The Small Town In Nebraska You’ve Never Heard Of But Will Fall In Love With
Every little town in Nebraska has its own personality, which you can feel as soon as you cross the town line. Callaway, in Custer County, has a population of just 539 but a personality big enough for a town many times its size. If you don’t know it yet, you’ll want to soon.

It's right in the heart of the seven valleys region. The James, Turner, Brown, Rye, Sand, (South) Loup, and Wood Valleys surround the town.

The town name was eventually changed to Callaway in honor of a railroad official.

In fact, the promise of the railroad led to a bizarre feud between two split factions of Callaway citizens. And the little town has some even weirder history involving cattle rustlers, a blood feud, and some gruesome incidents. You can read all about it on the town's website.

The Seven Valleys Museum holds all kinds of displays and exhibits that preserve the memories of the region's past.

And the first-ever Custer County courthouse also sits in the town. It was built in 1876 and serves as another important historical attraction in this lovely little town.

The event takes place every Labor Day weekend and attracts kite enthusiasts from all over the country and even internationally.


The "howling plains" have no shortage of strong, sustained winds.


But they won't be quite as big and impressive as these.




There are also lots of other events throughout the year that bring the community together.

Callaway is also the perfect home base for day trips to other great locations in the area. It’s close to Victoria Springs State Recreation Area, and Oconto, home to a whimsical sculpture garden (#3 on this list). It’s also just a short jump away from the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway (#8 on this list)…and, of course, it’s right in the heart of the Sandhills, home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Nebraska.