Pawnee County, NE
Pawnee County was laid out as a county in 1855 with the county seat assigned that same year. A group of pioneers from Ohio, arriving in the Nebraska Territory in 1854, traveled up the Nemaha River until they came to a Pawnee Indian village on Turkey Creek. The settlement they formed nearby became a trading post for the area. Since the village was near the center of Pawnee County, it was selected as county seat in 1855 and named Pawnee City.Pawnee County has many interesting places to see as several different travel agencies have arranged bus tours to visit historical Pawnee County sites. Motorcoach tours with guides find bison herds and an ostrich farm west of Pawnee City. Historical Catholic churches in Table Rock and Steinaur have impressive murals and a pipe organ. Table Rock is filled with a wealth of history. A one-of-a-kind group of individual museums incorporated in the downtown district capture and preserve the rich heritage of the community. The Czech social hall in Dubois is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Pawnee County provides four recreation areas for outdoor activities at lakes, as well as hunting, photography, birdwatching, and hiking. Iron Horse Trail Reacreation Area is a 260-acre park and Burchard Lake State Park is a 150-acre lake, both offering fishing and camping and other outdoor activities. Pawnee County has over 2000 acres in six wildlife management areas. The County is known throughout the Midwest for its game bird population. Pawnee Prairie is one of the few area left in the state with unbroken sod and where you can walk and take photographs of the natural beauty.
Explore Pawnee County
Walking Tour
The National Register Historic District in Pawnee City is the economic and geographic center of the community. Fifty-two properties are included in the district and consist of forty- seven commercial building, four houses, and the Pawnee City Courthouse.
Pawnee City, NE Tours
Z.C.B.J. Hall
Especially valued for its architecture, this building listed on the National Register of Historic Places is one of a kind in the United States.
Constructed in 1920-21
DuBois, NE National RegisterIron Horse Trail Recreation Area
Quietly nestled in the southeast corner of Pawnee County, Iron Horse Trail Lake is an 85-acre lake situated within the 360-acre recreation area named for the historic railroad trail which winds through the park's wilderness. The dam was completed in 1983
Pawnee City, NE RecreationSteinauer Opera House
The Steinauer Opera House occupies the upper story of the Bank of Steinauer, a two-story brick building constructed in 1888 by town founder Joseph Steinauer. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Steinauer, NE National RegisterPawnee County Bus Tour
Pawnee County has many interesting places to see which are not open except by appointment. There are animals which are of interest but again, are not easy to find except by a motorcoach tour.
Pawnee City, NE Tours
Hempstead House
Among the four houses located in the National Historic Register District in Pawnee City, the large frame dwelling is a good example of the Queen Anne style. Known as the "Hempstead Mansion," the house was built in 1887-88 by E. F. Hempstead, who came to Nebraska from Illinois in 1886
Pawnee City, NE National RegisterPawnee County Courthouse
With its location near the Missouri River, an important early transportation link, Pawnee was among the first counties in the state, having been organized in 1856. After two elections in 1856
Pawnee City, NE Historic CourthousesPrairie Hill Sports Complex
Have you seen a glow in southeastern Nebraska? Prairie hill sports Complex in Pawnee City sets of that glow each and every time those ball field lights are turned on for the ball games. The parking lot is generally full, and kids of all ages are seen with balls and bats in their hands.
Pawnee City, NE Recreation
Iron Horse Trail Recreation Area
Quietly nestled in the southeast corner of Pawnee County, Iron Horse Trail Lake is an 85-acre lake situated within the 360-acre recreation area named for the historic railroad trail which winds through the park's wilderness. The dam was completed in 1983
DuBois, NE RecreationTable Rock Museums
Table Rock is filled with a wealth of history. A one-of-a-kind group of seven individual museums incorporated in the downtown district capture and preserve the rich heritage of the community.