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
Robert Henri Museum and Historical Walkway
The Henri Museum and Historical Walkway features mementos from the boyhood home of world famous artist Robert Henri, including original art and sketches.
Cozad, NE MuseumsAndrew M. Hargis House
National Register of Historic Places.
Built in 1898, the Andrew M. Hargis House is a fine example of the Queen Anne style and also incorporates Neo-Classical Revival detailing in its design. Hargis founded the Grand Island Business and Normal College in 1885
Grand Island, NE NATIONAL REGISTERLighthouse Museum
Rosalie Boudreau's collection has been growing for 30 years. Her first experience was at an auction 45 years ago. She bought a buffet for $2, and that sparked a lifetime of collecting that turned the former Sears assistant manager into a museum operator.
Republican City, NE MuseumsCambridge State Aid Bridge
Established by the Nebraska State Legislature in 1911, the state aid bridge program was designed to assist the counties in construction of major river crossings. In February 1913
Cambridge, NE Historic BridgesCrane 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 RecreationPhelps County Courthouse
The railroad offered a city block to the citizens of Holdrege if they would build a courthouse. The ambitious merchants promptly provided the funds and the cornerstone was dedicated on October 10, 1884. Subsequently, the voters approved removal of the county seat to Holdrege on November 11
Holdrege, NE Historic CourthousesThe 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 TheatresSoldiers Memorial
Located on the South lawn of the Courthouse the memorial reads, "IN MEMORY OF THE DEFENDERS OF OUR COUNTRY, 1861-1865 and the Spanish American War, 1898-1900"
Erected by the city of Grand Island, 1913
Grand Island, NE MemorialsOur 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 ShrinesG.W. Shafer & Son, General Merchandise
In 1910, on the square in Beaver City, George Washington Shafer opened what his family lovingly calls, "the first Wal-Mart," G.W. Shafer's. "Grandpa Shafer was the first Wal-Mart," said Jean Shafer of Beaver City. "He sold everything ... absolutely everything."
Beaver City, NE Historic Buildings