Discover 24 Unique Hidden Gems in Nebraska

Summary:

Historically referred to as the “Great American Desert,” Nebraska is located in the Great Plains region of the United States. Notably, it is the only state in the country that is triply landlocked, meaning that to reach the nearest body of water, one must traverse three other states.

The state’s name originates from the Omaha language words Ní Btháska and the Otoe word Ñí Brásge, both translating to “flat water.”

Nebraska is divided into 93 counties, which are situated in two distinct time zones: the eastern portion adheres to Central Time, while the western section follows Mountain Time.

An interesting fact is that Nebraska’s Lied Jungle rainforest hosts the largest indoor rainforest globally. Additionally, the “911” emergency call system was initially implemented in Lincoln, Nebraska’s capital.

The region was originally inhabited by Indigenous tribes such as Omaha, Otoe, Pawnee, and Missouria for thousands of years before European settlers from Spain and France sought control. Nebraska became the 37th state of the U.S., officially joining the union in 1867.

Rich in history, geography, and culture, Nebraska remains one of the least visited states. Let’s delve into some of the hidden attractions this state has to offer.

1. Sioux Army Depot, Potter

Initially established on March 23rd, 1942, as the Sioux Ordnance Depot, the Sioux Army Depot served as the sole U.S. Army Ammunition Depot in Nebraska during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Initially operated by the Ordnance Department, the Depot was later transferred to the U.S. Army Materiel Command.

The objectives of the Depot included receiving, storing, and distributing various types of munitions, ranging from small arms to 10,000-pound explosives. Furthermore, it was responsible for supplying automobile parts and other essential materials required by the U.S. Army.

Spanning 19,771 acres, the Sioux Army Depot featured 801 ammunition storage igloos, 392 supportive structures, 225 residential units, 22 general warehouses, 203 miles of road, and 51 miles of railway.

Although it was deactivated in June 1967, the “igloos” are now utilized by local farmers for storage and equipment garages.

2. Carhenge, Alliance

Carhenge, located in Alliance, Nebraska, is a distinctive monument devised by Jim Reinders as a tribute to his late father who passed away in 1982.

Inspired by Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, Carhenge was created in 1987 using 38 automobiles configured in alignment with the original monument’s structure. The collection consists of cars, trucks, a 1962 Cadillac (serving as the heel stone), and an ambulance.

The vehicles are all coated in grey spray paint, and the installation was completed to coincide with the Summer Solstice. A visitor center was established in 2006.

Carhenge has been featured in numerous films and television series. Most notably, it served as the venue where State Governor Pete Ricketts and 4,000 Nebraskans viewed the solar eclipse on August 21st, 2017.

3. The Villagers, Taylor

In response to the declining population of Taylor, Marah Sandoz collaborated with a local development team to create life-sized plywood cut-outs resembling town residents from 1890 to 1920, a significant period marked by the town’s prosperity.

Since 2003, Sandoz has established approximately 13 businesses, including motels, inns, historic establishments, parks, and plumbing services. The aim is to capture the cut-outs engaging in everyday activities—children playing, a couple marrying, a sheriff, and window shoppers. Sandoz aspires to create cut-outs matching the number of actual inhabitants, which totals around 180.

This ongoing initiative has effectively attracted increased visitor interest over time.

4. Monowi, Nebraska

Monowi, Nebraska holds the distinction of being recognized as “America’s smallest town.” In the 1930s, its population blossomed to about 150 residents; however, by 2000, it had dwindled to merely two—Rudy Eiler and his wife, Elsie Eiler. As younger individuals relocated to urban centers, the elderly couple remained steadfast at their home.

Tragically, Rudy passed away in 2004, reducing Monowi’s population to just one resident.

Currently, Elsie is the sole inhabitant. Notably, she also operates Monowi’s only private enterprise, the Monowi tavern, serves as the town’s mayor, and established a library in memory of her late husband.

This means she effectively pays taxes to herself, renews her own liquor license, and presents an annual infrastructure plan to secure funding for the four stoplights in her town!

5. National Museum of Roller Skating, Lincoln

Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the National Museum of Roller Skating boasts the world’s largest collection of roller skates, with artifacts dated back to 1819. The museum facilitates the education of skating enthusiasts globally regarding the historical and evolutionary significance of skating beyond merely a recreational activity.

The museum’s personnel are dedicated to the preservation and collection of skating’s rich heritage. In addition to the extensive historical roller skate collection, it also features patents, trophies, art pieces, photographs, attire, videos, and other memorabilia relevant to the world of skating.

Approximately 1,500 books and journals related to roller skating are also available. Among the museum’s most notable collections are the James L. Plimpton family collection (the Father of contemporary roller skating), Antonio Pirello’s innovative jetpack skates, and photographs of Scott Baio on roller skates.

