Nebraska

6 Best Small Towns in Nebraska for Outdoor Activities

Published

2 years ago

May 25, 2024

6 Best Small Towns in Nebraska for Outdoor Activities

For outdoor enthusiasts, Nebraska is not the first state that comes to mind. While the state is not home to national parks, it is home to some beautiful, historic, and natural sites. Many of these incredible sites lie in Nebraska’s small towns. The small Nebraskan town of Brule is home to Lake McConaughy, offering beautiful beachfront views, while Harrison is another small Nebraska town, that draws visitors in to see the Agate Fossil Beds. These are only a couple examples of the natural wonders in Nebraska’s small towns, however, they are worth a visit for outdoor enthusiasts.

Harrison

Toadstool Geologic Park in Harrison, Nebraska.

Harrison is home to a natural wonder that brings people to Nebraska annually, the Agate Fossil Beds. The hills are the place where paleontologists found mammal skeletons, including the complete skeletons of extinct Miocene mammals in the 1900s. Dozens of fossils show the area’s 20 million years of natural history. At the Agate Fossil Beds, there are 2.7-mile-long Fossil Hills Trail that takes travelers through the hills and across the Niobrara River. Along the trail, there are interpretive signs explaining the plants of the area.

Another outdoor attraction in Harrison is the Gilbert Baker Wildlife Management Area. The area includes 2,537 acres of park and is perfect for camping and hiking. A trail in the area takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. On the trail, hikers might see deer, elk, rabbits, or wild turkeys. Near the wildlife area, lies Monroe Creek and Gilbert Baker Pond; this peaceful creek and pond are great places for fishing or bird watching.

Brule

Brule is a small community in Nebraska with more wildlife than people. The town has less than 500 residents and is a serene, rural area. Lake McConaughy draws people in to visit the town. This is Nebraska’s largest reservoir, with 100 miles of shoreline. The lake is an excellent place for outdoor recreation. The white sand beaches and clear waters are perfect for boating, jet skiing, windsurfing, swimming, and fishing. Golfers are also drawn to the lake area for the Bayside Gulf Club’s course. The golf course is on the shores of Lake McConaughy, offering stunning views while lulling visitors to sleep.

Brule is also near the California National Historic Trail. This trail is for nature and history lovers. The mid-19th century highway was a migration route to the West. The route is 1600 miles, traveling from Missouri River towns to California. Some portions of the road are drivable. Brule is one of the closest towns in the section that goes through Nebraska. Hikers on the trail can rest in town and enjoy the rural countryside scenery.

Bayard

The small town of Bayard is home to Chimney Rock, an outdoor monument that draws people to Nebraska annually. Chimney Rock National Historic Site is a towering rock made from a thin spire standing an estimated 325 tall from tip to base. Thirty-four million years ago, the rock formed from volcanic ash. Folks can see the different layers of volcanic ash in its formation today. The rock is one of the most famous historic monuments in the state. It was an essential landmark for navigating the California, Oregon, and Mormon trails during pioneer days. There is a nine-hole golf course and restaurant near the Chimney Rock Site to enjoy a game of gold while admiring the towering rock.

Beyond the pretty scenery of Chimney Rock, Bayard has an exciting history. Guests can learn more about it by visiting the Bayard Depot Museum. The museum is in an old Northern Railroad depot and has ancient artifacts of the town. One of the most impressive is a 100-year-old cookie!

Gering

Gering is near Bayard, a town with vibrant green prairie lands. Gering next to the Oregon Trail and the famed Scotts Bluff National Monument. The Scott’s Bluff National Monument is a towering bluff surrounded by rugged badlands. There are also 3,000 acres of protected and historic areas near the bluff. A popular trail near the monument is the Saddle Rock trail. The 1.6-mile trail has a self-guided tour of the area. The trailhead begins east of the visitor center. For a shorter version of the hike, begin on the trail at the summit of the Scotts Bluff. From the trail, there is a stunning view of the North Platte River Valley that is worth the short trek.

A spot for people who are interested in history is the Legacy of the Plains Museum. The museum has interactive exhibits that show the history of settlement and Westward Expansion in the North Platte Valley and High Plains. Gering is also close to the scenic Yellowstone National Park and the Black Hills, making for some pretty scenery around town.

Bridgeport

Bridgeport is another Nebraska town with picturesque scenery. The town has its own Recreation Area encompassing 326 acres of land to explore and 78 acres of water in five sandpit lakes. Visitors can enjoy camping or hiking on the shores. Water activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, are popular on the East and West lakes in all seasons.

The Courthouse and Jail Rocks are popular spots to stop at just 5 miles south of town. Made from Brule clay, the rocks look like a courthouse and castle. Over time, wind and water sculpted the rocks into what they look like today. To get to the stones, there is an unpaved road and trail open year-round.

Just 6 miles north of the rocks is the Bridgeport Pioneer Trails Museum. This Homestead museum is just off the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, and Pony Express Route. This was a popular stop point for pioneers traveling on the trails. While at the museum, check out a section of the surrounding trails for a peaceful stroll through the woods.

