Craig NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Craig, Nebraska.
1. Big Cottonwood Vineyards and Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Big Cottonwood Vineyards and Winery offers visitors a chance to sample locally produced wines in a charming rural setting. The winery features a selection of wines made from Nebraska-grown fruits and provides a relaxing atmosphere for wine enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy tastings while learning about the local winemaking process in this quaint Craig establishment.
2. Master's Hand
ARTISAN CRAFTS AND GOODS
Master's Hand is a highly-rated retail destination in Craig featuring handcrafted goods and artisan products. The shop offers a unique shopping experience with locally made items that showcase Nebraska craftsmanship. Visitors appreciate the quality and variety of merchandise available at this popular Craig establishment.
3. Neihardt State Historic Site
POET LAUREATE'S LEGACY
The Neihardt State Historic Site preserves the legacy of John G. Neihardt, Nebraska's Poet Laureate and renowned author. The site includes Neihardt's study, a museum displaying his personal items, and the Sacred Hoop Prayer Garden which reflects his deep interest in Native American culture. Visitors can explore exhibits chronicling Neihardt's life and his significant contributions to American literature and understanding of Plains Indian traditions.
4. Blackbird Scenic Overlook
MISSOURI RIVER PANORAMA
Blackbird Scenic Overlook offers breathtaking views of the Missouri River along the Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway on Highway 75. The overlook features a visitor center designed as a Native American earth lodge, providing information about the Omaha Indian tribe and the Lewis and Clark expedition. This natural viewpoint allows travelers to appreciate the beauty of the river valley while learning about the region's rich cultural and historical significance.
5. Burt County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Burt County Museum in Oakland offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the area's past through diverse exhibits spread across multiple floors. The top floor is dedicated to music with space for dancing and displays of musical instruments, including a historic stained glass window salvaged from the courthouse. The basement houses an impressive collection of antique tools, including ice cutters, irons, and weapons that tell the story of pioneer life in Nebraska.
6. Silver Hills Winery
NEBRASKA FRUIT WINES
Silver Hills Winery has been producing unique wines since 2000, specializing in varieties made from Nebraska-grown fruits. The winery offers selections ranging from dry to sweet wines, with many visitors particularly enjoying their semi-sweet options. The rural location provides a peaceful countryside setting for wine tasting, though winter visits typically require appointments due to weather considerations.
7. Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway
HISTORIC EXPLORATION ROUTE
The Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway follows the historic route of the famous explorers along Highway 75 near Craig. This picturesque drive offers travelers beautiful views of the Missouri River valley and access to various historical markers and interpretive sites. The byway connects several small towns and attractions that highlight the region's role in the Corps of Discovery expedition and subsequent settlement of the area.
8. Chadron Art Alley
COMMUNITY PUBLIC ART
Chadron Art Alley, created in 2019 as part of the 'Paint the Town Project,' features vibrant public murals completed by members of the local community. Located on the west side of Main Street, this interactive space encourages visitors to not only admire the artwork but also to participate in its creation. The alley has become a popular spot for taking unique photos and experiencing the creative spirit of Northwest Nebraska.
9. Chadron Downtown Historic District
PRESERVED PIONEER ARCHITECTURE
The Chadron Downtown Historic District encompasses over 40 different sites that showcase the city's rich architectural heritage. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour using maps from the Chadron Chamber of Commerce to learn about the area's railroad history and pioneer days. The well-preserved buildings provide a glimpse into the past while housing modern businesses that serve both locals and tourists.
10. Agate Fossil Beds
ANCIENT MAMMAL DISCOVERIES
Agate Fossil Beds is the historic site where Captain James H. Cook and his son unearthed significant paleontological discoveries in 1878, including the Moropus and the legendary 7-foot Tusked Pig. Today, visitors can view these impressive fossils while also exploring exhibits featuring gifts given to Cook by members of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe. The site offers both natural history and cultural insights, making it an essential stop when exploring Northwest Nebraska.
11. Chimney Rock
ICONIC PIONEER LANDMARK
Chimney Rock is a prominent natural formation that served as an important landmark for pioneers traveling west along the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. The distinctive 325-foot spire rises dramatically from the surrounding plains and was one of the most mentioned features in pioneer journals. Visitors can learn about the rock's geological formation and historical significance at the nearby visitor center, which offers educational exhibits and panoramic views of this iconic Nebraska landmark.
12. Courthouse and Jail Rock
HISTORIC NATURAL FORMATIONS
Courthouse and Jail Rock are distinctive geological formations located five miles south of Bridgeport on Highway 88, visible from many miles away across the plains. These impressive rock formations feature prominently in both pioneer history and ancient Native American legends of the region. The nearby Courthouse and Jail Rock Golf Club offers a nine-hole public course where players can enjoy the sport while taking in views of these natural landmarks.
13. Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center
CELEBRATED AUTHOR'S LEGACY
The Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center honors the life and work of Mari Sandoz, one of Nebraska's most celebrated authors known for her detailed accounts of Great Plains history and culture. The center houses manuscripts, personal belongings, and research materials related to Sandoz's literary contributions about the region. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the author's deep connection to the land and her insightful portrayals of both pioneer and Native American experiences on the High Plains.
14. Fort Robinson State Park
MILITARY HISTORY DESTINATION
Fort Robinson State Park preserves the historic military outpost that played significant roles in the Indian Wars, the Beef War, and as a K-9 training center during World War II. The expansive park offers lodging in restored officer quarters, recreational activities including horseback riding, swimming, and hiking, and cultural events throughout the summer season. Visitors can tour the 1887 post headquarters, explore museums dedicated to the fort's military history, and learn about the site where Crazy Horse died in 1877.
15. Nebraska National Forest
HAND-PLANTED WOODLAND WONDER
Nebraska National Forest includes the unique Bessey Ranger District, which contains the largest hand-planted forest in the Western Hemisphere. This remarkable landscape offers outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a region otherwise dominated by grasslands. Visitors can explore miles of trails through pine forests that were deliberately created through human effort, making this an unusual and impressive ecological attraction in the Great Plains.