6. Panorama Point, Pine Bluffs

Panorama Point in Pine Bluffs is the highest natural elevation in Nebraska, reaching 5,429 feet above sea level. Contrary to what one might think, it is neither a mountain nor a hill; rather, it consists of a slight rise on the High Plains!

Situated within the grounds of High Point Bison Ranch, the summit features a stone marker and a guest register. While bison once roamed freely in the surrounding area, they are now fenced in. As visitors approach the point, they are greeted by vast plains extending as far as the eye can see, and on a clear day, the Rocky Mountains may be discerned in the distance.

Visitors should pay a nominal entrance fee, and it is advisable not to disturb any bison encountered along the way.

7. Harold Warp’s Pioneer Village, Minden

Pioneer Village spans 20 acres, created by Harold Warp, a small-time entrepreneur turned millionaire, who aimed to showcase the quintessential rags-to-riches American dream.

Warp, who originally hailed from Minden, Nebraska, transitioned from living in a “soddy” to amassing wealth. Rather than pouring his fortune into a luxurious residence or yacht, he opted to invest his earnings to construct a replica town that honors the opportunities the country afforded him.

Founded in 1953, Pioneer Village features a collection of 28 structures, which include historic buildings from Warp’s hometown, a replicated sod house, an extensive automobile collection, and unique artifacts such as Lincoln’s sugar bowl. The buildings are arranged in chronological order, illustrating the timeline of America’s growth and achievements.

8. Old Lincoln Highway in Omaha, Omaha

Originally established in 1913 to connect New York City and San Francisco, the Old Lincoln Highway marked the first coast-to-coast roadway constructed in the United States. Its segment in Nebraska stretched between Omaha and Elkhorn.

In 1929, following the completion of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Bridge, the highway was redirected onto U.S. Route 30 through Blair, Nebraska. Consequently, officials from Blair unceremoniously uprooted the markers from the Omaha section of the highway and relocated them to their own town.

This led to a longstanding rivalry between the two towns; however, it may have contributed to the preservation of this century-old highway segment.

Although the three-mile stretch may not hold the same significance as in the past, it remains the longest-surviving brick-paved portion of America’s inaugural coast-to-coast highway. The Old Lincoln Highway was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

9. Ruins of Prairie Peace Park, Pleasant Dale

A transboundary protected area allows both humans and animals to coexist without political limitations. These areas aim to foster freedom of movement and are known as Peace Parks.

In the 1990s, the peace park movement gained momentum across the United States, with initiatives aimed at creating numerous public spaces serving as sanctuaries promoting global peace.

Established in 1994, the Prairie Peace Park in Pleasant Dale garnered significant recognition among the movement’s advocates; however, efforts were insufficient, leading to its closure and sale in 2005 during the “War on Terror” to Maharishi Vedic City, a transcendental meditation organization.

Despite much of the park being reduced to a mere memory, a stipulation requiring preservation of at least two artworks allows “World Peace Mural” (a vibrant illustration with sun and humans) and “The Dance of Children” (a metallic globe adorned with doves) to remain on site.

10. The Hastings Museum Kool-Aid Exhibit, Hastings

Kool-Aid has delighted consumers in the United States since its invention in 1927 by Edwin Perkins.

Perkins, dissatisfied with the fragility of glass bottles for Fruit Smack (the predecessor to Kool-Aid) and the shipping costs, ingeniously transformed the beverage into a powdered format, thus creating Kool-Aid.

Initially termed Fruit Aid, Kool-Aid was influenced by Jell-O.

To celebrate this delightful innovation, the Hastings Museum dedicated an exhibit titled “Kool-Aid: Discover The Dream,” showcasing an array of Kool-Aid memorabilia—samples, vintage bottles, historical information, packaging, as well as marketing strategies. Visitors can also view the original Kool-Aid Man suit displayed at the museum.

11. Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse and Lounge, Paxton

Founded by Rosser O. Herstedt (commonly known as Ole), Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse and Lounge is not merely a steakhouse; it showcases Ole’s impressive collection of taxidermy amassed during his extensive career as a game hunter.

Acquired in 1933, the establishment received its inaugural taxidermy piece—a mounted elk head—from Ole’s adventures in 1938. Over the years, he traveled globally in search of unique game, preserving the heads of his quarry to display in the steakhouse. Among the rare specimens are giraffes, elephants, moose, and even a full-size polar bear, which serves as the bar’s mascot.

After retiring from hunting in 1988, subsequent proprietors added to the collection. Presently, the steakhouse features over 200 taxidermy mounts, alongside celebrity photographs, and continues to attract local hunters.

12. William Thompson’s Scalped Scalp, Omaha

In August 1867, William Thompson, an English repairman employed by the Union Pacific Railroad, was dispatched to Lexington to resolve a malfunctioning telegraph line. While en route, Thompson and his colleagues were ambushed by 25 members of the Cheyenne tribe.

