Our family transferred to Omaha, Nebraska nearly five years ago.
Since then, we’ve explored nearly all of the state, recently guided by the Nebraska Passport program www.nebraskapassport.com.
Here are the top 14 most unique or unusual places we’ve visited with photos I’ve taken.
The real test of an experience is asking oneself if you’d do it again.
In our group, the answer is a resounding, YES. We’d return to all of these spots.
See for yourself. Visit these communities/attractions/places.
PLEASE CONTACT PLACES BEFORE TRAVELING. HOURS MAY BE AFFECTED BY COVID PANDEMIC.
Southeast
Brownville, Nebraska
Check out the historic community of Brownville, founded in 1854.
We discovered a broom maker and a fabulous winery there.
http://www.brownville-ne.com/welcome-1.html
https://www.brownvillehistoricalsociety.org/attendees
Sweet Water Brooms & Engraving
Contact Information: 402-825-3701 Call ahead for an appointment.
https://www.facebook.com/BrownvilleBroomShop/
Whiskey Run Creek Vineyard & Winery
https://whiskeyruncreek.com/ Visit for schedule of events, including wine tastings.
Contact Information: 402.825.4601 Closed Monday and Tuesday
Nebraska wines, samples and gifts available. Be sure to check out the all brick cave.
York, Nebraska
Marble Museum
http://www.leeslegendarymarbles.com/Home.php
Contact Information: 402.362.3320
Columbus, Nebraska
Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial
Free Admission.
Learn about the contributions Mr. Higgins made to World War II. See the sculpture made from steel remnants of the World Trade Center.
Spectacular site. Great reverence to armed forces members.
Visit in walking shoes. There is a lot to see and do in Pawnee Park. http://columbusne.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/4
South Central
Red Cloud, Nebraska
Home to Willa Cather, Author
Especially fun to visit during a special program or event. We visited when the Neil Diamond tribute was on stage. https://aneildiamondtribute.com/home/home/
Excellent auditorium. Outstanding performance.
Our group stayed in the Willa Cather second home guest house. Lovely!
https://www.visitredcloud.com/visit/heritage-tourism
https://www.visitredcloud.com/
Contact Information: Contact Jarrod McCartney Director of the Red Cloud Heritage Tourism Development Office to personally plan a visit 402-746-4065 or at jmccartney@redcloudnebraska.com
Kearney, Nebraska
Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA)
Contact Information: 308.865.8441
Free Admission
Southwest
Ogallala, Nebraska
Petrified Wood Gallery
http://petrifiedwoodgallery.com/
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8-4 Sunday Closed
Contact Information: 308.284.9996
Free Admission
A showcase of natural history specializing in ancient woods and fossils from around the world plus Native American arrowheads and artifacts — many from within 25 miles of Ogallala.
The collection is a result of the efforts of brothers Howard and Harvey Kenfield who began collecting in the 1950’s.
McCook, Nebraska
Fuller’s Family Restaurant’s Cookie Jar Collection
https://fullerfamilyrestaurant.com/ So fun to see all of the cookie jars in this family restaurant that’s been serving guests since 1946.
Contact Information: 308.345.7464 althayer@swnebr.net
Paxton, Nebraska
Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge
Contact Information: 308.239.4500 Restaurant 308.239.4719 Office http://www.olesbiggame.com
Walk around the restaurant. There is so much to see. Enjoy your meal.
Omaha
Boys Town, Nebraska
World’s Largest Ball of Stamps
https://www.boystown.org/village/Pages/worlds-largest-stamp-ball.aspx
https://www.boystown.org/village/Pages/default.aspx
Free Admission. It’s in the back of the gift shop in the same building that the public restaurant is in.
One can also tour the campus including the Hall of History, Dowd Chapel and the Father Flanagan Tomb, Garden of the Bible, Father Flanagan House, Chambers Chapel and the gift shop. A restaurant open to the pubic is also available on site.
Sandhills
Ainsworth, Nebraska
Meadville General Store
Truly one of the most memorable stops on our adventures. The setting, music, dancing and fellowship left a lasting favorable impression: a simplier time.
Northeast
Pierce, Nebraska
Wragge Dogs at Pierce Locker
Contact Information: Call ahead for store hours. 402.329.4365 . This food product can only be found here…in Pierce, NE. Go get some! Pierce is near Norfolk, Nebraska.
Newman Grove, Nebraska
City Café
https://www.facebook.com/ngcitycafe/ Known for pies, but try out other worthy menu items. The owners have a tremendous social media presence. It’s worth following them but better to support entrepreneurs like them helping build and maintain small rural communities.
Contact Information: ngcitycafe@gmail.com
Hours: 6AM-2PM Tu-Sa & 11-1:30 SU Closed M.
Tarnov, Nebraska
St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Museum & Grotto
Contact Information: stmichaelstarnov@gmail.com Contact ahead of time for scheduled tour.
Free Admission: The Museum next door is a can’t miss stop. The grotto is between the museum and cemetery.
As spectacular as the church itself is, the most surprising find on our Nebraska adventures, to date, was the museum next door to this church. It warehouses a diverse array of all aspects of Polish and rural life.
Contact the church to schedule your private tour. Donations accepted.
Groups can arrange for a tour that includes lunch.
The former rectory is now a visitor rental home. http://www.tarnov.org/house.html
What unusual sites (lesser known) have you visited in Nebraska?
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Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. Find out more about Linda by clicking the “Meet Linda” tab above. Interested in working together?
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