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
Howard 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 CourthousesTrinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
Evangelische Lutherische Dreinenigkeit Kirche - National Register of Historic Places
Plans for the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church were adopted in 1890, but construction did not begin until 1894
Grand Island, NE Historic ChurchesLake 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 RecreationHoward County Historical Village
St. Paul's Historical Village consists of seven antique buildings which display a wealth of artifacts from county history. Farwell Danish Lutheran Church - Some of the rich Danish heritage in Howard County is reflected in the Farwell Danish Lutheran Church. At one time, there were 12
St. Paul, NE MuseumsSwedish Crosses Cemetery
For over a century, three unique crosses have been a lasting symbol of the Swedish heritage of Gothenburg. In the early 1880s, Peter and Anna Berg, along with Anna'
Gothenburg, NE CemeteriesHike-Bike Bridge Crane Viewing
The Hike-Bike Bridge at the Fort Kearny State Recreation Area is an excellent crane viewing location open to the public. The viewing location is an easy 1/3
Kearney, NE RecreationLog 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 LifeGothenburg Carnegie Library
The library was built in 1916 with assistance from a $7,000
Gothenburg, NE Carnegie LibrariesCambridge 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 BridgesUnion Pacific Railroad Bailey Yard
The long, narrow delta at the forks of the North and South Platte Rivers, populated by wild grasses and bulky bison, had been crossed before - by nomadic Plains Indians, by covered wagons and by the Pony Express.
But in 1866
North Platte, NE Railroad History