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Auburn is home to the Nemaha Valley Museum, 1423 19th St., which displays the history of the Nemaha valley in three buildings. It is open April through December, Tuesday-Sunday, 1- 4:30 p.m., or by appointment. Free. (402) 274-3203.
The Blues, Bikes & Barbecue Fest, held annually the first Saturday in June, features a benefit poker run, a rib contest and free live blues bands. The Classic Car Show, held the first Saturday in October, includes games, contests and live music. Auburn also offers swimming, including one of the area’s best water slides, fishing, walking and running areas and parks for playing. The Auburn Country Club also offers a great place for the golfer.
Brock
Coryell Park, built by the Coryell family and donated to Nemaha County is located one mile east and three miles south of Brock. It contains a small limestone wedding chapel, a doll museum and a sunny pavilion, with a playground along a bubbling stream.
The Stoneshop Studio, on the John Haberman farm, is the workshop, gallery and classroom of artist Katy Haberman. Located two miles west of Brock and ¼ mile south on 631st Ave, it is open by appointment (402)-856-3355 or by chance from May through September.
Though Brownville, pop. 146, doesn’t have a bank, gas station or grocery store, it has transformed itself into a cultural and historic center. The tiny town has three museums, art galleries, craft shops, antique shops, historic homes, a bed and breakfast, a guest house, winery and a riverboat.
The Spirit of Brownville offers public cruises on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. Twilight dinner and entertainment cruises are available by private charter. Call (402) 825-6441, or (402) 825-4211 for information.
Just south of the Brownville Bridge, a restored sidewheeler dredge is open to the public as the Meriwether Lewis Dredge and Missouri River History Museum. It is open on weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day, weekends in April and October. (402) 825-3341. Off-season, call (402) 274-5695.
Brownville is also one of only three designated “Booktowns” in the United States. There are four bookstores in town: The Lyceum (402) 825-4321, is both a bookstore and restaurant, The Village Book Store (402)274-3104, A Novel Idea Bookstore (402)825-3974 or (402) 475-8663, and the Antiquarium Bookstore (402)917-1300.
Stop at the Visitor’s Center located in the Lyceum for a tour guide and information about historic attractions such as the 1860 Carson House, the Brownville Historical Society Museum, the Governor Furnas House, the Captain Bailey House and the Railroad History Center. Hours and seasons for these sites vary (877) 559-6005, (402) 825-6001.
Whiskey Run Creek Vineyard & Winery, 702 Main St., offers wine tasting and local wines for sale in a 110-year-old barn positioned over a creek, and in brick caves built in 1866. (402) 825-4601.
Brownville has both a Village Theatre and a Concert Hall. For schedules and tickets, call (402) 825-4121 (theatre) or (402) 825-3331 (Concert Hall).
The Whiskey Run Creek Nature Trail goes through the Furnas Arboretum, running alongside the Whiskey Run Creek and links to the Steamboat Trace Hiking/Biking Trail, which runs from Brownville to Nebraska City. The Schoolhouse Art Gallery & Nature Center is located in the heart of the Furnas Arboretum grounds on Main at Fifth Street and features artwork by regional artists and nature/educational program. The Schoolhouse Art Gallery & Nature Center is open on weekends and by appointment, call (402) 825-6637.
The Brownville State Recreation Area is on the east edge of town along Highway 136, near the Steamboat Trace. With riverfront camping and nearby boat ramp, it is open year-round for fishing hiking, camping and picnicking. A state park permit is required. (402) 883-2575.
In the 1920’s, silent movie star Harold Lloyd thrilled audiences with his hair-raising stunts. The Harold Lloyd Home, the actor’s boyhood home, is a museum that screens Lloyd’s many movies. Open by appointment. Call (402) 865-4665 or 865-6155.
The Big Blue Ranch and Lodge overlooks a scenic 20-acre fishing lake on a working cattle ranch and is an ideal retreat for hunters, fishermen, hikers, bird watchers and those seeking contented relaxation. (402) 730-3643.
