Posted in Nebraska Attractions April 11, 2022 by

Take A Journey Through This One-Of-A-Kind Historic Park In Nebraska

The sleepy little city of Auburn, Nebraska – the county seat of Nemaha County – is home to one of the state’s most remarkable parks. In a city full of historic buildings and charming sights, Legion Memorial Park stands out as the best place to gather, whether in celebration or to pay respects to American heroes.

There are a number of fascinating sights to see in this beautiful park, but one of the first you'll notice at the entrance on J Street is the M-4 Sherman tank.
Ammodramus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Immediately inside the park's entrance is another must-see military-related destination.
Nebraska Tourism Commission
This is where you'll find the Nemaha County Veterans Memorial, a humbling tribute to military members from Nebraska who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It was officially dedicated on Memorial Day in 2011.
The display consists of several large black granite slabs bearing the names of more than 1,000 service members who were killed in action.
City of Auburn, NE
The slabs are also etched with artwork featuring military imagery from the Civil War through Afghanistan. In the middle of the display is a pillar topped with an eagle - a reminder of the courage and selflessness of those who died serving their country. Benches give visitors the opportunity to sit and reflect quietly on the meaning behind the memorial.
Legion Memorial Park has long been a gathering spot for the people of Auburn. It was established way back in 1883 when it was little more than a wide-open outdoor space.
Ammodramus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
In the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) funded the construction of the enchanting stone and brick structures that are scattered throughout the park. The bandstand is still used frequently for local events. In 1968, presidential hopeful Sen. Robert F. Kennedy stood on this very stage and delivered a speech to a crowd of 2,000 people just a month before his assassination.
The WPA put jobless Americans to work building public works projects across the country during the Great Depression. Here in Auburn, workers used limestone and red granite sourced from nearby quarries to create the park's distinctive features.
Ammodramus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The structures look especially quaint and charming against the backdrop of the park's more modern features, like the playground equipment and city swimming pool.
Our personal favorites among the park's many notable features are the little stone footbridges. The three bridges span a meandering stone channel that, when conditions are right, carries a trickling stream across the park.
Ammodramus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
They're vaguely reminiscent of fairytale footbridges where one might expect to meet a grumpy troll or a few clever billy goats. Don't worry, though - you won't have to answer any riddles to cross these adorable spans.
The park has been a central part of life in Auburn since the town's inception in 1882. To this day, families and groups gather here to celebrate anything and everything. The picnic shelter is a popular spot for family gatherings, and there are also plenty of picnic tables scattered across the land.
Ammodramus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Fun fact: the city now known as Auburn was once the site of three small towns. St. George, Sheridan, and Calvert combined to become Auburn on May 1, 1882.
Legion Memorial Park has earned the honorable distinction of being named a National Historic Park Site. Only five other parks in the state have earned the designation.
Ammodramus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
When you visit, keep an eye out for other remnants of the WPA projects, including this tall stone lamp post near the bandstand and the lovely Legion Memorial Park Lily Pond.

Believe it or not, there are still more features in the park than we’ve discussed here – you’ll just have to stop in for a visit to see the rest for yourself! If you get hungry while you’re exploring the historic town of Auburn, Re-Bucks Gourmet Burgers is just a few blocks away, and it’s the perfect place to refuel.

What’s your favorite part of the historic Legion Memorial Park in Auburn, Nebraska? Tell us in the comments!

Address: Legion Memorial Park, Auburn, NE 68305, USA