Nebraska's many small businesses and family-owned stores make for some very interesting shopping opportunities. This store in Sidney started out as a mail order business operating out of a family's home and grew into a huge national corporation. It offers a truly unique experience that outdoors enthusiasts will remember forever.
Cabela's is a massive retailer of all things sporting and outdoors-related. There are stores all over the country, but this one in Sidney was the very first.
Until the company's recent acquisition by Bass Pro, this was also the corporate headquarters.
Walking into this 85,000-square-foot showroom is like walking into every outdoorsman's or woman's dream. Whether you're into hunting, fishing, boating, ATV riding, or just spending time in the great outdoors, this store has pretty much everything.
The first thing most people notice is the huge Conservation Mountain. This display shows off dozens of taxidermied animals arranged on a simulated landscape.
Many more stuffed animals dot the store, from full-size elk to deer and zebra trophies...
...And even a stuffed elephant. Where else can you shop with an enormous elephant looking over your shoulder?
In other areas of the store you'll find an ATV shop, a boat shop, a general store, camping supplies, fishing gear, and hunting gear of all kinds. You can buy a hunting or fishing license here, and there are often lessons, seminars, and events to teach you how to use your new sporting equipment.
There's even a Gun Library where you can purchase used firearms, some of which are vintage and limited editions.
Cabela's considers itself a museum and education center that also happens to be a store. If nothing else, this iconic shop is a fascinating place to wander around and look at all of the animals and the fun products on offer.
If you want to make a day of it, there's a restaurant in the store so you can refuel while you shop. And if you want to extend your stay, there's even an RV park with a dumping station.
Right in front of the store is a monument to the hard-working folks who made the Pony Express a successful venture. This is a great place to stop and spend a little time, especially if you love Nebraska history.
The original Cabela's is at 115 Cabela Drive, Sidney, NE. It's open 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday. Visit the store's site to learn more right here.
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