Falls City is in the midst of re-inventing itself to be in position for its 21st century resident, those currently living here and those who will come. The mini-park, one of eight in the parks and recreation ystem, has three 40-foot murals depicting Falls City’s hitorsy from the 1850s to 1984. An all-weather hiking trail around Stanton Lake has recently been completed. The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is special, celebrating the many acocmplishments of native son John P. Falter, who inked so many covers for the Saturday evening Post, including a 1946 cover of Christmas in Falls City. These days feature table upon table of magazine. (402) 245-4704.
The Bell-Jenne Historical House, at the corner of 20th Street and Highway 73, is an Italian-style house built in 1881, and open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Saturday-Sunday, 2-4 p.m., or by appointment. (402)245-3481.
Candlelight Cabin at Stanton Lake on West 25th Street has recently been removated, with an event room and screened porch and offers a scenic view of the park and lake, and is in close proximity to a playground. The cabin is available for rental each day, year round. For information or reservations, call 402.245.2851. The Falls City Aquatic Park, located at the north entrance of town on Hwy 73. This beautiful community pool, with zero depth entry, sprayground, tube slide, river slide, six-lane fitness lap pool, and diving area, is a wonderful addition to the community. (402) 245-3214.
Falls City Library & Art Center at 120 E. 18th St. is home to the Stalder Gallery which hosts traveling art shows. One of the most distinguishing features of the library is the permanent collection of artwork by area artists, including Miss Alice Cleaver and John Philip Falter. The Historic Grand Weaver Hotel, located in downtown Falls City, is one of premier accommodation facilities in the area. A display case featuring memorabilia from the hotel’s past include a mural of Nebraska roadways prior to Interstate 80 and a telephone system operated by a central switchboard, which was in use as recently as 2008.
Itha-Krumme Memorial Arboretum, located at West 25th Street and Clinton is the only site within the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum system showcasing plants native to Nebraska and surrounding states. The hard surface walking path leads visitors through the wonders of native flora and fauna. The Arboretum is located next to Stanton Lake. For info call 402.245.2850. The Richardson Military History Museum – Located inside the National Historic Registered courthouse at 1700 Stone Street, it contains a collection that includes war memorabilia from World War I to present. It is open Monday-Friday 8a.m.-5p.m. for self-guided tours. 402.245.4228. The Richardson County Museum is located two blocks west of the junction of Highways 73 and 159 and its collections include an 1855 letter from Abraham Lincoln, a collection of operating antique clocks, pioneer displays, Indian, military, and railroad artifacts. Richardson County memorabilia from surrounding communities, and schools that have closed, are also housed here. It is open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 2-4 p.m., and by appointment. 402-245-3481. Stanton Lake, located on West 25th Street, is a serene park with a lake, in a beautiful setting that offers fishing, picnic areas, sandlot volleyball courts, playgrounds, trailer hookups, showers, and dumping station. For information, or reservations call 402-245-2851.
The Humboldt Town Square has recently undergone revitalization with historic lighting, mural, pedestrian amenities and bandstand restoration. In September, the Richardson County Fair and Humboldt Fall Festival are hosted here.
Kirkman’s Cove Recreational Area is a 500-acre complex that features a nine-hole public golf course, a swimming beach, hiking trails and RV and tent camping. It is open year-round. Entry permit required. To get there, go 4 1/2 miles west of town on Highway 4, then 1/2 mile north. (402) 335-3325, golf course. (402) 862-2828.
Set within the rolling hills of historic Nemaha County, Johnson has gained notoriety as a traditional farming community, along with hosting the annual Father’s Day Barbecue. Father’s Day weekend events include slow pitch softball, co-ed sand volleyball, street dance, tractor display, stagecoach rides, chicken games and the old-fashioned chicken barbecue sponsored by the Johnson Chamber of Commerce.
As a young settler in the 1850’s, J. Sterling Morton arrived in Nebraska City to find endless prairie and almost no trees. A lifelong proponent of tree-planting and conservation, Morton is best remembered as the founder of Arbor Day. Arbor Day Farm blends history and high-tech innovation. The farm’s Tree Adventure includes trails, greenhouse and pavilion, and a tree house 50 feet above the forest floor. Watch apple-pressing at the Apple House, which also sells cider, homemade pie, local wine and gifts. (888)448-7337.