The train derailed, resulting in the death of all personnel onboard except Thompson, who sustained a shoulder wound and lost his scalp during the attack. He lost consciousness, which likely saved his life when the assailants presumed him dead and left his scalp behind.

After regaining consciousness, Thompson consulted Dr. Richard Moore in Omaha for scalp reattachment, which was deemed unfeasible. Consequently, he opted to display his scalp publicly for profit. In 1900, Thompson returned the scalp to Dr. Moore, who later donated it to a local public library.

Today, William Thompson’s scalp is housed in a darkroom and is exhibited only on select occasions.

13. Hudson-Meng Bison Kill, Harrison

In 1954, as Albert Meng expanded a historic spring for his cattle, he unexpectedly discovered numerous bones belonging to numerous bison.

Subsequently confirmed by experts, these remains were identified as belonging to over 600 bison dating back approximately 10,000 years, located within Oglala National Grasslands.

Meng sought the assistance of Bill Hudson, an amateur archaeologist, and after nearly three years of excavation, they unearthed the largest documented collection of Alberta Culture bison found globally.

Research indicated that while the site was frequented by Native American tribes, the bison had perished from unknown natural causes.

14. Nebraska State Capitol Mosaic Floor, Lincoln

The Nebraska State Capitol Mosaic Floor, designed by Hildreth Meiére, a renowned New York artist celebrated for her glass and mosaic work, portrays the evolution of Nebraska from prehistoric times to the present.

This intricate artwork embodies life and the fundamental natural elements—fire, water, air, and earth—portrayed through animals and plants representative of those elements: fish for water, terrestrial animals for earth, and representation of fire through ancient desert landscapes.

Interestingly, the mosaic includes depictions of dinosaurs, despite Nebraska lacking fossil evidence of such species—perhaps reflecting Meiére’s broader vision of including related territories that encompassed what was once Nebraska Territory, including parts of Utah, Wyoming, and the Dakotas.

Meiére consulted extensively with Erwin Hinckley Barbour, director of the University of Nebraska State Museum, drawing inspiration from Barbour’s illustrations of prehistoric flora and fauna.

15. Site of a Japanese Balloon Bomb Explosion, Omaha

As World War II approached its conclusion, the Japanese military developed “fire balloons,” hydrogen-filled devices carrying explosives weighing between 11 to 33 pounds. Omaha experienced one such explosion on April 18th, 1945.

Of the approximately 9,000 bombs deployed, the Omaha device was among around 300 discovered across the United States. Most locals mistakenly attributed the detonation to fireworks.

A plaque exists to remember the bombing event, which fortunately yielded no damage; details of the bombing were only disclosed after the war’s conclusion.

These Japanese “fire balloons” were also released in an additional 26 states, with one incident in Oregon tragically resulting in the deaths of a pregnant woman and five schoolchildren.

16. Nebraska National Forest, Chadron

Stretching over 141,864 acres, the Nebraska National Forest comprises ponderosa pines and grasslands, established in 1907 by merging three smaller forests—North Platte National Forest, Dismal River, and Niobrara. Once predominantly a flat landscape, the Nebraska National Forest was recognized as the world’s largest manmade forest before it was surpassed by a Chinese counterpart.

The forest was conceptualized by botanist Charles E. Bessey, who theorized that the Great Plains may have once supported a natural forest. His initiative ultimately resulted in the creation of a national forest in an area generally deemed unlikely.

Due to Bessey’s visionary approach, the Nebraska National Forest stands as the largest manmade national forest in the United States and has been documented on the National Register of Historic Places since the 1950s.

17. Pioneers Park Pillars, Lincoln

In 1908, the east wing of the Treasury Department in Washington D.C. underwent significant restoration. Although constructed mainly of granite, a particular section incorporated sandstone—a material both easily shaped but less durable.

Upon realization that the sandstone columns were no longer structurally sound, builders painstakingly removed around thirty of these pillars for future use.

Unfortunately, funding for their refurbishment could not be secured, and the pillars languished in a vacant lot, succumbing to decay. Ultimately, in 1916, Cotter T. Bride, the Commissioner of the District Excise Board, commissioned the relocation of four sandstone pillars to Lincoln, Nebraska, in tribute to William Jennings Bryan, a notable Nebraskan political figure.

18. Fort Robinson State Park, Harrison

In 1873, the Red Cloud Agency relocated from the North Platte River to the White River near Crawford, Nebraska. Subsequently, the U.S. government established a military camp on the original agency site, which hosted approximately 13,000 Lakota individuals.

