 14th St and 711 3rd Corso.
Freighter’s museum showcases the
importance of transportation to the
development of the community
dating back to 1859. One of the
oldest homes in the state, the Taylor
Wessel Bickel Nelson House is
filled with period furnishings and
artifacts. Call for hours. Admission.
402-873-6188 or 402-873-9360
NEBRASKA CITY MUSEUM
OF FIREFIGHTING, 1320
Central Ave. Home to the
oldest operating volunteer fire
department in Nebraska—
pays tribute to its tradition
of excellence. Visitors enjoy
interactive exhibits featuring
antique equipment, dress in real
bunker gear and peruse the gift
shop. Call for hours. Admission.
402-873-3579, www.ncfire.net
MISSOURI RIVER BASIN LEWIS & CLARK
INTERPRETIVE TRAIL & VISITOR CENTER, 100
Valmont Dr. Complete with an authentic replica of Lewis
and Clark’s keelboat, plenty of hands-on activities, and over
3 miles of trails, this center features more than 300 flora,
fauna, and scientific discoveries made on the historic Corps
of Discovery Journey. Open year-round. Admission.
402-874-9900, www.MRB-lewisandclarkcenter.org
Nebraska City continued on Page 34
It’s more than a getaway.
It’s discovery at every turn.
Experience the naturally inspiring surroundings of Lied Lodge &
Conference Center. Nestled on 260 acres of beautiful woodlands,
Lied Lodge’s tranquility ensures comfort and creativity.
Hike miles of scenic trails at the Tree Adventure, climb a tree
house 50 feet high, savor nature-inspired cuisine, taste wines
from our vineyards, or soothe your spirit in the spa.
Make your reservation today for a getaway to remember.
2700 Sylvan Road
Nebraska City, Nebraska
800-546-5433
liedlodge.org/visit
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
31
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Nebraska City continued
OTOE COUNTY
RIVER COUNTRY NATURE CENTER, 114 S. 6th St. Don’t
miss the learning about four major Nebraska ecosystems (Eastern
deciduous, Riparian, Sandhills & Grasslands) and much more.
Impressive collection of taxidermy delights young and old. Call for
hours. Admission. 402-873-3411,
www.RiverCountryNatureCenter.org
WILDWOOD HISTORIC HOME & ART GALLERY, 420
Steinhart Park Rd. Ten-room Victorian home, built by Nebraska City
banker, contains hundreds of historical pieces. Costumed guided
tours give you insight into the lifestyle of the period. Regional
artists are showcased in The Art Barn on property. Seasonal hours.
Admission to house. 402-873-6340,
www.wildwoodhistoriccenter.org
KIMMEL HARDING NELSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS,
801 3rd Corso. With constantly changing art exhibits, the center is
a popular destination in Nebraska City. The Center also serves as
a working retreat for resident artists, writers, and musicians from
across the country and around the world. 402-874-9600,
www.KHNCenterfortheArts.org
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION 140-year-old Arbor Day
Celebration begins the last Friday in April and features children’s
activities, parade, run/walk, tree plantings, ceremonies, and tours of
Arbor Lodge.
NEBRASKA CITY BRIDAL SHOW:
“Destination Heartland”, March 11, 2011
NEBRASKA CITY FARMERS’ MARKET,
Thursday Afternoons/Evenings June - September
KIMMEL ORCHARD STRAWBERRY & CHERRY
FESTIVALS, Mid to Late June
NEBRASKA CITY LEMON DAYS,
Sidewalk Sales Promotion – First Weekend in August
KIMMEL ORCHARD WINE UNDER THE PINES
FESTIVAL, First Weekend in August
KIMMEL ORCHARD PEACH FESTIVAL, August
NEBRASKA CITY APPLEJACK FESTIVAL
(40+ Years of the Apple Harvest) – Third Weekend in September
LIVING HISTORY DAYS Arbor Lodge State Park Living
History Days, 4 Weekends Sept-October
WILDWOOD HOME VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS,
Entire Month of October
NEBRASKA CITY TRAIL OF TREATS
Halloween Week
Palmyra
Tucked into the northwest corner of Otoe County with a population
of nearly 550, this quaint little community is a prime example of the
Nebraska good life and celebrates in a big way every June during
the annual Palmyra Old Settler’s Picnic. The main attractions at the
event include outdoor movies, bingo, a children’s carnival, flea market,
baseball games, horseshoeing demonstrations, an antique tractor
display, parade, pie eating contest, pedal tractor pull, street dance and
all kinds of delicious food.
PALMYRA’S OLD SETTLER’S PICNIC – June
34
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
APPLEJACK FESTIVAL Third weekend in September. The
legendary AppleJack Festival features craft and quilt shows, a
classic car show, parade showcasing 30 plus marching bands,
carnival and orchard festival activities.
THE JAYCEES FIREWORKS CELEBRATION & ICE
CREAM SOCIAL, Independence Day Weekend at Steinhart
Park. Bring your blankets/lawn chairs to enjoy live music, great
food and a display that lasts an hour.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Holiday cheer, rewarding
shopping, and warm memory-making abounds during Nebraska
City’s Home for the Holidays each holiday season. What better
place is there to be for “trimming the tree” than the home of
Arbor Day.
Otoe
Otoe, population 217, is a village in North Central Otoe
County. Previously Berlin, the town was renamed after World
War I because of prevailing anti-German sentiment. The Otoe
Volunteer Fire Department hosts an Annual Mud-Drag racing
event the first Saturday of each July. From Syracuse, visit Otoe by
driving 3 ½ miles north on Hwy. 50 and 3 miles east on Spur 66C.
OTOE COUNTY MUD DRAGS - July
See the Missouri River the way Lewis and Clark did!
V
isit the Lewis and
Clark Visitors Center and
experience displays that
focus on the captains’
amazing scientific
discoveries. People of all
ages will learn through
interactive participation, youare-there experiences, and an
interactive birding exhibit.
Visitors can experience
several miles of hiking trails.
Missouri River Basin
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail & Visitors Center
100 Valmont Drive • Nebraska City, NE 68410 • 402-874-9900
[email protected]•www.mrb-lewiscandclarkcenter.org
Percival/Nebraska City
2103
249th
St., 2
Jct. I-29
& Hwy.
Percival, Iowa
Phone: 712-382-2828
Fax: 712-382-2929
Newly remodeled
in Fall 2011
www.super8.com
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Syracuse
OTOE COUNTY
Nestled at the intersection of Nebraska Highways 2 and 50 rests
Syracuse, a community of 1,947 people which has grown 10% in the
past decade. Syracuse combines elements of the past --- original
cobblestones on the downtown streets and renovated historic
buildings --- with up-to-date specialty design and home accent
shops, an art gallery, quilt shop, tea room and coffee shop. Syracuse
is rich with German heritage and is a thriving community.
PARKS Syracuse hosts a variety
of recreational opportunities and
facilities. Williams Park is located in
the middle of town and features a
mile-long lighted bike/walk path,
playground equipment, sheltered
picnic areas and restroom, along
with a fishing pond. Near Williams
Park is the Lion’s Club Arboretum.
The South Park, located on the
south edge of town adjacent to
the Otoe County Fairgrounds,
offers several large picnic shelters,
camper hookups, restrooms and
playground. A newly constructed
ball complex is in the SW corner
of Syracuse. It features 4 ball fields,
picnic shelters, volleyball and
basketball courts, multi-purpose
field and bike walk path.
FARMERS MARKET every
Saturday from June-August located
on Hwy. 50 and 11th Street.
The SYRACUSE AQUA
CENTERS offers six lap lanes,
drop slide, diving boards,
zero-depth entry, floor
geysers and a flower geyser.
In addition, the Syracuse
Country Club hosts a wellkept par 70, nine-hole golf
course on the western edge
of the community. The course
is open to the public.
OTOE COUNTY
MUSEUM OF MEMORIES
Syracuse is the home of the
Otoe County Museum of
Memories, housed in the
former First Faith Church,
dedicated in 1881. The
museum complex also houses
the Kramer Building, a nature
exhibit, and is open every
Sunday afternoon from May
through September or by
appointment.
GERMANFEST The
community celebrates its
heritage with GermanFest,
which will be July 7, 2012.
The event is a combination
of a downtown Market of
food and crafts, “Viener
Dog Races”, dancers and
singers from the Omaha
German/American Society,
parade, kids’ activities,
street dance and fireworks.
OTOE COUNTY FAIR In August, the Otoe County Fair comes to
town with all the old-fashioned fair attractions. It is located on the
south edge of town at the Otoe County Fairgrounds.
TANNEBAUM FESTIVAL Unique to Syracuse is the annual
Tannebaum Festival held the first Saturday of December. A large
Christmas tree is situated in the middle of the intersection in
the heart of the downtown area. A full day of activities include
downtown shops’ open houses, kids’ activities, a Christmas tour of
homes and a visit with Santa. Additional activities include Christmas
caroling and hay ride, if weather permits.
36
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
Talmage
This rural community of just over 250 people is on the
southern edge of Otoe County off Highway 67. Early
pioneers selected the land for its extreme fertility and
resources. The grain and food this valley continues to
produce surely exceed the dreams of its early settlers.
Each May and November, the volunteer fire and rescue
personnel sponsor a popular pancake breakfast that
supports the area’s ongoing services.
The annual community-wide Talmage Days festival
features an antique tractor and jeep show, pedal tractor
games, good food, and a variety of entertainment. Gritzka
Lake, on First Street, is the site of the Youth Fishing Derby
and is always open for public fishing.
Additional area attractions include the 125-year-old
Zion United Church of Christ where visitors stand in awe
of unique tin sanctuary walls that prominently feature
“the Little Green Man,” an ancient symbol reminding
worshipers of the importance to be good stewards of the
earth. The Berg Prairie, a 13-acre natural prairie preserve, is
home to more than 80 species of plants, several mammals,
and, during certain times of the year, neo-tropical birds. Call
402-445-4138 for more information). Tri Valley Bank, one of
the oldest banks in the United States, was founded in 1884.
The Talmage Public Library began in 1904 when a
group of women donated 80 books. Today, its remodeled
and expanded space includes a collection of thousands
of books, videos, records, copies of early newspapers,
and internet access providing an outstanding source for
historical and genealogical research. Great for genealogy
buffs! For current hours, phone 402-264-3875.
The Talmage Community Building is reserved by many
for dances and family gatherings. Its central location,
air-conditioning and new kitchen make it a great meeting
facility. The reservation book is kept at the bank. Call
402-264-2795.
THE PANTRY OF
Chris’’ Cuisine
Chris
• SERVING HOMEMADE SOUPS
• FRESH SALADS
• CHRIS’ FAMOUS CHICKEN SALAD SERVED
ON FRESH BAKED BREAD OR CROISSANTS
• FRUIT AND CREME PIES USUALLY
AVAILABLE
812 CENTRAL AVE. • NEBRASKA CITY, NE
402-873-7962
P AW N E E C O U N T Y
OTOE COUNTY
Unadilla
Unadilla is a village in the
northwest region of Otoe
County some 20 miles southeast
of Lincoln on Hwy. 2. The
population was 342 at the 2000
census.
In 1911, Main Street was
consumed by fire. The buildings
were rebuilt in their original
locations mirroring the curve of
the Nemaha River and railroad
tracks. This is the only Main
Street of its kind in Nebraska
and was placed on the National
Register of Historic Places in
1995.
In January 1988, the Lt.
Governor signed a proclamation
declaring Unadilla “Groundhog
Capital of Nebraska.” Groundhog
Day is celebrated the first
Saturday in February and is
always marked with a parade
at 1 p.m., even during blizzards.
Other activities include a jerky
contest, soup contest, craft fair
and a featured speaker.
In recent years, Unadilla has
seen a surge of young families
moving there for a quieter way
of life.
Burchard
HAROLD LLOYD HOME In the 1920s, silent movie star Harold Lloyd thrilled audiences
with his hair-raising stunts. The actor’s boyhood home is a museum that screens Lloyd’s
many movies. Open by appointment. Call (402) 865-4665 or (402) 865-6155. More
information at www.pawneecountyhistory.com.
DuBois
DUBOIS BAR & GRILLE – Good food &
cold beer, homemade pizza.
IRON HORSE LAKE – 1 mile north and
2 west of DuBois, camping and boating.
NEMAHA RIVER – 1 mile east of DuBois,
fishing and rafting.
Pawnee City
ZCBJ LODGE HALL Stop at the ZCBJ
Lodge Hall near DuBois and admire this
one-of-a-kind architecture. This Czech
social hall is on the National Historic
Register. Dances are held on Saturday
nights with other activities at other times.
ANNUAL POKER RUN – 3rd week
in August. Contact Jon Klepper for more
information 402-859-4449.
ABATE BIKE RALLY – 3rd week in June.
Contact Jimmie Wray 402-859-4737
The commercial district of Pawnee City, comprised primarily of late 19th and early 20th
century buildings, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Courthouse in
the square dominates the view and reflects, along with the picturesque storefronts, that
minimal alteration has occurred to the city’s historic charm.
UNADILLA DAY – Unadilla
Day is the third Saturday in June
and almost always features citywide garage sales and barbecue.
The ConventBEDHouse
& BREAKFAST
Experience the essence of Nebraska’s good life in this
former Catholic convent renovated with local family
mementos. Sunroom, unique brick patio & backyard
gardens. Banquet facilities/catered meals.
PAWNEE CITY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM
Twenty-two buildings are filled with more than 25,000
items of pioneer furnishings and memorabilia at the
Pawnee City Historical Society Museum at the east edge
of town on Highways 8 and 50. Dan Whitney’s barn,
experimental tailwind airplane and 1,600 sets of salt
and pepper shakers are some of the collection of items.
Admission is $5 for adults, free for children. For more
information go to www.pawneecountyhistory.com or
call 402-852-3131.
Big Blue Ranch & Lodge
Ride horses, fish, hunt,
or just relax.
conventhousebedandbreakfast.com
402-869-2230
311 Hickory
Steinauer, NE
email: [email protected]
The Convent House is a member of the Nebraska Association of Bed & Breakfast
and Southeast Nebraska Tourism
Council
and
Travel Council
Beautiful cedar log lodge overlooking 20-acre fishing lake
surrounded by tall grass prairie hills and woodlands with
abundant wildlife. Cattle ranch adventures, fishing, birdwatching and deer or turkey hunting packages offered.
www.bigblueranch.com • 402-865-4335 • Burchard, NE
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
37
P AW N E E C O U N T Y
SCHILLINGBRIDGE WINERY AND MICROBREWERY,
62193 710 Road (six blocks west of Highway 50 and 14th
Street), features Nebraska’s first farm winery microbrewery
combination. Winetasting events are held throughout the year.
402-852-2400, www.schillingbridgewinery.com
HEAVENLY TREASURES is a quilter’s paradise in a 1905 church
building. More than 5,000 bolts of fabric of assorted lines. Machine
quilting and classes available. Local quilt featured each month. A
friendly and peaceful shopping experience is yours at Heavenly
Treasures.
A PEDAL CLINIC More than 450 pedal cars, tractors, airplanes
and other toys are displayed at The Pedal Clinic at Hwy. 8 and I
Street. Tours are by appointment only. 402-852-2655
AMISH SETTLEMENTS and stores are located in the countryside
near Pawnee City and store in Pawnee City.
The HISTORIC DOWNTOWN AREA is on the National
Register. Pick up a self-guided touring map at the Tourism office.
PAWNEE CITY HISTORICAL DAYS
The 4th weekend of September. For more information go to
www.pawneecountyhistory.com or call 402-852-2444.
Steinauer
Steinauer is a friendly, quiet
and relaxing village to visit.
St. Anthony’s Catholic Church,
built in the Romanesque style,
is the main attraction in town.
It was built in 1926 and has
beautiful stained glass windows
and a large pipe organ. The old
Opera House above the Bank of
Steinauer brings back memories
of years past. The town park
has playground equipment,
basketball court, bandstand and
plenty of room to run around.
