Grant NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Grant, Nebraska.
1. Perkins County Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE AND HISTORY
The Perkins County Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich history of Grant and the surrounding region. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of early settlers and the development of Perkins County. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into rural Nebraska life through the decades.
2. Pheasant Run Golf Club
GREENS AND RECREATION
Pheasant Run Golf Club offers a serene golfing experience in the heart of Grant. The well-maintained course features challenging holes suitable for golfers of various skill levels. Visitors appreciate the peaceful rural setting and friendly atmosphere.
3. The Madrid General Store
HISTORIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Madrid General Store provides a nostalgic shopping experience reminiscent of Nebraska's past. This highly-rated establishment offers a variety of goods including local products, souvenirs, and everyday essentials. Visitors often comment on the store's charming atmosphere and friendly service.
4. DJ's Bar & Grill
LOCAL FLAVOR AND FUN
DJ's Bar & Grill serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors in Grant. The establishment offers hearty Nebraska fare alongside a selection of beverages in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy good food while mingling with friendly locals who share stories about the area.
5. Meadowlark Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Meadowlark Gallery features artwork from talented local and regional artists in various mediums. The gallery provides a cultural touchpoint in Grant, showcasing the creative spirit of Nebraska through rotating exhibitions. Visitors can appreciate and purchase unique pieces that capture the essence of the Great Plains.
6. Spring Creek Ranch
RURAL NEBRASKA EXPERIENCE
Spring Creek Ranch offers visitors an authentic taste of rural Nebraska life and outdoor activities. The ranch provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, nature walks, and experiencing the peaceful countryside setting. Guests can disconnect from the hustle and bustle while connecting with the natural beauty of the region.
7. Lake McConaughy
NEBRASKA'S OCEAN EXPERIENCE
Lake McConaughy is Nebraska's largest reservoir, spanning over 30,000 acres with white sandy beaches often compared to ocean shores. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and camping along the 100 miles of shoreline. The lake is known for its excellent walleye, trout, and bass fishing opportunities throughout the year.
8. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area offers excellent fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities near Grant. The recreation area features cooler water temperatures than nearby Lake McConaughy, making it ideal for trout fishing. Visitors can observe a variety of bird species, including bald eagles during winter months.
9. Petrified Wood Gallery
ANCIENT NATURAL WONDERS
The Petrified Wood Gallery showcases an impressive collection of petrified wood, fossils, and Native American artifacts. This highly-rated attraction features stunning polished cross-sections of ancient trees transformed into stone over millions of years. Visitors can also view intricate wood carvings and learn about the geological and cultural history of the region.
10. Front Street
WILD WEST EXPERIENCE
Front Street recreates the atmosphere of Ogallala's days as a wild cowtown at the end of the Texas Trail. Visitors can explore replicas of historic buildings, watch reenactments, and learn about the town's cattle-driving history. The attraction includes a restaurant, gift shop, and the Crystal Palace Revue during summer months.
11. Homestead National Monument
AMERICA'S HOMESTEADING LEGACY
Homestead National Monument commemorates the Homestead Act of 1862, which granted 160 acres of free land to claimants and transformed America. The site includes the Homestead Heritage Center with exhibits detailing how homesteading impacted the nation's development. Visitors can also explore the Palmer-Epard Cabin and hike through the oldest restored tallgrass prairie in the National Park Service.
12. Thomas P. Kennard Historic Site
LINCOLN'S OLDEST BUILDING
The Thomas P. Kennard Historic Site is the oldest remaining building in Lincoln's original plat, built by Nebraska's first Secretary of State. The beautifully restored Victorian home features period furnishings and exhibits that transport visitors to Nebraska's early statehood days. Tours are available year-round by appointment, offering insights into the state's political beginnings.
13. Durham Museum
HISTORIC UNION STATION
The Durham Museum is housed in Omaha's former Union Station, preserving the stunning architecture of this historic transportation hub. The museum maintains connections with prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian, providing access to exceptional historical exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can experience both the grandeur of the Art Deco train station and explore exhibits on regional and national history.
14. Scotts Bluff National Monument
HISTORIC WESTERN LANDMARK
Scotts Bluff National Monument rises 800 feet above the North Platte River, serving as a landmark for pioneers traveling west on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Visitors can drive or hike to the summit for panoramic views of the North Platte River Valley and the historic Oregon Trail. The monument's visitor center features exhibits about the area's natural history and significance to westward expansion.
15. Chimney Rock
OREGON TRAIL LANDMARK
Chimney Rock is one of the most famous landmarks of the Oregon Trail, rising dramatically from the surrounding plains. The distinctive spire served as a navigational aid for thousands of pioneers traveling west during the mid-1800s. The visitor center provides exhibits, a film, and information about this natural formation's significance in American westward expansion.