Nebraska, often referred to as the “Heartland” of America, is a state filled with charming small towns that show the spirit of the Great Plains. From the scenic Sandhills to the Missouri River, Nebraska’s small towns offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty sure to delight all who visit. As the summer sun shines bright, there is no lovelier place than the small picturesque towns in Nebraska. Plan an unforgettable summer getaway and discover what Nebraska has in store!

Fremont

Fremont is a town in Dodge County filled with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Located in eastern Nebraska and founded in 1856, the city got its name from the famous explorer and general John C. Frémont. This charming town has a rich history and natural beauty to explore, making it one of the loveliest towns in the state.

For a taste of outdoor beauty, the Platte River is the place to go for fishing, kayaking, and a view of its serene and breathtaking surroundings. Visit the Fremont State Recreation Area for hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. The town is also home to the historic Fremont Opera House, which hosts performances and events throughout the year that you can enjoy as a solo or family activity. Stay at The Super 8 by Wyndham Fremont, a convenient and affordable option if you’re on a budget.

Kearney

In central Nebraska, there is a vibrant, colorful town that has captivated visitors since the Oregon Trail. Known as the Sandhill Crane Capital of the World, Kearney is all about enjoying its natural ecosystem’s feel and alluring appeal.

Start your holidays with a touch of history by visiting the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, which spans the Platte River and offers stunning views of the river. It doubles up as a multi-level museum, telling stories of how the river helped build America. Explore the scenic trails and waterways of the Kearney State Recreation Area located in Fort Kearny State Historical Park. This park commemorates the famous fort that once stood there, and it is a park you cannot afford to miss while in town. Stay at the Kearney Inn, a historic hotel with elegant rooms, or the Holiday Inn Express Kearney, a modern hotel with comfortable amenities.

Sidney

History forms a crucial part of Sidney’s tourism culture. Named after the famous railroad official Sidney Dillon, Sidney is known for its unique attractions and place in American history.

The rich history of Sidney is evident in places such as the Living Memorial Gardens and Sidney Boot Hill Cemetery. Living Memorial Gardens is located in Legion Park and is used to pay respect to war veterans. The same goes for Sidney Boot Hill Cemetery, which was first used to bury soldiers of Fort Sidney and later used to bury victims of Sidney’s Wild West days.

You can also find the famous Cabela’s World’s Foremost Outfitters flagship retail store, which offers a vast selection of outdoor gear, museum-quality animal displays, and apparel. Stay at Hampton Inn Sidney, a modern hotel with luxurious amenities, and discover the charm of Sidney, with its friendly people and natural attractions.

Alliance

Alliance is a quaint town in western Nebraska with an endearing history and a blissful natural environment, making it a gem of a holiday destination. Experience the town’s rural feel by visiting the iconic Carhenge, a quirky replica of Stonehenge made from vintage cars. The trails and waterways of the Alliance Recreation Center leave you in awe of the environment. It also makes for a good location to take good holiday pictures and enjoy picnics and family gatherings.

Stay at the Alliance Hotel and Suites, a cozy boutique hotel with luxurious amenities, or the Super 8 by Wyndham Alliance, a convenient and affordable option. The town’s downtown district is filled with shops and restaurants that connect you to the town’s spirit.

Hastings

Hastings is a town in south-central Nebraska where hospitality and charm come together through the bonds between relationships, sports, arts, and history. This unique mix of different elements of human culture allows Hastings to provide unique experiences to different personalities.

The talk of the town is the Adams County Fairgrounds, which hosts Fairfest, one place you must not miss. Fairfest is a musical festival in July that features top-notch artists and elevates the music scene in town. Along the shores of the River Platte, you can enjoy watching the different species of waterfowl that pass between March and May. History enthusiasts can learn about the lives of veterans who served the town with utmost devotion at the Adams County Veterans Monument.

North Platte

As the summer sun shines bright, North Platte draws many tourists with its rich history, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm. With many attractions, a summer in North Platte will surely not be boring!

Explore the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, which features the legendary William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s sprawling Victorian mansion and its stunning gardens. You may go for watersports activities at the North Platte River, which flows through the heart of town. Visit the Cody Park Railroad Museum to climb aboard historic trains and learn about the town’s railroad heritage. Relax on the beach or hike at Lake Maloney State Recreation Area, a picturesque lake just outside town. Your kids are not left out, as the interactive North Platte Area Children’s Museum allows their imaginations to run wild while they have fun.

