Recreation/Culture

Even though the Elkhorn Valley region strives to be progressive and forward thinking we must embrace our unique heritage that shaped our regional identity. Although some of eastern Nebraska’s best attractions lie outside our service area, we understand the importance they have in unifying the state and guiding visitors to lesser-known attractions. We pride ourselves in knowing that the culture and identity of our area is preserved by the many museums and attractions in the vicinity of Norfolk. As a regional hub, Norfolk attracts many national and international visitors annually, thus providing opportunities for smaller area communities to present their own unique heritage to a sizable audience. Whether you are a lifetime resident or passerby, we feel we possess at least one attraction to interest you!

For the outdoor enthusiast, the tri-county region offers many activities to satisfy the sportsman. Whether your ideal recreation is boating, camping, fishing, golfing, hunting or driving all-terrain vehicles, the area offers exciting opportunities for you!

A Bit ‘o’ Country Inn
A great place for the weary traveler to spend the night or to begin a bicycle or hiking adventure on the Cowboy Trail.
54450 840th Road, Battle Creek, NE
(402) 675-6845 | Phone

Antelope County Museum
Located on the National Register of Historic Places, includes St. Peter’s Episcopal Church which was built in 1888 and resides in what used to be Gates College, built in 1892.
Hours: Tues-Fri & Sun 1:30pm-4:30pm (Summer Months)
509 L Street, Neligh, NE
(402) 887-4999 | Phone

Ashfall Fossil Bed State Historical Park
Intact fossil site consisting of whole skeletons of rhinos, horses & camels left in place for public viewing.
Hours: Open May thru October, call for hours.
86930 517th Avenue, Royal, NE
(402) 893-2000 | Phone

Crystal Key Inn Bed & Breakfast
Turn-of-the-century Victorian home, with guest rooms on three stories. Features TV-reading room, two dining rooms, and cozy breakfast nook for guests.
Hours: Check-in is 4:00 – 7:00 PM, Check-out is 1:00 PM
314 S. 4th Street, Newman Grove, NE
(402) 447-2772 | Phone

Cuthills Vineyards
Nestled in the rolling hills of northeast Nebraska is Nebraska’s first winery growing French hybrid grapes and producing international award-winning wines. Take a stroll through the vineyards, stop by the tasting room for samples, or enjoy wine on the patio or in the loft. Annual Blues festival in August.
Hours: Jan-Apr, Fri-Sun 1pm-5pm; May-Dec, Wed-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 1pm-6pm. Closed holidays.
54663 853rd Road, Pierce, NE
(402) 329-6774 | Phone

Elkhorn Valley Museum
In honor of the late Johnny Carson, the Elkhorn Valley Museum offers a permanent exhibit displaying personal items, awards and other memorabilia. Also on display is a rare 1918 Square Turn tractor, Granada Theatre exhibit, children’s discovery room, and miscellaneous rotating displays. Visit the gift shop for one-of-a-kind memories.
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Thursday nights 4pm-8pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm.
515 Queen City Boulevard, Norfolk, NE
(402) 371-3886 | Phone

Gilman Park & Arboretum
The Arboretum was established in 1993 and encompasses 14 acres around Bill Cox Memorial Lake including 1.2 miles of woodchipped and concrete path. There are 243 different labeled varieties of trees and shrubs among 647 woody plants in the arboretum. Also present are over 80 different varieties of perennials and ornamental grasses.
Park Superintendant: Gary Zimmer
106 S. 1st Street, Pierce, NE
(402) 329-4873 | Phone

Klown Doll Museum
A display of over 4,800 clown dolls attractively arranged in a two-room structure that originally was a gas station and cafe located right on Highway 20. Free admission.
Hours, or by apptointment at: (402) 582-4433
   Memorial Day-Labor Day:
        Mon-Fri,10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1pm-4pm.
   Rest of the year:
       Mon & Fri 1pm-5pm, Tues, Wed, Thurs, 10am-5pm.
306 W Park Avenue, Plainview, NE 
(402) 582-4713 | Phone

