Potter NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Potter, Nebraska.
1. Potter's Duckpin Bowling Alley
HISTORIC BOWLING EXPERIENCE
Potter's Duckpin Bowling Alley is one of the top attractions in Potter, offering visitors a unique bowling experience. This historic venue features duckpin bowling, a variation that uses smaller balls and pins than traditional bowling. Visitors can enjoy this nostalgic activity while experiencing a piece of Potter's recreational history.
2. Potter Sundry
HOME OF TIN ROOF SUNDAE
The Potter Sundry is Potter's own soda fountain and diner where the famous Tin Roof Sundae was invented in the 1920s. Visitors can enjoy this iconic dessert in the very place it was created, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. The establishment combines historical charm with delicious offerings, providing both a culinary and cultural experience.
3. Potter Depot Historical Museum
RESTORED RAILROAD HERITAGE
The Potter Depot Historical Museum is housed in a UP depot that was moved back to Potter in 1991 and opened to the public in 1996 after extensive restoration. The museum houses UP Railroad memorabilia along with an agricultural room and other historical items. Visitors can arrange appointments to explore this piece of Potter's transportation history by calling 308-879-4332.
4. Potter Downtown Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Potter Downtown Historical Museum is located on Sherman Street in a historical building donated by Mr. & Mrs. Wm Stewart in 1983. The museum features military displays and school memorabilia that showcase the community's past. Visitors can arrange appointments to view the collections by calling 308-879-4332 or visit during special events in Potter.
5. Prairie Pines Golf Course
UNIQUE SEVEN-HOLE COURSE
Prairie Pines Golf Course holds the distinction of being Nebraska's only seven-hole golf course, offering players the option of playing either seven or fourteen holes. This public golf course challenges golfers with fairway ponds, hills, and native grass features. The unique layout provides a distinctive golfing experience in the Potter area.
6. A Collective Gathering
LOCAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
A Collective Gathering is one of Potter's notable shopping destinations for visitors and locals alike. The store likely offers a variety of local goods, crafts, or specialty items that showcase the region's character. Shoppers can discover unique treasures while supporting the local Potter economy.
7. Bags' Bar
LOCAL WATERING HOLE
Bags' Bar serves as a social gathering spot for residents and visitors in Potter. The establishment offers drinks and possibly food in a casual, small-town atmosphere. It provides an authentic taste of local Potter culture and community life.
8. Chuckaboo Station
WESTERN NEBRASKA CHARM
Chuckaboo Station is a distinctive attraction in the Potter area of Western Nebraska. The venue likely offers visitors a taste of Western Nebraska's culture and hospitality. Its unique name suggests a connection to the region's history or railroad heritage.
9. Lincoln Highway National Historic Byway
AMERICA'S FIRST TRANSCONTINENTAL HIGHWAY
The Lincoln Highway (HWY 30) passing near Potter was the United States' first transcontinental highway and was designated as a National Scenic Byway in 2021. The historic route traces paths followed first by Native Americans and includes sections of the Mormon and Oregon Trail. Travelers can experience this significant piece of American transportation history while enjoying the scenic landscapes of Western Nebraska.
10. Historic Hailstone Site
RECORD-BREAKING WEATHER PHENOMENON
Potter received the largest hailstone ever recorded on July 6, 1928, measuring approximately 17 inches in diameter and weighing about 1.5 pounds. This meteorological record stood until a similar-sized hailstone was recovered in Aurora, Nebraska in 2003. Weather enthusiasts and history buffs can visit the town where this remarkable natural event occurred.
11. Point of Rocks Motel & RV Park
WESTERN NEBRASKA ACCOMMODATIONS
Point of Rocks Motel & RV Park provides lodging options for visitors to the Potter area. The establishment serves travelers exploring Western Nebraska with comfortable accommodations. Its presence in Potter makes it a convenient base for those wanting to experience all the village has to offer.
12. Chimney Rock National Historic Site
ICONIC WESTERN LANDMARK
Chimney Rock National Historic Site is a prominent natural formation that served as a landmark for pioneers traveling the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails, located approximately 60 miles from Potter. The distinctive 325-foot spire rises dramatically from the surrounding North Platte River Valley. Visitors can learn about westward expansion and pioneer experiences at the visitor center while taking in views of this iconic Western Nebraska landmark.
13. Legacy of the Plains Museum
REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
Legacy of the Plains Museum, located about 50 miles from Potter, celebrates the region's rich agricultural and pioneer history. The museum features extensive exhibits on farming practices, pioneer life, and the cultural heritage of Western Nebraska. Visitors can explore historical buildings, antique equipment displays, and interactive exhibits that bring the area's past to life.
14. Scotts Bluff National Monument
TOWERING NATURAL LANDMARK
Scotts Bluff National Monument, approximately 50 miles from Potter, features dramatic 800-foot bluffs that served as an important landmark for travelers 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 learn about the area's geological and historical significance. The monument includes a visitor center with interpretive displays and a collection of William Henry Jackson artwork depicting westward migration.
15. Cabela's
OUTDOOR RETAIL DESTINATION
Cabela's in Sidney, about 20 miles from Potter, is a massive outdoor retail destination that attracts visitors from across the region. The store features extensive hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor recreation equipment along with impressive wildlife displays and aquariums. This flagship location serves as both a shopping experience and an attraction for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Western Nebraska.