Brownville

Brownville is a chill town by the Missouri River Valley where visitors can enjoy relief from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town is a complete mix of history and bliss and is home to the famous Brownville Historic District. Over the years, Brownville has maintained its tourism standards, making it an ideal holiday destination. Visit the Brownville Historical Society Museum for a quick history lesson. The Spirit of Brownville, with its exhibits and rural vibe, also has a calm atmosphere.

Enjoy some of the finest wine at the Whiskey Run Creek Vineyard and Winery, which is also a historic site in the neighborhood. Here, you can meet locals and learn more facts about getting the best liquor in town, which complements the holiday experience. A night at River Inn Resort will give you access to local cuisines and an elite experience.

Papillion

If you’re looking for a tranquil retreat near Omaha without sacrificing the city’s luxuries, look no further than Papillion. This charming town is just a 25-minute drive from the city and offers the best of both worlds. Papillion is home to the stunning Walnut Creek Lake and Recreation Area, where you can hike, bike, camp, and more. For a fun-filled farm experience, head to Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Ranch.

There is enough fun for everyone. Kids will go wild for the go-karts and games at Papio Fun Park, while sports enthusiasts can catch a thrilling Omaha Storm Chasers game. Step back in time with a visit to the historic John Sautter House and Portal School. Papillon offers adventure and relaxation, and it is the perfect respite from the stress of the big city.

Columbus

Columbus is located in the heart of the Midwest, and it is an incredible experience filled with historic attractions that will keep you walking across the town, aiming to make the most of your holiday. The historic bridges and Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial take you down memory lane. You can see a life-sized replica of the World War II Higgins boat, which helped bring American forces ashore in battle.

Along the Lincoln Highway Scenic & Historic Byway, you can enjoy calm evenings while taking a stroll or during an evening drive. The Quincentenary Belltower, in tribute to Christopher Columbus’ trip around the world, is a historically significant site. You can also enjoy live music and unbeatable Nebraska steak at Dusters Bar and Grill before having a good night’s rest at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites.

Scottsbluff

Scottsbluff, a charming town in western Nebraska, is a preferred summer destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history lovers, and families alike. With adventures that cater to the needs of various sets of travelers, it is no wonder that tourists visit this town in their thousands.

For those seeking to learn about the town’s development, consider a visit to the iconic Scotts Bluff National Monument, 10 minutes from the town. This natural wonder has guided travelers for centuries. Not too far from the National Monument, the Legacy of the Plains Museum showcases the region’s rich history and heritage.

Enjoy premium outdoor adventures when you hike the scenic trails at Scotts Bluff National Monument or explore the beautiful gardens, animals, and natural ecosystems at the Riverside Discovery Center. Families will love the Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds, 14 minutes from the town, which holds a plethora of summer events that may help you get some entertainment. For a unique shopping experience, the downtown area is filled with boutiques and antique stores that will definitely pique your interest. With its warm hospitality and natural beauty, Scottsbluff is the perfect destination for your next adventure.

Nebraska’s small towns have majestic sceneries and a peaceful charm. From the plains of Scottsbluff to the quaint streets of Papillion, each place on this list offers a unique experience that will leave you feeling like you have discovered a hidden gem. Get ready to pack some bags and embark on an adventurous trip to any (or all!) of these small towns in this state.

Every night before Tyler Goodrich’s father goes to bed, he prays for answers about his missing son.

“I stand at the window and I beg him for answers,” Lonnie Goodrich says about his son Tyler. “I beg him to come home.”

Tyler was 35 years old when he vanished on November 3, 2023, from the Lincoln, Nebraska home he shared with his husband Marshall Vogel and their two sons. He hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

When their kids ask for scrambled eggs “the way Tyler makes them,” Vogel is at a loss of what to do, he says, as he breaks down in tears.

Tyler’s husband along with some of his family and friends spoke to Dateline NBC’s Josh Mankiewicz for episode three of the podcast series Dateline: Missing in America.

“This is a case that has really baffled investigators,” Mankiewicz told The Idependent. “But it has also just fuelled a storm of rumors and theories among online armchair detectives.”

