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Red Cloud, Nebraska

Built in 1897, the main section of Red Cloud's Burlington Depot contained sleeping quarters on the 2nd floor, and a freight room, agents offices, and waiting rooms below. The building was moved here from its site near the tracts directly south of its present location. It has been restored and donated by the Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial and Educational Foundation.

"The Burlington Railroad: Colonizing Willa Cather's Wild Land" can be found on tour of the Willa Cather historic buildings at the restored Burlington Depot.

Depots and trains played a significant role in Willa Cather's life and writings, symbolizing both escape to the world and the door through which the world came to Red Cloud.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Grace Episcopal Church

Built in 1884 on the corner of Second and Walnut, the Grace Protestant Episcopal Church was moved to its present location in 1891. The brick veneer was added sometime after 1922. Grace Episcopal Church is the church in which Willa Cather and her parents were confirmed on December 27, 1922

Red Cloud, NE Historic Churches

Willa Cather Historic SitesTour

The Willa Cather Foundation proudly hosts town and country tours where visitors can view the childhood home of Willa Cather as well as experience other historic buildings related to her life and writing.

Red Cloud, NE Tours

Red Cloud Post Office Murals

One of only twelve public buildings in the state of Nebraska which commissioned murals for its lobby, Red Cloud Post Office houses three works by the western artist, Archie Musick, 1941.

Red Cloud, NE Arts

Willa Cather's Childhood Home

World Famous author, Willa Sibert Cather (1873-1947), moved with her family from Virginia to the Red Cloud area in 1883. Nebraska became what Cather later described as "the happiness and the curse of my life". The state'

Red Cloud, NE Famous Homes

The Red Cloud Opera House

The Red Cloud Opera House, 1885, stood for many years as the jewel in Main Street's crown. Here Blind Boone played, William Jennings Bryan spoke, and it was from this stage that Willa Cather graduated in 1890 and delivered her eloquent oration, "Superstition vs. Investigation"

Red Cloud, NE Historic Buildings

Things to do near Red Cloud, NE

Historical Downtown McCook

Two Story Log House

Senator George W. Norris Home

Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

Dawson County Historical Museum