Lodging at the Convent House
Bed and Breakfast is an extra
treat! The rooms are beautifully
decorated and the breakfasts are
delicious!
Table Rock
402-839-4135
VETERAN’S MUSEUM – Features military memorabilia from the Civil War, World War I,
World War II and all wars including a photo honor display of area men and women who served.
TURNER LOG CABIN – Authentic 1800s log cabin furnished in the style of the time.
MAPLE GROVE ONE-ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE – Authentic schoolhouse with authentic
furnishings and artifacts.
STEHLIK CZECH MUSEUM – Features Czech music memorabilia and artifacts.
PIONEER MUSEUM – Several buildings displaying horse drawn machinery, tractors,
automobiles, farm implements and hand equipment.
TABLE ROCK OPERA HOUSE – Beautifully restored 1892 Opera House complete with
painted curtain and stage scenery.
ARGUS PRINT SHOP – Features newspaper printing equipment, including a one-of-a-kind
1800s printing press and typesetting equipment from late 1800s – mid 1900s.
ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH – One of the oldest framed churches in Southeast
Nebraska, featuring hand-painted wall murals throughout the building.
LIVING HISTORY DAY – Annual educational event for nearly 500 area 5th grade students
and interested individuals, featuring hands-on historical learning activities and demonstration.
Spend your days in Southeast Nebraska...
Spend your nights at Burchard Lodge
Burchard, Nebraska
Call 402-850-8227 for reservations
38
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
RICHARDSON COUNTY
Falls City
Falls City is located within a two-hour
drive of places like Kansas City, St.
Joseph, Topeka, and Omaha. The town’s
leadership is tied into the Nebraska
Main Street project, emphasizing
improvements in the historic downtown
district. Bookmark the website
www.fallscitynebraska.org for
attractions and events worth your time!
AQUATIC PARK The Falls City Aquatic Park features fun for all ages! Features like a
zero-depth entry, an enclosed 205-foot tube slide, a diving area with one and three meter
springboard, sprayground, and more add up to a great way to beat the heat!
LIBRARY AND ARTS CENTER Dedicated in 2007, the Library and Arts Center serves
a dual mission. Its library features dedicated readership areas for adults and children. You
can do your own catalog search at www.fallscitylibrary.org. The Stalder Art Gallery is a
state-of-the-art venue hosting shows the entire year.
BRENNER FIELD Private and corporate aircraft regularly use Brenner Field airport,
handling more than 4,800 landings per year with a 4,000-foot hard surfaced all-weather
runway #14-32 with NDB and GPS approaches. It is equipped with computerized WSI
Pilot/Vector weather information and includes a comfortable pilot lounge and a courtesy
car that can be reserved.
Photo courtesy Natural Beauty Photography.
KRUMME ARBORETUM This 2-acre
site features native plants from Nebraska
and adjoining states, about 70 species.
The first planting was during 1992. You
can experience a southeastern Nebraska
version of a ‘Black’ Forest from seven
different plantings. Several Boy Scouts
of America Eagle projects are part of the
property.
RICHARDSON COUNTY MUSEUM
Donated exhibits from farmers and
townspeople alike make the Richardson
County Museum reflect the life of early
years. Displays include an 1855 letter
written by Abraham Lincoln and a working
refrigerator and washing machine from the
late 19th century. The farm display has its
own building.
STANTON LAKE PARK AND
CANDLELIGHT CABIN This city owned
Camper Park is away from the concentrated
residential areas, next to a scenic lake. A
concrete sidewalk circles the lake with a
playground for tykes nearby. Picnic shelters
and fishing can be part of the experience.
The refurbished Candlelight Cabin is home
to many reunions and activities.
NORMA’S ANTIQUE MALL Opened
in 2009, Norma’s Antique Mall is the
largest growing Antique Mall in Southeast
Nebraska, with more than 30 quality
antique and collectible dealers. Take a
step back in time and enjoy the wonderful
collections located in a beautiful historic
building on the square of Falls City, 1715
Stone Street, 402.245.4338.
MINI-PARK MURALS Three hand-painted murals hang at the Mini-Park in Falls
City, summarizing the town’s history from its beginning through the mid-1980s.
Local artists describe how the town got its name and some of the landmarks of early
settlers are drawn. A printed review of the murals is available.
Krumme Arboretum
Move through 2.2 acres of native plants from
ebraska and the region.
INDIAN CAVE STATE PARK This 3,000acre park is operated by the Nebraska
Game and Parks Commission. All interior
roads are hard-surfaced. Horseback
rides and living history presentations
are part of the rustic experience. Come
check out the annual Halloween Haunted
Hollow costume and campsite decorating
weekends in October. Park permit required.
MILITARY PARK is dedicated to our
service men and women. On display are
a ship’s anchor, tank, howitzer, and B-17
bomber propeller. The Courthouse hosts
a Military Museum back to World War I,
including the historical Company B, 134th
Infantry, Nebraska Army National Guard.
Gorgeous Rooms.
Great Rates.
GRAND WEAVER
Visit us on the Internet at
HOTEL
Koso-Baldwin Parkway • West 25th St. • Falls City, NE
1800 Stone St. • Falls City
402-245-2448
fallscityonline.com
scroll to “tourism and recreation”
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
39
RICHARDSON COUNTY
SPRINT TRIATHLON, July 28 - The third
annual Sprint Triathlon in Falls City grows
each year. Experience a swim of 300 meters,
biking 9.3 miles, and running 3.1 miles.
JAYCEES’ TRACTOR PULL AND
DEMOLITION DERBY, August 4-5
- The Falls City Jaycees’ Tractor Pull and
Demolition Derby bring regional entries.
Enjoy them at a new, spacious 8-acre site
just south of town.
COBBLESTONE FESTIVAL, August
24-26 - Cobblestone Festival in Falls City
features a parade, family games, a local
talent revue, flea market and carnival.
Humboldt
The HUMBOLDT COMMERCIAL HISTORIC
DISTRICT was placed on the National Register
in 2005 with the Nebraska Historical Marker
placed in the Northeast corner of the City Park.
The Humboldt City Square has been revitalized
with historic lighting, a painted mural that
illustrates the history and heritage of Humboldt,
pedestrian amenities, complete new sidewalks
with handicap accessibility and the original brick
re-laid.
Photo courtesy Sandy Stalder.
BRUUN MEMORIAL LIBRARY, located on the southeast side of the City Square, was
organized in 1884. The newly-renovated addition features a community meeting room,
large display of historic pictures, historic memorabilia and a variety of historical records for
genealogy research. The library also provides public access computers. bmemorial@neb.
rr.com or call 402 862-2941, www.bruunlibrary.org
The CITY LAKE PARK in the south part of Humboldt features two fishing lakes, tent
and RV camping, swimming pool, tennis court, playground area, ball fields and picnic
shelters with tables, lights and electrical outlets. The west lake features a walking bridge
to the center park. 402 862-2171, www.ci.humboldt.ne.us
Photo courtesy Natural Beauty Photography.
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE,
November 23 - The Falls City community
greets the seasonal change with a
Christmas Open House. Decorated
evergreen trees show creative talent
and a Santa sleigh comes calling!
DUAINE & SANDY STALDER’S GANDY HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST is located
one block north of the City Square. This Arts & Craft home was built in 1889 by the family
of Dr. & Mrs. George Gandy, whose father, Dr. James Gandy, was one of the first doctors in
Humboldt in 1869. 402 862-3278, www.gandyhouse.com
The HUMBOLDT FALL FESTIVAL (since 1921) and Richardson County Fair (since 1924)
sponsored by the Humboldt Chamber is located around the Humboldt City Square and
Park. The fair, in mid-September, hosts rides and concessions for three days and nights
with daily parades in the mornings and free acts on the City Park stage in the afternoon
and evenings. 402 862-2821, [email protected]
KIRKMAN’S COVE RECREATIONAL AREA is a Nemaha Natural Resource 500-acre
complex that features a public golf course and 160-acre lake. The park includes fishing,
boating, swimming beach, water skiing, picnicking, playground equipment, hiking trails
and RV and tent camping. 402-335-3325, www.nemahanrd.org
Make your 40 winks feel like a million bucks.
CHECK IN
MOTEL
1715 Stone Street, Falls City, Nebraska
402-245-4338
Rob & Kristy Gerweck, Owners
Cheri Adams, Manager
2824 N. Old Hwy. 73
Falls City, NE 68355
402-245-2433
Fax: 402-245-5895 [email protected]
Mailing Address: 2415 Fulton St., Falls City, NE 68355
Wireless Internet
40
www.checkinmotel.com
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
Hours:
Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
RICHARDSON COUNTY
HUMBOLDT CITY SQUARE
PARK O.J. Tinker donated the land
for the Humboldt City Square Park in
1871. The bandstand, in the center of
the Park, was dedicated in 1912 in his
memory. The park has a playground,
Lion’s Club water fountain with
memorial bricks and two American
Legion Post #269 War Memorials.
Photo courtesy Sandy Stalder.
KIRKMAN’S LAKEVIEW GOLF
COURSE is located 4 miles west and north
of Humboldt along Highway 4. It is a 9-hole
green grass public golf course with the
golf course and club house open March
through October. Call 402-862-2828 for
golfing fees and tournament schedules.
www.klgcgolf.com
BOY SCOUT CAMP located 12 miles
south of Humboldt contains 360 acres of
rolling hills with large oak trees and an
abundance of wildlife. When the Scout
Camp is not occupied with Scouts, the
facility is open to public camping.
www.Cornhuskercouncil.com
OSAGE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(NE Game & Parks) oversees many Wildlife
Management areas around Humboldt,
Table Rock, Pawnee City and DuBois where
the public can hunt year round. Call Mike
Remund, NE Game & Parks, 402-335-2534,
for information.
RICHARDSON COUNTY 4-H FAIR,
July 23-28, 2012 – Richardson County
4-H fair features 4-H project exhibits,
Livestock shows and judging daily. Contact
[email protected] or call
402-245-4324
RICHARDSON COUNTY FREE FAIR,
September 13-15, 2012 - Richardson
County Free Fair, held around the City
square, with rides and concessions. Daily
parades at 11 a.m. and free entertainment
at 2 and 8 pm. Daily 4-H exhibits &
livestock shows in Ag arena.
[email protected] or call 402 862-2821.
CHAMBER MERCHANT CHRISTMAS,
November 19, 2012 – Chamber Merchant
Christmas opening with retail business
and specialty vendors, soup supper,
Santa, Library book fair and free horse &
buggy rides around City Square. Contact
[email protected] or call 402-862-2821
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION, July 4, 2012 –All day events, including mud
volleyball, softball tourney, kids games, fire truck rides, Chamber BBQ & free fireworks.
Bank of Peru
Is Online!
Our newest branch is a
little closer to HOME
VISIT US TODAY
NOW OPEN 24/7
www.fbcdirect.com
HUMBOLDT MURAL
The mural illustrates the history and
heritage of Humboldt and depicts all the
pomp and pageantry of the Richardson
County Fair, complete with marching band,
flags, horses, fair queens and tractors.
Shubert
PIONEER RENDEZVOUS
Indian Cave State Park near Shubert
hosts Pioneer Rendezvous on the first
weekend May through October. Park
permit required.
HAUNTED HOLLOW HAYRACK
RIDES, October 13, 19-20, 26-27, at
Indian Cave State Park near Shubert
blend a spoooooky-theme and a usual
campers’ decorating contest. Park permit
required.
SEETHE DIFFERENCE
VISION INN MOTEL
2621 Harlan Street, Hwy. 73
FALLS CITY, NEBRASKA
Phone: 402-245-2459 • Fax: 402-245-4797
WWW.VISIONINNMOTEL.COM
Locally Owned
Continental Breakfast
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
41
SALINE COUNTY
Saline County is rich in agricultural interest, with eight communities located within its boundaries, the largest and easternmost being
Crete. To its west, on Highway 33, is Dorchester and Friend. Ten miles south from Crete on Highway 103 is Wilber, and 7 more miles south
is the community of DeWitt. The towns of Swanton, Western and Tobias are located on county roads west of Wilber off Highways 41
and 15. Although subject to current winds of change, every county in Nebraska has been reported to be Republican, except the county
of Saline which has registered Democratic for more than 100 years. Some historians have attributed this to the Czech heritage, for the
county claimed the heaviest population in the state of Czech descendants, which immigrated from Czechoslovakia in the 1800s and
were known as “free thinkers.”
The area is ideal for hunting and fishing with Wildlife Management and Protection Areas.
Courtesty of Crete Chamber of Commerce
Crete
The City of Crete is the northernmost city in Saline County, located 25 miles
southwest of Lincoln. With a population of more than 6,000, it’s home to several
major industries and a variety of business establishments, and is proud to have
top-quality innovative health services at its local modern hospital. Crete has
several churches representing a variety of denominations, a public library, five
public parks, a swimming pool and a 9-hole golf course at the Country Club.
There are two motels, a bed and breakfast, and shopping areas. Several historic
properties are listed on the National Register of Historic places, including the
College Hill Historic District, Doane College Historic, Jesse C. Bickle House,
Frank J. Rademacher House, Johnston/Muff-Algermissen House and the Trinity
Memorial Episcopal Church. The Bickle House, (The Maples) and Boswell
Observatory on the Doane College Campus are museums, open to the public,
tours by appointment. Contact Mark at 402-826-8621 or Janet at 402-8268234. Doane College is located on the eastern edge of town and features
a 350-acre garden, comprehensive library, auditorium, meeting rooms and
other conference facilities. The Maples Heritage Complex and the new Benne
Memorial Museum is located at 800 W. 13th St., and is a historical farmstead with
a modern 5,000-sq.-ft. museum. Visit the Bickle Homestead with its 1864 log
home and a 1909 Saline County District No. 1 Star School. Open by appointment
at 402-826-4656 or 402-826-5270.
The Crete Heritage Society will host the 4th annual Riverside Music Festival
July 14 and 15, 2012, at the historic Jesse C. Bickle Farmstead in west Crete. The
festival features more than 20 hours of classic country, old-time and variety
music. Acts come from around the country, including the states of Colorado,
Kansas, Florida and Nebraska. The stage and audience area is sheltered by
a canopy of trees and food vendors are on hand to provide refreshments.
Proceeds support the 17-acre museum complex. Contact Dawn at 402-826-2374
or Janet at 402-826-5270, www.creteheritage.org.
Doane College is providing $10,000 to fund
the initial creation of a Nature Explore Classroom/
Park. The Crete Community Foundation initially
contributed $3,500 to pay for design of the
outdoor facility for children and families. Total
cost of the Nature Explore Classroom/Park is
approximately $45,000. This is a collaborative
program of the Arbor Day Foundation and
Dimensions Education Research Foundation.
Doane and Crete will be a part of the Nature Action
Collaborative for Children, a worldwide network
whose goal is to help nature become an integral,
joyful part of children’s daily lives and learning
process. For details, contact Deb Polacek, Director,
Crete Chamber of Commerce, 402-826-2136 or
www.cretechamber.org.
Crete Heritage Society
First State Bank
Cortland DeWitt Dorchester Filley Firth Hallam Hickman
Lincoln 4915 Old Cheney Rd. Havelock Wal-Mart South
Pickrell Prairie Home Waverly Western Wilber Yutan
www.1fsb.com
Member FDIC
42
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
Visit the 17-acre Crete Heritage Complex
in Crete. Featuring the Benne Memorial
Museum, the Bickle Homestead with 1864
log home, and the 1909 Saline County
District #1 Star School. Special exhibits
throughout the year and the Riverside
Country Music Festival July 14-15, 2012.
Open selected dates year-round, call
or visit our Web site for hours.
July
Music Fe
stival!
800 West 13th St. • Crete, ebraska
402-826-5270 • 402-826-5050 • www.creteheritage.org
SALINE COUNTY
Courtesty of Crete Chamber of Commerce
BENNE MEMORIAL MUSEUM,
800 W. 13th St., along with The Maples
complex, and the Bickle House, all open by
appointment at 402-826-4656 or
402-826-5270.
