The Old Timey Town In Nebraska That Will Have You Longing For The Good Old Days
By Delana Lefevers|Published April 03, 2018
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
There’s a lot to be said for change and progress – we really do enjoy our modern conveniences. But there’s also something undeniably charming and lovely about places and things that remind us of simpler times. This Sandhills town really embraces that old-timey vibe while keeping its feet firmly planted in the present.
Bassett is located in north-central Nebraska in Rock County. This sweet little town in the Sandhills boasts a population of just over 600 people.
Bassett's nickname is "Nebraska's Hometown," and it fits perfectly. Walking or driving through Bassett feels a bit like coming home, even if you've never been there before.
There are little clues all over the town that remind you just how much the residents honor their past. This former gas station has been refurbished by the Bassett tourist council to look like it would have in the 1950s. It's non-functional now, but it does provide the perfect photo op for visitors.
Memory Lane Park, located in downtown Bassett, features this delightful boardwalk in memory of many Bassett residents. Besides looking perfectly vintage, the boardwalk offers the perfect shaded setting for various festivals and the farmers market every year.
Bassett's architecture displays an interesting mix of several styles, creating a unique downtown ambiance. The visitors center is located in the beautiful old Bassett Creamery building. The Bassett Lodge and Range Cafe, pictured below, is a Streamline Moderne building dating back to 1949.
The hotel/restaurant is one of the main places that everyone associates with Bassett. It has passed through many hands over the years and is still going strong. If you're passing through Bassett, The Bassett Lodge is the place to stay.
The Range Cafe serves delicious home-cooked goodness in a terrific retro environment. The whole building is on the National Register of Historic Places, a definite indication that this town is dedicated to preserving its old-timey, hometown feel.
Some of the town's greatest offerings are its recreational opportunities. It's right on the Cowboy Trail, and Cowboy Trail Park incorporates the epic trail into its features. Bassett City Park and Bassett Recreation Area offer even more outdoor experiences.
Bassett's proximity to the Niobrara River makes it the perfect place to set up for the weekend if you're in the area for fishing, tubing, or any other outdoor activity you love.
At its heart, Bassett is an old-fashioned town that pays honor to its history every day. Plenty of beautifully preserved buildings dot the town; visit and see if you can spot them all! Visit the town’s website to learn more.
Not too far away is Valentine – an outdoor lover’s paradise. Read more about Valentine and its many outdoor activities here.
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