Madison County Historical Society Museum
Research and exhibits: Railroad, official site of the Nebraska Archives for Orphan Train riders, Richie Ashburn, Meridian Highway, Telephone Pioneer Communication, 1880 Fire Pumper, Nebraska Horseshoe Pitchers Hall of Fame, Early School Days, Military, Children’s discovery areas and Ty Bears.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 2pm-5pm (Open Year Round)–welcome appt on evenings / weekends
210 W. 3rd Street, Madison, NE
(402) 454-3733 | Phone

Madison County Visitor’s Bureau
Don’t forget to check out the area’s museums, arts center, community theater, festivals, attractions and other community events. Whatever the reason or the season for your visit, welcome to Norfolk and Madison County—we hope you “Enjoy the Unexpected”!
405 Madison Avenue, Norfolk, NE
(888) 371-2932 | Phone

Neligh Mill
Sift through the story of milling in Nebraska and tour a mill with its original 1880s equipment still intact! The Neligh Mill is a surviving reminder of the grist mills that once dotted Nebraska’s landscape. Explore the mill, restored mill office, reconstructed flume & penstock and the remains of the mill dam.
N Street at Wylie Drive, Neligh, NE
(402) 887-4403 | Phone

Norfolk Arts Center
Offers gallery exhibits, performing arts, a sculpture garden and fountain & arts education.
Hours: Tues-Sat, 9am – 4pm (Open Year Round)
305 North 5th, Norfolk, NE
(402) 371-7199 | Phone

Pierce County Museum
Four buildings filled with memories of the past. The main building is the old depot of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Co. built in 1880. The school house has original items dating back to the early 1870′s. The first school census revealed 13 children of school age. The blacksmith shop features tools and equipment from 100 years ago, including a blacksmith forge. Another building was constructed to hold the flood of donated items of historic value. See a hand-built covered wagon, a 1916 Case steam tractor, thousands of items on display, an old time kitchen, furnished bedroom, an early day doctor’s office, a child’s room, a spiral staircase and more!! Group tours are welcome anytime by appointment.
Hours: Sundays & holidays 1:30-4:30pm (Memorial Day thru Labor Day)
Contact: Gary Zimmer, for more info.
417 S. Elm Street, Pierce, NE
(402) 329-4576 | Phone

Pierson Wildlife Museum Learning Center
A museum with a unique and educational display of big game trophies collected in Africa by Dr. Kenneth Pierson.
205 East 5th Street, Neligh, NE
(402) 887-4212 | Phone

Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch
Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch is located south of Norfolk, Nebraska. It is an on the farm, family business that sells fresh home grown produce and pumpkins while offering family-style entertainment at a reasonable cost.
55275 837th Road, Norfolk, NE
(402) 379-0455 | Phone

Raymond A. Whitwer Tilden Public Library
“A regional treasure”, this architecturally unique library is worth visiting. Group tours can be arranged.
Hours: Mon: 10am-Noon, 1pm-5pm, 7pm-9pm
Tue-Fri: 10am-12pm,1pm-6pm & Saturday 10am-2pm
Open Year Round
202 S. Center Street, Tilden, NE
(402) 368-5306 | Phone

Riviera Raceway
Street stock racing April thru Sept.
204 Sherwood Road, Norfolk, NE
(402) 371-4242 | Phone

Rose Garden Inn
Take a step back in time when you enter this beautiful late Victorian house built at the turn of the century. Antiques and heirlooms fill each room as do warmth and hospitality.
305 N. 3rd Street, Plainview, NE
(402) 582-4708 | Phone

Stanton Heritage Museum
Stanton memorabilia, wedding garments, uniforms, tools, pictures, old jail cells, fire equipment.
Hours: Open Heritage Day, 4th of July & Labor Day or call for appointment.
1006 Ivy Street, Stanton, NE
(402) 439-2208 | Phone

Starlight Drive In
Highway 275 East, Neligh, NE
(402) 887-5021 | Phone

Top Flight Hunts
Pheasant and Quail hunting on 1,100 acres of crop and CRP ground southwest of Battle Creek along the scenic Elkhorn River.
83650 543rd Avenue, Battle Creek, NE
(402) 675-3675 | Phone