DOANE COLLEGE CAMPUS, eastern
edge of Crete, has a 350-acre garden,
comprehensive library, auditorium and
other facilities. Its Boswell Observatory is a
museum, open to the public. Call Mark at
402-826-8621 or Janet 402-826-8234.
Courtesty of Crete Chamber of Commerce
ANNUAL RIVERSIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL, July 14 and 15 - 4th Annual Riverside
Music Festival, at Bickle farmstead west edge of Crete. More than 20 hours of classic
country, old-time and variety music, tree-sheltered with food vendors. Call Dawn at
402-826-2374 or Janet at 402-826-5270.
SALINE COUNTY FAIR, July 24 – 29 - Saline County Fair at Tuxedo Park, west
edge of Crete. Livestock judging, Figure 8 Race, Tractor Pull, Rodeo, Dance, and Parade
downtown. For details, call Theresa Vernon, 402-826-4787.
ANNUAL HALLOWEEN EVENT,
October 27 - Annual Halloween event
downtown, parade, kids rides, costume
contest, trick or treating at businesses.
Contact Crete Chamber of Commerce, Deb
Polacek, 402-826-2136.
Sokol Hall Haunted house in Oct.
Contact Nate Walenta at 402-418-7063.
www.cretesokol.org.
VETERAN’S DAY CELEBRATION,
Nov. 11 - Veteran’s Day celebration at
Doane College Heckman Auditorium.
Call Becky Brewer 800-333-6263.
Get
Dewitt
DeWitt’s landmark year was in 2002 when it celebrated its 130th birthday. A few short
years ago, the town lost its main industry, American Tool, which was the original maker of
the renowned Vise Grip Hand-Locking Tool that employed more than 700 area residents.
But the hearty community continues to offer the public a modern community center,
swimming pool, library, village office, three ball fields, sand volleyball court, museum, three
churches, and the Tri-County school system. The Community Club sponsors an annual
Independence Day celebration for several surrounding area towns. Call the City Office,
402-683-5025.
ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE DAY, June 30 - Annual Independence Day celebration
with fireworks, clowns, races, games tractor pull, car show. Contact Lana Hager
402-683-5195.
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www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
43
SALINE COUNTY
Dorchester
Dorchester was named when the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad was naming towns west of Lincoln according to the alphabet, and
no one is sure why its name was selected in 1871, and 10 years later it became incorporated. By 1889, the population had swelled to 800,
but throughout the Depression and other hardships, it has diminished, like so many other communities. But its proximity to industries in
Crete, Seward and Lincoln and access to I-80 has kept the population stable.
SALINE COUNTY MUSEUM In the 1960s, the Saline County
Historical Society located its museum in Dorchester, and today the
museum has 11 buildings on five acres housing many historical
items. It is located on the east edge of town on Highway 33. Its
unique “In Loving Memory” exhibit shows how Americans deal with
death, mourning and funeral customs. The museum is open April
through October, Sundays 2-5 p.m., or by appointment. Contact
the museum, 402-947-2911, or Judy Rada at 402-243-2356 or Mary
Anne Placek at 402-448-5265.
The BLUE RIVER STATE RECREATION AREA is 5 miles north
of town, which is a day-use area (no camping) with fishing available
year round. 402- 821-2161.
Saline County Museum photo courtesy of Crete Chamber of Commerce
JULY 4 ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE DAY celebration with
fireworks, parade and other activities. Contact Steve Ottmann at
402-946-4821.
Friend
Friend, a community of 1,100 people, is located on Route 6, 12
miles south of I-80 in Southeast Nebraska’s Saline County. The
Friend Chamber of Commerce, the Friend Industrial Development
Corporation, and the City of Friend combine their efforts to provide
economic development in the community. The Friend Industrial
Development Corporation has been instrumental in obtaining
Community Development Block Grants, which have enabled new
businesses, including RTS Inc., The Pour House, and Hardwood
Artisan, to start in Friend. A public 9-hole golf course and Friend
Country Club are located on the east side of town.
WARREN OPERA HOUSE In 2006, the Friend Historical
Society began its effort to restore the historic Warren Opera
House. This “step back in time” is located on the second floor of
the Warren building at 511 2nd Street, with the Pour House Tasting
Room located on the first floor. Immediately next door is the
Friend Historical Society’s 3,200-sq.-ft. party room called the San
Carlo Room. This room is available for rent for everything from
graduations and private events to community celebrations. The
Society also uses the space to bring cultural performance events to
the area.
(402) 947-2251 • www.friendchamber.com
44
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
To make the most of your visit to Friend you need to take in the
specialty shops that call Friend home, such as Blue Blossom Floral
(402-947-6321) with its unique home décor, silk & fresh flowers and
unique jewelry. Or visit 2nd Chance Antiques located downtown.
SALINE COUNTY
Friend features several eateries such as
Jo-Leigh’s Java Jitters (402-947-3840), Green Top
(402-947-6892), or Sidewaze Sports Bar & Grill
(402-947-2332). Friend Country Club is open to the
public for evening dining (402-947-6501).
Friend has everything to offer any family that
moves to town: a hospital, medical center, long-term
care facility, K-12 school, grocery store, drug store
and many more businesses that help complete this
community.
COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT in April
DUAL COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE June, Father’s Day weekend. Dual Community
Garage Sale between Friend & Dorchester
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION,
July 4th - in the city park
FRIEND FEST, September
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL, December
Swanton
Swanton, the tiniest of Saline County communities, is located 6 miles west
and 7 miles south of Wilber. It has about 100 residents and is a typical rural
community. More Village office info, 402-448-2425. You can spot sheep and
goats near the highway.
ANNUAL FIREMEN’S GOOSE FEED, Feb. 19 - Annual Firemen’s Goose
Feed, Auditorium. Contact Lynn Strouf, 402-448-2950.
Tobias
Tobias is located about 20 miles southeast of Wilber on Highway 74, and
is truly representative of a rural agricultural small community. Building
of the town began in 1884, and at its peak, was home to more than 600
people. Today the population is about 158 residents who participate in their
Community Club and American Legion Auxiliary activities and events that
support the local Fire and Rescue department, along with its annual Fun
Fair Day, the third Saturday in August. The tiny Historical Museum, located
in the old bank building and the library, in the old print shop, can be visited
by contacting Judy Rada at 402-243-2356 or City Clerk Carol Rafert at
402-243-2319.
ANNUAL FUN FAIR, COMMUNITY CLUB, August 18.
Contact Linda Shafer, 402-243-2391.
Vitáme
Vás
We Welcome You
To Wilber, Neb., the Czech Capital of Nebraska and U.S.A.
Join us and celebrate the
51st Annual Czech Festival
Aug. 3, 4 & 5, 2012
Enjoy continuous FREE outdoor entertainment
including dance contests, kolace eating contests,
talents contest and the Czech historical pageant.
Watch the Miss Czech-Slovak U.S. Pageant with
contestants from all over the U.S.
Festival Activities: Art Show • Travelogue • Quilt Show • Craft Show • Heritage Demonstrations • Kids Rides • Camping • Quilt
Raffles • Street Vendors • Bingo • 10K Walk/Run • Dancing • Accordion Jamborees • Sports Events • 3 Parades • Car Show • Historical
Pageant
Also take part in these year-round activities: Guided Tours • Historic Buildings • Hotel Wilber • Dvoracek Library • Heritage Room •
Outdoor Theatre • Czech Museum • Old Country Sausages • Czech Baked Goods • Authentic Baked Meals • Garnet Jewelry • Czech
Costumes • Crafts & Souvenirs
Wilber Area Chamber of Commerce • Nebraska Czechs of Wilber • City of Wilber
www.wilberchamberofcommerce.com • www.nebraskaczechsofwilber.com
Czech Days Information • P.O. Box 652 • Wilber, NE 68465
American Legion Park -- Camping • Hookups • Showers • Dump Station -- 402-821-3016
1-888-494-5237
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
45
SALINE COUNTY
Western
Western, another small rural community with a population of
287, has an active Community Club, and will be celebrating its
140th birthday in 2012, and the 115th anniversary of its annual
Old Settler’s Picnic.
STRUCKMAN-BAATZ PUBLIC LIBRARY Western’s
Struckman-Baatz Public Library sponsors an exhibit of many
small 2-ft. decorated Christmas trees each year during the month
of December. Library hours are Tues. – Fri. ,1:30 to 5:30, and Sat.,
9:30 to Noon. Call 402-433-2177 or Barb Schwisow at 402-4332541.
SALINE CENTER Nine miles north of Western, located on
Highway 15, is a social hall named Saline Center, which is listed
on the National Register of Historic Places, and was included
because of its role in the assimilation of Czech immigrants
into American culture. Constructed in the late 1930s, it is still a
well-used building, housing weddings, dances, meetings, and a
large annual consignment auction.
ANNUAL CONSIGNMENT SALE, March 18 - Saline Center,
9 miles north of Western. An auction where live farm animals
are sold along with farm machinery, automobiles, furniture and
antiques. Held inside building and outside area, rain or shine. Call
402-821-2367 or Lowell Kotas at 402- 821-3191.
OLD SETTLER’S PICNIC, July 20 – 21 - Town’s 140th birthday
and 115th anniversary of its Old Settler’s Picnic downtown. Car
Show, Chicken BBQ, kids rides, entertainment and parade. Call
402-433-2541.
Wilber
Wilber is located 36 miles southwest of Lincoln, where state
Highways 41 and 103 intersect. It was selected as one of the
first “Nebraska Heritage Communities” in 1998. The county
seat for Saline County, Wilber is a small community of only
1,760 residents that rises each year to accomplish a highly
successful ethnic festival. The festival draws more than 50,000
people nationwide and from other countries—the first
weekend in August each year. 2011 marked the 50th year of
the Czech Festival. Wilber was proclaimed the Czech capital of
the USA in 1987 by President Reagan, and as the State Czech
capital by Governor Morrison in 1963. But you don’t have to
be of Czech heritage to join in the fun and entertainment at
the four-day festival. For festival information, click on these
websites: www.nebraskaczechsofwilber.com and www.
wilberchamberofcommerce.com.
The Czech culture is not limited to the annual festival, for
the heritage is displayed year round at its recently remodeled
Czech Museum on the main street, with full-sized room displays
of a barber shop, dental office, meat market and a traditional
Czech home. You can see rug making on a working loom. Local
historian Verne Anthony can be contacted for local genealogy
guidance at 402-821-3277. The Museum is open daily from
1– 4 p.m. or by appointment, admission is free. 888-494-5237
or 402-821-2183. Also, the Sokol Hall downtown houses a mini
museum of Czech Sokol athletic historic items. Available by
calling 402-821-2690.
WILBER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Sponsored
year round by the Wilber Area Chamber of Commerce are
walking tours of the downtown business area with costumed
guides that include the Czech architecture, store fronts
identified in Czech language and Czech music on the streets.
Tours include authentic Czech meals, and time for shopping for
authentic Czech imports and food items at the meat markets,
bakery, drug store and craft shops. All are open year round and
available by appointment. 888-494-5237 or 402-821-2574.
Furniture, Vintage Dolls, Phones (parts & pieces), Pottery (Hull, Fenton, Roseville), Trunks
Wilber CZECH MUSEUM
Ethnic Exhibits of Early Homes and Shops
• Rugs • Dolls • Quilts • Czech Books • Gift Shop
Open Daily 1-4 PM or By Appointment
Closed: January & February
HEDGEHOG & HUBBY’S
GIFTS/A TIQUES
Highway 76E-Dorchester, Nebraska
Phone: 402-946-2193
Open 1-6 Tuesday-Friday, 10-6 Saturday, 1-6 Sunday
46
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
888-494-5237 or 402-821-2183
102 W. 3rd St. • Wilber, NE
SALINE COUNTY
HOTEL WILBER The jewel in Wilber’s Czech crown is Hotel
Wilber, built in 1895, maintained and restored even as recently
as 2011. It is a Victorian structure, modernized with 12 antiquefurnished rooms to rent, with a bed and breakfast atmosphere
and restaurant, open year round. 402-821-2020.
VETERAN’S MEMORIAL As the Saline County seat,
Wilber was the county’s selection for housing the new
county Veteran’s Memorial at a cost of $250,000, half
of which has been raised from donations, grants and
fundraising. Phase I of the endeavor was completed
and dedicated in November of 2011. It is located on
the northwest corner of the Saline County Courthouse,
just four blocks west and one north of the downtown
main intersection of Highways 41 and 103. For more
information, call 402-826-3372 for Ron Corbett or
402-243-2232 for Lyle Bartels.
WILBER CZECH MUSEUM, recently remodeled, houses a
vast array of Czech items and history; language, cookbooks and
other handmade items for sale; meeting room; and offers local
genealogical guidance. Open daily 1 – 4 p.m. or by appointment.
402-821-2183.
CZECH CULTURAL CENTER, downtown main street, to be
completed by June 2012, will house displays of Czech puppets
and dolls, and much musical history and information. 402-8213233.
ANNUAL CZECH FESTIVAL KICKOFF, March 16 - Dance
and Crowning of Czech Royalty for 2012 at Sokol Hall. Czech
Dancers and Alumni Czech Band, all free. 402-821-2749
VETERAN’S DAY PROGRAM, Nov. 9, - at W-C High School,
9 a.m. 402-821-2508.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION, December 1 & 2 - Sokol
Hall downtown, Christmas celebration, with Czech heritage
and American traditions. Decorated tree contest, Santa visits,
entertainment, crafts, contests, vendors and food available. Free
will donation for admission. Call 402-821-2304.
Wilber’s DVORACEK PUBLIC LIBRARY includes a separate Czech heritage room with a vast amount of information and is open Mon.
- Fri. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to Noon. 402-821-2832. Also, the local American Legion and Auxiliary are active organizations
having a historic building downtown on Highway 103, and a large building in its Legion Park just on the south edge of town, with several
ball fields, a sand volleyball court, four tennis courts and a year-round campground. Call John Prochazka at 402-821-3016 for camping
information. A new state-of-the-art swimming pool provides summer entertainment as well as swim meets, and the new Saline County
Law Enforcement Center, located on Highway 103, will host tours. Call 402-821-2111.
SALINE COUNTY’S ELDERCARE office is at
109 W. 3rd, on the main street of Wilber, and is open
weekdays except holidays. It is an information and
referral agency that provides guidance in issues such
as taxes, Medicare, food and clothing, and has a meal
delivery program for county residents. Call 402-8213330 or 800-778-3309 for more information. The City
of Wilber governs the Wilber Care Center, located
on the north edge of town on Highway #103, with a
70-bed nursing home, a physical therapy center and
a recent addition for Assisted Living residents. It is
a top-rated facility that the community is proud to
have. 402-821-2331
SOKOL HALL, downtown at 317 S. Wilson St., is available for meetings,
dances, reunions, celebrations, and houses a mini museum of Czech
Sokol athletic historic items. 402-821-2690.
51ST ANNUAL CZECH FESTIVAL,
August 2 – 5 - downtown, with 3 parades, 50 bands, 100
vendors, Miss Czech Slovak U.S. contest and pageant,
historical pageant, contests, shows, new vehicle raffle,
continuous entertainment, all free.
Call 888-4WILBER or 402-821-2749.
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
47
Bellevue
SARPY COUNTY
HAWORTH PARK, End of Mission Ave - Open year round, Haworth Park features
153 acres of park land with a concession stand, public boat launch, RV pads equipped
with electric/water hookups, fishing pond, picnic tables and grills, shelters, playground,
restrooms, soccer fields, basketball courts, lighted tennis courts, lighted softball diamonds
and a sand volleyball court. 402-293-3098
SARPY COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM, 2402 Clay Street - Trace the history of
Sarpy County from the original American Indians to its present-day residents. Exhibits
include the history of fur traders, missionaries, period rooms, early agricultural pursuits,
and a scale model of Fort Crook - now Offutt Air Force Base. Tour information 402-2921880. www.sarpycountymuseum.org
BELLEVUE LITTLE THEATER, 203 Mission Avenue - For those in search of live
performance art, the Bellevue Little Theater - now in its 43rd season - is a treasured find.