Also on site is the Lied Lodge and Conference Center, with lodging and space for meetings, weekend getaways and dining in the restaurant.
Morton’s home, Arbor Lodge, 2600 2nd Ave., grew with Morton’s rising fortunes. What began as a little house on the prairie gradually became a 52-room neo-colonial mansion within a 72-acre arboretum. It is now a state historical park. Visitors can tour the mansion and grounds, which feature a carriage house, an Italian terraced garden and 200 varieties of lilacs. Living history activities are held during weekends in September and October. A state park permit is required. (402) 873-7222.
The Wildwood Historic Home, at 420 Steinhart Park Rd., is a restored 1869 Victorian house open to the public. Also on site, The Barn Art Gallery features Nebraska-made gifts and works by Nebraska artists. (402) 873-6340.
Experience a working orchard in action at Kimmel Orchard, 1.5 miles northwest of town on Business Highway 75. Enjoy wine tasting and a gift shop featuring Nebraska-made products and seasonal produce. Hike the 2.5 mile educational trail system through orchards and vineyards. Kimmel Kitchen offers barbecue and homemade apple products. Season hours are April -December; Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m. (402) 873.5293.
The Kimmel Hardin Nelson Center for the Arts, at 801 3rd Corso, has up to four artists-in-residence at any one time. It houses a main gallery with additional exhibition space, and is open Monday through Thursday, noon - 4 p.m., or by appointment. (402) 874-9600.
The Cider House Theatre hosts six community theater productions a year. Shows change every two months. (402) 873-3229.
Arbor Trails Winery, at 6450 J Road (junction of Highways 2 and 75), is Nebraska’s first cooperative winery, featuring products from the fruit of southeast Nebraska and the hands of southeast Nebraskans. It is open daily, afternoons and evenings. (402) 873-8888.
The Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center, at 100 Valmont Drive, focuses on the explorers’ many discoveries of plants and animals unfamiliar to Euroamericans. Exhibits include full-size replicas of the explorers’ keelboat and priogue, a birding exhibit and a Plains Indian earth lodge. The site has an interpretive trail and a broad view of the river. It is open daily. (402) 874-9900.
Inside the 1894 Grand Army of the Republic Hall at 910 1st Corso, the Civil War Veterans Museum is home to the largest collection of Civil War artifacts in the region. It is open noon to 4 p.m. The last Sunday of each month, November through May, and Saturday-Sunday June through October. (402) 873-4018.
The Mayhew Cabin, at 2012 4th Corso, is said to be the last stop on Nebraska’s Underground Railroad. The 1850’s cabin is one of the state’s oldest structures. A Historical Village is also located on the grounds. The museum is open daily from the last weekend in April through the end of October. (402) 873-3115.
The Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting, at 1320 Central Ave., is a new museum featuring one of the oldest and largest collections of publicly-owned fire equipment in the state, belonging to the Nebraska City Volunteer Fire Department. (402) 873-3579.
The River Country Nature Center, at 114 S. 6th St., houses more than 400 preserved specimens of native Nebraska birds, mammals, fish, amphibians and reptiles in replicas of their natural habitats. The center is open Arbor Day through mid-October, afternoons Thursday through Sunday. (402) 873-3411.
Nebraska City is home to three challenging golf courses: Arbor Links Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course designed by Arnold Palmer; Wildwood Golf Course, a nine-hole municipal course; and Table Creek Golf Course, an 18-hole course with restaurant and club house.
Access the Missouri River at Riverview Marina State Recreation Area along Highway 75. Fishing, boating and camping are available Memorial Day through Labor Day. A state park permit is required. (402) 873-7222.
Nebraska City is the northern trailhead for the Steamboat Trace Trail, a hike/bike trail that runs 21 miles through the Missouri River valley to Brownville. The trailhead is south of town on Highway 75 --- look for the trailhead sign, then follow a paved road three miles east to the OPPD power station. (402) 335-3325.
