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
North Shore Marina Camping
Our campground features 75 spaces with large lots, and many pull through spaces. Sewer hookup, water, and 50 amp electrical service is available on every site. This campground is for RV's only. We do not allow tents or pop-ups. Fires must be in an above ground fireplace. Rates are $30
, NE CampingLake Hayes
Just northeast of Hayes Center, 50 acres of water surrounded by truly rustic settings sits peacefully within the Lake Hayes Wildlife Management Area. The lake is abundant with crappie, pike, and catfish. North of the lake the wildlife area sports various game birds and plenty of deer on 78 1/2
Hayes Center, NE RecreationC B & Q Depot
The Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy (C B & Q) Railroad depot was built in 1910. Also known as Ironhorse Station, the depot, listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Holdrege, NE Railroad HistoryMinden Opera House
Minden Opera House was built in 1891 and featured plays and Monday night dances that drew traveling bands until entertainment events at the facility ceased in the late 1940'
Minden, NE Historic BuildingsRose Bowl Theater
The newly renovated Rose Bowl Theatre draws visitors to Franklin every weekend. Movies are shown four times a week, Saturday at 8:00 pm, Sunday at 5:00 and 8:00 pm, and Monday at 8:00 pm.
Franklin, NE TheatresFox Theater
The Fox Theater is a fine example of the "Picture Palace," a building type popular in America in the 1920
North Platte, NE National RegisterWilliam 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 REGISTERGloe Brother Service Station
The Gloe Brother Service Station opened in 1933 and remains at its original location in Wood River. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places,it's unique historical contribution has been preserved for use by the Heritage Bank.
Wood River, NE National RegisterEagle Viewing
Bald eagles require a relatively large amount of food. Therefore, areas such as those below Central'
Ogallala, NE BirdwatchingNebraska Loan and Trust Company
Cities and agricultural areas need capital to finance growth. Nebraska Loan and Trust Company, organized in 1882 with James B. Heartwell as need in Hastings by providing a means for Eastern Capitalists to invest in Nebraska real estate mortgages. In 1883-84
Hastings, NE National RegisterKearney 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 CourthousesMcCormick Hall
Hastings College opened in September 1882. In April 1883, ground was broken for McCormick Hall, the first building erected on the campus. It was named for reaper inventor, Cyrus McCormick, who made the initial contribution for the building'
Hastings, NE National Register