Throughout the year, experience award-winning community theater set in the heart of
Old Towne Bellevue. Check website for performance details. 402-291-1554
www.bellevuelittletheater.com
BELLEVUE PIONEER CEMETERY, 13th Avenue & Lord Blvd. - Tour cemetery for history
lessons through time. View resting places of families who pioneered Bellevue. Among
those buried here are Fenner Ferguson, first chief justice, Nebraska Territory; Big Elk,
prominent chief of the Omaha tribe; archaeologist and artist Dr. Gilder. Tour information
402-293-2142.
FONTENELLE BANK, 2212 Main Street - Built in 1857, Fontenelle Bank houses Bellevue
memorabilia; an original walk-in vault, exhibits depicting the city’s history and rare
samples of Greek-Revival Italianate styling. A year after the bank’s founding, it closed and
became the Sarpy County Courthouse and in 1875 Bellevue City Hall. Tour information
402-293-3142.
HISTORIC LOG CABIN, 1805 Hancock Street - A treasure of history, this cabin is
believed to have been built around 1830. The home changed hands a few times with three
families occupying from 1856 to 1950. Most recent residents lived there for around 50
years without indoor plumbing or electricity. Tour information, 402-293-3142.
OMAHA AND SOUTHERN RAILROAD DEPOT, 2402 Clay Street - In the mid 1800s,
this depot was a hub for commerce and travel. Inside discover a pot belly cast iron stove,
Morse code telegraph keys, an oak railroad station clock, oak station waiting benches,
trunks, maps, pictures and station safe. Tour information, 402-293-3142.
OLD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 2002 Franklin Street - Step inside this historic
building and you’re standing in the oldest church building in the state of Nebraska.
Nineteenth-century oak pews, antique stained-glass windows and summer gardens adorn
the 150-year-old building. Tour information, 402-293-3142.
GROTTO AT SAINT COLUMBANS, 1902 Calhoun St. - within Bellevue City limits - A
retreat center and lots of room for you to visit our campus. A short walking trail leads to a
grotto, a place for reflection. A number of wild animals such as deer and turkey and other
creatures call this place “home,” too. 402-291-1920, www.columban.org/bellevue-nebraska
RIVERFEST – July 20-21. Community Festival, Nebraska State BBQ Championship. If you
love good food, especially BBQ, and good times and two nights of music, Riverfest is for
you. www.bellevuenebraska.com.
VETERAN’S DAY PARADE, November 3. Patriotic parade to honor the military
services. www.bellevuenebraska.com.
ARROWS TO AEROSPACE, August 18 - Mission Ave. & Washington Park. Community
celebration featuring a parade, pancake feed, pet show, art in the park, activities for
children, entertainment, food and fun.
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Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
FONTENELLE FOREST NATURE
CENTER, 1111 N. Bellevue Blvd.- 1,400
acres of woods, wetlands, waterways
along 19 miles of trails, including two
all-access boardwalks. Overlooking
the Missouri River; spectacular scenery
and an educational view of wildlife and
natural habitat. The Nature Center offers
exhibits and live animal displays. 402731-3140, www.fontenelleforest.org
LaVista
CABELA’S, 12703 Westport Parkway.
World’s foremost outfitter of quality
merchandise, 128,000-ft. showroom
is an entertainment attraction with
museum quality animal displays and
trophy animals interacting in realistic
re-creations of their natural habitat.
There is a huge aquarium and lots more.
402-861-4800. www.cabelas.com
MIDWEST WINDS KITE FLYERS,
La Vista Sports Complex. May – Annual
Spring Kite Festival – Free. October
– Annual Fall Festival – Free.
www.midwestwindskiteflyer.org.
Gretna
SARPY COUNTY
AK-SAR-BEN AQUARIUM/SCHRAMM STATE
RECREATION AREA, 21004 West Highway 31, Exit 432. A 330acre state recreation area sits along the Platte River with three miles
of hiking paths. Site of the state’s first fish hatchery. The aquarium
offers 12 viewing tanks and a glimpse into underwater wildlife.
Picnicking and exploring outside. 402-332-3901,
www.npgc.state.ne.us./parks
HOLY FAMILY SHRINE, 23132 Pflug Road. Situated high atop
a hill overlooking the scenic Platte Valley, Holy Family Shrine is a
23-acre site offering travelers a welcome spot for rest, relaxation and
reflection. Gardens and stone paths surround the visitor’s center and
chapel. 402-332-4565, www.holyfamilyshrineproject.com
LINOMA BEACH & LIGHTHOUSE, 171601 S. 255th Street. This
landmark features a 40-acre lake and a 110-foot lighthouse bearing
the word “LINOMA”. Named to recognize the two major cities it sits
between - Lincoln and Omaha. Sand, and swimming in the lake,
sand volleyball, badminton along with chairs and umbrellas dotting
the beach. www.linomalighthouse.com
VALA’S PUMPKIN
PATCH,
12102 S. 180th St.
Open September 25-October
31. Experience rural beauty
and interactive fun at this pickyour-own farm. Hayrack rides
to the pumpkin field, delicious
food at more than a dozen
locations. Entertainment,
petting corral, country bakery
and gift shop. 402-332-4200,
www.valaspumpkinpatch.com
NEBRASKA CROSSING OUTLETS & SPECIALTY
SHOPPING, I-80, Exit 432. Retail stores, specialty shops, car show,
craft fair, farmers market and more. Check web site for calendar of
events. www.nebraskacrossingoutlets.com
GRETNA DAYS An annual town celebration to thank the citizens
of Gretna for supporting local business. www.gretnachamber.com
OUTDOOR MOVIE AND CONCERT SERIES
La Vista Public Library, 9110 Giles Rd. Friday nights throughout the
summer months. www.cityoflavista.org.
LA VISTA DAZE, May 24 – 27. Carnival in Central Park,
community cookout, parade, fireworks, concert –
fun for the whole family. Various events for all ages.
www.cityoflavista.org/lavistadaze
Offutt Air Force Base
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
Site of the U.S. Strategic Air
Command, Offutt is regarded
as one of the highest-level
military installations in the
nation. Home to the 55th
Wing - supporting several vital
national defense organizations.
Each branch of the U.S. military
is represented among the
approximately 12,000 military
and federal employees assigned
here. www.offutt.af.mil
BELLEVUE OFFUTT
RUNWAY RUN,
May 13 – 7-mile run
includes about 2 miles of
Offutt’s Runway. Old Towne
to Base at Bellevue Gate
and back through gate.
DEFENDERS OF
FREEDOM AIR SHOW,
Aug. 24-25, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free
admission. 402-232-8787,
www.offuttairshow.com.
Papillion
BELLEVUE BERRY & PUMPKIN RANCH, 11001 S. 48th
Street - An outdoor adventure awaits as you pick your own
berries and pumpkins. Come for a Pirate Festival, Wild West Fest
or Great Pumpkin Round Up. Hayrack rides, a playground, and a
rental barn are also available. 402-331-5500,
www.bellevueberryfarm.com
PAPIO FUN PARK, 210 E. Lincoln Street - Something for
everyone - laser tag, go-kart racing, miniature golf, batting cages,
water wars, an arcade, trampoline games, and more. Spend the
day. Group packages, wristbands, snacks and prizes. It’s the place
to be for all your fun all year long! 402-592-5671,
www.papiofunpark.com
WALNUT CREEK LAKE/RECREATION AREA, NE Highway
370 & 96th Street, Beautiful area for fishing, boating, hiking,
picnicking, and RV & tent camping along with a boat dock and
fishing pier. An equestrian trail is a favorite path for horseback
riding. 402-592-8877, www.papillion.org
SUMTUR AMPHITHEATER, 11691 S. 108th Street Outdoor amphitheater with productions, movies, events and
entertainment throughout spring, summer and fall. Check
website for event dates. www.sumtur.org
Nebraska Crossing
Outlets & Specialty Shops
Sidewalk Sales
Holiday Events
Summer Car Shows
Great Shopping!
I-80, Exit 432 - Gretna
www.nebraskacrossingoutlets.com
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
49
SARPY COUNTY
WERNER PARK - Home of the Storm Chasers, 12356 Ballpark Way - Home to AAA baseball games and other events featuring a
spacious berm and standing room areas. Perfect for business expos, motivational seminars, concerts, baseball tournament, conventions,
corporate seminars, agricultural shows, church gatherings and much more. www.omahastormchasers.com, 402-738-5100
WEHRSPANN LAKE/CHALCO HILLS Highway 50 & I-80,
Exit 440. A great spot for anglers , picnic sites, more than seven
miles of trails, perfect for biking, hiking or jogging and bird
watching. The visitor center overlooks the lake. 402-444-6222,
www.papionrd.org
SHADOW LAKE TOWNE CENTER, Highway 370 & 72nd
Street - For home, fashion, grocery, discount and lifestyle retailing
in one convenient location. We provide a wide selection of
shopping opportunities and restaurants in an easily accessible
environment. More than 70 stores, restaurants and services.
www.shadowlakeshopping.com
PAPIO BAY AQUATIC CENTER, 815 E. Halleck Street Summertime fun - five acres of swimming, recreational resources,
zero-depth pool, waterslides, diving boards, sand volleyball, sand
play area, grass/patio sunning areas, wading pool with frog slide.
Concessions and boathouse. Open Memorial Day through Labor
Day. 402-597-4055 or 402-597-2041, www.papillion.ne.us
Sumtur Amphitheater
at Walnut Creek
PAPILLION DAYS, June 15 -17 -City Park. Parade, carnival,
tractor pull, Papillion’s Got Talent, youth dance, adult dance, BBQ
contest, pony rides, vendors. www.papillionfoundation.org
See Indian artifacts, farm
equipment, old general store and
several period rooms. View the
Tues. - Sat. 10 - 4
7 ft. x 12 ft. model of historic Fort
Free Admission
Crook, catch one of our historical
programs, and bring home a
402-292-1880
souvenir from the gift shop.
2402 Clay St. • Bellevue, NE
www.sarpycountymuseum.org
Make A Splash!
Live Concerts • Musical Plays
Camps • Free Events
Swinging in Summer Music Series
Starlight Movie Series
Sumtur Amphitheater features 350 permanent seats and
additional hillside seating for up to 2,000
Zero Depth Entry • Water Slides • Diving Boards
Sand Volleyball Courts • Children’s Area
Full Bathhouses • Concessions • Season Passes
2012 Season
Proudly owned and operated by the City of Papillion. or details, contact
the Recreation Department at (402) 597-2041 or visit us online at www.
sumtur.org for a complete list of events and activities.
11691 S. 108th St.
Papillion, Nebraska
402-597-2041
www.sumtur.org
OUTSIDE FOOD & BEVERAGES PROHIBITED
50
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
Opening Day: May 26th • Closing Day: September 3rd
Hours of Operation
12:00-8:00 pm • Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun
12:00-6:30 pm • Tues/Thurs
Papio Bay Aquatic Park
815 E. Halleck Street
Papillion, NE
402-597-2055
www.papillion.org/recreation.cfm
SARPY COUNTY
Springfield
SOARING WINGS VINEYARD, 17111 S. 138th Street
- Located on a high hill overlooking the Platte River Valley,
Soaring Wings Vineyard is quickly becoming one of the best
wineries in the Midwest. Tours and tasting; pick up a bottle
of award-winning wine. Open Wednesday - Sunday or by
appointment. 402-253-2479, www.soaringwingswine.com
SPRINGFIELD ARTWORKS, 183 Main Street - Visit this
working studio and gallery, featuring bold contemporary
glass and wearable art. Purchase gifts or take an art or glass
cutting class. 402-301-9162, www.springfieldartworks.com
SPRINGFIELD OLD FASHIONED SODA
FOUNTAIN, 205 Main Street - Chocolate and whipped
cream and sprinkles, oh my! Dive into an old-fashioned
ice cream experience at Sarpy County’s only true soda
fountain. Located in historic Springfield Drug, the charming
atmosphere and delightful treats will satisfy the entire
family. 402-253-2000, www. Springfield.com
WEISS SCULPTURE GARDEN AND STUDIO,
13603 Pflug Road - Witness great art in the making while
experiencing the natural beauty of this two-acre retreat.
Formal and informal gardens showcase the work of Carl
Weiss and other local regional artists. A kaleidoscope of
beauty awaits. 402-680-0642, www.carlweissart.com
SARPY COUNTY FAIR – August 1-5. All the fun you
expect: rodeo, carnival rides, exhibits, entertainment, tractor
pull, parade, demolition derby and more.
www.sarpyfair.com.
SPRINGFIELD DAYS - June 8 & 9. Fun-filled days of
family-oriented events featuring BBQ contest, food, music,
fireworks, farm toy show and more.
www.springfieldnebraska.com
Old Fashioned Soda Fountain!
Visit historic Springfield Drug
and enjoy Sarpy County’s only
true “Soda Fountain.”
Experience the nostalgia and
delicious ice cream selections.
402-253-2000
205 Main St. • Springfield, NE
T H AY E R C O U N T Y
Alexandria
Alexandria is the “A” on the alphabetized St. Joseph & Denver City
Railroad, now the Union Pacific line, between Fairbury and Hastings.
ALEXANDRIA STATE RECREATION AREA Three miles east
and one mile south of town, Alexandria State Recreation Area offers
good fishing year round in its two recently reconstructed lakes,
which total 47 acres of water (electric trolling motors only). The
1,212-acre area is shaded by mature trees and offers hiking, wildlife
viewing, picnic shelters and camping. Twenty-five sites have 30-amp
electrical hookups, and modern rest rooms and concessions are on
site. 402-729-5777.
The DISTRICT 10 SCHOOLHOUSE MUSEUM is located
approximately one mile south and 2 1/2 miles east of Alexandria,
on the Oregon Trail. This schoolhouse turned museum features
monuments dedicated to the memory of the Oregon Trail, Pony
Express and Mormon travelers. The school was established in
Meridian in the 1860s. The present schoolhouse, built in 1898,
stands at the original locations. The District 10 Schoolhouse
Museum is open Sundays 2 - 4 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Belvidere
Photo courtesy Thayer County Museum Volunteers.
The THAYER COUNTY
MUSEUM is a threebuilding complex with
artifacts from pioneer times,
antique machinery, farming
tools and exhibits from the
11 communities located in
the county. On the museum
grounds is a monument
dedicated to The FortyNiner Trail, which is also
known as The Oregon Trail
in Nebraska. Two popular
events have been the Bridal
Wedding Dresses in the
summer and the Decorated Christmas Trees during the holidays.
The museum is open, Sundays and Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m., or by
appointment. Free.
402-768-6845 or 402-768-7313.
The UNION PACIFIC TRAINS travel through the community
every 20 minutes. On the north side of the tracks, on Main Street,
a train watching station is being built to accommodate the
daily watchers. This station will be open to all interested train
watchers, day and night. Belvidere is the “B” on the alphabetized
St. Joseph & Denver City Railroad, now the Union Pacific line,
between Fairbury and Hastings.
TOAD FEST is hosted yearly by Toad’s Bar & Grill in Belvidere.
Toad Fest is an evening of bands playing songs of the past. The
party lasts all night long. Call 402-236-8619 for more information.
The FALL FESTIVAL, the first Sunday in October, is hosted by the
Thayer County Museum. Enjoy the Arts & Crafts Day, Flea Market,
music and food, fun for all ages.
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
51
T H AY E R C O U N T Y
Bruning
A Valentino’s Pizza 402-353-2040 fast food
restaurant and Betty’s Place Home Style
Cooking Restaurant 402-353-2725 are
favorites in the area.
BRUNING’S 125TH CELEBRATION,
July 27-29
Byron
Byron once had a local farmer in 1902
string 12-gauge wire from fence post
to fence post, connecting it to a box
containing two batteries. Then hooking it
to his homemade transmitter and receiver,
he was able to talk with his neighbors. The
first telephone company in Byron.
