25 Historical Homes to Tour in Nebraska
Embark on a journey through time by touring historical homes in Nebraska. Arranged from the northeast to southwest corners of the state, these charming residences unveil unique stories, architectural wonders and significant legacies in each place!
1. o'connor house
Visit the O'Connor House, a luxurious 1870's mansion located in Dakota City. The estate boasts a curving staircase, Italian fireplace and a John Deere tractor collection. Explore the family's heritage with an engaging display of American Indian clothing, making this stop a journey into historical richness.
2. louise e. may historical museum
Explore the charm of the Louise E. May Museum, an enchanting Victorian mansion in Fremont that serves as the home of the Dodge County Historical Society. Wander through the exhibits that showcase an 1868 log house and recreated rooms from the 19th century for an authentic glimpse into the region's past.
3. howard hanson house
The restored Hanson House in Wahoo was originally the residence of the 1944 Pulitizer-prize winner Howard Hanson. This historical gem offers a unique opportunity to explore Hanson's impactful contemporary musical composition and the enduring legacies of Wahoo's remarkable figures.
4. father flanagan's historic home
The once-residence of Father Flanagan, the founder of Boys Town awaits visitors. This museum transports visitors back to 1929, showcasing multiple eras within his home. Experience the tight-knit community by finding cherished memories within the mansion, and exploring the nearby Hall of History and Visitors Center, all on the Boys Town campus.
5. general crook house
Step into history at the General Crook house, constructed in 1879 and once home to Civil War hero General George Crook. This Italianate-style mansion showcases antique furnishings, exhibits that uncover local achievements in Omaha's rich history and a beautiful garden to tour.
6. John Sautter House
Experience the rich history of the John Sautter House in Papillion. Originally constructed in the 1860s, this charming farmhouse unfolds the captivating narrative of the Sautter family - early German-American immigrants who transformed their estate by expanding nearly 800 acres.
7. wildwood historic house
Transport to the Victorian era with a visit to Wildwood Historic House in Nebraska City. Built in 1869 by Jasper A. Ware, this gothic-revival house stands as a historical treasure. Tour the elegantly furnished rooms, rose gardens and the gift shop for a delightful experience!
8. Taylor-Wessel-Bickel-Nelson House
The Taylor-Wessel-Bickel-Nelson House, an 1857 brick home on a historic street in Nebraska City, is a captivating museum showcasing the town's evolution during the territorial era. Exhibits portray the transition from dirt roads to paved streets, highlighting the emergence of opera houses, race tracks, churches and mansions from the prairie.
9. the carson house
Built by Richard Brown, the founder of Brownville, this distinguished residence exudes historical significance. In 1864, John L. Carson, an early Nebraska banker, took ownership. The property, complete with a carriage house, preserves many of its original furnishings to provide a glimpse into the life of the Carson family.
10. captain bailey house
The Captain Bailey House, a gothic-revival house built in 1877, stands as a captivating piece of Brownville's history. Home to Civil War Captain Benson M. Bailey, this museum displays artifacts from the town's glory days. Stories of haunting add an intriguing layer to the house's rich past, hinting at the ghostly presence of Captain and Mrs. Bailey.
11. Bess Streeter Aldrich House & museum
Embark on a guided journey through the historic 1922 home of renowned author Bess Streeter Aldrich in Elmwood. Wander through enchanting flower gardens, and immerse yourself in the authentic ambiance of Aldrich's life as the house preserves its original furnishings and antiques. Don't miss the opportunity to take home a piece of literary history, as Aldrich's novels are available for purchase during your visit.
12. governor's mansion
The Governor's Mansion, a modified Georgian Colonial home, became the residence of Governor Victor Emanuel Anderson upon its opening in 1958. Featuring 27 rooms, including 5 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, and 4 fireplaces, this historic mansion underwent renovations in 1998, preserving its grandeur for future generations in the heart of Nebraska's capital, Lincoln.
13. thomas p. kennard house
This is the oldest standing structure in Lincoln, an Italianate home built in 1869 and owned by Nebraska's first Secretary of State, Thomas P. Kennard. The house has been meticulously restored for year-round tours, giving visitors a new perspective on the capital city.