A visit with any resident of Nemaha will lead you to the site of an original Lewis & Clark Camp (it is not marked), a tallgrass prairie, and a large city park for picnics, games and old-fashioned community gatherings. This is the last stop before Indian Cave State Park, nine miles south on Highway 67, and your last chance for a refreshments or groceries is at Nemaha’s Only Stop, located downtown. (402) 824-5655.
To make the most of your visit to Pawnee City and Pawnee County, first stop at the Pawnee County Visitor’s Center, located at 624 G St. (402)852-2444.
Twenty buildings are filled with over 25,000 items of pioneer furnishings and memorabilia at the Pawnee City Historical Society Museum, at the east edge of town on Hwy. 8 and Hwy. 50. Among the diverse collection is an experimental tailwind airplane, a collection of 1,600 salt and pepper shakers, 800 different types of barbed wire, and the home of Nebraska’s first governor, David Butler, as well as Dan Whitney’s --- aka Larry the Cable Guy --- barn. It is open April through October, Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m. or by appointment. Admission is $5 for adults, free for children 12 and under (402)852-3131 or go to www.pawneecountyhistory.com for more information.
More than 450 pedal cars, tractors, airplanes and other toys are displayed at The Pedal Clinic, at Hwy. 8 and I Street. Tours are by appointment only. (402) 852-2655.
Schilling Bridge Winery and Microbrewery 62193 710 Road (six blocks west of Highway 50 and 14th Street), features Nebraska’s first farm winery-microbrewery combination. Winetasting events are held throughout the year. (402) 852-2400.
Peru, located at the heart of Steamboat Trace, a scenic hiking, biking and birding trail that links Nebraska City to Peru and Brownville and offers a total experience to nature lovers. This 21-mile historical route closely follows the Missouri River trail of Lewis and Clark, past the ghost town of Minersville and through the wetlands and river bluffs of southeast Nebraska. On Steamboat Trace you can enjoy the many species of birds, as well as the limestone carvings and native flora and fauna. The Peru trail head, located on the north end of Fifth Street, offers a covered picnic area, restrooms and camping. A scenic driving tour offers the Steamboat Trace experience by motorized vehicles from Nebraska City to Peru, Brownville, Nemaha and Indian Cave State Park.
Peru State College and the Campus of A Thousand Oaks Arboretum is one of the affiliated sites that constitute the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, a botanical resource for students, visitors and residents of Southeast Nebraska. The arboretum collection is an educational and instructional resource in botany and horticulture. Contact Curator Linda Jacobsen at Peru State College (402) 872-3815 or visit www.peru.edu.
Neal Park, just south of the campus, provides a pavilion, picnic area, hiking and birding opportunities as well as local flora and fauna.
Peru Bottoms Wildlife Management Area, a wildlife restoration project with over 2,000 acres of land sponsored by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, offers birding, hunting and fishing. This is a habitat for bald eagles and snow geese migration, as well as other wildlife. This area is located two miles north of the Peru boat ramp and offers public access to the Missouri River.
The Peru Museum offers local history and the restored Brownell House. The museum is open Sunday afternoons or by appointment. (402) 872-5865. The Peru Cemetery and genealogy information may be found at the museum. The cemetery is noted as a tri-state observation point, where on a clear day you can see the states of Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. An overlook observation point is located near the entrance.
Downtown Peru businesses provide all the necessities of small-town life, including a restaurant, grocery store, bank, night life and lodging. Call (877) 404-4711.
The heavily-wooded bluffs of Indian Cave State Park form one of the westernmost outposts of the eastern deciduous forest, making it a unique biological crossroads of east and west. With 20 miles of trails, the park has many opportunities for hiking, biking and horseback rides. There is also a boat ramp, RV and primitive camping. The park takes its name from a large sandstone cavity of uncertain age. It is a natural formation with Indian petroglyphs etched on the walls. The park is open year-round; the museum and living history sites are open Memorial weekend through October. The park is located two miles north and five miles east of Shubert. A state park permit is required. (402) 883-2575.