The BRUNING OPERA HOUSE was constructed in 1907. The building has served the
community for 100 years. The town uses the building as a community hall and library. It
has also housed a movie theater, dance hall, community plays and school activities from
basketball to graduation.
The OLD TAVERN ANTIQUE STORE downtown has many items for sale. Stop in and
maybe you will find something that is from your past. The store still has the original bar
back, along with many interesting items for all ages. 402-353-6325
Carleton
Carleton is an old railroad community. It is the “C” on the alphabetized St. Joseph
& Denver City Railroad, now the Union Pacific line, between Fairbury and Hastings.
Carleton is known as “The Milo Capital of Nebraska.”
MILO DAYS are celebrated the second Saturday of September with pancakes made
from Milo flour. This small town has a reputation for having more school bands in its
parade than any other event in the area. Other activities are the Milo Queen contest,
music, horse show and food. 402-356-2601
Chester
“LITTLE BOY BLUE” MONUMENT
Chester is home of the “Little Boy Blue”
monument. This community found a boy’s
body, dressed only in blue pajamas, on
the highway on a cold, snowy night. He
had been abandoned by his father. The
community named the boy “Matthew, gift
of God,” gave him a funeral and his final
resting ground. The monument is located
where you enter Chester at the junction of
Hwy. 81 & Hwy. 8. Matthew is buried at the
cemetery on the east side of Hwy. 81 north
of Chester.
The CHESTER CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
SHOW is an awesome light show. The
lights dance to Christmas Carols for
approximately 40 minutes. The show runs
approximately 2 weeks before Christmas
and through New Years Day. 6-10 p.m.
FOOTE’S CAFÉ 402- 324-5674 has
served many home cooked meals
throughout the years. Stop by and enjoy
down home cooking.
Old Tavern Antique Co.
128 E MAI ST.
BRU I G E 68322
402-353-2007
[email protected]
52
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
WED - SAT
10 - 5
SU
1-4
T H AY E R C O U N T Y
Davenport
Davenport’s unusual claim to fame is that the first Gideon Bible
to be placed in a hotel was in the town of Davenport. That Bible
is now in the Gideon headquarters in Chicago.
Davenport is the “D” on the alphabetized St. Joseph & Denver
City Railroad, now the Union Pacific line, between Fairbury and
Hastings.
125TH ANNIVERSARY Davenport will be celebrating its 125th Anniversary in the Summer of 2012.
Please call 402-364-2292 for more information.
Deshler
Deshler was home of the world’s largest Broom Factory in the 1950s-60s. Since then, Deshler is known for Reinke Pivot Irrigation. You can
watch the original pivot, 1968, still working on the Northwest corner of the Deshler west entrance. Deshler will be celebrating its 125th
Anniversary this summer during Deshler Daze on Father’s Day Weekend. For more information please call 402-365-4260.
CENTENNIAL PARK ARBORETUM/THE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN The east
entrance to Deshler greets you with Centennial Park Arboretum complete with a gazebo
and 15 species of memorial trees and 32 varieties of shrubs and native grasses. As you
travel down the main street, you see another park called The Friendship Garden. We
invite you to sit on the benches, watch for the many birds in the creek area and have your
picture taken with our dragon sculpture.
The RATTLESNAKE DISC GOLF
COURSE is quite challenging with 9
holes spread out over a 3/4 mile course.
The course starts at the Friendship
Garden, follows the creek, has holes at the
fairgrounds, ball field, City Park and then
back to the Friendship Gardens.
Welcome You To Hebron!
Swing into Hebron...
The THAYER COUNTY FAIR is
located in Deshler; this year will be
the 100th Anniversary for the fair.
The dates of the fair are August
9-11. Call 402-365-7651 for more
information.
...Just off the Hwy 81 Expressway
We Welcome You To Heb
We’re at the
Heart of the
Oregon Trail!
Photo courtesy Arlis Hohl.
The DESHLER CITY PARK is home to a new walking trail. The trail
starts at the south picnic shelter, follows the creek south and east,
winds behind the ballpark, up to the swimming pool and then back
to the picnic shelter, approximately 1/2 mile. The park is located at
4th & Park Streets.
Camping is available in the Deshler City Park at no cost for 3 days
with electrical hookups and water, sewer dumping available in town,
after 3 days there is a daily cost of $5. Call 402-365-4260 for more
information.
The PONY EXPRESS MONUMENT is located approximately 5
miles north of Deshler on Highway 5, turn west and travel 2 miles.
The DESHLER SWIMMING POOL is located in the City Park.
The pool has 2 low diving boards, a small slide, separate baby
pool, and plenty of space to swim. Call 402-768-7760 for more
information.
Discover Hebron’s Heritage
y
y
Join us for our annual July
4th celebration and our
Christmas Fair in November!
Hebron’s Business Community Welcomes You
Motels • Restaurants • Variety Stores • Gift Stores • Quilt Shop
Scrapbook Store • Jewelry Stores • Appliance & Automotive Stores
Grocery Stores • Pharmacy • Hardward Stores • Floral Shop • Banks
Sporting Goods • Convenience Stores • Farm Implements
Agricultural Services • Salons • Professional Services
Health Care Services
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
53
T H AY E R C O U N T Y
Hebron
Gilead
“There is a balm in Gilead”, Jeremiah 8:22. This town’s name derives
from Mount Gilead, Palestine. It is thought by many that the town was
named “Gilead” because it is approximately the same distance from
another town named Hebron that is also located in the Holy Land.
The PIONEERS INN RESTAURANT & BAR 402-768-7409 is
located in a limestone building built in 1887. Stop by and enjoy good
food, atmosphere and listen to locals tell their stories.
ROCK SCHOOL A limestone school named the Rock School,
District 17, and the Coordsen School in later years, located northeast
of Gilead was built in 1873. From Highway 136, go north 2 miles on
Highway 53, then west ½ mile. The school was built with native rock
obtained from the surrounding hills.
The FANGMEIER FARMS PUMPKIN PATCH is located near
Gilead. Open late September – October 31, it features family fun,
pumpkins, a corn maze, hay bale maze and games. Look for the signs
on Highway 136 approximately 3 miles west of Gilead, turn south 4
miles and then turn east and go 1/8 of a mile. The farm is on the south
side of the road 402-768-2120.
welcome to
r
Thaye r
Fai
County es
at
Celebr s!
ar
100 ye
WORLD’S LARGEST PORCH SWING Hebron has
the World’s Largest Porch Swing, located at the City Park
at 5th and Jefferson. Local volunteers built a swing with a
seat 32 feet long. Because Hebron does not also have the
world’s largest front porch, the swing is in Roosevelt Park
downtown. In true Nebraska fashion, a section of center
pivot forms the swing’s top girder. This top girder is actually
a subcomponent of the Reinke Corner Gator, a corner
watering system, manufactured in Deshler.
The swing is said to be long enough for 24 children or
18 adults. Some say 25 adults, but one web commentator
remarked, “as far as I’m concerned, any more than 10 and the
quaint opportunities for romance are out of the question.”
402-768-7156.
The THAYER COUNTY COURTHOUSE is located
in Hebron. The courthouse was constructed of Indiana
limestone in the Romanesque and Gothic style in 1903.
There are floor to ceiling safes located in each major office
with a different artistic work painted on each safe door. Ask
about the four carved faces found on the outside of the
building and hear the story of the mystery related to the
carvings.
Thayer County
Alexandria • Belvidere • Bruning • Byron • Carleton • Chester
Davenport • Deshler • Gilead • Hebron • Hubbell
EVENTS IN 2012
Deshler,
Bruning
&
Davenpo
rt 125 yea
rs!
Good Friday
2 p.m. Gilead Easter Egg Hunt
May 26-28
Memorial Day Weekend Community Programs, Courthouse
Flag Display & Speech in Hebron
Father’s Day Weekend
Deshler Daze Celebration
Annual Chicken Dinner, Dance,
Food, Children’s Fishing Contest,
Games, Deshler Alumni Reunion,
more.
For more information
Hebron Chamber 402-768-7156
Deshler Chamber 402-365-4260
www.thayercounty.ne.gov
54
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
July 4
Hebron’s 4th of July
Celebration - Parade, Food,
Games, Fun, Fireworks Display
Sept. 8
Carleton Milo Day
Celebration - Food, Parade, Music
Oct. 1-31
Fangmeier Farms Pumpkin Patch
Open - Family Fun, Pumpkins, Corn
Maze, Hay Bale Maze & Games
1st Sunday in October
Thayer County Museum in
Belvidere - Arts and Crafts Day and
Flea Market. Antiques and more
Nov. 18
Christmas Fair in Hebron - Two
large gymnasiums full of crafts,
specialty booths, vendors, music,
fun for whole family
Chester Lights Show at Old School
The lights dance to the Christmas
Carols every hour from 6-10 PM.
The show is approximately 2 weeks
before Christmas and goes until
New Years Day.
T H AY E R C O U N T Y
The HEBRON POST OFFICE
MURAL was painted by Miss
Eldora Lorenzini in 1939. The
work was commissioned as
part of the New Deal’s Public
Works of Art Project and the
WPA Federal Art Project which
employed thousands of artists
during the Great Depression.
Twelve murals for 12 newly
constructed post offices in
Nebraska were commissioned,
including the Hebron one. The
work has a double signature of
the artist. After it was hung the
signature was nearly obscured
by the molding of the frame of
the office door. The artist then
signed the mural in the lower
left hand corner where it may be
seen by the viewer.
The ARROWHEAD GARDENS
ARBORETUM was established in the
1920s and is located on Jefferson Ave.
between 7th and 8th Street. Eleven
different varieties of trees, six different
varieties of native grasses and many plants
may be seen in the gardens.
The HEBRON COUNTRY CLUB has
a well-maintained 9-hole Golf Course,
complete with grass greens, cart rental,
club house for members and the public to
enjoy. The course is located on Highway
136 & 1st Street. Call 402-768-6450 for
more information.
The LITTLE BLUE RIVER stretches across
the southern edge of Hebron and offers
fishing, canoeing, hiking and hunting. Look
for the eagles that fly over the downtown
businesses in the summer. The Little Blue
Wildlife Management Area is 2 miles east
of Hebron on the River Road, another great
place for hunting, fishing and sightseeing.
Look for the wild turkeys while traveling
the River Road.
The ROCK ISLAND WALKING TRAIL follows the old tracks of the Rock Island Train
through the south part of Hebron. The trail is approximately 1 mile in length.
The OREGON TRAIL AND PONY EXPRESS MONUMENTS are located 2 miles
north of Hebron on Highway 81. The Pony Express re-rides the trail yearly.
The HEBRON MUNICIPAL SWIMMING POOL offers a variety of family-friendly
entertainment. The pool has a 50-ft. water slide, 2 low diving boards, separate baby pool
and plenty of space to swim. Across from the pool, are playground equipment, ball fields
and a sand volleyball playing area. Call 402-768-6407 for more information.
The HEBRON CCC AND POW CAMPS MONUMENT is located at Holdrege and
10th Street, just off Jefferson Avenue. Camping is available down at the old CCC Camp
in the Southeast part of town, near the Little Blue River. Riverside Park in Hebron is a
beautiful wooded park very near the Little Blue River. The Park has hot showers and
restroom facilities available. Sewer dumping is available at a drive-through area on the
South end of the campground. The park in Hebron is often referred to as the CCC Camp
because of its history. The CCC Camp was home of the Civil Conservation Corp during the
Great Depression and then hosted German POWs during World War II.
The 4TH OF JULY is Hebron’s annual
celebration. A parade downtown, breakfast,
games and activities throughout the day,
food, and fireworks at the airport at dusk.
The ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FAIR,
sponsored by the Hebron Chamber of
Commerce, is the 3rd Sunday in November
in the Thayer Central School gyms. Call
402-768-7156 for more information.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, May 2628- Courthouse Flag Display & Speech, High
school class reunions.
TCHS FOUNDATION –VARIETY
SHOW, Held in October. Call
402-786-7203 for more information.
Hubbell
The SIXTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN
MARKER southeast of Hubbell is the
point where all land in Nebraska and
Kansas, and most land in Colorado and
Wyoming and parts of South Dakota
were surveyed and subdivided. This
was all done in 1856.
HAY DAYS Hubbell celebrates Hay
Days late in August.
ACREAGE STEAKHOUSE Come
and enjoy The Acreage Steakhouse
402-324-5088, serving some of the best
food around.
VISIT US ONLINE TO FIND OUT MORE
ABOUT SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA!