Many of which center around the last person to see Tyler – his husband – who asked for a divorce the same night Tyler disappeared.

A heated argument

“Tyler is very driven, I always admired that,” Vogel says about his husband. “We evened each other out.”

But things were not as they seemed, he said. The pair had been married for six and a half years and the relationship was breaking down.

“From the outside looking in, we were the perfect family,” he says. “But behind closed doors, some of the communication barriers or how we interacted with each other was hard to do. The big thing was how we parented our kids.”

That night, Tyler, who worked for the Nebraska Department of Corrections, picked up a pizza for dinner for the family after working in Omaha.

But the fun family movie night took a turn when the couple began talking about their relationship.

“Things were tough. We both knew that we loved each other very much. It was just maybe our marriage wasn’t supposed to be forever,” he tells Dateline.

Vogel said things got heated when he told Tyler he wanted a divorce.

“He pushed me,” Vogel says. “Tyler pushed me in the face and the chest. It didn’t hurt, but it still happened, so I called 911.”

While he was on the phone with the 911 dispatcher, Tyler left through the garage.

Deputies arrived at the house just 10 minutes later but Tyler was gone. His car was still in the garage.

Vogel tells Dateline he figured Tyler would not come back with the deputies around, but even so, Vogel did not want to be there when his husband returned so he took the kids and went to a relative’s house.

Over the next couple of days, Vogel went back to the house to pick up his son’s laptop and to feed their pets. There was no sign Tyler had been there.

By Sunday, two days after the argument, Vogel knew something was wrong.

Tyler, who was an avid runner, had registered for a half-marathon that day, but he never showed up.

“Now I’m worried,” Vogel recalls as he broke down in tears.

Husband is noticeably absent from searches

Massive searches were launched and social campaigns were created in the days following Tyler’s disappearance. But one person was noticeably absent: his husband.

Vogel’s actions sparked a flurry of rumors and speculation on social media.

On the podcast, Mankiewicz tells Vogel that from his experience, “when the spouse doesn’t talk, and isn’t present during the searches, that leads to people saying ‘well he was involved’ and ‘he’s got something to hide.’”

“That’s as inescapable as the sun coming up in the morning because that’s what people’s minds go to,” the Dateline host adds.

Vogel tells Mankiewicz that he knew that, but stood behind his decision.

“I understand that, but I needed to be here with my boys,” he says. “To make sure they’re OK.”

Vogel tells Dateline he had decided to wait to sit down with investigators with his lawyer.

At a press conference held shortly after, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said Vogel and his family were not cooperating with the sheriff’s office in the search.

Once again, social media lit up with speculation about whether or not Vogel could be involved in Tyler’s disappearance.

After Vogel met with investigators, the sheriff’s release released a statement saying that Vogel is a witness and not considered a suspect or a person of interest in the case.

But the damage was already done.

While the searches for Tyler slowed, the online rumor mill was still churching.

It was revealed that Vogel had recorded their heated argument that took place seconds before he went missing.

Investigator Jeremy Schwarz of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Dateline that they have a recording that Vogel had taken of the argument that night.

“It’s an audio recording of an argument, or I would more describe it as a conversation between Tyler and Marshall,” Schwarz said. That audio has not been publicly released.

“Things were tense,” he explains to Mankiewicz. “I would be told, ‘I never said that,’ so I recorded it for my own sanity so I could play it back.”

But it only sparked more rumors online.

And then, Vogel posted his account of the night on Facebook.

The first line was a bombshell.

“Tyler was sometimes physically and emotionally abusive towards me,” it read.

Vogel explains the post in a recent interview with Mankiewicz.

“Tyler would get mad. He would get mad at us. That made it extremely difficult. I’m not saying every day like that. But when it was really hard,” he says.

When asked if there had been physical violence, Vogel said there had been in the past.

Investigators told Dateline the couple had never filed any police reports for domestic violence.

Last known footage of Tyler

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office released grainy home security video that shows a figure running from the house minutes before deputies responded to Vogel’s 911 call.

Investigators say they believe it is Tyler. The glowing object is believed to be his phone.

“It is the belief that that person on the video is Tyler running from the residence,” Investigator Schwarz said in the sheriff’s office podcast that featured Tyler’s story.

