The Unique Town In Nebraska That's Anything But Ordinary

The town of just over 2,000 is the commerce center of the county. In fact, more than half of Valley County's residents live in Ord.

You may not expect it from a little town in central Nebraska, but Ord is a progressive community with an eye turned firmly toward the future. However, they retain a strong grip on the past as well. (Just look at that picture. Doesn't that make your heart ache to visit this gorgeous town?)

The fort was only in use from 1874 to 1881, but it saw a lot of action in that time. The fort was supposed to be a sort of peacekeeping presence, stepping between the settlers and the Native Americans. It also helped protect warring tribes from one another. Living history events are frequent here, and they are definitely not to be missed.

In her short lifetime, Sharp (seen here on the right) fought in WWII and taught approximately 350 men to fly. She was killed in a tragic accident at 24 and is buried in the Ord cemetery.

The century-old buildings have, for the most part, been very well cared for. The Beaux-Arts style Valley County courthouse is positively charming and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This unique building once housed the People's Unitarian Church.

Two miles of hiking trails surround the pond, which also offers trout fishing. A veterans memorial and Nebraska's second-tallest flag pole are also found at Aubles.

The pond is within the larger Bussell Park, a wooded city park featuring disc golf; basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball courts; a golf course; a swimming pool; and several playgrounds.

Nearby Anderson Island offers access to the North Loup River for a variety of fun water activities. The various sandpit lakes in the area hold more great sources of aquatic recreation.

Being located within a short distance of Sherman Reservoir, Davis Creek Reservoir, and Calamus Reservoir, Ord is in a prime location for all kinds of nature-lovers. One of the natural highlights of the region is watching the prairie chickens do their fascinating dance in the spring. The Nebraska Prairie Chicken Festival is held each year in nearby Burwell, and it's one of those festivals that you just have to attend to understand why it's so special.

You'll find everything at the fair that you love about small-town Nebraska county fairs. The food, the competitions, the animals, the parade...this is an event to look forward to all year. Of course, with the state fair in Grand Island just about an hour's drive away, folks can enjoy their smaller celebration at home and then make the trek to the BIG fair if they choose.

Community events abound, and the city's well-designed website keeps everyone updated on city news and upcoming events. Recently, the annual WinterFest and Small Business Saturday 2016 brought out residents from all over the county and beyond. Small businesses are the lifeblood of this little city, and residents do their best to support them year-round.

As one of Nebraska's official scenic byways, the road (not pictured) shows off some of the area's most picturesque sights. It's easy to get lost in thought out here as you watch the gentle hills rolling by.

There's something about the sense of warm community, progressive thinking, and small-town atmosphere that combines to create a place that really feels like home. Even if you're just passing through, it's hard to miss just how much residents love their home.