7 Towns In Nebraska That Have The Best Main Streets
Towns across the US have their designated "main street," which is often a hub for the community's economic activities. These areas also function as tourist attractions and social gathering venues for locals, fostering community and unity in the town. Hence, travelers keen on exploring the Midwestern state of Nebraska should consider exploring the Main Streets of these towns across the Cornhusker State.
Fremont
The Main Street of聽Fremont聽is not just the town's center of commerce; it's also a social gathering place for locals and visitors alike! The Main Street includes the town's entire downtown district, from its historical district (on Main and 6th streets) to the business-oriented streets at 1st and 8th, and C to H.
Downtown Fremont has a collection of independent boutiques, family-friendly eateries, and a fine collection of specialty shops specializing in antiquities, from furniture to knick-knacks. The Main Street also hosts many events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, Christmas Walks, Art Walks, and the Hispanic Festival.
Falls City
Falls City sits in a four-state corner and is within 100 miles of large cities like聽Omaha, Lincoln, Kansas City, St. Joseph, and聽Topeka. Founded in 1857, Falls City has a storied past and established itself as a vital commercial center for nearby cities and the states of Nebraska,听Iowa,听Kansas, and聽Missouri.
Falls City's heritage can be discovered throughout the town, from its architectural history to its reputation as a major commercial center during the railroad industry, even along its Main Street. This area was inducted into the Heritage Nebraska Main Street Program in 2010! Visitors exploring its Main Street district will undoubtedly cross paths with the Stephenson Hotel or the Grand Weaver Hotel, a historic accommodation built in 1924.
Plattsmouth
Plattsmouth is one of Nebraska's oldest towns, as it was founded in 1854. Plattsmouth sits between the confluence of the Platte and聽Missouri Rivers聽in Nebraska's Cass County. History buffs will particularly enjoy exploring this town, whose seal reads "Honor the Past, Plan for the Future!"
The Main Street of Plattsmouth is a historic district recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, the street still has 44 buildings that date back to the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. Lovers of all things history can also learn more about the town's past with a visit to the Cass County Historical Museum or the Cass County Courthouse.
There are tons of finds to also explore in the downtown area, including specialty boutiques and antiquities. Tourists can also enjoy Plattsmouth's Main Street downtown area during the town's events, including the Food Truck Wars and the yearly Harvest Festival!
Beatrice
In 1997, Beatrice was one of four communities in Nebraska to be a part of the Nebraska Main Street Network. Beatrice's Main Street serves as an economic hub for the Nebraskan town but is also a tool to foster community between businesses, city workers, locals, and visitors.
The town's Main Street includes hundreds of businesses for a consumer's entertainment, home, real estate, and shopping needs (among others)! Visitors can treat themselves to the best fine dining restaurant in Southeast Nebraska called The Black Crow, hunt for bargains at the Bargain Box Thrift Store, or shop for vintage clothing at Yesterday's Lady. Beatrice's Main Street is also lively with events year-round, including seasonal farmers' markets, food festivals, and family-friendly happenings.
Wayne
Situated in Wayne County, this Nebraskan was first settled in 1869 and has since enjoyed a reputation as a community rooted in education, industry, and agriculture. Though its population is relatively small at about 5,663 residents according to the US Census, visitors can see plenty of things in this quaint town, especially along (and near) its Main Street.
Visitors who love history can explore Wayne's past at the Wayne County Historical Museum or admire its historic buildings like the Wayne County Courthouse and the First Baptist Church. Wayne is also known for the annual Wayne Chicken Show, a family-friendly event whose main theme is chickens! This event is held every second Saturday in July and features fun activities like parades, chicken-themed contests, games, and other entertainment.
Brownville
Discover a slice of American history in Brownville, a Nebraska town located along the Missouri River. Brownville's Main Street offers travelers historic charm and modern amenities, including specialty boutiques, art galleries, ice cream parlors, and other independent shops. When on the town's Main Street, visitors can also take a step back in time while visiting attractions like Dr. Spurgin's Dental Office, the Wheel Museum, the Carson House, or Mary's Emporium!
To end a history-filled day, one can venture along the Missouri River on the town's riverboat, the "Spirit of Brownville." The riverboat hosts dinner cruises that are equipped with refreshment bars, dining facilities, and dance areas.
Sidney
Located in Nebraska's Cheyenne County, Sidney can be found off Interstate 80. Road trippers traveling through Nebraska can easily stop at this quaint town, which boasts over 35 restaurants, over 600 hotel rooms, and many convenience stores and gas stations!
Formerly known as Fort Sidney, this small Nebraska town has plenty of character and history. Specifically, its Main Street (also known as Historic Downtown Sidney) highlights the town's character and commercial hub while being recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can easily feel like they stepped back in time while visiting Sidney's Main Street since much of its architecture and decor are remnants of the late 1800s. A downtown walking tour is one of the best ways to explore this historic town district.
Nebraska's small towns and their downtowns are full of attractions to cater to all kinds of travelers. While you can spend the day exploring the great outdoors surrounding these towns, evenings can be made memorable by exploring the main streets with their numerous historical, cultural, and culinary attractions. So, plan a visit to this state, keeping space in your itinerary for the main streets mentioned above.
