Hazard NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hazard, Nebraska.
1. Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area offers visitors a beautiful outdoor experience with opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. The recreation area spans around 4,000 acres of water surrounded by scenic landscapes perfect for wildlife viewing and photography. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained facilities including boat ramps, picnic areas, and campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping.
2. Kearney Area Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE LEARNING FOR KIDS
The Kearney Area Children's Museum provides hands-on educational exhibits designed to spark curiosity and imagination in young minds. Children can explore various themed play areas including a miniature town, science lab, and creative arts studio. The museum hosts regular events and programs throughout the year, making it a favorite destination for families in the region.
3. Cottonmill Lake
SERENE WATER RECREATION
Cottonmill Lake is a peaceful recreational area featuring a beautiful lake surrounded by walking trails and picnic spots. Visitors can enjoy fishing, non-motorized boating, and swimming during the warmer months. The park also offers playgrounds, shelters, and natural areas that make it perfect for family outings year-round.
4. Classic Car Collection
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE SHOWCASE
The Classic Car Collection houses over 200 vintage and classic automobiles spanning the history of motorized transportation in America. Visitors can view meticulously restored vehicles from the early 1900s through the muscle car era, each with informational displays about their historical significance. The museum regularly rotates its collection and hosts special events celebrating automobile heritage and culture.
5. Christine's Horseback Riding
GUIDED EQUESTRIAN ADVENTURES
Christine's Horseback Riding offers guided trail rides through the scenic Nebraska countryside for riders of all experience levels. Experienced guides provide instruction and lead groups along carefully selected routes showcasing natural beauty and wildlife. The tours range from short introductory rides perfect for beginners to longer adventures for those seeking a more immersive equestrian experience.
6. G.W. Frank Museum of History and Culture
HISTORIC MANSION EXPERIENCE
The G.W. Frank Museum of History and Culture is housed in a stunning 1890s Richardsonian Romanesque mansion showcasing period architecture and furnishings. Visitors can tour the beautifully preserved rooms that offer insight into the lifestyle of wealthy Nebraskans during the late 19th century. The museum also features exhibits on local history, including the building's later use as a tuberculosis hospital.
7. Museum of Nebraska Art
CELEBRATING NEBRASKA ARTISTS
The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) houses the official art collection of the state of Nebraska, featuring works from the 19th century to the present. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and photographs that highlight Nebraska's artistic heritage and contemporary talent. MONA is housed in a beautifully renovated 1911 Classical Revival building that is itself a work of art.
8. The World Theatre
HISTORIC CINEMA REVIVAL
The World Theatre is a beautifully restored 1927 movie palace that now serves as a community cinema showing independent, foreign, and classic films. The theatre maintains much of its original charm while offering modern amenities and a unique viewing experience not found in contemporary multiplexes. Besides film screenings, The World Theatre hosts special events, live performances, and educational programs throughout the year.
9. Cunninghams Journal on the Bricks
LOCAL DINING HOTSPOT
Cunninghams Journal on the Bricks offers a lively atmosphere combining great food with entertainment in Kearney's historic downtown district. The establishment serves a diverse menu of American classics alongside craft beers and specialty drinks that appeal to both locals and visitors. Live music performances, sports viewing events, and a spacious outdoor patio make it a social hub for the community.
10. Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
INTERACTIVE HISTORICAL JOURNEY
The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument spans Interstate 80 and chronicles the history of westward expansion in America through immersive exhibits. Visitors walk through a series of realistic dioramas depicting the Oregon Trail, Pony Express, transcontinental railroad, and highway development. Audio guides and interactive displays bring to life the stories of pioneers, settlers, and travelers who shaped the American West.
11. Hilltop Mall
REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTER
Hilltop Mall serves as the primary shopping destination for Hazard residents and those in surrounding communities. The mall features a variety of national retail chains, specialty shops, and dining options under one convenient roof. Regular events, seasonal displays, and community gatherings make the mall more than just a shopping center but also a social hub for the region.
12. USS Hazard
HISTORIC NAVAL VESSEL
The USS Hazard is a preserved World War II naval minesweeper that once patrolled waters near Hawaii and Japan, now permanently docked at Freedom Park. Visitors can tour the vessel to experience the cramped quarters and working conditions of sailors during wartime naval operations. The ship serves as an important historical landmark connecting Nebraska's inland communities with America's naval heritage.
13. Scotts Bluff National Monument
OREGON TRAIL LANDMARK
Scotts Bluff National Monument features dramatic 800-foot bluffs that served as an important landmark for pioneers traveling west on the Oregon Trail. Visitors can explore the area through hiking trails, a driving road to the summit, and a visitor center with exhibits on natural and cultural history. The monument offers spectacular views of the North Platte River Valley and preserves the Robidoux Trading Post, an important stop for emigrants in the 1800s.
14. Boys Town
HISTORIC YOUTH CARE CAMPUS
Boys Town, founded by Father Flanagan in 1917, is a nationally renowned youth care organization with a historic campus that has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can tour the Hall of History museum to learn about the organization's evolution and impact on child welfare practices throughout America. The site includes the beautiful Dowd Chapel, Father Flanagan's house, and the world's largest ball of stamps, making it both an educational and inspiring destination.
15. Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
MILITARY AVIATION HISTORY
The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum houses an impressive collection of aircraft, missiles, and aerospace artifacts related to the Strategic Air Command's role during the Cold War. Visitors can view over 30 aircraft including B-29, B-36, and B-52 bombers, as well as numerous fighter planes and space-related exhibits. The museum offers educational programs, flight simulators, and hands-on activities that appeal to aviation enthusiasts of all ages.