14. the Ferguson House
Adjacent to the Kennard House, the Ferguson house in Lincoln stands as a fine example of the Second Renaissance Revival style. Constructed between 1909-1911 by businessman William Henry Ferguson, this historical and architectural landmark is open for the public under the administration of the Nebraska State Historical Society.
15. harold lloyd home
Discover the home of silent film star Harold Lloyd, now a museum offering appointed tours in Burchard. Explore the surroundings that shaped Lloyd's early years, and witness his cinematic legacy with screenings of his daring stunts in 1920s films displayed inside.
16. J.m. burk house
Constructed in 1891 for J.M. and Minnie Burk, who relocated to Geneva to establish a hardware business, the J.M. Burk House holds a captivating history. Special features include three fireplaces, three stained glass windows and five pocket doors. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 2001, this house is open for visits by appointment only.
17. george w. smith house
Discover the historical charm of the George W. Smith House in Geneva, an exquisite Queen Anne-style home constructed in 1890 by Mr. Smith. Smith's contributions played a key role in shaping the community, including a period from 1925-1942 when it served as a hospital. This home offers group tours by appointment to explore Geneva's and George W. Smith's past.
18. Willa Cather Childhood Home
Delve into the early years of Willa Cather by taking a tour of her childhood home, within the historic sites of Red Cloud. Built in 1879, the home was owned by the Cather family for two decades, from 1884 to 1904. Founder Mildred Bennett, along with her husband Dr. Wilbur Bennett, undertook a thorough restoration of the home in 1967 to allow visitors a glimpse into the formative years that influenced Cather's literary works through a guided tour. In honor of Cather's 150th birthday in 2023, the museum completed additional renovations to celebrate.
19. Howard County Historical Village and Gruber House
The Gruber House in St. Paul is an elegant Victorian-era residence built in 1908 by immigrant entrepreneur Frank Gruber. Gruber also operated a hotel, bakery and a restaurant. This charming house was acquired by the Historical Society in 1992 and now offers a glimpse into the everyday life of the early 1900s with its captivating furnishings and décor. Explore the past as the house showcases St. Paul's history, featuring exhibits with artifacts from early settlers.
20. g.w. frank museum
Explore Nebraska's history at the G.W. Frank Museum in Kearney, housed in a magnificent Richardsonian-Romanesque mansion built in 1890. Owned by George and Phoebe Frank, the house was one of the first electrified homes in the American West. With exhibits, tours and programs, the museum offers a captivating journey through central Nebraska's history and culture, spanning from the Gilded Age to the present.
21. Cambridge bed and breakfast
Indulge in the timeless charm of the Cambridge Bed and Breakfast, a grand three-story mansion crafted in exquisite Neo-Classical architecture in 1907. Immerse yourself in the ambiance with original faux hand-painted finishes, intricate millwork, and stained glass windows. Whether you're a business traveler seeking a peaceful retreat or a family planning a reunion, Cambridge offers a delightful escape.
22. Curtis Hansen Memorial Museum
Experience a journey through time at the Hansen House in Curtis. Told from the perspective of Anna Marie Hansen Jamison, the residence was built in 1910 on the Hansen homestead and holds artwork and artifacts since their arrival in America from Europe in 1877. The grounds feature a boat house and a one-room schoolhouse from 1948. Explore this unique piece of history by scheduling a visit!
23. buffalo bill ranch
Step back in time to the heyday of Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show with a visit to the Buffalo Bill Mansion and Ranch State Historical Park in North Platte. Built in 1886, the mansion offers self-guided tours from late spring to early fall, offering a fantastic glimpse into Buffalo Bill's extraordinary life.
24. mansion on the hill
Immerse yourself in the charm of this historic gem in Ogallala. The Mansion on the Hill is a Victorian masterpiece, dating back to 1887. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, this enchanting mansion open it's doors select months of the year with free admission.
25. Fort Sidney Museum and Post Commander's Home
The Fort Sidney Museum in Sidney offers a fascinating insight into the significant roles of the 1870s supply depot. The museum encompasses a hospital, bakery, and stables, providing a comprehensive view of the era. Delve into the town's rich history and the crucial protection of railroad workers at this captivating museum.
