Clay Center NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Clay Center, Nebraska.
1. Clay County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Clay County Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of Clay Center and the surrounding region. The museum houses various exhibits showcasing the area's heritage, including artifacts from early settlers and the development of Clay Center since its founding in 1879. Visitors can explore displays about local industries, including the famous M. M. Johnson factory that manufactured 'Old Trusty' poultry incubators and brooders that were sold nationwide.
2. Crooked Creek Country Club
GOLF AND RECREATION
Crooked Creek Country Club provides a scenic golf experience for residents and visitors in Clay Center. The well-maintained course offers challenging play for golfers of all skill levels with its unique layout and natural features. Beyond golf, the country club serves as a social hub for the community, hosting various events throughout the year.
3. Old Trusty Ag Hall
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Old Trusty Ag Hall is a large exhibit building located across from Heritage Park that celebrates Clay Center's agricultural roots. The hall houses an impressive collection of antique tractors, steam engines, and stationary engines that demonstrate the evolution of farming technology. Visitors can appreciate the industrial innovations that shaped the development of Clay Center and the surrounding farming community.
4. Heritage Park
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Heritage Park serves as an important community space in downtown Clay Center where locals and visitors gather for recreation and events. The park features green spaces, walking paths, and areas for picnics and outdoor activities. Throughout the year, the park hosts community celebrations that showcase Clay Center's community spirit and small-town charm.
5. Twin Oaks Motel
COZY LOCAL LODGING
Twin Oaks Motel offers comfortable accommodations for travelers visiting Clay Center and the surrounding area. This locally-owned establishment provides a convenient base for exploring Clay County's attractions and participating in regional events. Guests appreciate the motel's friendly service and proximity to Clay Center's downtown area.
6. U.S. Meat Animal Research Center
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE INNOVATION
The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center occupies the property that was formerly a Naval Ammunition Depot built in 1942 west of Clay Center. This important agricultural research facility conducts cutting-edge studies on livestock production and meat quality. The center represents an important transition in Clay Center's history from wartime production to agricultural innovation and continues to influence the regional economy.
7. Clay Center Historical Marker
TOWN'S FOUNDING STORY
The Clay Center Historical Marker, located at 200 W Johnson St, commemorates the founding and development of this important county seat. Visitors can learn about Clay Center's establishment in 1879 and its victory in the heated competition with rivals Sutton and Harvard to become the Clay County seat. The marker also highlights significant developments including the M. M. Johnson factory and radio station KMMJ that made Clay Center well-known throughout the Midwest.
8. KMMJ Radio Station Site
HISTORIC BROADCASTING LEGACY
The historic KMMJ Radio Station site marks where Clay Center became a household name across the Midwest through radio broadcasting. Established in 1925 by the Johnson Company to promote its products, the station played a crucial role in connecting rural communities. The radio station's legacy represents an important chapter in Clay Center's history of innovation and communication.
9. Clay Center Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT CENTER
The Clay Center Courthouse stands as an architectural landmark and serves as the seat of Clay County government. This historic building, which replaced the original temporary courthouse established by W.D. Young, represents Clay Center's status as the county seat secured in the 1879 election. Visitors can appreciate the courthouse's architectural details while connecting with the civic history of the region.
10. Utility Park & Zoo
ANIMALS AND RECREATION
Located in nearby Clay Center, Kansas, the Utility Park & Zoo offers a surprising wildlife experience featuring black bears, lemurs, and exotic birds at no cost to visitors. The ten-acre property was established during the Depression era when residents worked off their utility bills by constructing the park's distinctive natural stone walls. Supported by the Public Utilities Commission as a gift to residents, the park combines beautiful gardens with a zoo housing rehabilitated animals, making it a unique regional attraction.
11. Piotique Festival
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The annual Piotique Festival, held every September in nearby Clay Center, Kansas, draws visitors from across the region for a celebration of local culture and community. This beloved tradition features parades, live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages. The festival showcases the welcoming spirit of small-town America and provides an opportunity to experience local traditions and crafts.
12. Clay Center Murals
PUBLIC ART DISPLAY
The colorful murals of Clay Center, Kansas attract tourists seeking unique public art in a small-town setting. These artistic displays, scattered throughout the downtown area, celebrate local history, culture, and community spirit. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided walking tour of these eye-catching artworks while exploring the charming downtown district.
13. Harvard State Recreation Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Harvard State Recreation Area offers outdoor enthusiasts a natural retreat near Clay Center with opportunities for fishing, camping, and hiking. Located just a short drive from Clay Center in neighboring Harvard, this recreation area provides a peaceful escape with its water features and natural landscapes. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, wildlife viewing, and seasonal recreational activities throughout the year.
14. Sutton Heritage Museum
REGIONAL CULTURAL PRESERVATION
The Sutton Heritage Museum in nearby Sutton preserves the cultural history of another community that once competed with Clay Center for county seat status. This museum houses collections related to early settlement, agricultural development, and the cultural heritage of the region. Visitors interested in expanding their understanding of Clay County's broader history will find complementary exhibits that provide context for Clay Center's own development.
15. Pioneer Village
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Pioneer Village in nearby Minden offers an immersive historical experience with its extensive collection of Americana spanning 28 buildings. Located within driving distance of Clay Center, this renowned attraction showcases over 50,000 items related to American progress and innovation. Visitors can explore historical structures including a pony express station, one-room schoolhouse, and general store while learning about the region's pioneering heritage.