Scotia NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Scotia, Nebraska.
1. Happy Jack Chalk Mine
UNDERGROUND CHALK ADVENTURE
Happy Jack Chalk Mine is Nebraska's only underground attraction and the USA's only underground chalk mine tour. Visitors can explore this unique geological formation while learning about its historical significance and mining operations. The mine offers an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.
2. HillTop Gardens
LOCAL FLORA SHOWCASE
HillTop Gardens serves as Scotia's premier garden center with a variety of plants and landscaping supplies. Visitors can browse through seasonal flowers, shrubs, and garden accessories in a peaceful rural setting. The garden center provides expert advice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
3. Carhenge
AUTOMOTIVE STONE CIRCLE
Carhenge is a unique landmark replicating England's Stonehenge using vintage American automobiles painted gray. Created by artist Jim Reinders in 1987, this quirky roadside attraction has become one of Nebraska's most photographed sites. The surrounding Car Art Reserve features additional automotive sculptures that reflect the creative spirit of the region.
4. World's Largest Porch Swing
RECORD-BREAKING COMMUNAL SEAT
The World's Largest Porch Swing in Hebron's Roosevelt Park measures an impressive 32 feet long and can accommodate up to 18 adults simultaneously. Built in 1985, this functional attraction serves as a gathering spot for both locals and tourists alike. The swing represents the small-town spirit of togetherness and has become especially popular during Hebron's annual festivals.
5. Ashfall Fossil Beds
PREHISTORIC WILDLIFE PRESERVE
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park preserves remarkably complete skeletons of prehistoric animals buried by volcanic ash 12 million years ago. Visitors can observe paleontologists at work in the Hubbard Rhino Barn, where fossils are being uncovered in their original positions. The site offers a rare glimpse into an ancient ecosystem frozen in time, complete with rhinos, horses, camels, and other extinct species.
6. Pioneer Village
HISTORICAL AMERICAN COLLECTION
Pioneer Village features an extraordinary collection of over 50,000 American historical artifacts arranged in 28 buildings on 20 acres. Founded by Harold Warp in 1953, the museum chronicles the evolution of America through its technological and cultural innovations. Visitors can explore everything from antique automobiles and aircraft to household items and agricultural implements that tell the story of American progress.
7. Spade Ranch Store Ruins
HISTORIC RANCHING LANDMARK
The Spade Ranch Store Ruins represent the remains of one of Nebraska's most significant historic cattle operations. Once part of a sprawling ranch that covered thousands of acres in the Sandhills region, these stone ruins speak to the area's ranching heritage. Visitors can explore the site and contemplate the challenging life of Nebraska's early cattle barons and ranch workers.
8. Calamus Reservoir
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Calamus Reservoir offers over 5,000 acres of water for fishing, boating, and water sports in the scenic Nebraska Sandhills. The state recreation area features camping facilities, sandy beaches, and excellent opportunities for walleye, northern pike, and bass fishing. Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy bird watching, as the area attracts numerous species including pelicans, herons, and eagles.
9. Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park
RESTORED MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park preserves a restored 1870s-era military outpost that protected settlers and travelers in the North Loup Valley. The fort's original limestone buildings have been carefully restored to their 1870s appearance and contain period furnishings and exhibits. Visitors can explore the soldiers' barracks, officers' quarters, and other structures while learning about military life on the frontier.
10. Scratchtown Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Scratchtown Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery offering distinct handcrafted beers in a friendly small-town atmosphere. The taproom features rotating seasonal brews along with their signature varieties that often incorporate local ingredients. Visitors can enjoy live music events, food trucks, and community gatherings that have made this brewery a cultural hub in the region.
11. The Loup Rivers Scenic Byway
PICTURESQUE DRIVING ROUTE
The Loup Rivers Scenic Byway stretches 150 miles through the beautiful river valleys of central Nebraska, passing near Scotia. The route follows Highways 11 and 91, showcasing the region's natural beauty, agricultural heritage, and small-town charm. Travelers along this byway can stop at numerous historical markers, wildlife viewing areas, and local businesses that represent authentic rural Nebraska.
12. Nebraska's Big Rodeo
HISTORIC WESTERN CELEBRATION
Nebraska's Big Rodeo has been a cultural tradition in Burwell since 1921, making it one of the oldest and most respected rodeos in the country. The annual event draws top competitors and thousands of spectators for four days of professional rodeo competition, parades, dances, and western festivities. Visitors experience authentic cowboy culture and the ranching heritage that remains vital to this region of Nebraska.
13. Bootleg Brewers
RUSTIC CRAFT BREWERY
Bootleg Brewers offers handcrafted beers in a converted barn setting that showcases the rustic charm of rural Nebraska. The brewery features a rotating selection of unique beer varieties along with regular live music and community events. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful countryside views while sampling locally-inspired brews in this unexpected Sandhills destination.
14. Danish Baker
AUTHENTIC EUROPEAN PASTRIES
The Danish Baker delights visitors with authentic European pastries, breads, and desserts made using traditional recipes and techniques. This family-owned bakery has become a regional destination for its aebleskiver (Danish pancake balls), kringles, and other specialties that reflect the area's Danish heritage. Early morning visitors can watch as bakers craft fresh pastries and breads that have earned a devoted following throughout central Nebraska.
15. Valley County Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Valley County Museum preserves and displays artifacts that tell the story of pioneer settlement and agricultural development in central Nebraska. Housed in a historic building, the museum features period rooms, farming implements, photographs, and personal items donated by local families. Visitors gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of the generations who transformed this prairie landscape into productive farmland and vibrant communities.