In Beatrice, Nebraska, you can find some great things to do. If you love the outdoors, you should spend some time exploring the town’s nature preserves. Check out Homestead National Historical Park, Gage County Museum, and Riverside Park Campground. Cedar Creek Pottery is another fun place to visit.
Homestead National Historical Park
Homestead National Historical Park in Beatrice, Nebraska is a beautiful place to visit. The park was previously known as Homestead National Monument of America before it was renamed to its current name in 2021. This unit of the National Park System commemorates the passage of the Homestead Act in 1862, which allowed American citizens to claim their own land.
This park was established to commemorate the pioneers of the Great Plains and to preserve the legacy of their efforts. It’s located about four miles west of Beatrice on State Highway 4 and 40 miles from the state capital of Lincoln. The park features an informative museum and interpretive exhibits about the Homestead Act and how it came to be.
The park is free to enter, and has a visitors center. The center contains informational exhibits, walk-throughs, and video presentations that are easily accessible and informative. You won’t need more than a half-day visit to see everything. You can also visit the park’s restored prairie, one-room schoolhouse, and homesteaders’ homes. There’s even a monument dedicated to the homestead movement.
Visitors can also tour the school that was used between 1872 and 1967. The National Park Service restored the building to look like it did during the 1870s. There are also educational programs for children, including a Junior Ranger Program and Not-So Junior Ranger program. You can ask the park’s Rangers about these opportunities and help make your day more memorable.
Homestead National Historical Park is an excellent place to visit when you are looking for a fun day trip to Beatrice. It’s located on 160 acres of land and commemorates the westward expansion of the United States.
Gage County Museum
A visit to the Gage County Museum is a good way to learn about the county’s past. Located in a former Burlington Railroad Depot Passenger Station, the museum showcases the county’s history. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its displays are focused on the history of the railroad and people in the area.
You can find out about the early history of Gage County in a number of different ways. It was here that the Oregon Trail first made its way into Nebraska. It was also here that the Nebraska Press Association was founded. In addition, a doctor from Beatrice helped design the state’s first X-ray machine. The town was also one of the first towns in Nebraska to have direct-dial telephones.
Another place to visit in Beatrice is the Gage County Historical Society Museum. Its extensive collections of artifacts and photos will help you learn more about the town’s history. The museum is housed in the old Burlington Passenger Station that was built in 1906. The Neo-Classical Revival-style building was chosen as a symbol of Beatrice’s growth, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum’s collection includes obituaries, county history books, marriage records, photographs, and countless newspaper articles.
Visitors can also shop for souvenirs and handmade crafts at Indian Creek Mall. In addition to its many stores, this shopping center also has a food court and craft show for visitors to enjoy. It is also home to the Cedar Creek Pottery, a restored church with a unique collection of handmade pottery.
Riverside Park Campground
If you’re looking for a great RV park, check out Riverside Park Campground in Beatrice, Nebraska. The campground is rated 4.4 stars on Google, and has many amenities. Find more information online or call to make a reservation. The campground is near downtown Beatrice, and is just a few miles from Homestead National Historical Park.
The property has a variety of camping sites with plenty of privacy. There’s also a riverside swimming area and a grassy area with a beautiful view of the valley and rainforest. It’s an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, family-friendly camping spot or a more active recreation spot, there’s a place for you here.
Cedar Creek Pottery
Located just 7 miles east of Beatrice, Cedar Creek Pottery is a place where you can learn more about ceramics and pottery. Founded by Ervin Dixon, this business creates handcrafted pots and tableware using a salt glaze and natural clays from Tennessee and Ohio. The studio is open to the public Monday through Saturday.
You can buy ceramics, pottery paintings, or hand-crafted pieces from the studio. You can also take a pottery painting class or sign up for a wheel-throwing class. The studio also offers group classes and monthly events. You can even get your own pottery to take home as a gift!
The Gage County Museum is located near downtown Beatrice. It features exhibits that tell the story of the area’s history, agriculture, industry, and people. The museum is dedicated to collecting and preserving significant artifacts from the area. You can also view photos and other items related to people, agriculture, and industry.
Indian Creek Mall
Legends of Clatonia has relocated to Indian Creek Mall in Beatrice, Nebraska. Its new location will be a few miles away, but many of its employees will remain. In November, the restaurant celebrated its grand opening. Arby’s, located inside the mall, has had a love-hate relationship with customers.