Investigators say Tyler’s phone went off the grid after he went missing and there has not been any activity on his credit cards or bank account.

Both Vogel and Tyler’s friend Rachel Barth say they are certain the figure is Tyler. But his father does not believe it’s him.

Many theories have swirled through the small community and across social media platforms.

Did Tyler leave and start a new life? Or did someone hurt him intentionally? Was it something else altogether, perhaps hit by a drunk motorist and hidden by the panicked driver?

There are still many questions yet to be answered.

“I believe that someone took his life and I believe they took his life on the 3rd when he didn’t come back home,” Tyler’s father Lonnie says. “Somebody did it. Somebody knows.”

To get closure, Lonnie says two things have to happen.

“His body has to be recovered or somebody has to confess,” he says.

“Somebody has to give out the information that they have so that we can have closure. And I pray for that. I mean, every day, every night, a hundred times a day.”

‘Somebody hurt Tyler’

When asked by Dateline if he believes Tyler is still alive, Vogel’s voice cracks as he responds: “I have to.”

“There’s nothing telling me that he’s not,” he continues. “So I’m going with that. Until someone tells me 100 per cent that he’s not.”

Tyler’s friend Rachel Barth has accepted the notion that something may have happened to her friend.

“I think most of us believe somebody hurt Tyler,” Barth says. “We don’t know why. We don’t know if it was a random act.”

A Facebook page “Let’s Find Tyler Goodrich” created by friends and family now has nearly 30,000 followers and there are posts shared every day.

But his loved ones are at a loss of what to do next.

“We don’t know what to do. When I hear his name or see his poster, I get really sad and it’s not that I’m giving up on my friend, it’s just that I’m out of ideas and I don’t know what to do,” Barth says.

Investigator Schwarz encouraged people to call in and provide tips if they know something.

Tyler is about 6’1” and 185 lbs., with “a runner’s-style body, pale skin, a lot of freckles, and red hair,” as Rachel describes. “That was probably his most striking feature.”

He has tattoos and had a red beard at the time of his disappearance.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at 402-441-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.

Tyler’s father tells Dateline that, at this point, he does not believe his son is alive.

“I know him too well. Tyler could never do this to us. He could not do it to his friends, to his coworkers, to his family,” Lonnie says. “My son is dead. He is not missing. His body is missing.”

He says Tyler has missed birthdays and holidays – which is unlike him.

“When Tyler sent a card, there was always a separate message and he always poured his heart out,” he says. “ I miss that.”

FREMONT, Neb. (KSNB) – York’s Reed Malleck capped off a historic week to win the 116th Nebraska Amateur Championship on Friday at the Fremont Golf Club.

Malleck shot a final round of 69 (-2) to win by one stroke over his Nebraska men’s golf teammate, Hamish Murray, finishing with a 273 (-11) total. It’s Malleck’s first Nebraska Amateur title, and he is the fifth player with four rounds in the 60s, having shot 68 (-3) each of the first three rounds.

Storms rolled in late during the fourth and final round, and rain fell over the last four holes. Play was suspended briefly, but the last three groups finished after a 10-minute delay.

Malleck and Murray went back-and-forth during the last round. It was Malleck who made the first move, making birdie on the par-3 fourth to take the lead at 10-under. After a bogey on No. 6, he bounced back with a birdie on the short par-4 seventh to get back into the lead.

The battle continued though, as Murray birdied No. 9 after eight straight pars to match the lead. He hit the flagstick with his tee shot on the par-3 10th, but the ball spun back too far and he made par.

Malleck took charge with a chip-in birdie on No. 12, and followed with a birdie on No. 13. Murray made bogey on the par-5 13th, and the lead grew to three strokes. However, Malleck hit it in the penalty area on No. 14 and made double-bogey, dropping his lead to just one stroke.

The brief suspension happened on the par-5 15th, after which Murray rolled in a birdie putt to tie the lead. Malleck still wasn’t fazed though, and dropped in a tricky downhill birdie putt on No. 16 to take the lead back for good.

The rain started to fall again on the 18th hole, and Murray had a birdie putt to tie the lead. It slid by though, and Malleck two-putted for par to secure the win.

Click here to subscribe to our KSNB Local4 daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Copyright 2024 KSNB. All rights reserved.