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Red Cloud, Nebraska

Built in 1897, the main section of Red Cloud's Burlington Depot contained sleeping quarters on the 2nd floor, and a freight room, agents offices, and waiting rooms below. The building was moved here from its site near the tracts directly south of its present location. It has been restored and donated by the Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial and Educational Foundation.

"The Burlington Railroad: Colonizing Willa Cather's Wild Land" can be found on tour of the Willa Cather historic buildings at the restored Burlington Depot.

Depots and trains played a significant role in Willa Cather's life and writings, symbolizing both escape to the world and the door through which the world came to Red Cloud.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Willa Cather's Childhood Home

World Famous author, Willa Sibert Cather (1873-1947), moved with her family from Virginia to the Red Cloud area in 1883. Nebraska became what Cather later described as "the happiness and the curse of my life". The state'

Red Cloud, NE Famous Homes

The Red Cloud Opera House

The Red Cloud Opera House, 1885, stood for many years as the jewel in Main Street's crown. Here Blind Boone played, William Jennings Bryan spoke, and it was from this stage that Willa Cather graduated in 1890 and delivered her eloquent oration, "Superstition vs. Investigation"

Red Cloud, NE Historic Buildings

Willa Cather State Historic Site

The Farmers' and Merchants' Bank building, 1889, was erected by Silas Garber, the founder of Red Cloud (1871), the fourth governor of Nebraska (1875-1879), and the prototype for Captain Forrester in A Lost Lady.

Red Cloud, NE Historic Sites

Red Cloud City Park

The Red Cloud City Park offers a variety of activities for persons of all ages. Facilities include outdoor fireplaces, tables, a shelter house, restrooms, playground equipment, swimming pool, and tennis courts. Restaurants and electrical hookups for campers are nearby.

Red Cloud, NE Parks

The Methodist Church

[The Methodist Church] The Methodist Church building described in My Antonia , now serves as a Masonic Lodge. Cather tells how, during the winter, the children were starved for color and how they stood in the cold and looked at the stained glass windows: "

Red Cloud, NE Historic Churches

Things to do near Red Cloud, NE

Grand Island Municipal Golf Course

Course Access: PublicHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 7 days...

Lake Hayes

Andrew M. Hargis House

Eagle Viewing

Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church