| Lakes and Prairies of Southwestern Nebraska |
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Venture into Nebraska’s lake country and come face to face with good old-fashioned hospitality and Western history. An Old West revue, an American Indian earth lodge, homey bed and breakfasts, solemn historical battlegrounds and cemeteries, delectable homemade dishes and desserts, and a working cattle ranch are some of the delights you’ll explore in southwestern Nebraska. Day 1 Ogallala embraces its colorful Western past at Front Street, where you can catch the Crystal Palace Revue and Shoot-Out—Nebraska’s longest-running summer theatre. Visit the Petrified Wood Gallery, a natural history gallery that specializes in ancient woods, fossils, and American Indian artifacts. Ogallala is home to Lake McConaughy, the state’s largest lake and a water lover’s paradise that offers white-sand beaches, excellent fishing, and relaxing lounges on a boat in the middle of the lake. The Lake McConaughy Visitor/Water Interpretive Center is the state’s first water museum and interprets water’s significance to the state’s past, present, and future. From late December to early March, the Bald Eagle Viewing Center below the dam is one of the best locations to view bald eagles. Explore the land of grapes and honey at South Fork Vineyard near Ogallala. Stroll through the vineyards while sipping a delicious glass (or two) of Nebraska wine, and take home a variety of honeybee products, such as pure Nebraska honey, flavored honey cream, honey sticks, natural soaps and lotions, beeswax candles, and savory honey spread. Browse the works of some of the best artists in southwest Nebraska at Meadowlark Gallery in Grant. A gift shop is available to purchase that special piece of art or souvenir. Nebraska’s last water-powered flour mill, Champion Mill State Historical Park in Champion chronicles the history and story of the mill. Take a guided tour through the facility or relax on a bench underneath one of the many shade trees that surround the pond. The Massacre Canyon Monument and Visitor Center near Trenton recounts the story of the last great battle between the Sioux and Pawnee Tribes, where the Pawnee suffered a terrific loss of life. Restrooms and a gift shop are available. McCook offers excellent restaurants, shops, and boutiques in one of the state’s most charming historical downtown districts. Sehnert’s Bakery and Bieroc Café has some of the best cheesecake in the state plus a variety of mouthwatering dishes and desserts. A McCook native, George Norris was one of the nation’s most influential senators. He helped create the Tennessee Valley Authority, rural Electrification Act, and Nebraska’s unique one-house legislative body. Tour the George Norris Home, which is full of artifacts and memorabilia from his 45 years in Congress. Day 2 The Sondra L. Jonson Studios in Cambridge is an art lover’s dream. The artist’s bronze statues appear in collections throughout the United States and Europe, including the White House and Vatican. In Holbrook, visit the GROW Nebraska store, where you can purchase locally made and Nebraska-made crafts, products, and souvenirs. The Nebraska Prairie Museum in Holdrege boasts an impressive collection from Camp Atlanta, five miles from Holdrege. Works of art by POWs as well as a variety of other exhibits are displayed in several historical buildings on the grounds. The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles in Lexington is an impressive collection of military equipment and machinery. Lexington also is home to Mac’s Creek Vineyards and Winery, where you can sample excellent Nebraska-produced wines and tour the vineyards and production facilities. One of the few Pony Express stations still intact in Nebraska is located in Gothenburg’s city park. Original items are on display, and you can send postcards postmarked with the original Pony Express stamp to friends and family back home. Buffalo Bill State Historical Parkin North Platte. Tour his house and the beautifully maintained barn. During the third week of June, the entire community dons their Western duds for NEBRASKAland Days, 12 days of Old West fun and entertainment! Enjoy a spectacular view of Union Pacific Railroad’s Bailey Yard, the world’s largest railroad classification yard, from atop the eight-story Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center. The 95-foot-tall tower and visitor center feature an enclosed 360-degree view of the action below, historical and regional railroad memorabilia, and a gift shop. Fort Cody Trading Post is one of the state’s largest and engagingly eclectic gift shops. Antiques, leather goods, jewelry, Western gifts, novelties, books, clothing, gag gifts, and a variety of other fun gifts and souvenirs can be picked up at Fort Cody. If it’s fun, it’s at Fort Cody! Walk through the Old West Museum in the back of the store to view a miniature version of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show via a hand-carved, 20,000-piece animated display. The Artists Co-op Art and Gift Gallery is a showcase of original work of west-central Nebraska artists. Five gallery rooms and an outdoor sculpture garden provide great opportunities to view the works of art at your leisure. Workshops are hosted by artist members and nationally acclaimed professional artists. Bring back some Old West charm at Rustic Traditions, which has a showroom full of furniture, lamps, pottery, glass, mirrors, and other pieces created in a Western flair. Enjoy a delicious dinner, lunch, or wine tasting while surrounded by rows of grapevines at Feather River Vineyards. Route Directions Day 1 Start in Ogallala 20 miles south on NE-61 to Grant 35miles south on NE-61 to Champion 55 miles east on US-6, south on NE-25 to Trenton 23 miles east on US-6 to McCook Day 2 From McCook, 26 miles east on US-6 to Cambridge 9 miles east on US-6 to Holbrook 39 miles east on US-6 to Holdrege 39 miles north on US-183, west on I-80 to Lexington 29 miles west on I-80 to Gothenburg 37 miles west on I-80 to North Platte |
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