Tucked on the southern edge of Nebraska is the small town of Red Cloud and the area that served as the lifeblood of literary giant Willa Cather’s novels. The author of works like My Ántonia, One of Ours and O Pioneers! grew up here, and it is a must-visit for book fans and history buffs.
The town is packed with historic sites to explore, but here are just 3 to put on your list to start:
📕 National Willa Cather Center - The go-to place in the world for archives, exhibits and insight into Cather’s life and legacy, this spot includes a museum, research center, bookstore and arts exhibits.
🏡 Willa Cather Childhood Home - The house where Cather lived from ages 10 to 16 was key in forming some of her short stories and novels. It received major renovations in 2022 and is a National Historic Landmark that offers tours and a glance into Cather’s childhood.
🌾 Willa Cather Memorial Prairie - This is 610 acres of native grassland that has been preserved as it was before settlers arrived. The spirit of this vast, expansive land plays a key role in Cather’s themes and stories.
AppleJack Festival: Sept 20-30th!
Get ready for two weeks of apple-filled adventures at AppleJack Festival in Historic Nebraska City! From September 20th - 30th, they're celebrating the harvest season in the most delicious way possible!
What’s on the Menu?
🍎Pick apples straight from the Orchard
🍎Compete in the Fun Run
🍎Sip and stroll during the Cider Stroll
🍎Explore the Craft Fairs
🍎Dive into the Apple Bites Adventures
What are YOU most excited for? Drop a comment below!
Zen Coffee, an Omaha favorite, is now in Downtown Lincoln, too! ☕️Family-owned and offering a diverse range of hot and cold drinks as well as treats, it’s a spot you’ll want to add to your list.
If you make your way to Nebraska’s southwest corner, you’ll discover charming small towns, sprawling landscapes and some delightful surprises!
📍Imperial
🌊 Enders Reservoir - A peaceful, scenic lake escape that is an ideal haven for any nature lover and is just down the road from Imperial.
🏡 Balcony House B&B - Cozy and picturesque, it’s the perfect place to refuel for your travels.
📍Arapahoe
🍨 Arapahoe Pharmacy - An authentic old-fashioned soda fountain, the pharmacy offers a variety of sweet specials, including irresistible ice cream.
⛪️ Our Lady of Fatima Shrine - A gorgeous setting to stop and reflect, the shrine has a long, fascinating worldwide history.
📍McCook
🏛️ Senator George Norris State Historic Site - A U.S. Senator who brought about huge change at both the state and federal level, Norris called this very spot in McCook his home.
🍩 Embers Bakery & Cafe - Previously known as Sehnert’s and as a James Beard Award-winning eatery, this serves up lunch, baked goods and delicious drinks.
Welcome to the Nebraska Sandhills, one of the most unique environments on Earth! These grass-covered sand dunes span rolling hills, sparkling lakes and stunning rivers. There are so many ways you can enjoy your trip here, but here are just a few:
1. Golden Prairie Bison - Get up close and personal with one of nature’s most magnificent creatures in their natural environment.
2. Float the Niobrara - The Niobrara National Scenic River, now an International Quiet Trail, can be experienced so many ways. Floating it in a canoe, kayak or tube is a great way to cool off!
3. Smith Falls State Park - Nebraska’s tallest waterfall is just off of the Niobrara River.
4. Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area - A scenic Sandhills lake, Merritt is always worth a trip, especially for those seeking pristine dark skies and stargazing.
Catch the last wave of summer with some Nebraska Passport stops!
🧁Adeline’s Bakery - You’ll find a treasure trove of baked goods here, some of the most interesting in the state!
🕰️ Antique Anthology - The perfect blend of antique gems, home decor and rare finds, all in one place!
Top 5 Reasons To Run The Good Life Halfsy
The 2024 Good Life Halfsy is over 90% full and celebrating with the Grand Giveaway. Register for Nebraska's largest race before it sells out! Learn more about the Grand Giveaway here: https://www.goodlifehalfsy.com/
For nearly 100 years, the Sunken Gardens in Lincoln have served as a colorful beacon in the middle of the capital city. It’s never a bad time for a stroll to take in the beauty planted all around 🌸 🌹
50 Faces of Old Market
Explore the vibrant heart of Omaha's historic Old Market, where every visit offers a new adventure. From cozy coffee bars like Godega Market & Coffee Bar to eclectic shops and fine dining, this neighborhood is a hub of unique experiences and local flavors!
Who's been to the Old Market?
6 Itineraries for a Perfect Kearney Getaway!
With comfortable, premium lodging, eclectic shopping, outdoor adventures & unique attractions, Kearney is the getaway you never knew you needed!
Choose from one of their amazing itineraries now! https://visitkearney.org/itineraries/
Stay in nature & in style at Ashland Glamping, a new lodging spot in southeast Nebraska! Enjoy top-notch accommodations, all while being just a step away from scenic beauty 🏕️
There’s so much to see in Nebraska City! Journey east to discover the story of Arbor Day, unique history and all the apple adventures you can imagine 🍎
Nebraska Like You've Never Seen It!
Enjoy beautiful scenery in Western Nebraska as you run along the Oregon Trail. Towering natural landmarks, rugged badlands, and a rural landscape provide a stunning and tranquil experience. With a Full, Half, 5K, and Relay there is something for everyone. A scenic race with a mixed surface course, Nebraska’s most beautiful race is the one for you!
Old West Balloon Fest in Nebraska
Have you ever wondered what it would look like to see over 30 hot air balloons in the sky at one time? Come and experience the largest Hot Air Balloon Festival in Nebraska, Aug 8-10! Fun for the whole family!
6 Fun-Filled North Platte Itineraries
If you're looking for a sure-fire good time, just look for Buffalo Bill's Buffalo of Approval. And check out these Buffalo of Approval North Platte itineraries full of amazing attractions, activities & events sure to leave a smile on your face!
Nebraska Like You’ve Never Seen It!
Don’t miss the towering natural landmarks, pine-covered hills, rugged badlands… Register for Nebraska’s most beautiful race by June 1 to beat the price increase!
Falls City Hot Air Balloon Festival: June 14-15
Up, Up and Away! This June in Falls City you'll see balloons, live music, food, fun & more: https://bit.ly/FallsCityBalloonFest24
Who's been to a hot air balloon festival?