Posted in Nebraska Natural Wonders, Nature January 22, 2017 by

The Most Criminally Overlooked City In Nebraska And Why You Need To Visit

When planning a getaway in Nebraska, whether you’re from here or visiting from out of state, there are typically a handful of destinations that get all of the attention while others go overlooked. One such city is Norfolk. It has a lot to offer visitors, but it’s rarely a top vacation pick for visitors who aren’t there to visit family. We think that’s just criminal, and we’d like to see Norfolk get the attention it deserves.

Norfolk is located in Madison County in Northeastern Nebraska.
Google Maps
Its population of just over 24,000 people makes it the ninth-largest city in the state.
While possibly best known for the now-defunct Norfolk Regional Center, this is a vibrant, thriving city with so much to offer.
flickr/Andrew Myers
Plenty of great businesses call historic Downtown Norfolk home.
Wikimedia/Ammodramus
Antique stores are especially popular here for both locals and visitors, but Norfolk has most of the amenities of a much larger city.



Downtown is a fun, thriving place for shopping or simply walking around and enjoying the sights.
For those interested in history, the Elkhorn Valley Museum features fascinating exhibits on the history of Nebraska and the Elkhorn Valley specifically.
TripAdvisor/Jim B.
The Children's Discovery Zone lets kids explore and burn off some excess energy while they even learn a thing or two.
You'll also find lots of displays and information about Johnny Carson, who is perhaps Norfolk's most famous former resident.
flickr/Joanne C. Sullivan
Norfolk Arts Center is similarly dedicated to expanding minds.
Facebook/Norfolk Arts Center
The gallery features space for performances and seeks to bring people and art together.
Fantastic restaurants like Black Cow Fat Pig Pub & Steakhouse will help to refuel you during your visit to Norfolk.
Facebook/Black Cow Fat Pig
Wide-open outdoor areas abound both in and around Norfolk.
flickr/Ali Eminov
Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area & Bike Trail, Willow Creek State Recreation Area, Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, Off Road Ranch (an ATV park and racetrack), Skyview Lake, and more make up the network of unique and enjoyable recreation spaces both in and near Norfolk.

And of course, there's AquaVenture, Norfolk's epic outdoor water park.

You can also access the Cowboy Trail from here for endless outdoor adventure.
The premier entertainment venue of the area is Divots Conference Center.
Facebook/Divots Conference Center
Featuring a hotel, golf course, concert venue, and wedding facilities, a lot of what happens in Norfolk is centered around this place.
And if life has gotten to be a little overwhelming and you just need to unwind for a while, the Immaculata Monastery offers quiet, private retreats to help you re-center yourself.
flickr/Marion Patterson
Or just come walk the grounds for a bit of quiet meditation. The rose garden, orchard, and relaxing labyrinth are all wonderfully peaceful spots.
If you're willing to drive a bit outside of Norfolk, you'll find Cuthills Winery, the state's first and oldest winery.
Visit Nebraska
You'll also find Ashfall Fossil Beds nearby, making Norfolk the perfect home base for a weekend of fun and exploration.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
There's much more to Norfolk than we've touched on here; take a look at their Visitors Bureau site for even more information and to plan a trip.
flickr/Michael Sauers
If you've never visited, you might be pleasantly surprised at just how much there is to do and see.

One word of caution before you visit: don’t ever call it Nor-folk. It’s Nor-fork and always will be.

For another totally underrated place in Nebraska, check out why everyone should visit the Panhandle.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.