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.

The physical form of this six-block commercial district is an excellent example of the influence of transportation routes that were historically strong enough to pull development away from the traditional courthouse square. As a result, the commercial district does not entirely surround the square. This is a condition that is somewhat unusual in county seats with courthouse squares in Nebraska.

After a devasting fire in 1881, the downtown buildings were rebuilt of brick in Italianate Style. According to the State Historical Society, Pawnee City has good examples of major architectural styles popular during the Victorian Period.

The historic business district has new streets, sidewalks, and curbing, sewer lines and water lines. Along these blocks is also Victorian lighting, as it was in the early 1900s.

A self-guided, printed brochure is available at the Pawnee County's Tourist Information Center.