The Little Town In Nebraska That Might Just Be The Most Unique Town In The World

Just southwest of Lincoln, in Saline County, sits a little island of Europe in the middle of Nebraska. Wilber has been named the Czech Capital of the U.S.A., and the town lives up to that name every day of the year. If you are looking for interesting things to do in Wilber, Nebraska, no problem. The town is rich in cultural history and for that alone, many reasons exist to celebrate this amazing place. Let's take a look inside this little town in Nebraska that just might be the most unique town in the state.

The City of Wilber boasts a population of just 1,960 people, as of 2021.

This little community is a unique piece of old-world European charm in the Great Plains.

The town was settled by Czech immigrants in the late 19th century.

By the beginning of the 20th century, 90 percent of the town's 1,250 residents were Czech immigrants or descendants of Czech immigrants.

The city of Wilber, Nebraska has stayed true to its Czech roots.

The Sokol Pavilion, built in 1930, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sokol gymnastic events once took place here.

Symbols of this are everywhere. You will see the repeated phrase "Vitame Vas" all over town.

This sign says "We welcome you."

Other sweet community greetings are around every corner.

This bench says "How are you?"

Some messages related to the town's heritage are literally set in stone.

Plenty of signs that you're still in Nebraska abound.

Part of what makes Wilber so unique is this combination of Czech and Great Plains influences. The two cultures have blended seamlessly here.

But for the most part, spending time in Wilber, Nebraska, feels like stepping into old-world Czechoslovakia as the residents' ancestors knew it.

It's unexpected, and once you visit you'll fall in love.

Cleverly named businesses...

...and Czech-themed imagery permeate the town's landscape.

Lovely flowers line the streets and traditional Czech music plays on Main Street.

The Wilber Czech Museum holds all kinds of old-world treasures to remind residents of their heritage.

Visit the Facebook page of the Wilber Czech Musuem to learn more about this Czech town in Nebraska.

Art, household items, and historic artifacts fill the beautiful building.

The museum is a must-visit whenever you're in town.

Every year, Wilber ramps up the Czech culture with the Czech Days Festival during the first weekend of August.

Visit the Czech Days Festival webpage for updates as the event draws nearer.

Czech music, food, and family activities all combine to make Wilber's Czech Days one of the most popular festivals in Wilber, NE, and the surrounding area.

The little city was declared the official Czech Capital of the United States on July 10, 1987.

The decree was signed by President Ronald Reagan.

The Hotel Wilber is one of several buildings in the town on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Hotel Wilber was built in 1895 as a hotel and gathering space.

The Victorian-era hotel promises warm beds, traditional Czech food, and a quiet space for relaxation.

The cultural group Nebraska Czechs Inc. began in Wilber with the Czechs of Wilber, originally organized in 1962.

The organization now boasts eight chapters throughout the state.

Have you ever been to this unique, ethnic Czech community and one of the best Czech towns in Nebraska? If so, please feel free to reach out and tell us all about it! To find out more about things to do in Wilber, Nebraska, visit the Wilber Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. And for more small-town fun, check out more charming small towns in Nebraska.

Planning a road trip to Wilber, Nebraska? Don't forget to pack these road trip essentials.