The Little-Known College Town In Nebraska You’ll Want To Spend More Time In
When it comes to college towns in Nebraska, places like Lincoln, Kearney, and Wayne probably come to mind first. We’ve got lots of great colleges and universities here, and they’re all in some pretty terrific towns. There’s one, though, that is far less known than the others but deserves all of your attention.
Peru is a tiny town located in far southeastern Nebraska along the banks of the Missouri River. As of the last census, the population was just 865.
Peru isn't the type of town that you go to if you're seeking fast-paced excitement. It's a quiet little place full of terrific people, interesting history, and abundant natural beauty.
European settlers who were originally from Peru, Illinois first tried to establish a community here in 1853. After being ejected by Fort Kearney troops and setting up elsewhere for a while, they returned to the area and established Mount Vernon Academy in 1861.
This college eventually became Peru State College, which still operates today. It was once a Methodist normal school (a college where teachers were trained), but today is a four-year liberal arts university.
The beautiful 104-acre campus is full of big oak trees and contains more than 20 college buildings. Even if you don't attend the school, simply walking through the campus is a real treat. It's lovely and (mostly) peaceful.
But Peru is more than just the college, of course. This little rural community is sweetly peaceful and full of some of the friendliest people you could hope to meet. They love to share their town with visitors and will happily tell you about all there is to do here.
Sid Brown Memorial Park contains a splash pad and playground for kids, while Neal Park offers a sweet green space to enjoy a nice stroll or picnic. You'll also find a restaurant, grocery store, and the Peru Museum in town.
One of Peru's greatest assets is the Steamboat Trace Trail, a former railroad corridor trail stretching more than 21 miles between Brownville and Nebraska City, with a third trail access point in Peru. But you don't have to travel the entire length to enjoy this wonderful hiking, biking, and birdwatching trail.
Delana Lefevers for OIYS
The flat gravel surface is an easy walk or ride that's full of incredible sights you just have to see in person. The soft sandstone cliffs are breathtaking all on their own...
Delana Lefevers for OIYS
But the additions from late Peru resident Roland Sherman add a fascinating layer to the area. Sherman carved dozens of pictures along the trail's soft sandstone cliffs over the course of 30 or 40 years. Although they've lost some of their detail over time, you can (and should) still see them today.
Delana Lefevers for OIYS
The view from Peru is spectacular any time of year - from the many, many trees to the Missouri River, the little town's natural beauty is truly remarkable.
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.
