The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Nebraska’s Best Attractions — Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More!

Nebraska is home to so many small towns that it’s impossible to list them all in a paragraph (and we don’t have time to list them, either). However, there are some small towns around the Cornhusker State that are a cut above the rest, with interesting histories, fascinating architecture, awe-inspiring views, and plenty of quaint little markets you’ll never want to leave. Some of our favorites include Aurora, which has been named one of the best places to live in Nebraska several times over the year, and Chadron, known for its incredible natural surroundings. McCook is a hub of cultural activities during the warmer months. Which of these adorable, small Nebraska towns would you like to visit?

Located smack-dab in the middle of the historic Haymarket District in downtown Lincoln, there’s a little gift shop that you’ll fall in love with immediately. It’s called, appropriately, From Nebraska, and it’s filled top to bottom with adorable Nebraska-themed gifts for either yourself or that die-hard Cornhusker in your life. They’ve been around for nearly three decades, and did we mention there’s a wine tasting room? Because there’s a wine tasting room. Do you think there’s any way you could ever leave empty-handed? We sure don’t.

Address: 803 Q Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68508

The Toadstool Geologic Park, nearby the Oglala National Grassland, is such a strange and unique place that you might just feel like you’re on another planet. Geologic processes over tens of millions of years have shaped this area into an intriguing alien landscape, and you’ve got to see it to believe it. The powers of erosion have created strange, stacked-looking rock formations known as “Toadstools” - hence the name. Wouldn’t you love to explore this strange Nebraska landscape?

Get. This. There is a unique little farm somewhere in Nebraska where you can befriend rare breeds of goat, right in the midst of a working farm, and you can stay the night if you’d like, too. Willow Valley Farms is a goat farm in Gretna, Nebraska, with a tiny home on the grounds for visitors to stay in. It’s small, it’s rustic, and it’s just perfect. You’ll get up close and personal with over 200 adorable San Clemente Island goats while you’re here, and we’re pretty sure it doesn’t get much cuter than that. What breed of goat is your favorite?

Twice a year, during the spring and fall months, the town of Brownville, Nebraska, hosts one of the most charming little flea markets you’ll ever visit. Usually, there’s anywhere from 200 to 300 vendors lining row after row with treasures galore, and it’s been a local tradition since 1957. Some people who come here have been coming every year for literal decades - it’s that great. You’ll find everything from art to decor to knick-knacks and other useful trinkets. Make sure to set aside a few hours to explore this one, because you’re going to need the time. What do you think you’ll find at the Brownville Historical Society Flea Market?

Nebraska has no shortage of religious establishments and churches, but one little chapel sitting by the road in Gretna, Nebraska, is special. It utilizes natural fixings and sunlight to bring an experience like no other. Whether you’re a person of faith or not, the gorgeous Holy Family Shrine is worth a visit. It’s visually stunning, day and night, and it’s easily one of the most unique little chapels in the entire United States, let alone in all of Nebraska. Come and stay for a sermon or two, or simply come to collect all the photos you can. Make sure to visit the unique gift shop, too! Have you ever seen a chapel quite like this one?

Address: 23132 Pflug Road, Gretna, Nebraska 68028

There are a lot of bridges in the Cornhusker State - more than 15,000, to be specific. One, however, stands above the others in terms of its beauty and its iconic image. Located in Kearney, Nebraska, the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument straddles the main passage between the eastern and western halves of the state. It stretches 300 feet above a bustling interstate, and it’s quite the experience to walk through it. It’s a historically significant landmark, so there are lots to do around it, too, like an information center, murals, informative signage, and more. You could make an entire day out of this Nebraska treasure. Could you walk across this 300-foot-high Nebraska monument?

If you asked a group of 10 people what they think of when they think of Nebraska, a bunch of them would probably say corn. However, a bunch of them would probably mention windmills, too. They’re sprinkled everywhere throughout the state, and they’re a symbol of the good life Nebraska offers in a peaceful and mostly quiet state. Did you know there’s an entire museum in Nebraska City dedicated to the windmill? There sure is, and even if you’re not really into windmills, it still manages to be interesting. Browse their incredible collection of parts and get a special glance into what life at this old windmill factory was like in the 1930s. You’ll be blown away by the sheer volume of awesome relics from the past. Do you have a favorite type of windmill? You might just leave here with one.

Address: 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Nebraska, 68410