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
Historic Frank House
The Frank House, built by George Washington Frank, was constructed in 1889. The three-story house listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is made of red Colorado sandstone, with English golden oak interior paneling and lumber, and hand carved woodwork and has seven fireplaces (10
Kearney, NE Historic HomesJohn Pesek Sculpture
A famous native of Ravenna who at one time was the wrestling champion of the world and also trained racing greyhounds. His sculpture with two of his dogs is located north of the mini park on Grand Avenue.
Ravenna, NE MemorialsHoward County Courthouse
Howard County was established in 1871, the same year St. Paul was established and named the first county seat. In 1877 the first courthouse was built. By 1912 county officials were interested in replacing the aging building. Construction began in 1912
St. Paul, NE Historic CourthousesCalifornia Hill
California Hill was climbed by thousands of emigrants heading west during the covered wagon migrations of 1841-1860. Most were bound for Oregon, although California became the destination for many travelers after gold was discovered there in 1848
Brule, NE LandmarksBowman Recreation Area
Bowman Lake is a 23-acre area lying adjacent to the Loup River and features a 20-acre manmade lake. It is located one mile west of Loup City Bowman Recreation Area offers picnicking, fishing and primitive camping. There are 10 non-pad sites without electricity available.
Loup City, NE Outdoor RecreationChampions Sports & Recreation
Champions Has It All
There's fun for everyone at Champions Sports and Recreation Center in Hastings. The outside recreation area includes a go-kart track, 18 holes of mini-golf and batting cages.
Hastings, NE Recreation
Softball Hall of Fame
Adjacent to the Smith Softball Complex, the Hall of Fame showcases softball displays and provides information about the Nebraska Amateur Softball Association and Nebraska Softball Foundation. It pays tribute to the individuals,
Hastings, NE MuseumsHaythorn Ranch - Figure Four Traditions
Visitors can get an authentic taste of the old west at a real working ranch at the historic Haythorn Land & Cattle Company. Under the name of Figure Four Traditions, the ranch experience includes chuckwagon meals, wagon rides and ranch tours. One of Nebraska's largest ranches, the Haythorn Land &
Ogallala, NE Historic RanchesBurlington-Northern Depot
The Minden depot is a brick/stucco structure completed in 1913. The original frame depot was then used as a freight house placed to the west of the passenger depot. The engineering department of the old CB&Q, predecessor of BN, designed several floor plans during the period of 1910-1920
Minden, NE Railroad HistoryCookbooks by Morris Press
You'll find thousands of hometown cookbooks from all 50 states when you visit the nation's largest publishers of fund-raising organizational and family cookbooks.
Kearney, NE OutletsPony Express Station
The Sam Machette Station was used as an early fur trading post/ranch house along the Oregon Trail southwest of Gothenburg before it was used as a Pony Express station during its operation between April 1860 and November 1861
Gothenburg, NE Pony Express