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
Cambridge 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 MuseumsHastings Parks
Brickyard Park - Woodland & D St.
Built on the site of a former brick-making factory where ramains of the kilns can still be seen. Walking trail, picnic shelter, basketball courts,
Hastings, NE RecreationRed Cloud Post Office Murals
One of only twelve public buildings in the state of Nebraska which commissioned murals for its lobby, Red Cloud Post Office houses three works by the western artist, Archie Musick, 1941.
Red Cloud, NE ArtsCalifornia Hill
California Hill was climbed by thousands of emigrants heading west during the covered wagon migrations of 1841-1860. Most were bound for Oregon, although California became the destination for many travelers after gold was discovered there in 1848
Brule, NE LandmarksHansen Memorial Museum
Browse at your leisure through the rooms of the two story Victorian farm house and reminisce about bygone days. Anne Marie Hansen Jamison donated the house to the City of Curtis in 1973 to be used as a museum. The house was built on the Hansen family homestead nine miles North of Curtis in 1910-1911
Curtis, NE MuseumsEagle 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 AttractionsSherman Reservoir Camping
An abundance of recreation sites are located intermittently around the reservoir offering primitive camping at 360
, NE CampingHayes Center Golf Course
When you're traveling across the scenic prairie route along Highway 25, you'll want to take advantage of one of the few sand-green courses found in Prairie Lakes Country. There are nine holes of golfing pleasure that can be found by avid golf lovers.
Hayes Center, NE Golf CoursesHastings College Clyde Sachtleben Observatory
Astronomy presentations and night sky viewings every other Saturday, weather permitting. The STARLINE provides observatory show times and dates and astronomy activities in the area. Named in honor of Dr. Clyde Sachtleben, 40-year physics professor
Hastings, NE ObservatoriesWestside Park, Golf, and RV Campground
The Westside Park is the area to head for when one wishes to enjoy a cool and refreshing swim in the newly-rebuilt pool. There is the regulation size pool and a nice shaded wading pool for the smaller children.
Beaver City, NE ParksMcCook Carnegie Library
The McCook Library, listed on the National Historic Register
McCook, NE Carnegie Libraries