WWW.VISITSOUTHEASTNEBRASKA.ORG
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
55
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January - December
March 16 & 17
May 5 & 6
June 2
June 30
Soaring Wings Vineyard Sunday
Acoustic Music
Sarpy Couonty
Geneva Home and Garden Show
Fillmore County
Living History Weekend
Jefferson County
Deshler City Wide Garage Sales
Thayer County
Adams Fourth of July Celebration
Gage County
March 17
May 5
June 2 & 3
June 30
Shamrock Shuffle 5K Run/Walk
Jefferson Couonty
Space Day
Cass County
Dewitt Annual Independence Day
Saline County
March 18
Rails & Trails
Rock Creek Trail Days
Jefferson County
May 13
Annual Consignment Sale
Saline County
Bellevue Offutt Runway Run
Sarpy County
June 2
Limestone Days
Cass County
March 24
May 20
Milligan’s Beers of Nebraska
Fillmore County
National Commemoration of the
Homestead Act - 150th Anniversary
Gage County
June 5 - August 26
Native American Artifacts
Cass County
Nebraska City Fireworks
and Ice Cream
Otoe County
May 21 - 25
June 8 -10
July
Free Land? Chautaugua
Gage County
Milligan June Jubilee
Fillmore County
Davenport’s 125th Celebration &
Achievement Day
Thayer County
May 24 - 27
June 8 & 9
La Vista Daze
Sarpy County
Springfield Days
Sarpy County
May 26
June 12 - 17
April - September
Monumental Fiddling
Championship
Gage County
Homestead Days
Gage County
JayHusker Racing
Jefferson County
May 28
First Friday of every month
Brownville First Friday Series
Nemaha County
January 1 - 28
Grandma’s China Cabinet
Cass County
January 7 - March 4
Hollywood & Homesteading
Film Festival
Gage County
March 30 & 31
January 28
Home & Garden Show
Johnson County
Avoca Quack-Off
Cass County
March 31
January 28
Indoor Air Show
Cass County
Strategic Air & Space Museum
Chili Bomb
Cass County
January 29
Milligan Chili Cook-Off
Fillmore County
January 31 - March 3
Quilts and Valentines
Cass County
First Friday In February
Unadilla Groundhog Day
Otoe County
February 10 - 14
Eugene T. Mahoney
Valentines Special
Cass County
March 31 & April 1
Platte River Art Show
Cass County
April - September
Omaha Storm Chasers Triple A
Basebal Games
Sarpy County
April
Brownville Wine, Writers and Song
Weekend Celebrating
Nemaha County
April 7
Easter Egg Hunt
Cass County
February 16
Strang Annual Pancake Day
Fillmore County
April 21
February 18
Pork & Pints Beer & Wine Fest
Jefferson County
Nebraska Robotics Expo
Cass County
February 19
Annual Firemen’s Goose Feed
Saline County
March to October
Beatrice Speedway
Friday Night Racing
Gage County
April 27 - 29
Nebraska City Arbor Day
Celebration
Otoe County
April 28
Living History Day
Cass County
April 30 - May 4
Hebron Courthouse
Program & Flag Display
Thayer County
Memorial Day Weekend
Brownville’s Annual Spring
Flea Market
Nemaha County
Friday nights throughout the
summer months
Outdoor Movie and Concert Series
Sarpy County
First weekend in June
Peru Old Man River Days
Nemaha County
Every Saturday June - August
Syracuse Farmers Market
Otoe County
Every Saturday June - August
Auburn Farmers Market
Nemaha County
Thursday Afternoons/Evenings
June - September
Nebraska City Farmers’ Market
Otoe County
Sam Wymore Days
Gage County
June 15-17
June 30
June 30
First Saturday July
Otoe County Mud Drags
Otoe County
July 3 & 4
Celebrate Patriotism-Geneva
Fillmore County
Deshler Daze, 125th Celebration
& Alumni Banquet
Thayer County
July 4
June 16 & 17
July 4
Ohiowa Days - 125th Celebration
Fillmore County
Hebron’s 4th of July Annual
Celebration
Thayer County
June 16
Run, Row, Rock & Roll
Adventure Race
Jefferson County
June each year on
Fathers Day weekend
Johnson’s Annual Father’s Day BBQ
Nemaha County
Father’s Day weekend in June
Deshler Daze
Thayer County
41st Annual Shriner’s Flea Market
Jefferson County
July 4
Dorchester July 4 Annual
Independence Day Celebration
Saline County
July 4
Brownville Freedom Day
Celebration
Nemaha County
July 4
Father’s Day Weekend
Friend July 4 Annual Independence
Day Celebration
Saline County
Annual Community Garage Sale
Saline County
July 4
Third week in June
Humboldt Fourth of July
Celebration
Richardson County
Abate Bike Rally
Pawnee County
Third Saturday in June
July 5 - 7
116th Annual Diller Picnic
Jefferson County
March 3
Storytelling Festival
Gage County
Auburn Polar Plunge
Nemaha County
First Weekend May - October
Every Tuesday June September
March 6 - June 3
Pioneer Rendezvous
Richardson County
Fairmont & Geneva Farmer’s Market
Fillmore County
G.A.R. Medals
Cass County
May - September 4
June
Kimmel Orchard
Strawberry & Cherry Festivals
Otoe County
Milligan’s 4th Thursday
Classic Car Night
Fillmore County
Palmyra’s Old Settler’s Picnic
Otoe County
June 15 -17
Nemaha County Fair
Nemaha County
June - August
Papillion Days
Sarpy County
July 12 - 15
June 23
Sumtur Amphitheater Play
“Annie Get Your Gun"
Sarpy County
March 11
Nebraska City Bridal Show
Otoe County
May 13
March 16
Annual Czech Festival Kickoff
Saline County
56
Annual Spring Kite Festival
Sarpy County
Sarpy County Museum Annual
Quilt Show
Sarpy County
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
Unadilla Day
Otoe County
Mid to Late June
Cortlandfest
Gage County
July 7
GermanFest
Otoe County
July 12 - 15
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July 14 & 15
August
Late August
First Saturday in October
November 9
Annual Riverside Music Festival
Saline County
Otoe County Fair
Otoe County
Hubbell Hay Days
Thayer County
Auburn Classic Car Show
Nemaha County
Wilber Veteran’s Day Program
Saline County
July 15
First Weekend in August
November 11
Nebraska City’s Kimmel Orchard
Wine Under the Pines Festival
Otoe County
4 Weekends September
- October
October
Rock Bluffs School Open House
Cass County
TCHS Foundation Variety Show
Thayer County
Doane College Veteran’s Day
Celebration
Saline County
Third week in July
Living History Days
Otoe County
First Weekend in August
September 7 - 15
Nebraska City Lemon Days
Otoe County
Manley Pillage the Village
Cass County
Sumtur Amphitheater Play
“Annie Get Your Gun"
Sarpy County
August 1 - 5
September 8 - 9
Sarpy County Fair
Sarpy County
Odell Community Days
Gage County
July 20 -25
August 2 - 5
September 13 - 15
Fillmore County Fair
Fillmore County
51st Annual Czech Festival
Saline County
Richardson County Free Fair
Richardson County
July 20 & 21
August 4 - 5
Second Saturday of September
Old Settler’s Picnic
Saline County
Jaycees’ Tractor Pull
and Demolition Derby
Richardson County
August 9 -11
Gage County Fair and Expo
Gage County
July 19 - 25
July 20 & 21
Riverfest
Sarpy County
July 22 & 23
Exeter Summer Celebration
Fillmore County
July 23 - 28
Richardson County 4-H Fair
Richardson County
July 24 - 29
Saline County Fair
Saline County
July 25 - 28
Pawnee County Fair
Pawnee County
July 27 - 29
Bruning’s 125th Celebration
Thayer County
July 28
Helicopter Day
Cass County
July 28
Sprint Triathlon
Richardson County
July 28-29
Fairmont’s 136th Old Settlers Picnic
Fillmore County
July 29
October 5
Cruizin’ Main
Cass County
October 5 & 6
Harvest Festival
Gage County
October 6 & 7
Third Sunday in November
Hebron Annual Christmas Fair
Thayer County
2 weeks before Christmas and
through New Years Day
October 6 & 7
Chester Christmas Lights Show
Thayer County
Milo Days
Thayer County
Heritage Highway Byway 136
Trail of Treasures
Thayer County
November 23
September 14 - 16
October 6 - 9
Nebraska City’s AppleJack Festival
Otoe County
Paint Brownville Autumn
Nemaha County
September 15 - October 31
October 13, 19-20, 26-27
Deer Creek Sodbusters
Johnson County
Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm &
Pumpkin Patch
Cass County
Haunted Hollow Hayrack Rides
Richardson County
August 17 - 19
September 15 & 16
Johnson County Fair
Johnson County
Steele City Antique Farm Machinery
Show/Flea Market
Jefferson County
Thayer County Fair
Thayer County
Second Sunday In August
Third week in August
October 14
Ohiowa Craft Day
Fillmore County
October 20
Christmas Open House
Richardson County
November 24
Odell Craft Show
Gage County
November 24 & 25
Bess Streeter Aldrich House
Cass County
First Saturday of December
Tannebaum Festival
Otoe County
First Sunday in December
September 22 - 23
Howling Homestead
Gage County
October 20 & 21
Nemaha Valley Museum Christmas
Activities
Nemaha County
August 18
Pawnee City Civil War
Reenactments
Pawnee County
Adams Community Days
Gage County
September 29
Holiday Craft Show
Cass County
December
October 21 - November 3
Christmas Tree Exhibit
Saline County
August 18
Weeping Water Fall Festival
Cass County
Annual Fun Fair
Saline County
Last weekend in September
Scarecrows Among Us Display
Cass County
December 1 & 2, 8 & 9
October 21
Bess Streeter Aldrich House
Cass County
August 18
Annual Brownville Fall
Flea Market
Nemaha County
Rock Bluffs School Open House
Cass County
December 1- 24
October
October 27
Annual Fall Festivals
Sarpy County
Annual Halloween Event
Saline County
Entire Month of October
October 27
Nebraska City’s Wildwood Home
Victorian Christmas
Otoe County
Trick or Treat
Cass County
Annual Poker Run
Pawnee County
Arrows to Aerospace
Sarpy County
August 18
Soaring Wings Vineyard
Swine on the Vine
Sarpy County
August 18
Sumtur Amphitheater
Lucky Bucket Music Festival
Sarpy County
October
Halloween Week
August 24 - 26
Paint Brownville
Nemaha County
August
Cobblestone Festival
Richardson County
October 1 - 31
November 3
Brownville Golf Classic
Nemaha County
August 28 - October 28
Fangmeier Farms Pumpkin Patch
Thayer County
August
Farm Life and Harvest
Cass County
First Sunday in October
22nd Annual Frost Frolic Holiday
Market
Jefferson County
August 29
Fall Festival
Thayer County
Kimmel Orchard Peach Festival
Otoe County
Chamber Merchant Christmas
Richardson County
Autumn Harvest Art Show
Cass County
Nebraska City Trail of Treats & Arbor
Lodge Enchanted Forest
Otoe County
Last Hot Sunday in July Auto/Truck
Show & Shine
Cass County
November 19
Grafton’s St. Helena’s Bazaar
Fillmore County
November 3
Celebrate the Holidays
in Geneva
Fillmore County
December 1 & 2
Christmas Celebration
Saline County
December 1
Come Home for Christmas
Cass County
December 8
Deshler Community Christmas
Party
Thayer County
December 8
Ringing in the Season in Louisville
Cass County
Veteran’s Day Parade
Sarpy County
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
57
LODGING & CAMPING
CASS COUNTY
GREENWOOD
Pine Grove RV Park
23403 Mynard Rd.
Interstate 80, Exit 420 between
Omaha & Lincoln.
(402) 944-3550
www.pinegrovervpark.com
LOUISVILLE
Louisville State Recreation Area
15810 Hwy. 50
Ideally located in a picturesque
area close to the facilities at Platte
River State Park. 41 tents, 236
trailers.
(402) 234-6855
www.outdoornebraska.org
Platte River State Park
14421 346th Street
Camper and housekeeping cabins
available.
(402) 234-2217
www.outdoornebraska.org
PLATTSMOUTH
Banker’s House Bed & Breakfast
414 Avenue B
(402) 296-6991
www.bankersbedandbreakfast.com
Parmele House Bed
& Breakfast
520 Avenue F
(402) 296-0525
www.parmelehouse.com
The Fitzgerald Hotel
6th and Main Street
(402) 298-4326
www.thefitzgeraldbuilding.com
WEEPING WATER
Slattery Vintage Estates B&B
Bungalows
8925 Adams St., Nehawka, NE.
Glamour Camping at its best.
Tents completely furnished with
all of the necessities.
(402) 267-5267
www.svevineyards.com
OTHER AREA LODGING
Mahoney State Park
28500 W. Park Hwy.
Ashland, NE
(402) 944-2523
www. outdoornebraska.org
FILLMORE COUNTY
EXETER
Gilbert Park RV
108 E. Maplewood
2 blocks south of U.S. Highway 6
on Exeter Ave. Two spaces. $10,
RY, RV-E, RF-F, AD-F. Shaded area
in the city park of a small, friendly
community.
402-266-3051
GENEVA
Geneva Inn
328 S. 13th St.
402-759-3476
www.genevainn.net
Hotel Geneva
736 G St.
402-759-2883 or 402-759-2126
www.hotelgeneva.biz
Dempster Woods B & B
1212 M St.
402-759-4171
Lakeshore RV Park
100 Walnut St.
From U.S. Hwy. 81, west on R St.
to 1st St., south to Walnut Court.
Peaceful camping for the whole
family, reservations available, 10
trailers, $11-$15. YR RF, E,W,S, AD-F.
402-759-3883
MILLIGAN
Milligan RV Park
5th & L St.
Shaded sites near Centennial
Garden, 6 tents, 6 trailers, $6, AprilSeptember, RV-EW, TC, RF-F, AD-F.
402-629-4446
OHIOWA
Ohiowa RV Park
203 Main St.
Wide-open spaces, café and bar
nearby, 3 tents, 6 trailers, $7/day,
$150/mo. April-November 1, RVEW, TC, AD-F.
402-295-2378
Lonestar Recreation Area
4 miles east and 1/4 mile south
of Ohiowa off Hwy. 74. Electrical
hookups, tents, water, fishing and
boating.
www.littlebluenrd.org
SHICKLEY
Shickley South Park
101 N. Market St.
Quiet park close to downtown.
3 tents, 3 trailers. $5. YR, RV, EW,
TC, AD-F.
402-627-2055
www.biglittletown.us
Kensington B&B
105 N. 6th St.
402-228-2000
New Victorian Inn
3721 N. 6th St.
402-228-8808
Travelers Lodge
3500 N. 6th St.
402-223-4074
Victorian Inn
1903 N. 6th St.
402-228-5955
WYMORE
D&M Motel
Highway 77
402-645-3810
JEFFERSON COUNTY
FAIRBURY
Above the Gallery Lodging
515 4th Street
402- 729-3034
The Capri Motel
Highways 15 & 136
800-932-0589
Crystal Springs Park
Southwest of Fairbury
402-729-2148
Fairbury Executive Suites
506 E Street
402- 613-2064
Rock Creek Station State
Historical Park
6 miles southeast of Fairbury
402- 729-5777
Boulders Inn & Suites
January 2012
Highways 15 & 136
402-729-3000
NEMAHA COUNTY
AUBURN
Arbor Manor Motel
1617 Central Avenue
402-274-3663
Auburn Inn Motel and RV Park
517 J Street (north edge of
Auburn on Highway 75)
402-274-3143
City of Auburn RV Park, West on
6th Street to Q Street (Auburn
Sports Complex)
402-274-3420
Palmer House Motel
1918 J Street
402-274-3193
BROWNVILLE
The Actor’s Residence
Mid-August through mid-May,
accommodates 14+.
402-825-3982
Brownville Riverside Park
On the east edge of town along
Highway 136, near the Steamboat
Trace. With riverfront camping
and nearby boat ramp, it is open
year round for fishing, hiking,
camping and picnicking.
402-825-3982
The Cottage
Luxury, executive lodging.
402-883-2690
www.brownville-ne.com/res/mcmullensingle-flyer.pdf
The Hill House
Brownville’s latest attraction...very
refined, historic property.
402-937-4439 or 402-825-4921
www.facebook.com/pages/The-HillHouse/157174237661546
Meritt’s
Two-bedroom, furnished
apartment by the week or month.
402-825-4281
GAGE COUNTY
JOHNSON COUNTY
ADAMS
Edna’s Main House B&B
822 Main St.
402-988-2020
TECUMSEH
Towne & Country Motel
188 Highway 136
402-335-3586
BEATRICE
Carriage House B&B
25478 S. 23rd Rd.
402-228-0356
Pearson-Kelley House
The Pearson-Kelley Guesthouse is
centrally located.
402-825-6637
www.marysemporium.com/cottage.htm
Johnson County Fairgrounds
1st Street and Highway 136 in
Tecumseh.
402-335-7050
Pierce Cottage
402-825-4921
www.brownville-ne.com/res/bertelsen.pdf
Chautauqua Park
9th & Grable
402-228-5248
Super 7 Motel
402 North 12th
402-335-3100
The Cottage B&B
23436 SW 75th Road
402-228-0125
Wirth Brothers Lake
5 miles north and 1 mile West
of Tecumseh. 89-acre recreation
area. 34-acre lake. $5 for 2-day
permit. $12 Annual per year.
402-335-3325
www.nemahanrd.org
Econolodge
3210 N. 6th St.
402-223-3536
Holiday Inn Express
4005 N .6th St.
402-228-7000
The River Inn
A boutique,
floating B & B, call
402-825-6441.
www.river-inn-resort.com
Village Guest House
402-825-4921
NEMAHA
City Park
Primitive camping in the City
Park is located 1 block west of the
Nemaha One Stop.
PERU
Cabin at Honey Creek.
402-872-7275
www.NebraskaTheGoodLife.com
Steamboat Trace Trailhead
Camping & RV Park
402-335-3325
OTOE COUNTY
NEBRASKA CITY
Arbor Day Farm Lied Lodge &
Conference Center
2700 Sylvan Road
800-546-5433
402-873-8733
www.liedlodge.org
America’s Best Value Inn & Suites
(Temporarily Closed Due to
Flooding)
2133 Sapp Bros. Drive (Percival, IA)
888-315-2378
712-382-2100
www.americasbestvalueinn.com
Cassel Grove Homestead Inn
750 S. 64th Rd.
402-873-0602
www.casselgrovehomesteadinn.com
Best Western
Nebraska City
2515 S. 11th Street
800-WESTERN
402-873-7000
www.bestwesternnebraska.com
Deluxe Inn
1715 S. 11th Street
402-873-6656
www.deluxe-inn-nebraska.com
Riverview Marina Campground &
Boat Ramp (Temporarily Closed
Due to Flooding)
N. 4th Street
402-873-7222
www.ngpc.state.ne.Us
Super 8 Motel (Temporarily Closed
Due to Flooding)
Junction I-29 & Hwy. 2
(Percival, IA)
800-800-8000 / 712-382-2828
www.super8.com
Victorian Acres RV Park &
Campground
6591 NE Hwy. 2
402-873-6866
www.victorianacresrvpark.com
Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast
2018 6th Avenue
877-277-3577
402-873-5850
www.bbwhisperingpines.com
SYRACUSE
Syracuse Inn and Suites
130 N. 30th Road
402-269-2700
Mustang Motel
940 Park
(402) 269-2185
South Park Camping Grounds
402-260-2173
58
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
LODGING & CAMPING
PAWNEE COUNTY
RICHARDSON COUNTY
BURCHARD
Big Blue Ranch & Lodge
70804 608 Ave.
