Prairie Lakes Region, Nebraska
In 1820, Stephen Long, explorer and military man, called this country the Great American Desert. Today, he'd be shocked to discover dozens of man-made lakes and huge reservoirs complementing the grassy plains of the region. Nowhere is the relationship of man and the land more poignantly realized than Nebraska's Prairie Lakes Country. This relationship becomes even more evident in the excellent museums, historic homes and memorable personalities of the area such as Willa Cather and Senator George Norris. It's a country rich in history and personality that you'll enjoy getting to know and returning to year after year.
Explore Prairie Lakes Region
Franklin Academy
Franklin County is rich in its cultural achievements. In 1880, Franklin was chosen as a site for one of few Academies in Nebraska. Franklin's City Park is now located where the Academy once stood.
Franklin, NE National RegisterHistoric Barn
Many historic barns can be found throughout the surrounding area. Built without nails in 1887
Cambridge, NE Historic BarnsVictory Building
The Victory Building, named to commemorate America's victory in World War I, is one of Nebraska's finest examples of early 20th Century industrial architecture. It was constructed between 1917 and 1920 by harness maker William
Hastings, NE National RegisterEagle Viewing
Bald eagles require a relatively large amount of food. Therefore, areas such as those below Central'
Ogallala, NE BirdwatchingJohn Pesek Sculpture
A famous native of Ravenna who at one time was the wrestling champion of the world and also trained racing greyhounds. His sculpture with two of his dogs is located north of the mini park on Grand Avenue.
Ravenna, NE MemorialsThe Sun Theatre
The Sun Theatre was built and used as an opera house from 1909-1926. In 1927, the theatre was opened by Glen VanWey. Children were charged 10 cents and adults 20 cents for silent movies accompanied by an orchestra. The 1930
Gothenburg, NE TheatresGosper County Courthouse
Gosper County was organized in 1873 with Daviesville the first county seat. The community retained that standing until 1884 when a county election made Homerville the county seat. With construction of the Burlington Railroad in the county beginning in 1886
Elwood, NE Historic CourthousesThe City Auditorium
Well-known buildings are usually notable for their architectural size or history. That is certainly the case of the City Auditorium, constructed between 1922 and 1924 at a cost of nearly $130,000. City fathers originally
Hastings, NE ArchitectureWild Horse Golf Club
Wild Horse Golf Club is the No. 3 rated affordable new golf course in the Nation for 1999 according to Golf Digest. This rolling sandhills course features 18
Gothenburg, NE Golf CoursesTrenton Golf Course
One of only four sand green courses in the southwest region, the Trenton Golf Course offers a challenging nine-hole, eighteen tee-boxes alternative for golf lovers with its skill-testing sand greens. Known as the "best sand-greens golf course in the West"
Trenton, NE Golf CoursesGloe Brother Service Station
The Gloe Brother Service Station opened in 1933 and remains at its original location in Wood River. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places,it's unique historical contribution has been preserved for use by the Heritage Bank.
Wood River, NE National RegisterJohn Barnd House
The John Barnd House, located in Kearney, is a large two-and-one-half-story frame dwelling built about 1892, and a good example of the Queen Anne style. Barnd came to Kearney in 1874, established a law practice, and later was elected Buffalo County judge for two terms. In 1888
Kearney, NE Historic Buildings