While we're big fans of Nebraska's small rural towns, living in one is often a trade-off. To get the small-town peace and comfort, you give up some of the conveniences enjoyed by folks in larger locales. But this town of fewer than 1,100 residents in southwest Nebraska requires no compromise - it's got a little something for everyone.
Cambridge is located about an hour and a half from either North Platte or Kearney, or about 30 minutes from McCook.
This is a part of Nebraska where rural towns abound and you can drive for miles on a country road without seeing another soul. You might expect, then, that the towns are all empty and devoid of personality. That couldn't be further from the truth in Cambridge.
This vibrant community is committed to not only keeping their little town afloat but helping it thrive in a time when others of its size are faltering. The downtown is in the midst of a large revitalization effort that will make the area even more appealing to residents and visitors.
Through the dedicated efforts of citizens and town leaders, Cambridge has remained a highly desirable place to live and raise a family. There's something here for everyone to love, no matter your age or interests.
The beautiful McKinley Park may be the crown jewel of this little community. Whenever it's warm enough to spend the day outside, you'll see kids playing sports, families enjoying picnics, and people out strolling in nature.
The park's blooming arboretum is a spectacular place to spend time every summer, and it's maintained entirely by volunteers.
The summer months bring even more fun to the park. The pool and splash pad are wildly popular with kids and adults alike.
But the most impressive aspect of Cambridge might be the number of businesses - most locally-owned - that thrive here. The town has its own grocery store, which is sadly increasingly rare in towns of this size. The Cambridge Super Market offers a full range of groceries as well as personal care and beauty items, a deli, and catering. The store even offers grocery delivery on Tuesdays and Fridays.
If you don't feel like cooking at home, you've got your choice of several restaurants. Town Talk, Corner Cafe, Shirley K's Coffee Shop, and Amateur's Bar & Grill offer a wide variety of foods and experiences so you can get just what you're craving.
Don't worry about getting bored in Cambridge. Despite its size, it features plenty of opportunities to get out of the house and have fun. Besides the aforementioned McKinley Park, you can visit the Cambridge Museum, bowl a few frames at Cambridge Lanes, or spend a quiet day at the Butler Memorial Library.
If you'd rather spend your leisure time being a bit more active, the nearby Medicine Creek State Recreation Area has a whole lot to offer. Fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, and camping are favorite activities here. The lake has even been called one of the most scenic in the state.
Cross Creek Golf Links is the longest public golf course in the state, stretching an impressive 7,205 yards from one end to the other. It's an ideal way to enjoy the sunshine and maybe spend some time with friends.
There are even a few choices for accommodations when you visit Cambridge. The historic Cambridge Bed and Breakfast is a wonderfully cozy place to spend a few nights. If you prefer a less intimate setting, the Cobblestone Inn & Suites also offers plenty of rooms for visitors.
One thing you'll no doubt notice in Cambridge is the level of community involvement. Everyone pulls together to keep this wonderful place alive and thriving, and it seems that just about everyone belongs to some kind of club or other organization that gives back to the town and surrounding areas.
Cambridge really does have something for everyone. It's a terrific place to start or build a business, perfect for raising a family, great for enjoying the outdoors...there's a whole lot to discover in this little rural town.
And we haven't even named all of Cambridge's features. There are several banks, beauty services, locally-owned stores, gas stations, doctor and dentist offices, a hospital, and assisted living facilities, to name a few. Find out more about everything this delightful community has to offer right here.
Have you ever visited or lived in Cambridge? Tell us your favorite thing about the town in the comments!
If you love small Nebraska towns, check out 13 of our favorite tiny towns and villages here.
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