Posted in Nebraska Attractions May 06, 2023 by Delana Lefevers

The Little-Known Fort Hartsuff Historical Park Is One Of Nebraska’s Hidden Gems

If you’re a fan of military history – or history in general – you’re in the right place. Here in Nebraska, we treasure our roots and we love sharing everything that makes our home state special. There are tons of historical attractions that attract people from far and wide, but this one is a little less known. Next time you’re out by Burwell or heading to Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area, take a unique detour to a cool hidden gem in Nebraska, the Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park, for a one-of-a-kind day trip.

Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park is located in Valley County, near Burwell. It's the site of the former Fort Hartsuff, a military post that was erected in 1874 to provide protection for white settlers who were moving into the area.

It also provided support for the local Pawnee and protection from their Sioux enemies.

The fort was only in use until 1881 when it became unnecessary. Since then, it's been turned into a historical park that shows visitors what pioneer-era life was like out here in the Sandhills.

Exhibits in the buildings detail everything from daily pioneer life to military operations. You can see a recreated officer's home, visit the enlisted barracks, or wander the parade grounds.

Look in on how an officer and his family would have lived in the fort's heyday. See little details of daily life, like an unfinished sewing project or a table neatly set for a meal.

The park is open year-round with specific hours for entering the buildings.

A Nebraska park permit is required to enter Fort Hartsuff; you can buy one online or at the park. If you would like to visit the Visitors’ Interpretive Center, there is also a nominal admission fee.

Have you ever visited this unique park in Nebraska?

After your visit, escape into nature to explore the beauty, history, and serenity of some of one of the most overlooked state parks in Nebraska.

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Address: 82034 Fort Ave, Burwell, NE 68823, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park & Related Info

May 10, 2023

Jennifer

Are there any historical landmarks in Nebraska?

Get up close and personal with Nebraska's history at one of the state's numerous historical sites. Battlefields, ghost towns, military remnants, and more fill every corner of the Cornhusker State with history and peeks into the past that will appeal to history buffs of all ages. In fact, Nebraska has 20 official national historic landmarks in addition to its plethora of state sites, historic places, and places of interest.

Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, Nebraska City
Ash Hollow State Historical Park, Lewellen
Boys Town
Captain Meriwether Lewis Dredge, Brownville
Fort Atkinson, Fort Calhoun
Fort Robinson, Crawford
Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters, Omaha
Nebraska State Capitol Building, Lincoln
Robidoux Pass, Gering
Sen. George Norris Home, McCook
Susan LaFlesche Picotte Hospital, Walthill
Willa Cather House, Red Cloud

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Sitting snugly in the route of countless pioneers migrating west, the trans-continental railroad, and more, Nebraska is literally overflowing with museums that are dedicated to preserving its history and the history of America itself. From small town specialty museums to nationally ranked art and history museums, here are just a few of the coolest museums in Nebraska: