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
Historic Downtown
The main street of Grant has been designated a Downtown Historical District by the Nebraska State Historical Society.
Grant, NE Historic DowntownsWillow Island Pony Express Station
The Pony Express Station which stands in the Cozad City Park was known officially as the Willow Island Station and was located just south of the present Darr Bridge. The station began in 1838
Cozad, NE Pony ExpressLittle Church of Keystone
The Little Church at Keystone is a monument to religious harmony. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this combined Catholic/Protestant Church was built in a pioneer town that was too small for two churches. Special dispensation was received from Pope Leo XIII.
Ogallala, NE Historic ChurchesHighland Park Cemetery
Hastings' first cemetery contains sculpture commemorating Oregon Trail travelers of the 1800
Hastings, NE CemeteriesHastings Art Galleries
Aspen Art Gallery
2727 W. 2nd, Suite 440
(402) 463-0546
Features sculpture, prints, paintings, and art of
Herb Mignery and other regional artists.
Blue Moon Coffee Co.
113 N. Hastings
(402) 462-5214
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
Evangelische Lutherische Dreinenigkeit Kirche - National Register of Historic Places
Plans for the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church were adopted in 1890, but construction did not begin until 1894
Grand Island, NE Historic ChurchesOur Lady of Fatima Shrine
Father Henry Davis, a Polish priest that survived a Nazi concentration camp, artfully constructed a shine after World War II. He dedicated the shrine to the Virgin Mary and how she reportedly appeared in 1917 to three young girls outside of Fatima, Portugal.
Arapahoe, NE ShrinesThe Sun Theatre
The Sun Theatre was built and used as an opera house from 1909-1926. In 1927, the theatre was opened by Glen VanWey. Children were charged 10 cents and adults 20 cents for silent movies accompanied by an orchestra. The 1930
Gothenburg, NE TheatresHoward 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 CourthousesThe 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 ChurchesC B & Q Depot
The Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy (C B & Q) Railroad depot was built in 1910. Also known as Ironhorse Station, the depot, listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Holdrege, NE Railroad History