Ride horses on a cattle drive, enjoy
great fishing, hunt for deer or
turkey, or relax indoors by the stone
fireplace while watching the sunset.
Reserve a full suite in our beautiful
log lodge. Canoe or hike around
the lake and enjoy what nature has
to offer.
402-865-4355, 402-696-4515,
402-730-3643
www.bigblueranch.com
[email protected]
FALLS CITY
Check-In Motel
2824 N. U.S. Highway 73
402-245-2433
checkinmotel.com
Burchard Lodge
505 Pawnee
402-865-4020
Stanton Lake Park
2500 Schoenheit
402-245-2707
fallscitynebraska.org
Burchard Lake
A 150-acre lake featuring year
round fishing, camping, hiking
and picnic areas. Blinds have
been constructed in the park for
birdwatchers to enjoy viewing
wildlife in the area including the
prairie chicken.
PAWNEE CITY
My Blue Heaven Bed and Breakfast
1041 5th St.
It has been in business for 23 years.
It has been a member of the state
Bed and Breakfast Association since
the beginning. This 1920s home has
many beautiful quilts on display
and antiques.
Call 402-852-3131 for reservation.
Grand Weaver Hotel
1800 Stone Street
402-245-2448
fallscitynebraska.org
Matthes Manor B&B
2102 Stone Street
402-245-5449
fallscitynebraska.org
Vision Inn Motel
2621 Harlan St.
402-245-2459
visioninnmotel.com
HUMBOLDT
City Lake Park
607 Park Ave.
Contact City Clerk at
402-862-2171.
www.ci.humboldt.ne.Us
Camping at Tuxedo Park
West edge of Crete,
April 1 – Oct. 15.
402-826-4315
WILBER
American Legion Campground
Located on south edge of town on
School Street.
Year round camping, hookups,
showers and restrooms available.
Call John Prochazka at 402-8213016.
Hotel Wilber
12 antique-furnished rooms for
rent, restaurant and lounge.
Call Jana Nicholson at
402-821-2020.
SARPY COUNTY
KOA Omaha
14601 Highway 6
402-332-3010
www.koa.com
Kirkman Cove Recreational Area
402-335-3325
www.nemahanrd.org
Pawnderosa City Pond and
Campsite Area
Approximately 2 acres with 8
electric pads. Fire rings and picnic
tables are available at each pad
and under the covered picnic area.
Potable water, restroom facilities
available (April – October) on-site
and a Dump Station is available
through the Pawnee City Offices.
SHUBERT
Indian Cave State Park
65296 720 Rd.
2 miles North, 5 miles East
402-883-2575
outdoornebraska.ne.gov
Hampton Inn & Suites
3404 Samson Way
Bellevue, NE 68123
402-292-1607
www.hamptoninn.com
Dana Farms at Mayberry
71775 614 Ave.
888-660-2706
CRETE
Crete Inn
1515 West 11th Street
(West Highway #33)
402-826-4341
www.creteinn.com
Norma’s Nook
Larry and Teri Shestak
710 Hawthorne Ave.
402-826-0182 or 402-826-4148
Super 8
1880 West 12th
(West Highway #33)
402-826-3600
www.super8.com
Value Place Hotel Bellevue
2703 Samson Way
Bellevue, NE 68123
402-991-5050
www.valueplace.com
Best Western White House Inn
305 Fort Crook Rd.
Bellevue, NE 68005
402-293-1600
www.bestwestern.com
Pawnee Inn
1023 F St.
402-852-2238
SALINE COUNTY
Settle Inn & Suites
2105 Pratt Ave.
Bellevue, NE 68123
402-292-1155
www.settleinn.com
GRETNA
Holiday Inn Express
16175 Stevens Point Circle
I-80 Exit 439
402-504-3716
www.hiexpressgretna.com
Candlewood Suites
1902 15th St.
Bellevue, NE 68123
402-932-8144
www.candlewoodsuites.com
STEINAUER
Convent House Bed and Breakfast
311 Hickory St.
402-869-2230
Royal Inn/Sandman Motel
105 Fort Crook Road S.
Bellevue, NE 68005
402-291-4990
BELLEVUE
America Best Value Inn
303 Fort Crook Road S.
Bellevue, NE 68005
402-291-1518
Gandy House
Bed & Breakfast
Duaine & Sandy Stalder
715 5th St.
402-862-3278
www.gandyhouse.com
VERDON
Verdon State Lake
½ mile W.
402-883-2575
outdoornebraska.ne.gov
Park Permit Required
Rodeway Inn
1110 Fort Crook Road S.
Bellevue, NE 68005
402-291-0804
www.rodewayinn.com
Haworth Park
Mission Avenue & Payne Drive
Bellevue, NE 68005
402-293-3098
Hillside Motel
16408 Highway 75
Bellevue, NE 68123
402-291-3676
Holiday Inn Express
10804 S. 15th Street
Bellevue, NE 68123
402-504-4500
www.holidayinn.com
Imperial Motel
1209 Fort Crook Road N.
Bellevue, NE 68005
402-733-4889
Microtel Inn
3008 Samson Way
Bellevue, NE 68123
402-292-0191
www.microtelinn.com
Offutt Motor Court
3618 Fort Crook Road S.
Bellevue, NE 68005
402-291-4333
Melia Hill Inn
22410 Highway 6
402-332-5737
Super 8 Motel
14355 S. Highway 31,
Exit 432
402-332-5188
www.super8.com
LAVISTA
Courtyard by Marriot
12560 Westport Parkway
I-80 Exit 442
402-339-4900
www.marriott.com/courtyard
Embassy Suites Hotel
12520 Westport Parkway
I-80 Exit 442
402-331-7400 or 800-EMBASSY
www.embassysuiteslavista.com
Hampton Inn & Suites
12331 Southport Parkway
I-80 Exit 442
402-895-2900
www.hamptoninn.com
PAPILLION
Liberty Lodge
1409 Gold Coast Road
Papillion, NE 68046
402-339-0555
Walnut Creek Lake/Recreation Area
9902 Schramm Road
Papillion, NE 68046
402-697-9889
www.papillion.org
OTHER AREA LODGING
Comfort Inn
9595 S. 145th Street
Omaha, NE 68138
402-896-6300
www.comfortinn.com
Countryside Inn & Suites
9477 S. 142nd Street
Omaha, NE 68138
402-884-2644
Hometowne Lodge
10308 Sapp Brothers Dr.
Omaha, NE 68138
402-895-2200
www.hthotels.com/NE/Omaha.html
402-339-0555
Motel 6-Sapp Brothers
10560 Sapp Brothers Dr.
Omaha, NE 68138
402-896-6868
www.motel6.com
Quality Inn
9505 S. 142nd Street
Omaha, NE 68138
402-896-9500
www.qualityinn.com
Red Carpet Inn
9305 S. 145th Street
Omaha, NE 68138
402-895-2555
www.omaharedcarpetinn.com
THAYER COUNTY
DESHLER
Deshler City Park
Camping is available at no cost for
3 days, with electrical hook-ups
and water. After the 3 days there is
a daily cost of $5.
Call 402-365-4260 for more
information.
HEBRON
Budget Host Inn-Rosewood
140 S. 13th St.
402-768-6524
www.budgethosthebron.com
Riverside Motel
305 S. 13th St.
402-768-7366
www.riversidemotel-hebron.com
Riverside Park
Camping is available at Riverside
Park near the swimming pool. The
park has hot showers, restroom
facilities and sewer dumping
available.
For more information call
402-786-7156
Wayfarer Motel
104 N. 13th St.
402-768-7226
Camping sites available
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
59
O U T D O O R S I T E S & R E C R E AT I O N
CASS COUNTY
AVOCA
Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm
911 108th St.
(402) 267-4104
www.bloompumpkinpatch.com
EAGLE
Eagle Raceway
617 South 238th St.
Track line (402) 781-2243
Office (402) 238-2595
www.eagleraceway.com
GREENWOOD
Nebraska Raceway Park
14200 238th St.
Located at I-80 Exit 420
402-659-3301
www.neracewaypark.com
LOUISVILLE
Louisville Lakes State
Recreation Area
18510 Hwy. 50
(402) 234-6855
www.outdoornebraska.org
Platte River State Park
14421 346th St.
(402) 234-2217
www.outdoornebraska.org
PLATTSMOUTH
Schilling Wildlife Management Area
Main St. east over the railroad
tracks, first left on Refuge Rd..
www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov
WEEPING WATER
Slattery Vintage Estates
8925 Adams St.
Nehawka, NE
402-267-5267
www.svevineyards.com
OTHER AREA
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Eugene T. Mahoney
State Park
Located just off I-80,
Exit 426
(402) 944-2523
www.outdoornebraska.org
Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park
and Wildlife Safari
Near Mahoney State Park
(402) 944-9453 or
(402) 733-8401
www.omahazoo.com
Historical Marker 381
Fairmont Army Airfield
U.S. Hwy. 6, on the east edge of
Fairmont.
Historical Marker 360
Fairmont Army Airfield
U.S. Hwy. 81, 2 miles south of
Fairmont.
Historical Marker 309
601 6th Ave.
EXETER
Exeter Mural
217 Exeter Ave.
Historic Marker 278
1879 Exeter 1979
219 S Exeter Ave.
Aquatic Center
1103 Maplewood St.
402-266-3001
FAIRMONT
Union Soldier Monument
601 6th Ave.
Located in the park just south of
the Fillmore County Museum.
60
Chautauqua Park
9th & Grable
402-228-5248
Prairie Playground
1801 Scott St.
402-228-5248
GENEVA
Geneva City Park
1404 E St.
WYMORE
Arbor State Park
300 West M. Street
402-645-3911
GRAFTON
Blue River Bridge
6 miles northwest of Grafton.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
Wildlife Management Areas and
Wildlife Protection Areas
http://rwbjv.org/pdf/RWBJV_eastern_tour_
map.pdf
MILLIGAN
Two B-24 “Liberators”
Crash Historic Marker 475
Marker is located on Nebraska Hwy.
41, northeast of Milligan.
B-47G “Flying Fortress” and P-47D
“Thunderbolt” Historic Marker 474
The marker is located on Nebraska
Hwy. 41, northeast of Milligan.
BT-13B “Valiant” and P-47 D
“Thunderbolt” Crash Historic
Marker
The marker is located on Nebraska
Hwy. 41, northeast of Milligan.
Cesky Bratri Cemetery
and Pioneer Chapel
2 miles west of Milligan along
Hwy. 41.
OHIOWA
Lone Star
Recreation Area
4 miles east of Ohiowa on Hwy.
74 and ¼ mile south in Fillmore
County.
www.littlebluenrd.org
SHICKLEY
Mallard Haven Waterfowl
Production Area
2 miles north of Shickley.
FAIRBURY
Campbell Bros. Circus Mural
5th & E Streets, on the side of Globe
Rexall Drugstore in downtown
Fairbury.
Crystal Springs Park
Southwest of Fairbury.
402-729-2148
Fairbury City Park, 5th & Maple St.,
Frontier Fun Park, Union Pacific
Engine No. 421 located 3 blocks
west of the northwest corner of the
downtown square.
402-729-2148
Jefferson County Speedway
Jefferson County Fairgrounds
402-729-3008 or 402-729-3514
Little Blue River Trail/Fairbury Dam
Starting at 3rd & C St.
402-729-2148
McDowell’s Rose Creek Mausoleum.
Located southwest of Fairbury.
402-729-3000
McNish Park, Disc Golf Course west
of J Street between 12th & 13th
streets just south of Hwy 136.
402-729-2148
Rock Creek Station
State Historical Park
A state park permit is required.
402-729-5777
JOHNSON COUNTY
GAGE COUNTY
FILLMORE COUNTY
Big Indian Lake/Rec Area
6 miles east of Odell on Hwy. 8
402-228-3402
BEATRICE
Beatrice Miniature Golf
402-217-0672
Beatrice Speedway
321 Logan Ave.
402-228-2264
TECUMSEH
Brandon Parkway Fountain
In front of the Community Building.
Civil War Soldier Memorial Statue
– World War I Cannon – Bandshell
Courthouse square in Tecumseh.
Keim Stone Arch Bridge
From Tecumseh – 3 miles east and
1 mile north of Hwy. 136.
Beatrice Skate Park
West Court &
Center St.
402-228-5248
Osage WMA
3 miles north, 2 miles west, 3/4 mile
north of Tecumseh.
Beatrice Water Park
13th & Scott St.
402-228-5248
Twin Oaks WMA
2 miles east, 3 miles south of
Tecumseh
Beatrice Hiking/
Biking Trails
402-228-5248
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
Wirth Brothers Lake
and Park
5 miles north, 1 mile west of
Tecumseh.
NRD Park Permit Required
VESTA
Hickory Ridge WMA
1/2 mile west, 3 1/2 miles south
of Vesta.
NEMAHA COUNTY
AUBURN
Auburn Recreational Complex
6th & Q Streets
West on 6th street 6 blocks. 4
softball fields, youth baseball,
soccer fields. Playground area,
LARGE shelter house, RV park City
Hall.
402-274-3420
www.Auburn.Ne.gov
Half Breed Historical Marker
Highway 136 East, 1 mile east of
Auburn.
Legion Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial
Skate park, swimming pool,
playground, shelter house and
band stand.
Highway 75 and 10th street, East
side of Highway. National Historic
Park site.
For more information contact
City Hall 402-274-3420.
Rotary Lake
Highway 75 and 6th street. Located
east of the rodeo grounds. Fishing
lake for trout, bass, cat, carp, blue
gill, etc. Full walking trail around
the Lake. RV Campground located
adjacent to Lake.
For more information contact
City Hall 402-274-3420.
BROCK
Coryell Park
73203 633 Ave.
Johnson, NE
1 mile east of Brock, 3 miles south
402-856–2875
Hearts United for Animals
73418 638th, Located 6 miles north
of Auburn on Hwy. 75, 1 mile west
on Hwy. 67–toward Brock, 1 mile
south.
402-274-3679
www.hua.org
BROWNVILLE
The Furnas Arboretum
Main at 5th St.
402-274-2676
Schoolhouse Art Gallery
& Nature Center
427 Main St.
402-274-2676
NEMAHA
Aspinwall Bend WMA
1⁄2 mile south of Nemaha. Located
on the Missouri and Little Nemaha
Rivers.
Indian Cave State Park
Highway 136 and 67 intersection
at Brownville, 10 miles South and 5
mile East on 64E.
402-883-2575
ww.outdoornebraska.ne.gov
Site of Original Lewis
and Clark Camp
(Not marked, need to consult with
local historians)
PERU
The Missouri River Bottom Land
-1/2 mile North of downtown Peru,
1/4 mile East, 1/4 mile North. 850
acres (check for accessibility with
the floods in 2011)
Peru State College Arboretum,
Campus of a Thousand Oaks, over
100 species of trees.
402-872-2401 Arboretum
peru.edu.org
Neal Park
Located on the south edge of PSC
Campus. Outstanding Flora and
Fauna, trails, nature at its best.
Steamboat Trace Trail
Traihead in Peru, North end of 5th
Street (installation spring of 2012)
QR coding 21 miles of the trail,
camping with shelters, RV Park,
playground.
402-335-3325
www.nemahanrd.org/trail.htm
OTOE COUNTY
NEBRASKA CITY
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park,
Whispering Bench & Arboretum
2300 2nd Ave.