Robinson Camp was named in honor of Lt. Levi H. Robinson, who lost his life at the hands of Native Americans while on a wood detail in February 1874. In May of that same year, the agency relocated 1.5 miles west to its present location, subsequently adopting the name Fort Robinson.

This fort holds considerable significance in American history. By the conclusion of World War I in 1919, it had become the largest quartermaster remount depot worldwide. During World War II, the fort served as a K-9 training facility and at one point housed German P.O.W.s.

Established as a state park in 1956, it expanded in 1972 after state officials acquired the adjoining James Arthur Ranch.

Visitors can stroll through the extensive history preserved at the park and marvel at the myriad artifacts remaining from its operational era.

19. World’s Largest Ball of Stamps, Boys Town

With the advent of email and instant messaging, stamps are often perceived as outdated and are mainly sought after by collectors. However, in Boys Town, Nebraska, a group of stamp enthusiasts reinvented the concept of entertainment.

Located in the Leon Myers Stamp Center, an enormous ball made of stamps boasts a diameter of 32 inches and comprises over 4.6 million canceled stamps. Constructed between 1953 and 1955, the Ball of Stamps initiative originated when the Boys Town Stamp Collecting Club, arguably out of boredom, began rolling stamps around a golf ball.

Discovered by Ripley’s Believe It or Not prior to completion (suspected boredom played a role again), the World’s Largest Ball of Stamps drew spectators worldwide. Presently, it lies unattended in a quiet corner of the stamp center.

Weighing in at over 600 lbs., the Ball has retained its original form since 1955.

20. Morris Press Cookbook Store, Kearney

For culinary enthusiasts, this is an opportunity to explore unique family recipes dating back to the 1980s.

Fred Carlson acquired a modest printing venture in Kearney in 1933. After operating until 1956, Fred passed the business to his son-in-law, Harold Morris, who subsequently expanded the company by incorporating another printing entity in 1972. By 1975, the establishment became known as Morris Press and Office Supplies, Inc.

In the 1980s, the company faced a downturn; however, it pivoted towards the production of personalized cookbooks for local communities, schools, and residences. The initiative quickly gained popularity, and today, Morris Press Cookbook Store is recognized as a leading cookbook publisher in the United States.

21. Petrified Wood Gallery, Ogallala

Harvey and Howard Kenfield, identical twins from Ogallala, Nebraska, cultivated their love for collecting from a young age. Their interests expanded over time from arrowheads to include petrified woods, prehistoric fossils, and rare artifacts.

The Petrified Wood Gallery houses their remarkable collection, alongside unique fossils lent from other artists and collectors worldwide.

Noteworthy exhibits include handmade petrified wood figurines created by the Kenfield brothers, specimens sourced from Arizona’s petrified wood forest, and even a Therizinosaurus egg from China.

Despite their age, the brothers may still be seen occasionally working within the gallery.

22. Toadstool Geologic Park, Harrison

Toadstool Geologic Park, situated in the vicinity of a former river that flowed through the area approximately 45 million years ago, is a fascinating area characterized by remarkable geological formations shaped by eons of wind and water erosion.

This geological park features a variety of stunning formations; its unique mushroom-shaped structures have inspired its name.

Often referred to as the “badlands of Nebraska,” the park is accessible for visitors 24/7 and permits camping on-site. Its mile-long loop trail offers breathtaking views along with opportunities to view ancient fossils dating back to millions of years.

23. First Arthur County Courthouse and Jail, Arthur

Arthur County was established in 1913 and named after President Chester A. Arthur. In 1914, the town of Arthur was formally incorporated and designated as the county seat. The town’s center featured small farmhouses, a general store, and a small courthouse, alongside a county jail located a short distance from the courthouse.

Costing $900, the courthouse opened its doors to the 2,500 residents of Arthur County in 1915. This modest wooden structure measured merely 26 by 28 feet. Unfortunately, the hardships of the 1930s, characterized by economic depression and agricultural drought, prompted many residents to relocate.

After faithfully serving the local farming community for 48 years, the courthouse and jail were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. It also gained recognition as the world’s smallest courthouse through Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

24. Chimney Rock, Bayard

Historically referred to by a name that signifies “elk penis,” Chimney Rock is a prominent geological structure situated in Western Nebraska. Rising approximately 300 meters above the North Platte River Valley, the Rock was first recorded in 1827, although it is believed to have existed long before the arrival of Native Americans.

Designated a National Historic Site since 1956, Chimney Rock is enveloped by a designated area managed by the National Park Service. Its summit reportedly reaches an elevation of 4,228 feet above sea level, and historical records suggest a small town shared the same name had once thrived at its base, housing a post office operational from 1913 to 1922.

Chimney Rock served as a significant marker for travelers traversing the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails in the mid-19th century and now continues to guide modern travelers along Nebraska Highway 92 and U.S. Route 26.