The Nebraska Town In The Middle Of Nowhere That’s So Worth The Journey
Depending on your perspective, Broken Bow is either in the middle of nowhere or the middle of everything. The county seat of Custer County has a population of just a little over 3,500, but its personality is far larger.
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Located at least an hour from the nearest major city, Broken Bow is isolated from the hustle and bustle that comes with living in a bigger city.
This is the kind of town that all Nebraskans can - and should - be proud of. Residents have managed to strike the perfect balance between honoring the town's roots and pushing forward to a bright future.
The town's unusual name came from a settler who found a bow lying broken on the ground at an old Native American campsite. He suggested the town be called Broken Bow, and the name stuck.
To residents and visitors, the bandstand in the town square is the most iconic sight in Broken Bow. The century-old structure was completely refurbished in 2016 and now looks as fresh and beautiful as the day it was built.
In fact, a big portion of Broken Bow is undergoing an ambitious improvement project. The entire project came with a price tag of around $4 million, which the town raised with a sales tax increase over the course of several years. Some improvements are structural, some cosmetic, but all of them are proof of the residents' dedication to their home.
The photo above depicts the town square in 2010, before the improvements began.
The work is mostly focused on the historic town square, where residents gather for holidays, concerts, the town's farmers market, and so much more. It's in the center of the town's shopping district, where local businesses thrive. The entire area is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Above, a group gathers to celebrate the official reopening of one of the town square streets. It was completely repaved with original 1920s bricks and new concrete parking spaces were laid on both sides. New curbs, streetlights, and other upgrades have made the lovely square even more charming than ever.
The effort is already paying off. Broken Bow residents have always considered themselves family, and that family is growing at a healthy pace. Younger generations who moved away years ago are now returning. People who want a better quality of life are discovering all that this beautiful little city has to offer.
And there's plenty for those families to do here. Broken Bow is full of recreational opportunities, from the gorgeous aquatic center to several parks to an art gallery....
...And the Tiffany Theater, which just celebrated its 100th birthday in 2016. Today it's a three-screen digital movie theater with luxury seating and premium sound. Visit their site for showtimes and more information.
The Custer County Museum is another fun destination, especially on a hot summer afternoon. Step inside and learn all about the history of the area, or peruse the exhibit on Solomon Butcher, a local photographer who created an exceptional pictorial history of pioneer life in Custer County in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
There's plenty for you in Broken Bow if you love interesting architecture, too. This building, which is now home to Legends Neighborhood Grill, was built in 1893. It has taken on many identities in the intervening years, and thanks to a recent renovation is still a popular gathering spot in the historic town square.
Several of the town's buildings were lost in a 2007 fire, but luckily most of the town was spared. This building dates back to 1940 and has such an unusual facade.
And what would a Nebraska town be without a ton of delicious, down-home cooking? You'll find it at plenty of establishments throughout town. There's the City Cafe...
...and the Bonfire Grill and Pub, which is inside the historic and beautiful Arrow Hotel. The Arrow has been a beloved landmark since 1928, and today it still welcomes guests.
One of Broken Bow's many gems is the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byways Interpretive Center. The big red barn houses exhibits celebrating the beauty of the Sandhills and of the scenic byway that passes right through the city.
The center focuses not only on the natural beauty of the area; it also features exhibits on area history and culture, ranching, attractions, and lots more.
Residents of Broken Bow take a great deal of pride in their lovely slice of Nebraska. When someone in the town needs help, they band together to do what they can. They know the value of community, and they work hard to make their town one of the best in the state.
There’s a good chance that you’ll have to drive a bit to get to Broken Bow – it’s just a few miles from the geographic center of the state, after all – but the experiences you’ll have there make it worth it.
Have you ever lived in or visited Broken Bow? What’s your favorite part of this dynamic town?
If you’re looking for some of the most peaceful, laid-back little towns in Nebraska, take a look at this list.
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.
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