![\"\"](\"https:\/\/npdodge.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Brownville-Historical-Society-3.png\")
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Photo courtesy of\u00a0the Brownville Historical Society<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Founded in 1854, this tiny town is a historical gem with so much to offer! Hop around town between the shops, galleries and cafes before traveling back in time at the many 19th-century landmarks\u2014including the Didier Log Cabin<\/a> and the opulent Brown-Carson House<\/a>. Brownville is also home to the Whiskey Run Creek Winery and Distillery<\/a>, where you can taste some of Nebraska\u2019s best wines in a 100-year-old barn. And in the evening, don\u2019t pass up the opportunity to watch live performers on stage at the Brownville Village Theatre<\/a> or some spectacular bluegrass at the Brownville Concert Hall<\/a>!<\/p>\n Other points of interest: River View Glass<\/a>, Rohman Gardens<\/a>, Spirit of Brownville Riverboat<\/a>, Brownville Cultural Center<\/a> and Steamboat Trace Trail<\/a>.<\/p>\n Note:<\/strong> Most museums and activities in Brownville are only open from April to October, but you can contact the Brownville Historical Society<\/a> if you’re interested in seeing something specific in the offseason.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Distance: About 1 Hour & 54 Minutes\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n About a two-hour drive from Omaha, Aurora, Nebraska is a small town full of historical, natural and architectural sites for you to explore! Take a moment to walk around the square and stop in some of the shops\u2014including the Aurora Thrift Shop<\/a>, Honeysuckle Lane<\/a> and\u00a0The Old Homestead<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking to learn something new, stop by the Egerton Explorit Center<\/a>, an interactive learning and science center that offers fun for the whole family. And for a small dose of history, don\u2019t miss the Plainsman Museum<\/a> where you can learn all about the people who made Hamilton County what it is today.<\/p>\n Other points of interest: Gjerloff Prairie and Sherman Ranch<\/a>, Grandview Cafe and Lounge<\/a>, Cole Park<\/a> and Escape Aurora<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Distance: About 2 Hours & 48 Minutes<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n Photo courtesy of\u00a0Marshal Nelson via\u00a0Pioneer Village<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n While we could easily spend more than just a day in Minden, if you only have a short amount of time, there are a few things you have to do. One of them is to pay a visit to the Rowe Sanctuary<\/a>, a wildlife haven where thousands of sandhill cranes migrate every year.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re interested in stepping back in time while you\u2019re in the area, make sure to stop by the Pioneer Village<\/a>. This village is made up of over 28 buildings where you can get an intimate look at pioneer times. Inside, there are over 50,000 historical items, making it the largest private Americana collection in the world. You can easily spend an entire day checking out the steam carousel, flying machines, Jackson paintings, antique tractors and even a 1903 Ford!<\/p>\n Other points of interest: Minden Opera House<\/a>, The Christmas City<\/a> and the Ft. Kearny State Historical Park and Recreational Area<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Distance: About 3 Hours & 4 Minutes<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n Unbeknownst to many, this small town in the center of America is actually the Kolach capital of the world. What is Kolach? Well, it\u2019s a traditional pastry filled with jam, cheese, or other toppings from the Czech Republic. You can try one of these tasty treats at the Verdigre Bakery or the town\u2019s annual Kolach Days<\/a> in June.<\/p>\n In addition to delicious pastries, Verdigre also has plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration. Head to the Wild Wood Acres Park<\/a> or the Bohemian Prairie<\/a> for wildlife, hiking trails, fishing areas, camping and more.<\/p>\n Other points of interest: Bohemian Lounge<\/a>, Ashfall Fossil Beds<\/a>, the Klown Doll Museum<\/a> and Kreycik Riverview Elk Ranch<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Distance: 3 Hours & 8 Minutes<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n Photo courtesy of Ryan Puls via\u00a0The Speakeasy<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a place that mixes the best of modern living with a small-town lifestyle\u2014Holdrege is the perfect day trip for you! Here, you\u2019ll find wide, tree-lined streets full of locals spending time on their wrap-around porches. The main attraction is the Nebraska Prairie Museum<\/a>, a must-see stop that captures the personality of the heartland with a variety of interesting exhibits.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also want to stop by The Speakeasy<\/a> for dinner, a fantastic steakhouse that many say offers the best steak in Nebraska! We, and many internet reviewers, highly recommend the filet smothered in garlic blue cheese butter.<\/p>\n Other points of interest: Gutterz Fun Center<\/a>, Holdrege Sun Theater<\/a> and the East Avenue Pub<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Distance: About 3 Hours & 8 Minutes<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n With a population of just over 1,000 residents, Red Cloud is a cute small town that is definitely worth a trip! Here, you\u2019ll find quaint lodging options, regular cultural programs, historic attractions and plenty of recreational activities.<\/p>\n One of the most popular stops in Red Cloud is the Willa Cather House<\/a>, where Willa Sibert Cather, an American author who wrote novels about frontier life on the Great Plains, lived when she was young. Explore the house, read some of Willa Cather\u2019s work and visit her favorite opera house while you\u2019re in the area to really get the full experience.<\/p>\n Other points of interest: Indian Creek Pond Wildlife Management Area<\/a>, Diversion Dam<\/a>, Pine Tree Antiques<\/a>, On the Brix<\/a> and Prairie Plum Coffee<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nAurora<\/h2>\n
Minden<\/h2>\n
![\"Pioneer](\"https:\/\/npdodge.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Pioneer-Village.png\")
<\/p>\nVerdigre<\/h2>\n
Holdrege<\/h2>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/npdodge.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/speakesy-3.png\")
<\/p>\nRed Cloud<\/h2>\n
Ogallala<\/h2>\n