Sutherland

For history and nature lovers, Sutherland is the ideal town—home to the Sutherland State Aid Bridge, a beautiful bridge over the water that offers scenic views. The bridge dates back to the State Aid Program between 1912 and 1936. The bridge is unique as one of the only remaining unaltered bridges built by the program.

Another great spot in town with a pioneer history is the O’Fallon’s Bluff. The bluffs are 20 miles long and sit along the South Platte River. Here, visitors can see the Oregon-California Trail wagon wheel ruts and old emigrant trails. You can see the ruts from wagon wheels today because of the thousands of wagons going over the dry bluffs. Walking through the bluffs makes for a great day hike to enjoy nature and history.

Beyond the bridge and pioneer history, Sutherland has a large State Recreation Area. The outdoor area has something for everyone, from boating to fishing, camping, and swimming. The recreation area is a popular alternative to Lake McConaughy since it is not as busy.

Whether visitors want to explore the bluffs or enjoy some time on the lake, Nebraska has some surprising outdoor adventures. The small-town vibes of these Nebraska towns and their unique outdoor attractions make them a perfect place for any outdoor enthusiast. The next time one plans a road trip, consider stopping in one of these towns for a pitstop. Whatever season folks are headed to Nebraska, there will be something that caters to the outdoorsy types.

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Nebraska

Athlete of the Week: Creighton Prep boys wrestling’s Zaiyahn Ornelas

Published

10 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Athlete of the Week: Creighton Prep boys wrestling’s Zaiyahn Ornelas

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Creighton Prep senior Zaiyahn Ornelas won his fourth consecutive Nebraska state wrestling title on Saturday.

According to NSAA records, he joins 39 other wrestlers in state history to accomplish the feat.

“It’s a great feeling,” Ornelas said. “It’s a feeling everybody wants.”

The senior ended his career as the 39th four-time state champion in Nebraska history, winning three at Wilber-Clatonia before joining the Jr. Jays.

Ornelas won three Class C state titles at Wilber-Clatonia at 106, 113 and 120 pounds before transferring to Creighton Prep for his senior season, where he competed in Class A at 126 pounds.

“Three state titles there and then just thought I could bump up my competition,” Ornelas said.

“Zaiyahn is one of the cleanest technicians I’ve ever seen. That’s a huge testament to his coaching staff at Wilber,” Fisher added.

Ornelas was one of four Creighton Prep wrestlers to win state titles this season, helping lead the Jr. Jays to the Class A team title. Teammates said his presence in the practice room raised their level of competition.

“I could never slack off just because my competition in the state was easy. I always had to come in this room and get better or else I was going to get beat,” said sophomore Cruzer Dominguez, a two-time Class A state champion at 106 and 120 pounds.

Sophomore Kameron Green, the Class A 144-pound state champion this year, also credited Ornelas for aiding in his development.

“Zaiyahn being a training partner has helped me in tremendous ways,” he said. “When he wrestles, he’s not the nicest or shyest kid, but he’s tenacious and tough.”

The sophomore won his first state title after finishing as a runner-up at 126 pounds as a freshman.

Junior JT Smith, a two-time state champion at 175 and 190 pounds, said the achievement carries weight for the entire team.

“It’s something really special to have a teammate that’s a four-time state champion,” he said. “That’s something everyone wants to be.”

The junior finished the season as a back-to-back state champion after winning a gold medal at 175 pounds as a sophomore.

Fisher said Ornelas’s attitude set the tone from the start.

“He has so many skills and then coming into our room, he’s extremely coachable. Every time he came in here he was humble, ready to work, wanting to get better and that’s why he is as good as he is,” Fisher said.

Ornelas signed to wrestle at the University of Nebraska in November. He said the move to Creighton Prep delivered what he was looking for.

“This is the reason why I came here. I went out to explore, to find the best, and this is the territory that I found. If it wasn’t for these guys — the push — I would have not been there,” Ornelas said.

“It’s hard to believe. That’s kind of what I wanted since the beginning, freshman year,” he said.

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Nebraska

Nebraska Chamber taps former state senator to lead during leadership transition

Published

22 hours ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

Nebraska Chamber taps former state senator to lead during leadership transition

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry has selected a former state senator and longtime board member to lead the chamber while it searches for a new president and CEO.

Board of Directors Chair Pat Keenan said Thursday that Matt Williams of Gothenburg agreed to serve as interim president.

ALSO READ: Nebraska Chamber president and CEO resigns after less than a year

“The Board is grateful to Matt for stepping into this role during a very active and productive time for the Nebraska Chamber,” Keenan said. “He has steady leadership, strong relationships and trust from his many years of advocacy for economic development, and decades of experience working with the legislature and state government on tax policy and economic development incentives.”

Matt Williams(NE Chamber)

Williams represented District 36 in the Nebraska Legislature from 2015 to 2023.

The chamber said Williams has had a lifelong career in banking and serves as chairman of Flatwater Bank. He previously served as chair of the Nebraska Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association.