402-873-7222
www.ngpc.state.ne.us
State park permit required
Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure,
Nature Explore Classroom and 50’
Tree House
2611 Arbor Ave.
800-546-5433
www.arbordayfarm.org
Kimmel Orchard
5995 G Rd
402-873-5293
www.kimmelorchard.com
Missouri River Basin Interpretive
Trail & Visitor’s Center
100 Valmont Dr
402-874-9900
www.mrb-lewisandclarkcenter.org
Nuckolls Square Park Playground
& Gazebos
11th Street & 3rd Ave
402-873-5515
Pumpkin Ridge
815 North 60th Road,
Nebraska City,
402-873-9238
pumpkinridgecrafts.com
Riverview Nature Park and State
Recreation Area/Marina
North 4th Street at River
402-873-5515
outdoornebraska.ne.gov
O U T D O O R S I T E S & R E C R E AT I O N
Steinhart Park Public Swimming
Pool, Ball Complex, Horseshoe Pits,
Sk8Board Park, & Fishing Pond
141 Steinhart Park Rd
402-873-6654
Schilling Bridge Winery and
Microbrewery
62193 710 Rd.
Six blocks west of Hwy. 50 & 14th St.
402-852-2400
Wildwood Park Municipal Golf
Course, Dog Park, Play Center, Sand
Volleyball Court, and Shelters
420 Steinhart Park Rd
402-873-6340
Wild Things Outfitting
71075 617 Ave.
RICHARDSON COUNTY
SWANTON
Swanton WMA
3 miles north 1 1/2 miles west of
Swanton
SYRACUSE
Lion’s Club Arboretum
Located at 12th Street and
Education Drive
FALLS CITY
Brenner Field
3301 Business Parkway N
fallscitynebraska.org
TOBIAS
Willard Mayes Recreation Area
Swan Lake
3 miles east, 2 miles north of Tobias
South Park
Located west of the Otoe County
Fairgrounds, between 1st and 3rd
Streets and Midland and Plum
Streets
Falls City Aquatic Center
3002 N Old Hwy. 73
fallscitynebraska.org
WILBER
Swan Creek WMA
17 miles west of Wilber, Hwy. 41
Syracuse Aqua Centers
Located at 1180 Chestnut
Williams Park
Located in the middle of Syracuse,
running north and south.
PAWNEE COUNTY
Pawnee County has 5 wild life
management areas where you
can see many different kinds of
birds, and hunt. You can pick up
bird brochure at the tourism office
located in Pawnee City. There are
2 lakes. Burchard Lake is located
8 miles west and 4 miles north of
Pawnee City. It is a 150 acre lake.
In the park around the lake, blinds
have been constructed so you
can watch Prairie Chickens which
are booming in February, March,
and April. You can also fish in this
lake. Iron Horse Lake area is locate
¼ mile north of DuBois and 1 mile
east. You can fish there and it has
been renovated in 2011 and will be
open to public this year.
BURCHARD
Big Blue Ranch & Lodge located at
61026 708th Road, Burchard, NE
DUBOIS
Iron Horse Lake
1 mile north and 2 west of DuBois.
Nemaha River
1 mile east of DuBois.
PAWNEE CITY
Amish Settlements
Located in the countryside near
Pawnee City.
Dana Farms at Mayberry
71775 614 Ave.
886-660-2706
www.cabins4fun.com
Pawnee City Historic District
Primarily bounded by 5th Street on
the South, 7 Street on the North, F
Street on the west and G Street on
the east.
Osage Wildlife Management
62875 708 Rd.
402-859-4401
Indian Cave State Park
65296 720 Rd.
Shubert
State park permit required
outdoornebraska.ne.gov
Krumme Arboretum
W. 25th Street
fallscitynebraska.org
Mini-Park Murals
next to 1515 Stone Street
fallscitynebraska.org
Stanton Lake Park
and Candlelight Cabin
W. 25th Street
fallscitynebraska.org
HUMBOLDT
Boy Scout Camp
12 miles south of Humboldt.
www.Cornhuskercouncil.com
City Lake Park
607 Park Ave
South part of Humboldt
402-862-2171
www.ci.humboldt.ne.us
Humboldt City Square Park
615 3rd Street
402 862-2171
www.ci.humboldt.ne.us
Humboldt Commercial Historic
District
618 3rd Street
402 -862-2171
www.ci.humboldt.ne.us
Kirkman’s Cove Recreational Area
2 1/2 miles west, 1/2 mile north of
Humboldt
402-335-3325
www.nemahanrd.org
WYMORE
Arbor State Park Aquatic Center
402-645-3911
SALINE COUNTY
Divorky Wildlife Mangement area
1 mile north & 2 miles east of corner
of Hwy. 41 & 15.
CRETE
Walnut Creek
2 1/2 miles northeast of Crete
DORCHESTER
Blue River State Recreation Area
5 miles north of town, a day-use
area (no camping) with fishing
available year round.
402- 821-2161
SARPY COUNTY
PAPILLION TRAILS
Halleck Nature Trail
Winds through the heart of
Papillion and runs parallel to the
Papio Creek. This trail is kept busy
with walkers, runners and bikers
daily.
OTHER AREA TRAILS
144th St. Trail
Paved trail that follows the grade of
the Street, stretching up and down
hills, to connect Standing Bear Lake
in Omaha to Springfield, including
Chalco Hills Recreation Area.
Nature & History Trail
Haworth Park, Bellevue.
More than 2 miles of trails that run
through beautiful woods and along
the edge of the Missouri River.
Entrance to the trail is on the north
side of Hwy. 370, just west of the
Bellevue Bridge.
West Papio Trail
The Papillion stretch of the trail
runs 5.5 miles from Lincoln and
Laredo Roads southeast to 36th St.
in Bellevue. It also connects to the
Walnut Creek Lake and Recreation
Area
Cornhusker Rd. to Lincoln Rd. or
Cornhusker Rd. to 72nd Street to
36th Street
www.omahatrails.com
BELLEVUE
Bellevue Pioneer Cemetery
13th Ave. & Lord Blvd.
Tour information,
402-293-2142.
Werner Park
Hwy. 370 & 126th St.,12356 Ballpark
402-738-5100
www.omahastormchasers.com
Wehrspann Lake/Chalco Hills
NE Hwy. 50 & I-80, Exit 440.
402-444-6222
www.papionrd.org
SPRINGFIELD
Soaring Wings Vineyard
17111 S. 138th St.
402-253-2479
www.soaringwingswine.com
Weiss Sculpture Garden and Studio
13603 Pflug Rd.
402-680-0642
www.carlweissart.com
Haworth Park
End of Mission Ave.
402-293-3098
THAYER COUNTY
Historic Log Cabin
1805 Hancock St.
Tour information, 402-293-3142.
ALEXANDRIA
Alexandria State Recreation Area
3 miles east and one mile south
of town.
(402) 729-5777
Fontenelle Forest
Nature Center
1111 N. Bellevue Blvd.
402-731-3140
www.fontenelleforest.org
Bellevue Loop Trail
The Keystone Trail connects to the
Bellevue Loop at Hwy. 370 and 25th
St.. This trail runs through Haworth
Park in Bellevue. Trailhead parking
is at either 13th St. & Capehart Rd.
or Harlan Lewis Rd.
GRETNA
Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium/Schramm
State Recreation Area
21004 West Hwy. 31,
Exit 432
402-332-3901
www.npgc.state.ne.us./parks
Keystone/Bellevue Loop Trail
The Keystone Trail connects to the
Bellevue Loop at Hwy. 370 and
Capehart Rd. It is paved and very
flat except for its underpasses
which allows users to safely cross
all major streets. Trailhead parking
is at 48th St. and Cornhusker Rd.
Linoma Beach & Lighthouse
171601 S. 255th St.
www.linomalighthouse.com
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail
16 interpretive sites along the
Missouri River in Nebraska and
Iowa.
OFFUTT AIR
FORCE BASE
Offutt Air Force Base
www.offutt.af.mil
MoPac Trailhead and Nature Center
Hwy. 50 and Platteview Rd.
PAPILLION
Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch
11001 S. 48th St.
402-331-5500
www.bellevueberryfarm.com
Mopac Trail
Runs from Schram Rd. to
Springfield and south to the Platte
River. This trail also runs through
Lincoln and will extend south to
South Bend and north to Omaha in
the near future.
Walnut Creek Lake/Recreation Area
NE Hwy. 370 & 96th St.
402-592-8877
www.papillion.org
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch
12102 S. 180th St.
402-332-4200
www.valaspumpkinpatch.com
Papio Fun Park
210 E. Lincoln St.
402-592-5671
www.papiofunpark.com
Papio Bay
Aquatic Center
815 E. Halleck St.
402-597-4055
or 402-597-2041
www.papillion.ne.us
Sumtur Amphitheater
11691 S. 108th St.
www.sumtur.org
DESHLER
Rattlesnake Disc Golf
The disc golf course is located on
the south side of the Friendship
Park which is on 4th Street
between Elm & Park Street. The
course follows the creek, has holes
at the fairgrounds, ball field, City
Park then back to the Friendship
Gardens.
Deshler City Park
Deshler City Park is located east of
4th & Park Streets. The city par k
has playground equipment, picnic
shelters, horseshoes, sand volleyball
court, ball park, walking rail,
swimming pool and walking trail.
Deshler Swimming Pool
Located in the City Park.
402-768-7760
HEBRON
Hebron Municipal Swimming Pool
Call 402-768-6407 for more
information.
Little Blue River
Little Blue River stretches across
the southern edge of Hebron and
offers fishing, canoeing, hiking,
birding and hunting.
Little Blue Wildlife Management
Area
2 miles east on the River Road.
Hunting, fishing, hiking, birding and
sightseeing
Rock Island Walking Trail
Follows the old tracks of the Rock
Island Train through the south part
of Hebron.
World’s Largest Porch Swing
Located at the City Park at 5th and
Jefferson.
(402) 768-7156
www.VisitSoutheastNebraska.org
61
GOLFING
CASS COUNTY
ELMWOOD
Grandpa’s Woods
Golf Course
5505 310th St.
www.grandpaswoods.com
(402) 994-2100
MURRAY
Lake Ridge Golf Course
Located one mile east of Highway
75 and Highway 1 junction.
1536 Country Club Circle.
Beaver Lake, NE
(402) 235-4653
www.lake-ridgegolf.com
PLATTSMOUTH
Bay Hills Golf Club
3200 Buccaneer Blvd.
(402) 298-8191
www.bayhillsgolfclub.com
Plattsmouth Country Club
18003 Clubview Drive
Plattsmouth Country Club is tucked
way in the country, away from the
distraction of housing. A 9-hole
regulation length course with tree
lined fairways.
OTHER AREA GOLF COURSES
Iron Horse Golf Course
900 Club House Drive
Ashland, NE
(402) 944-9800
www.golfironhorse.com
Ashland Country Club
16119 Highway 6
Ashland, NE
(402) 944-3388
www.ashlandgolfclub.com
Quarry Oaks Golf Club
16600 Quarry Oaks Drive
Ashland, NE
(402) 944-6000
www.quarryoaks.com
FILLMORE COUNTY
GENEVA
Hidden Hills Country Club
1115 Road L
402-759-3084
GAGE COUNTY
BEATRICE
Beatrice Country Club
1301 Oak St.
402-223-3639
Beatrice Miniature Golf
2205 N. 6th Street
402-217-0672
62
WYMORE
Wymore Country Club
1700 West D St.
402-645-9904
HUMBOLDT
Kirkman’s Lakeview Golf Course
71550 631st Ave.
4 miles west and north of Humboldt
along Hwy. 4
Call 402-862-2828 for golfing fees
and tournament schedules.
www.klgcgolf.com
JEFFERSON COUNTY
SALINE COUNTY
FAIRBURY
Fairbury Country Club
5688 709 Rd.
On the slopes of Little Blue River
Valley. Banquet facilities.
402-729-5314 or 402-729-2080
[email protected]
CRETE
College Heights Country Club
1225 E. 4th Street
402-826-4653
www.Collegeheightscc.com
Hidden Acres Golf Course
5536 W. Lilac Rd.
402-228-2146
JOHNSON COUNTY
TECUMSEH
Tecumseh Country Club
West Highway 136
402-335- 2337
NEMAHA COUNTY
AUBURN
Auburn Country Club
Golf Course
2 miles south of Auburn on
Highway 75.
402-274-4500
OTOE COUNTY
NEBRASKA CITY
Arbor Links
6038 H Road
402-873-4334
www.arborlinks.com
Table Creek Golf Course
5633 I Rd
P.O. Box 815
402-873-7743
www.tablecreek.com
Wildwood Golf Course
1101 Wildwood Ln
Nebraska City, NE
402-873-3661
www.golfnebraskacity.com
SYRACUSE
Syracuse Country Club
266 West 9th Street
402-269-2924
RICHARDSON COUNTY
FALLS CITY
Falls City Golf Club
64870 706 Trail
402-245-3624
e-mail: [email protected]
Southeast Nebraska Visitor’s Guide
FRIEND
Friend Country Club
A public 9-hole golf course and
country club located on the east
side of town.
SARPY COUNTY
BELLEVUE
Fontenelle Hills Golf Course
1102 Country Club Court
Carved into the hillsides of the
Fontenelle Hills area, this short,
aesthetic course challenges golfers’
finesse with wooded, narrow
fairways—many of which are ringed
by sharp hillside drops.
(402) 292-2500
www.fontenellehillsgolf.com
Hidden Valley Driving Range
2910 Gilmore Road
(402) 291-9456
Platteview Country Club
Platteview Road
Bellevue
This 18-hole course presents a
rewarding challenge via rolling
terrain and well-placed water
hazards. It’s a welcome retreat for
any golfer.
(402) 291-5927
www.platteviewcc.com
Tregaron Golf Course
13909 Glen Gary Circle
Golfers can find the best of
playability and challenge at
Tregaron, which, although open,
should not be played recklessly.
Plenty of bunkers, uneven lies, water,
and wind gusts keep even the best
golfers honest.
(402) 292-9300
www.tregarongolf.com
Willow Lakes
12301 S. 25th St.
Bellevue
Designed by Robert Trent Jones
Sr., this course combines plenty of
lakes and trees to protect its smaller
greens. Military restrictions.
LA VISTA
La Vista Falls Golf Course
8305 Park View Boulevard
This fine executive course surrounds
a bowl-shaped acreage and features
a modern design with raised tees,
mostly level fairways, and midsize
greens. Most golfers will find this
course tricky yet enjoyable.
(402) 339-9147
www.ci.la-vista.ne.us
PAPILLION
Eagle Hills Golf Course
501 Eagle Hills Drive
This 18-hole complex comprises two
9-hole layouts: The Links and The
Meadows. The Links is an executive
course built on a hillside and
surrounding flatland. The Meadows
is a par-3 course designed like The
Links except without the uphill or
downhill lies.
(402) 592-7788
www.eaglehillsgolf.com
Papio Greens Golf Course
11050 S. 66th Street
Once Nebraska’s only public 18-hole,
par-3 course, Papio Greens is now
privately managed by Evergreen
Alliance Golf Ltd. Still open to the
public, Papio Greens offers a waterengulfed driving range, league play,
PGA instructors, junior golf programs,
and a full-featured clubhouse.
(402) 331-4621
www.papiogreens.com
OTHER AREA GOLF COURSES
Tara Hills Golf Course
1410 Western Hills Drive
This city-owned course was
revamped in the mid-1990s to
include a back 9 and an expanded
clubhouse. The manicured layout is
short but challenging.
(402) 592-7550
www.tarahills.org
Tiburon Golf Club
10302 S. 168th Street
Omaha, NE
Tiburon, meaning “shark” in Spanish,
packs a vicious bite if one’s not
careful. The 27-hole complex is long,
open, and contoured with wellplaced fairway bunkers lying in wait
for off-line tee shots.
(402) 895-2688
www.tiburongolf.com
THAYER COUNTY
HEBRON
Hebron Country Club
Highway 136 & 1st Street.
A well-maintained 9-hole golf course,
complete with grass greens, cart
rental, and clubhouse for members
and the public to enjoy.
Call 402-768-6450 for more
information.
INSIDE BACK COVER
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Our company is
ABOUT
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