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
Municipal Park
The Grant City Park with its WPA structures and bandshell provides a shaded and refreshing spot for family gatherings with a heated swimming pool, playground activities, volleyball, tennis, horseshoes, and other outdoor activities.
Grant, NE RecreationThe Country School
This one room country school was built around the year 1880, on a site nine miles north and west of the City of Cozad on land owned at that time by David Adle and Christiana Frost Adle. This school was called "The Adle School" because it was on Adle land, although it should have been called "
Cozad, NE Historic SchoolhousesYear Round Fishing
Fishing has always been the primary drawing card at Lake Mac, with its cool, clear, deep waters. Game fish vary from the sporty rainbow trout to the every-day channel catfish. Prized most highly by the local angler is the walleye, and Nebraska's current state record of 16-lbs., 2
, NE FishingWild West Memorial
At the entrance of Cody Park, visitors will find the Wild West Memorial. This is near the site of the historic Old Glory Blowout, the first spectator rodeo held in 1882 staged by Buffalo Bill. The Wild West Memorial has been created as a tribute to the father of rodeo - Buffalo Bill Cody.
North Platte, NE MemorialsG.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 BuildingsBuffalo Bill State Historical Park
North Platte was home of the man who made the Wild West world-renowned. No one figure personifies the frontier spirit better than William F. "Buffalo Bill" Coy, the West's most colorful showman, army scout and buffalo hunter.
North Platte, NE State Historical Park
Hayes County Museum & Historical Marker
The original sandstone marker erected in 1931 on the land where the Duke Alexis Buffalo Hunt was held in 1872, stands just inside the courthouse along with other area artifacts on display in the historical musuem located in the courthouse. The original marker presented by D.L. Neiswanger in 1931
Hayes Center, NE MuseumsBeaver City Firsts
Flying Doctor - Our town has recorded some unique "firsts" in the field of medicine and aviation. Beaver City was the home of Dr.Frank Brewster, Nebraska's first flying doctor. Brewster bought a Curtis-Wright JN4D biplane in 1919. Purchased for $8,000
Beaver City, NE Famous PeopleCentral Nebraska Ethnic Festival
Join us at this two-time award winning Ethnic Festival in the downtown Grand Island on the weekend of July 27-29. Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the world, all in one location as we celebrate our ethnic diversity. You too, can celebrate your ethnic heritage
Grand Island, NE FESTIVALS