His long involvement with the chamber includes membership on the Board of Directors; he currently serves as director for District 6. In 2025, he was named to the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame.

“The Nebraska Chamber is on rock-solid footing, with the clear vision of the Board, and talented and hard-working staff hitting its stride in legislative policy and advocacy, technology, manufacturing, leadership-development, fund-raising and membership. The success of cutting-edge initiatives like 6 Regions, One Nebraska, the launch of the Go Big Future series, and the strong member engagement across the state demonstrate the success and strength of this organization. I’m excited to lend my support in whatever way I can for the Chamber. I know how strong businesses and communities make for a stronger Nebraska, and I’m glad to be part of that.”

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Maryland men’s basketball silenced late by No. 12 Nebraska, 74-61

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

Maryland men’s basketball silenced late by No. 12 Nebraska, 74-61

Maryland men’s basketball has found itself in plenty of close games over the past few weeks. Four of its last five were decided by seven points or less, and the Terps won three of them.

Head coach Buzz Williams had ostensibly found a winning recipe in crunch time. That is, until Wednesday’s clash with No. 12 Nebraska.

Down by five with just over six minutes to play, the key ingredients for a comeback were nowhere to be found. Andre Mills, who had been superb over Maryland’s past few matches, turned the ball over to star forward Pryce Sandfort on an errant pass. Just seconds later, Sandfort splashed a 3-pointer, and Pinnacle Bank Arena went wild.

That sequence was the cap of a 9-0 run and the middle of an 0-of-4 shooting stretch for Maryland. What was largely a competitive contest soon became lopsided, and the Terps fell, 74-61.

Williams used his coach’s challenge just a minute and a half into Wednesday’s contest. The reversed call didn’t result in points right away — the Terps turned it over the very next possession — but it undoubtedly sent a crystal clear, no-nonsense message to the sideline.

And Maryland’s defense was ready for the rowdy away game occasion. The Terps notched just five points in the opening five minutes — two coming on a thunderous Solomon Washington slam — but didn’t allow Nebraska on the scoresheet. In fact, Maryland turned the Cornhuskers over twice in that span, and Guillermo Del Pino rejected a Jamarques Lawrence layup.

Nebraska started the game 0-of-6 from the field before finding the net. Sandfort channeled his shooting prowess, sinking a 3-pointer to give the Cornhuskers their first advantage of the match six-and-a-half minutes in.

Forward Braden Frager was the true catalyst for Nebraska’s sudden surge, logging seven of the team’s first 10 points and operating well in transition. His quick-hit offense didn’t allow Maryland to set up its effective half-court defense.

The Terps’ offense remained relatively cold as the midway point of the half approached. They embarked on a 1-of-8 shooting stretch, with Nebraska consistently switching on Maryland’s perimeter looks and forcing Washington into some perimeter shots.

Interestingly enough, it was Washington and his frontcourt counterpart — Elijah Saunders — that offered the team a surge from beyond the arc. The two combined for four of the squad’s first five 3-pointers — two of Saunders’ makes came in the last five minutes of the half to keep Maryland within striking distance.

The Cornhuskers took a six point advantage into the halftime locker room, up 33-27.

Rienk Mast finally got into a bit of rhythm to open the second half, burying a 3-pointer in an attempt to keep the Terps at bay. But Maryland’s offense wasn’t rattled. It didn’t revert to the same isolation playbook that it has sometimes found itself running; it instead was gritty on the glass and earned multiple second-chance opportunities.

Nebraska was being worn down on defense, and its crowd was becoming less intense. Maryland just needed to establish some prolonged momentum.

But the game remained deadlocked for the ensuing minutes. Andre Mills began to display some of the athletic lane-driving traits he’s exhibited over the past 10 contests. But he also drilled a pair of long-range jumpers, quickly becoming the team’s leading second-half scorer.

As the clock ticked below 10 minutes left with the game decided by just a matter of points, the Terps’ offense hit a stagnant stretch. Coit took four consecutive shots — and made only one — while the team’s ball movement came to a screeching halt.

After Nebraska’s 9-0 run, things didn’t realign on the attack for Maryland. Coit continued to struggle, going 2-of-6 from three in the second half. Mills also missed back-to-back looks, and from there, the result was all but decided.

1. Elijah Saunders’ big day. With Mills struggling in the first half Wednesday, Saunders picked up some of the slack. The 40% 3-point shooter made half of his looks, resulting in a season-high five 3-pointers against the Cornhuskers. That comes just one game after he set his previous season-high of four 3-pointers against Washington.

2. Paint production erased. Maryland’s frontcourt did some damage Wednesday night, but much of it came from deep. The Terps finished with just 14 points in the paint compared to Nebraska’s 26. Despite both teams grabbing seven offensive rebounds, Maryland didn’t make much of the second chance opportunities in the restricted area.

3. More Del Pino minutes. After playing 27 minutes and securing the win with an alley-oop lob against Washington, Del Pino was on the court for 15 minutes Wednesday. Though he finished without any points, he seems to have earned Williams’ trust and continues to operate the floor well from a distribution perspective.

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