Plan A Trip To McCook, One Of Nebraska’s Best Small Towns
In southwestern Nebraska, just about an hour south of North Platte, sits the charming town of McCook. With a population of less than 8,000 (as of the 2010 census), it’s got a delightful small-town feeling but is close enough to a large city that folks there have easy access to everything they need. Whether you’re into art, history, food, cultural events, or outdoor activities, McCook has plenty to offer residents and visitors alike.
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The sweet little town is full of historic places everywhere you look. The historic Fox Theatre, for example, has been a part of the McCook landscape since opening in 1927. It was once a movie theater but is now a venue for the performing arts.
One of McCook's most popular historic attractions is the Museum of the High Plains. It includes exhibits from WWII, Native American artifacts, antique cars, and even old-time businesses like a pharmacy and a general store. The town's beautiful Carnegie Library, built in 1907, is part of the museum as well.
You might recognize the name of some former McCook residents. Former Nebraska senator George Norris and former governor Ben Nelson were McCook natives, and their former homes have been turned into monuments to these well-known politicians.
Another unexpected attraction here is the Sutton House, a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Prairie School-style home built in 1908. It was one of the largest and most opulent homes in the area when it was built and remains a lovely example of Wright's notable architectural style. Please note that this is a private residence, so stay on the sidewalk while appreciating its beauty.
Not a history buff? No problem - there's something in McCook for everyone. The adorable bandshell in Norris Park is a popular gathering and performance place, and the rest of the park is full of fun equipment and activities for the whole family.
McCook is also the home of the Red Willow County Fair. This annual festival celebrates everything great about the town, county, and state, from the people to the agriculture and so much more.
Unfortunately, the 2020 fair was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we look forward to it returning next year!
Lovers of art and culture will enjoy the Buffalo Commons Annual Storytelling & Music Festival, where poets, musicians, storytellers, and others come together to share their talents. The event also includes stage performances, history presentations, parties, and lots of other events to keep attendees enthralled.
Again, the 2020 event has been canceled, but the organizers are looking forward to holding a modified event in the future if the threat of community transmission has abated.
If you're hungry, McCook is definitely the place to be. Sehnert's Bakery and Bieroc Cafe is famous for its bierocks - tasty pillows of meat and onions that were the inspiration for the modern Runza. The award-winning bakery has been a local favorite and a foodie destination for generations.
Mac's Drive-In is a classic eatery that serves the American favorites we all know and love, like burgers, fries, onion rings, and ice cream. There are plenty more terrific places to eat in McCook, too - you certainly won't go hungry here!
Outdoor recreation is another important part of life in and around McCook. Whether you're a fan of swimming, fishing, wildlife spotting, camping, kayaking, or just about any other type of outdoor fun, you'll find it here. Numerous state recreation areas, reservoirs, and wildlife management areas abound all around McCook.
And, of course, one of the best reasons to visit McCook is the people. They’ve got the small-town friendliness that Nebraska is so famous for. Once you visit, you may find you never want to leave. Find out more about this charming town on its official website here.
Have you ever visited McCook? Did you grow up there? Tell us your favorite thing about the town in the comments!
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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