From unusual museums to enormous pieces of art, there's a lot to see all through Nebraska. Some of these roadside attractions in Nebraska are worth a special trip and some are just a neat stop-off if you're passing through ... but they're all so very Nebraskan.
1. Carhenge - Alliance
Possibly the most well-known of Nebraska's roadside attractions, Carhenge is a replica of the famous English monument...but with cars. Thirty-nine classic cars, to be exact. What began as an art project has become an important part of Alliance's identity.
2. The Nebraska Rest Stop - Alliance
Just a couple of miles north of Carhenge sits this classic Nebraska sight gag. Hay bales adorned with a toilet, a recliner, and a large spray-painted "REST AREA" sign beckon weary travelers. The site actually offers free Wi-Fi now, bringing it kind of into the 21st century.
3. Harold Warp Pioneer Village - Minden
While this is far from the only "pioneer village" attraction in Nebraska, it is probably the most popular. Harold Warp Pioneer Village is enormous and features a real "village" consisting of 12 buildings; a steam carousel; thousands of fascinating historic items; and hundreds of vintage vehicles. Plan to spend at least an entire day here because there really is a lot to see.
4. Great Platte River Road Archway Monument - Kearney
This huge 300-foot-long monument to Nebraska's role in history spans I-80 three miles outside of Kearney. Walking through the self-guided audio tour of the museum, you'll see exhibits related to many different time periods in Nebraska, including the Pony Express, the Mormon, California, and Oregon trails, and Native American life. Plan to spend about an hour exploring the River Road Archway. There are also some outdoor exhibits that you can view for free.
5. The World's Largest Porch Swing - Hebron
A couple of other giant porch swings have claimed to be the largest, and the fact that this swing isn't on a porch at all disqualifies it from the title in some people's minds. But this big swing is worth a visit regardless of any controversy. Bring up to 17 adult-sized people to sit on the swing with you.
6. World's Largest Time Capsule - Seward
Believe it or not, there are two cars, a motorcycle, and thousands of items of memorabilia in the world's largest time capsule - and in the even larger below-ground portion. Seward businessman, writer, and historian Harold Davisson wanted to preserve for his grandchildren a snapshot of his life in 1975, so he filled the lower portion with items significant to him. The second portion was added in 1983 after another time capsule challenged Davisson's claim to the "world's largest" title.
7. Tribute to Andy, the Footless Goose - Near Hastings
Andy the Footless Goose was a plucky little fellow who embodied the indomitable Nebraska spirit. Born without feet, he waddled helplessly on stumps until Gene Fleming adopted him and fashioned little boots that allowed Andy to walk almost normally. Andy became a celebrity and even appeared in national magazines and on The Tonight Show. Tragically, the famous fowl was murdered in 1991. The crime remains unsolved, but this large memorial at the site of Andy's former home keeps his story alive.
8. World's Largest Ball of Stamps - Boys Town
Beginning in 1953, the Boys Town Stamp Collecting Club gathered canceled stamps to add to their ambitious collection. By 1955 the world's largest ball of stamps had grown to a massive 600 pounds and 32 inches in diameter. No stamps have been added to the ball since then, and it now stands on a pedestal in the Boys Town Visitors Center.
9. Sentinels Of The Prairie - Near Jackson
Anyone of a certain age who grew up on a farm will fondly recall the metallic squeak of the windmill. The contraptions were generally used to pump water, a function for which they are no longer needed. While many still stand in fields, unattended and falling apart, Leonard Gill has lovingly collected and restored some of these historic icons of the Nebraska landscape. Walk among the giants and you'll see a sign that says "You are viewing one of the finest collections of vintage windmills in the entire Midwest. This collection consists of different mills that existed from the 1880s to the 1930s. Note that, while visitors are allowed to walk around and read the signs, the Sentinels of the Prairie are on private property. If you visit, please be respectful of the landowners.
10. Fort Cody Trading Post - North Platte
This family-owned business has been going strong since 1963, and it's a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Part Nebraska history museum and part giant gift shop, the Fort Cody Trading Post features everything from wild west memorabilia to gag gifts to a stuffed two-headed calf. But the real star of the show is the tiny replica of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. With more than 20,000 hand-carved miniature figures, little scenes recreate the glory days of Buffalo Bill's traveling show.
These are just some of the treasures that you'll find while traveling through Nebraska. They're the type of place that you see a sign for and wonder if you should stop. The answer should always be "yes." Which of these roadside attractions in Nebraska are you itching to get on the road and visit? Did we leave any off that must be visited? If you love exploring Nebraska then take a look at our list of day trips in Nebraska. From spooky to stunning you're sure to find a reason to get out on the road.
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