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
WWII German POW Interpretive Center
The feature that sets Nebraska Prairie Museum apart from other museums is its unique POW display. German POW's were housed at Camp Atlanta during W.W. II. These prisoners told stories of their exceptional treatment and lifelong friendships that developed through the adversity of war.
Holdrege, NE MuseumsLakeside Country Club
Lakeside Country Club is a semi-private course located immediately south of Johnson Lake and lying along the entire length of its dam. It is an 18-hole Bent grass course with water in play, built in 1967
Elwood, NE Golf CoursesNebraska Prairie Museum
The Nebraska Prairie Museum contains an exceptionally fine collection of over one acre of indoor exhibits. Explore every aspect of life on the prairie and uncover surprises around every corner. Be one of the many visitors who exclaim, "This is the finest museum I have ever visited."
Holdrege, NE MuseumsCambridge Museum
The Cambridge Museum showcases an impressive display of Native American artifacts, pioneer weaponry, agricultural tools, fossils, and coin and stamp collections. Furnishings of pioneer homes and businesses recreate the early life-style of Cambridge in period room displays. Southwest Nebraska'
Cambridge, NE MuseumsBoot Hill Sculpture
The sculpture at the top of Boot Hill was done by the late Dr. B. L. Gainsforth, long time Ogallala dentist and orthodontist. The sculpture was done in the likeness of Samual (Lep)
Ogallala, NE LandmarksFort Kearny State Recreation Area
Campers will find south-central Nebraska's Fort Kearny State Recreation Area much to their liking. Once called Kearney County SRA, this rec area boasts excellent camping facilities. The attractive 152-acre area was acquired by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in 1960
Minden, NE RecreationPony 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 ArtsEagle Viewing
The bald eagle has always captured the attention of Americans, so much so that in 1782 the Continental Congress chose the eagle as the national bird and the centerpiece for the nation's Great Seal. Over the years, the bald eagle acquired its status as a symbol of freedom and of the United States.
Lexington, NE Natural AttractionsRecreation
City parks comprise 65 acres with an olympic size heated swimming pool, playground equipment, and a 12-acre lake for fishing and boating, picnic areas, and lovely walking paths.
Holdrege, NE RecreationEagle Viewing
The bald eagle has always captured the attention of Americans, so much so that in 1782 the Continental Congress chose the eagle as the national bird and the centerpiece for the nation's Great Seal. Over the years, the bald eagle acquired its status as a symbol of freedom and of the United States.
Holdrege, NE BirdwatchingHoward County Courthouse
Howard County was established in 1871, the same year St. Paul was established and named the first county seat. In 1877 the first courthouse was built. By 1912 county officials were interested in replacing the aging building. Construction began in 1912
St. Paul, NE Historic CourthousesWebster County Historical Museum
Housed in a beautiful classical revival style mansion, the Museum located on West Highway 136, depicts the rich heritage of the early settlers of the county during the late 1800's and into the early 1900's. This 21-room, stately home built in 1907
Red Cloud, NE Museums