| The Pathfinder |
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Escape the crowds of Omaha and discover a wealth of fun-filled attractions in northeast Nebraska’s Lewis and Clark country. You’ll enjoy a scenic landscape of wooded bluffs, rolling hills, lush farmland, and the Platte River Valley; small-town charm; several historical and cultural attractions; and plenty of stops that are just plain fun. Stop by the DeSoto Wildlife Refuge near Blair to view wildlife in its natural habitat and marvel at the remarkably preserved cargo that was pulled out of the Bertrand—a steamboat that sank in 1865. Give yourself a taste of farm life. Tree-ripe fruit and homemade pies are on the menu at Apple Barn at Fontenelle Orchard in Nickerson. Fremont has a great selection of antique shops in its historic downtown district, or you can enjoy a full dining and riding experience on the Fremont Dinner Train. Good times will be had by all as you view eagles while speeding down the Platte River with Bryson’s Airboat Tours. The Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial in Columbus features a life-size replica of the Higgins boat and honors the city’s native son who designed the landing craft that helped win WWII. A bronze eagle statue with a seven-foot wingspan sits atop a steel structure made from material from the 2001 World Trade Center disaster. Columbus also boasts one of the best restaurants in Nebraska, Dusters and the Gottberg Brew Pub, which serves delicious, homemade dishes. If popular history is on your agenda, don’t miss the Elkhorn Valley Historical Museum in Norfolk. Here you’ll see an entire exhibit dedicated to Norfolk’s most famous son—Johnny Carson. While you’re in town, pick up a piece of tangible history at one of the many downtown antique shops. Bancroft’s John G. Neihardt State Historic Site provides a fascinating look at an individual who dedicated his entire life to understanding and helping the American Indians. His book Black Elk Speaks chronicles many years of interviews with this famous Indian chief. Enjoy a glass of full-bodied Nebraska wine at Tekamah’s two wineries, Silver Hills Vineyards & Winery and Big Cottonwood Vineyards & Winery. Route Directions Start in Omaha 26 miles north on US-75 to Blair 19 miles west on NE-91 to Nickerson 9 miles south on US-77 to Fremont 49 miles west on US-30 to Columbus 46 miles north on US-81 to Norfolk 46 miles east on US-275, east on NE-51 to Bancroft 33 miles east on NE-51, south on US-77, east on NE-32 to Tekamah |
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