EXPLORE MAN-MADE AND NATURAL SPECTACLES IN SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA
From the top of the state capitol building, you get a view of all the great things that Southeast Nebraska has to offer. Large and small towns, open fields and stuffed stadiums mean that there is something for everyone in the Southeast.
1. SPRING RANCH CAMPGROUND
Located on the Oregon Trail and by the historical town of Spring Ranch, this stop offers a unique stay in a plush Conestoga Wagon or other “glamping” options. Learn about where Elizabeth Taylor, the only woman ever hanged in Nebraska, was laid to rest.
2. LAKESIDE IN LOUISVILLE
Lakeside is a unique outdoor camping store located inside the Louisville State Recreation Area. Cruise in a family cart, float in a canoe or enjoy the general store. It offers an ice cream room, the From Nebraska store and a selection of your favorite bait for fishing.
3. BAKERS CANDIES
Bakers Candies' world-renowned chocolate melt-aways in a variety of flavors have been produced in Greenwood for generations! Peruse over 500 different kinds of candies (nostalgic and modern), over 300 different kinds of bottled pop, Nebraska-made products and a huge selection of sugar-free candies.
4. MELODRAMAS BY POPCORN PRODUCTIONS, LLC
Melodramas in Ashland encourage audience participation. When the "Hero" enters the stage, the audience cheers, and when the "Villain" arrives the crowd must “boo, hiss” and throw popcorn. Located inside the beautiful Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, it makes a fantastic fun experience for all ages. An interactive and hilarious theater experience makes Melodramas an experience you won’t soon forget.
5. ADELINE’S BAKERY
Founded in 2022 and located in the rolling hills near Burr, this unique bakery is the dream of baker Amy Oswalt. Adeline’s Bakery produces some of the most interesting and tasty pies, cookies, rolls, cakes and pastries in the state.
6. RICH HARVEST VINEYARD AND WINERY
Rich Harvest Winery sits on a five-acre vineyard in Syracuse welcoming visitors with beautiful views. Known for welcoming hospitality, the winery offers its guests a cozy country environment to enjoy celebrated estate wines, sangrias and ciders. Live music often fills the space.
7. WILDWOOD HISTORIC CENTER
The Wildwood Historic Center in Nebraska City is a Victorian-era house, garden and gift shop. Embark on a journey to the past while on a tour through this gorgeous house. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Victorian Garden and shop for unique, one-of-a-kind items in the gift shop located in the original barn.
8. THE KEEPING ROOM
The Keeping Room is located in Historic downtown Nebraska City and hosts a fusion of stylish antiques, holiday & home decor, unique fashion, fabulous food and drink and a friendly atmosphere! Enjoy lunch, dessert, a glass of wine or beer as you stroll through 3000 square feet of unique gifts. Holiday decor and gifts are their specialty so make sure you visit each season!
9. LIED LODGE AT ARBOR DAY FARM
Treat yourself at Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm, complete with 140 guest rooms. Rejuvenate with a massage or body treatment in the Spa (reservations required) or dine at one of three restaurants on-site: Timbers, Library Lounge and Porter's. Explore 260 acres of orchards, hiking trails and outdoor activities to complete your getaway.
10. KREGEL WINDMILL FACTORY MUSEUM
Discover a preserved time capsule of a 122-year-old windmill factory. This museum uses its contents to provide a tangible way for visitors to understand how Americans throughout the years have used innovation, resourcefulness, hard work and thrift to live successfully through changing times.
11. GOSPEL COFFEE & ICE CREAM
Located in Brownville, their mission is to foster connections around good coffee. Find delicious ice cream and pastries, and a relaxing place to unwind as you experience the hidden gems of this historic community.
12. KALA’S SAVORY BITES AND SIFTED SWEETS
Great food and even greater moments can be found at Kala’s Savory Bites. Stop in to enjoy breakfast or lunch in historic downtown Beatrice or select a sweet or two from their delicious bakery items.
13. HAPPY KERNEL GOURMET KETTLE CORN & PORK RINDS
Located just off Main Street Beatrice, Happy Kernel offers a wide variety of gourmet kettle corn and pork rind flavors to suit any taste. With enough flavors to suit any hungry customer, Happy Kernel’s kettle corn and pork rinds make the perfect gift for any occasion.
14. ROWDY’S STEAKHOUSE
Since 2007, Rowdy's Steakhouse has been feeding the hungry folks of Fairbury and has gotten quite good at it. They offer up broasted chicken, the elephant ear (large hand-breaded chicken fried steak) and prime rib every weekend. The weekday lunch specials are a fast, economical meal and even include dessert!
15. LIBERTY HOUSE B&B, ANTIQUES & TOURS
Liberty House was built in 1889 and offers lovely lodging in historical surroundings. Check out unique shopping of antiques and home décor in the in-house antique shop. "Little Brown Box Tours" of historical and beautiful natural sites in Seward County are also available.
16. JUNTO WINE
Visit Junto Wine for a unique taste of Nebraska. This property features a tasting room and event center with several patios, a waterfall, a garden, walking paths, a 5k trail and craft wine produced on-site in Seward
