Prairie Lakes Region, Nebraska
In 1820, Stephen Long, explorer and military man, called this country the Great American Desert. Today, he'd be shocked to discover dozens of man-made lakes and huge reservoirs complementing the grassy plains of the region. Nowhere is the relationship of man and the land more poignantly realized than Nebraska's Prairie Lakes Country. This relationship becomes even more evident in the excellent museums, historic homes and memorable personalities of the area such as Willa Cather and Senator George Norris. It's a country rich in history and personality that you'll enjoy getting to know and returning to year after year.
Explore Prairie Lakes Region
Union Pacific Railroad Bailey Yard
The long, narrow delta at the forks of the North and South Platte Rivers, populated by wild grasses and bulky bison, had been crossed before - by nomadic Plains Indians, by covered wagons and by the Pony Express.
But in 1866
North Platte, NE Railroad HistoryHastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Hastings Museum.... What a wonderful world!
From immense polar bears to tiny hummingbirds, the many forms of animal life from around the planet are on display in dioramas representing the natural habitat of each.
Hastings, NE Museums
Grant Golf Course
Grant Golf Course features a nine-hole, grass green course. The reasonably priced public course offers a variety of holes in the rolling hills of Southwest Nebraska that are great for beginners while offering a challenge for expert golfers. Visitors welcomed and no tee times are necessary.
Grant, NE Golf CoursesHoward County Historical Church Tour
Some of the rich ethnic heritage of Howard County is seen through its historic churches. At one time, the county had 12 Danish Lutheran churches. This tour includes 10 churches that have stood the test of time to bring the beauty and history to generations for over 100 years. 1
St. Paul, NE ToursPony Express Mural
The Pony Express galloped through the West in 18 short months before Nebraska gained statehood. The historic value of those early times is being preserved in Gothenburg, which was named Pony Express Capital of Nebraska in 1991
Gothenburg, NE ArtsHistoric Downtown Hastings
Recapture the warmth and charm of years past by visiting Historic Downtown Hastings. Experience how our past has led to our present through our historic walking/driving tour of 25
Hastings, NE ToursDancing Leaf
One thousand years ago in Southwest Nebraska, there lived small groups of Native Americans known to archeologists as the Upper Republican Culture. These farming people were probably ancestors to the Pawnee Tribe. Some may feel their way
North Platte, NE ToursAndrew M. Hargis House
National Register of Historic Places.
Built in 1898, the Andrew M. Hargis House is a fine example of the Queen Anne style and also incorporates Neo-Classical Revival detailing in its design. Hargis founded the Grand Island Business and Normal College in 1885
Grand Island, NE NATIONAL REGISTERFront Street
Front Street is a replica front of some typical businesses along a street in an old western town such as Ogallala, with a museum, saloon, restaurant, and gift shop inside. The museum depicts the era when Ogallala reigned as "Queen of the Cowtowns." In addition to an undertaker'
Ogallala, NE Historic DowntownsThe 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 BuildingsMunicipal Park
The Grant City Park with its WPA structures and bandshell provides a shaded and refreshing spot for family gatherings with a heated swimming pool, playground activities, volleyball, tennis, horseshoes, and other outdoor activities.
Grant, NE Recreation