Most People Don’t Know These Small Towns In Nebraska Have AMAZING Restaurants (2024)

Of course, we all know that the Cornhusker State is home to tons of museums and attractions that speak to our state's place in American history. There are so many historic towns in Nebraska that it'd be impossible for us to name them all. But did you realize that there's one entire town that has been immortalized in books and beautifully preserved for decades? A day trip to Red Cloud in Nebraska feels like a step back in time. You'll find so many things to do in Red Cloud, Nebraska, and it's truly worth a visit! Check it out:

Red Cloud is located in Webster County, just a stone's throw away from the Republican River. This is a town that is steeped in generations of history.

This is where Pulitzer Prize-winning Nebraska author Willa Cather spent her formative years. This is where she drew her inspiration for her novels that so many of us grew up reading. Six of Cather's novels were set in Nebraska, including O Pioneers! and My Antonia.

Cather moved here when she was nine years old and left Nebraska after college, but Red Cloud in Nebraska left an indelible mark on her soul.

The young woman admired the hardy nature and unbreakable spirit of her neighbors. The town was founded a mere 12 years before her family's arrival, and it was still largely untamed prairie at the time. She watched these industrious settlers build a whole town. They inspired her so much that she filled entire novels based on their lives.

The town's streets still echo with Cather's timeless words.

The characters who appeared in her books were often based on real residents of Red Cloud and the surrounding areas. Pictured above is Willa Cather's childhood home, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

You can still visit many of the homes, buildings, and other locations that are featured prominently in Cather's novels.

The "Harling House," shown above, was featured in My Antonia. This was the home where her real-life childhood friends, the Miners, grew up.

Visitors to Red Cloud can tour many of the buildings and other places that were significant in Cather's life and in her novels.

In fact, this little town is the largest living memorial to an author in the United States - a distinction that residents here are quite proud of. Seven buildings in Red Cloud, Nebraska are owned by the Nebraska State Historical Society and are available for tours. Pictured above is the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie, a breathtaking 612-acre area of native prairie that includes walking trails.

The Willa Cather Foundation provides information about and tours of approximately 50 sites related to Cather's life and writing.

You can choose from a variety of tours, each of which offers a slightly different experience. Whether you take a guided or self-guided tour, you'll find the history of this special place to be highly compelling. The Willa Cather Foundation has more information about things to do in Red Cloud, Nebraska if you're interested in learning more about this hometown hero.(Pictured above is the lovely Farmers and Merchants Bank, also known as the Garber Bank, which was mentioned in Cather's novel Lucy Gayheart and the short story "Two Friends.")

Red Cloud's historical charm doesn't end with Ms. Cather.

A large portion of the town's buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. The beautifully preserved architecture is stunning on its own, even if you don't know about the story associated with each building.(Pictured above is the Red Cloud Opera House.)

Red Cloud's Burlington Depot recalls a time long ago when this was a booming railroad town.

The depot, too, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was carefully restored by the Willa Cather Foundation and is now maintained by the Nebraska State Historical Society. The depot was an important part of pioneer life.

Historical markers all throughout the town and surrounding areas illustrate the rich history of the area.

This one gives a brief history of Red Cloud's early days, including the source of the town's unique name: an Oglala Sioux chief.

Buildings and other structures and spaces of historical significance abound, not only in Red Cloud but throughout Webster County.

This bridge over the Republican River was built in 1935 and has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearby in the near-ghost town of Cowles are the remains of the park where famed pitcher Cy Young played some of his first baseball games.

The nearby Starke Round Barn is the largest of its kind in the world.

This fascinating bit of historical architecture is truly a sight to behold. Events are often held here, and you can even tour the barn with advance arrangements. The Starke Round Barn is yet another site that makes this one of the most historic towns in Nebraska.

Red Cloud calls itself "America's Most Famous Small Town" for its ties to Cather's writing.

But the town is so much more than the childhood home of the beloved author. Its residents honor the past as they cherish the present and look forward to the future. They worked very hard to preserve the unique history of the place and make it into a true tourist destination. This is a very special community, which is apparent from the moment you step foot in Red Cloud in Nebraska.

The attractions listed here are only a small portion of the fascinating historical sites peppered through Red Cloud and Webster County. If you'd like to learn more about this historic town in Nebraska, check out the official Red Cloud, Nebraska website.

Looking for a great place to stay when enjoying all the things to do in Red Cloud, Nebraska? Check out this amazing Vrbo: the M Guest House! This adorable spot can sleep up to six guests.