Anoka NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Anoka, Nebraska.
1. Hot Mineral Plunge Bath
HISTORIC THERMAL WATERS
The Hot Mineral Plunge Bath in Anoka was constructed in 1907, just four years after the town was laid out, and was fed by an artesian well. The concrete swimming pool measured 14×26 feet with water depths ranging from 5 to 8 feet and maintained a natural temperature of 90 degrees. This historic bathing facility was a popular attraction where visitors, including members of excursion trains promoting Lincoln, would stop to relax in its soothing mineral waters.
2. Anoka Historical Site
EARLY RAILROAD SETTLEMENT
Anoka historical site preserves the legacy of this small Nebraska settlement that was named after Anoka, Minnesota, and established in 1903 when the railroad built through the area. By 1905, the town had thirty operating businesses and later developed two newspapers and a baseball team. Today, visitors can explore the remains of this once-thriving community that represents Nebraska's railroad expansion era.
3. Lynch Bathing Facility
THERAPEUTIC ARTESIAN WATERS
The Lynch Bathing Facility was a historic attraction that utilized warm artesian well water with a temperature of about 88 degrees. This natural spa provided therapeutic bathing opportunities for residents and visitors to Boyd County. The facility was part of a system that also furnished power for electricity and a mill in the area.
4. The Tower
HISTORIC VIEWPOINT LANDMARK
The Tower, also known as 'Old Baldy,' is a historic landmark located east of Gross near the Missouri River. This elevated viewpoint was notably visited by Lewis and Clark, who enjoyed observing prairie dogs in the area during their expedition. The site offers visitors a connection to both natural beauty and significant American exploration history.
5. Ponca Creek Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Ponca Creek Bridge stands as a historic engineering structure in Boyd County and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge represents early 20th-century infrastructure development in rural Nebraska. Visitors interested in historical architecture can view this testament to the region's transportation evolution.
6. SS Peter & Paul Catholic School
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
SS Peter & Paul Catholic School in Butte is a historic educational institution that has served the community for generations. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the school building showcases traditional architecture significant to the region. Visitors can drive by this landmark to appreciate its historical and cultural importance to the area.
7. White Horse Ranch
EQUESTRIAN HISTORICAL SITE
The White Horse Ranch is a historically significant equestrian property in Boyd County that has earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. The ranch represents the agricultural and ranching heritage that shaped this region of Nebraska. Though access may be restricted, the property stands as an important cultural landmark in the area's development story.
8. Lynch Archaeological Site
ANCIENT EARTH LODGE
The Lynch Archaeological Site preserves the remains of a former earth lodge that provides insights into the indigenous cultures that inhabited the region. This protected historical site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and represents pre-settlement history of the area. While access is restricted to protect the archaeological integrity, the site's significance contributes to understanding Nebraska's diverse cultural heritage.
9. Ponca Agency Site
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
The Ponca Agency Site in Boyd County preserves an important chapter in Native American and government relations history. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this location was once an administrative center for interactions between the Ponca tribe and federal authorities. Though access is restricted, the site represents significant cultural and historical dimensions of Nebraska's past.
10. Scotts Bluff National Monument
TOWERING NATURAL LANDMARK
Scotts Bluff National Monument spans over 3,000 acres featuring dramatic landscapes from wild grasslands to towering bluffs. The monument served as an important landmark for pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and Mormon Trail during westward expansion. Visitors today can enjoy hiking trails, a visitor center with historical exhibits, and panoramic views from the summit.
11. Spencer Dam
HISTORIC WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Spencer Dam is a notable water control structure located near the Village of Spencer in Boyd County. The dam has played an important role in the region's water management and local economy since its construction. Visitors to the area can observe this piece of infrastructure that represents Nebraska's efforts to harness natural resources.
12. Bristow Historical District
PRESIDENTIAL NAMESAKE TOWN
The Bristow Historical District encompasses a small town named for Benjamin H. Bristow, who served as President Grant's Secretary of the Treasury. Despite being a smaller settlement, Bristow continues to maintain its historical character and represents the rural communities that developed during Nebraska's growth periods. Visitors can explore this town that exemplifies the state's connection to national political history.
13. Butte County Courthouse
GOVERNMENTAL HISTORIC CENTER
The Butte County Courthouse serves as the historic governmental center for Boyd County with Butte being established as the county seat. This building represents the administrative heart of a county that was established in March 1891 and carries the county's license plate number 63. The courthouse stands as a physical representation of local government structure and history in rural Nebraska.
14. Missouri River Overlook
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
The Missouri River Overlook offers spectacular views of Nebraska's border-defining waterway that was crucial to the Lewis and Clark expedition. Visitors can observe the majestic river that has shaped the geography, economy, and history of the region for centuries. The overlook provides opportunities for photography, bird watching, and connecting with the natural landscape that influenced Nebraska's development.
15. Saratoga Historic District
PIONEER SETTLEMENT AREA
The Saratoga Historic District preserves the legacy of one of the pioneer settlements in the Boyd County region. This area represents the agricultural traditions and community development patterns typical of Nebraska's early European-American settlements. Visitors interested in rural history can observe the remnants of this historic community that contributed to the state's agricultural heritage.