Wisner NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wisner, Nebraska.
1. Wisner River Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Wisner River Park is a scenic recreational area located along the Elkhorn River offering camping facilities and outdoor activities. The park hosts the exciting Thunder by the River event, a supercharged truck and tractor pull that roars near the typically tranquil Elkhorn River each August. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty while taking advantage of the park's campgrounds and RV facilities.
2. Dinklage Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY PARK
Dinklage Park, originally known as 'City Park,' was donated to the city by the railroad and features a heated, Olympic-sized swimming pool built in 1982. The park was renamed in honor of Louis and his wife Abby Faye Dinklage, who contributed to the pool's construction. Once the site of a large gazebo that hosted graduations and school activities, the park continues to be a central gathering place for the community.
3. Wisner Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Wisner Heritage Museum chronicles the town's rich history, including the story of the 1940 undefeated Wisner Bulldogs football team. Visitors can also learn about unique local history such as the World's Largest Bologna display at Clarence Kay's grocery store in 1939. The museum provides an immersive look into Wisner's past and the community's development over time.
4. Wisner Blarney Stone
IRISH HERITAGE MONUMENT
The Wisner Blarney Stone is a giant concrete block located at the corner of 10th Street and Avenue E, placed in honor of the town's early Irish settlers. This immovable monument replaced a smaller stone that was prone to being moved by pranksters throughout the town. The Blarney Stone has become a must-see attraction and photo opportunity for visitors to Wisner.
5. Dutch Hollow
HISTORIC SETTLEMENT AREA
Dutch Hollow was formerly a wooded valley at the base of Nye Hill that became one of the earliest settled parts of Wisner. Ninth Street in Wisner directly follows the route of Dutch Hollow, and this area is still referred to as 'Dutch Hollow' by local residents. Many of Wisner's oldest houses can be found in this historic neighborhood, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's architectural past.
6. Elkhorn River
SCENIC NATURAL WATERWAY
The Elkhorn River is a tributary of the Platte River that flows alongside Wisner and has shaped both the town's layout and its history. The river has been the source of several momentous events, including major floods in 1966 and 1994, and its southeast angle has influenced the orientation of Wisner's streets. Visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing, and other water activities along this picturesque waterway.
7. Cattlemen's Lodge & Suites
COMFORTABLE LOCAL LODGING
Cattlemen's Lodge & Suites is a welcoming accommodation option located at 1621 Ave E in Wisner. This hotel offers comfortable rooms and amenities for travelers visiting the area. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Wisner and the surrounding attractions.
8. Thunder by the River
THRILLING MOTORSPORT EVENT
Thunder by the River is an exhilarating truck and tractor pull event held annually in August at Wisner River Park. The supercharged vehicles roar near the typically tranquil Elkhorn River, creating an exciting contrast of power and nature. This popular event attracts motorsport enthusiasts from across the region to experience the thrill of competitive pulling.
9. Wisner Downtown District
SHOPPING AND DINING HUB
Wisner's Downtown District offers a variety of shopping and dining opportunities in a thriving small-town atmosphere. Despite the 8,000 vehicles that pass through town on NE 275 each day, this area maintains its charming small-town character. Visitors can explore local shops, enjoy home-style dining, and experience the welcoming nature of this Nebraska community.
10. West Point Community Theatre
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The West Point Community Theatre is a highly-rated entertainment venue located near Wisner that provides quality theatrical performances and film screenings. This theater has earned a perfect 5.0 rating on TripAdvisor, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking cultural entertainment. The venue offers a charming atmosphere and diverse programming for audiences of all ages.
11. Neihardt State Historic Site
LITERARY HERITAGE CENTER
The Neihardt State Historic Site honors John G. Neihardt, Nebraska's poet laureate and author of 'Black Elk Speaks,' with a TripAdvisor rating of 4.8. The site includes Neihardt's study, a museum showcasing his life and works, and the Sacred Hoop Prayer Garden. Visitors can explore the profound connection between Neihardt's literary contributions and Native American spirituality at this cultural landmark.
12. Fred G. Dale Planetarium
CELESTIAL EDUCATION CENTER
The Fred G. Dale Planetarium offers visitors an immersive astronomical experience with state-of-the-art projections of the night sky and educational programs. With a TripAdvisor rating of 4.5, this facility provides entertaining and informative shows about the cosmos, planets, and space exploration. The planetarium serves as both an educational resource and a fascinating attraction for visitors interested in astronomy and science.
13. Cuming County Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Cuming County Museum showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of the region surrounding Wisner. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's settlement and development through the years. Visitors can learn about local industries, agricultural practices, and the diverse communities that have shaped this part of Nebraska.
14. Louis E. May Museum
VICTORIAN MANSION MUSEUM
The Louis E. May Museum is housed in a stunning Victorian mansion built in 1874, showcasing period furniture, decorative arts, and local historical exhibits. The museum's beautifully preserved architecture features intricate woodwork, stained glass, and elegant design elements typical of its era. Visitors can tour the grounds and gardens while learning about the history of Fremont and Dodge County.
15. Stanton County Historical Museum
CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Stanton County Historical Museum preserves and displays artifacts, documents, and photographs relating to the history of communities near Wisner. The museum features exhibits on pioneer life, agricultural development, and the cultural evolution of the area over generations. Visitors gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of the people who settled and developed this region of Nebraska.