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
Franklin Country Club
Franklin is fortunate to have a beautiful 9-hole, grass green golf course with watered fairways. Green fees are very reasonable and cart rental is available. A modern clubhouse is available for anyone's comfort, offering showers, beverages and food during your golf outing.
Franklin, NE Golf CoursesWilliam Stolley Homestead
William Stolley was one of a small band of German immigrants who came to the central Platte Valley of Nebraska Territory in 1857. Stolley filed the first squatter's claim in the county. He helped organize School District 1
Grand Island, NE NATIONAL REGISTERBoot Hill Cemetery
Since cowboys generally were buried with their boots on, the first cemetery in the area was aptly named Boot Hill. It was Ogallala's only official burying ground during the "end of the trail" decade, from 1874 through 1884
Ogallala, NE CemeteriesLog Cabin
In 1882, Ambrose Shelley built a log cabin by Medicine Creek and lived with Indians on Srping Creek during tis construction. Buffalo rubbed it unitkl it fell down, so he was forced to move it across the creek. In 1926
Stockville, NE Pioneer LifeStarke Round Barn
Nebraska's largest round barn and one of the nation's largest, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 1972, and is still in use today. It was built in 1902-3
Red Cloud, NE Historic BuildingsKearney County Court House
After a spirited disagreement the county seat was moved from Lowell to Minden, and a frame building was erected on this site in 1879. The cornerstone of the present building was laid July 17, 1906
Minden, NE Historic CourthousesArrowhead Meadows Golf Course
Arrowhead Meadows Golf Course is a beautiful nine-hole, 36
Curtis, NE Golf CoursesSherman County Historical Society Museum
The museum collection is housed in several buildings that have been saved from around the county and moved to the museum site on the edge of Loup City. These include the Hawk Schoolhouse, the Ohlsen/Jenner House and the Austin School.
Loup City, NE MuseumsNebraska 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 MuseumsHastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Hastings Museum.... What a wonderful world!
From immense polar bears to tiny hummingbirds, the many forms of animal life from around the planet are on display in dioramas representing the natural habitat of each.
Hastings, NE Museums
Crane Meadows Observatory
Crane Meadows Nature Center is a year-round educational organization dedicated to providing an understanding of, and access to, the ecosystems of the Platte River valley. Open daily, with expanded hours during the crane season (8 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Hastings, NE Recreation