The Deer Creek Sodbusters host their Antique Machinery and Tractor Show the second Sunday of August each year. The event features activities that portray the farmers’ lifestyle from years ago. It is the only local legacy event in the Library of Congress.
Nestled at the intersection of Nebraska Highways 2 and 50 rests Syracuse, a community of 1,762 that combines elements of the past --- original bricks on the downtown streets and renovated historic buildings --- with up-to-date specialty design and home accent shops, an art gallery, quilt shop, day spa, gift shops and coffee shop.
The community celebrates its heritage with the annual Germanfest, held on the next to last Saturday in July. The event is a combination of a downtown “Lemon Days,” Farmer’s Market, crafts show, "Viener Dog" races, bed races and flea market with ethnic food, music, parade, kids’ activities, street dance and fireworks.
In August, the Otoe County Fair comes to town with all the old-fashioned fair attractions. It is located on the south edge of town at the Otoe County Fairgrounds.
Unique to Syracuse is the annual Tannenbaum Festival held the first Saturday of December. A large Christmas tree is situated in the middle of the intersection in the heart of the downtown area. A full day of activities include downtown shops’ open houses, kids’ activities, a Christmas tour of homes and a visit with Santa. Additional activities include Christmas caroling and hay ride, if weather permits, and the evening concludes with hot cocoa and cookies for everyone.
Syracuse hosts a variety of recreational opportunities and facilities. Williams Park is located in the middle of town and features a mile-long lighted bike/walk path, playground equipment, sheltered picnic areas and restroom, along with a newly established fishing pond. Near Williams Park are tennis courts and the Lion’s Club Arboretum. The South Park, located on the south edge of town adjacent to the Otoe County Fairgrounds, offers several large picnic shelters, camper hookups, restrooms and playground. The American Legion baseball/softball field is also located in the park.
The Syracuse Aqua Centers offers six lap lanes, drop slide, diving boards, zero-depth entry, floor geysers and a flower geyser. The addition, the Syracuse Country Club hosts a well-kept par 70, nine-hole golf course on the western edge of the community. The course is open to the public.
Syracuse is the home of the Otoe County Museum of Memories, housed in the former First Faith Church, dedicated in 1881. The museum complex also houses the Kramer Building, a nature exhibit and is open every Sunday afternoon from May through September or by appointment.
Overnight visitors have the option of staying in the recently constructed 74-room motel located at the intersection of Highways 2 and 50, a motel located at Ninth and Park streets or at the Alte House, a quaint bed-and-breakfast located on the southwest corner of Thorne and Sixth street
The Table Rock Historical Society Museum is a nine-building complex featuring an 1877 Catholic church with interior murals. A new building honors veterans of all wars. Open April through October, Sunday afternoon. (402) 839-4135 and (402) 432-6469.
Tecumseh was the site of the first Rural Mail Delivery in the State of Nebraska and second in the nation on Nov. 7, 1896. A sign honoring the event was installed at the Tecumseh Post Office, located on the northeast edge of the downtown square, in July 2007, 111 years after the event. Founded in 1856, the downtown Tecumseh Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1958 includes approximately five square blocks and is a fine example of a late 19th century county seat. The best known landmark is the Johnson County Courthouse. The Brandon Parkway Fountain, located on the northeast side of the Tecumseh Community Building in the historic part of Tecumseh, has been restored and honors Judge H.W. Brandon, who donated the land on which the Community Building sits.
The Johnson County Museum Complex, at the corner of Third and Lincoln, includes the 1888 Christian Church, the Hedgerow Country School and has included an exhibit on the life of Tecumseh native Col. Barney Oldfield --- a publicist, Hollywood columnist, public relations assistant to Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan and mentor to boxer George Foreman. In 1997, seven miles of U.S. Highway 136 from Tecumseh east to the Johnson County line was designated as the Colonel Barney Oldfield Memorial Highway. The Historic Limestone Jail was built in 1872 and legend has it there are cannonballs in the walls.
Verdon Lake State Recreation Area is a half-mile west of town along Highway 73. Fishing, boating and primitive camping is available at the 45-acre lake with 30 acres of adjacent land. A state park permit is required. (402) 883-2575.
