Saunders County, NE
For many years, Saunders County had drawn people with its offer of a better life. The Otoe and Pawnee Indians followed the buffalo into this area and settled along its rivers and streams. Before the arrival of settlers, a Pawnee Indian village,
containing 50 or more lodges covering a four-block
area, was located in what is now the southeast part of
Wahoo. In the vicinities of Cedar Bluffs, Leshara, and Yutan there are other historic sites of early Pawnee and Otoe Indian villages.
The earliest settlers were predominantly Czech, German, and Scandinavians whose hard work, determination, and ingenuity turned their dreams into realities. The Ox-Bow Trail traversing across Saunders County is historically marked by one of the twin rocks that the Mormon travelers and other pioneers used as an identifying point along their journey west. In Ashland, built along the Ox-Bow Trail, the Beetison home is still in family ownership since its construction in 1874.
As the railroad came to the area, towns sprang up in the county with business, schools and churches to serve the area's growing needs. The Saunders County Historical Society invites you to relive the rich heritage of Saunders County at the museum in Wahoo, the county seat.
Explore Saunders County
Historic Driving Tour
Take your own personal tour down beautifully tree-lined streets, graced with lovely older homes and buildings. The Wahoo Chamber and Economic Development has printed a self-guided brochure listing 15
Wahoo, NE ToursNational Bank of Ashland - NHR
The two-story brick and stone commercial building, which was constructed in 1889 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, was designed by the architectural firm of I. and I. Hodgson, Jr., with offices in Omaha and Portland, Oregon. Between 1889 and 1947
Ashland, NE National RegisterEarly Churches
Some of the early churches that are serving Valparaiso are:
Mary A. Johnson Episcopal Church was dedicated in 1881.
Church of Christ was dedicated in October, 1883.
The Baptist Church was built and dedicated about 1885 or 1886.
Saints Mary &
Valparaiso, NE Historic ChurchesCzechland Lake Recreation Area
Czechland Lake Recreation Area is a multipurpose reservoir located one mile north of Prague and 15 miles northwest of Wahoo, Nebraska on Highway 79. The area offers a variety of outdoor activities for all seasons.
The 82-surface-acre lake is situated on 177
Wahoo, NE RecreationSaunders County Historical Society Museum
Experience Saunders County history through its complex of seven buildings and caboose on 5 acres of land.
The Main Building completed in 1994 and the newer Anderson-Nelson addition house displays and exhibits about Wahoo'
Wahoo, NE MuseumsAshland Stir-Up Celebration
Street Dance * Beer Garden * Carnival * Parade * Car Show * Teen Dance
Ashland Chamber of Commerce will host the Annual Stir-Up Days in July in downtown Ashland. The festival has been a continuous source of fun for over 60
Ashland, NE FestivalsSt. Wenceslaus Catholic Church
The first group of Czech settlers to come to the vicinity of Wahoo arrived in August of 1874. These settlers, who were of the Catholic faith, had to travel 15 to 20 miles in order to attend mass. For three years these settlers traveled to Plasi, Fremont or Abie to attend services. Finally in 1877
Wahoo, NE Historic ChurchesQuarry Oaks Golf Course
Opened in September 1996 on the site of an old limestone quarry, this 18-hole, championship course is considered the state's most beautiful and challenging course. Carved out of a forest, the 7,000-yard layout, with steep, sloping fairways, uses a quarry as a water hazard.
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Ashland, NE RecreationHistoric Hanson House
This simplified Queen Anne dwelling was built about 1888 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is the childhood home of Dr. Howard Hanson from 1896-1917
Wahoo, NE National RegisterDavid Letterman Late Show
Wahoo is the Home Office of the Late Show with David Letterman.
To see Wahoo as part of the Late Show website, look for Wahoo at:
www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow//
Wahoo, NE One Of A KindsOak Creek Trailhead
A corridor once used by the Union Pacific Railroad, the Oak Creek Trail is now part of the American Discovery Trail route through Nebraska. The 12
Valparaiso, NE TrailsBethlehem Lutheran Church
The first Lutheran services ever conducted in Wahoo were in 1880. They were conducted by Rev. Nels Nordling, pastor of Edensburg church of Malmo and were held in the N.J. Anderson photography gallery. On December 25, 1883 the Swedes organized the present congregation. Lots 4, 5, and 6
Wahoo, NE Historic Churches