Surprise NebraskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Surprise, Nebraska.
1. Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art
RURAL ART CELEBRATION
Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art showcases artwork celebrating rural life and agricultural heritage. The museum features rotating exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media that highlight the beauty and challenges of farming communities. Visitors can experience the cultural connection between art and agriculture in this unique specialty museum.
2. Nebraska National Guard Museum
MILITARY HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Nebraska National Guard Museum preserves and displays the rich military history of Nebraska's National Guard units. Exhibits feature military vehicles, uniforms, weapons, and personal stories spanning from territorial days to modern deployments. The museum honors the service and sacrifice of Nebraska's citizen-soldiers through interactive and educational displays.
3. Red Path Gallery and Tasting Room
ART AND WINE EXPERIENCE
Red Path Gallery and Tasting Room combines fine art appreciation with wine tasting in a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can browse local artwork while sampling regional wines and craft beverages in this cultural hub. The venue frequently hosts special events including artist receptions and wine pairing experiences.
4. Bottle Rocket Brewing Co.
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Bottle Rocket Brewing Co. offers handcrafted local beers in a friendly taproom environment. The brewery produces a variety of beer styles from traditional recipes to innovative seasonal offerings using quality ingredients. Visitors can enjoy brewery tours, flight tastings, and regular community events in this popular gathering spot.
5. Carhenge
AUTOMOTIVE STONEHENGE REPLICA
Carhenge is a unique roadside attraction replicating England's Stonehenge using vintage American automobiles. Created by artist Jim Reinders in 1987, the installation features 39 cars arranged in the same pattern as the ancient monument, painted a uniform gray. This quirky landmark has become one of Nebraska's most photographed attractions and includes additional car-based sculptures in the surrounding area.
6. Nebraska State Capitol
ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE
The Nebraska State Capitol stands as an architectural marvel with its distinctive 400-foot tower and art deco details. Inside, visitors discover elaborate mosaics, murals, and marble work depicting Nebraska's history and natural heritage throughout the building. Free guided tours provide insights into both the artistic elements and the governmental functions housed within this National Historic Landmark.
7. Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
INTERACTIVE HISTORICAL BRIDGE
The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument spans Interstate 80 as an immersive historical museum. Visitors walk through multimedia exhibits chronicling America's westward expansion from the Oregon Trail era through the modern interstate system. The impressive structure offers educational displays, a gift shop, and scenic views of the Platte River valley.
8. Monowi
AMERICA'S SMALLEST TOWN
Monowi holds the distinction of being America's only incorporated town with a population of just one resident. Elsie Eiler serves as the town's mayor, treasurer, librarian, and sole business owner operating the local tavern. Visitors can meet Elsie and enjoy a meal or drink at the Monowi Tavern while experiencing this unique piece of Americana.
9. Annual Testicle Festival
UNIQUE CULINARY CELEBRATION
The Annual Testicle Festival celebrates a distinctive Nebraska culinary tradition featuring fried beef testicles (often called 'Rocky Mountain oysters'). This spirited event includes music, drinks, and community gatherings centered around this regional delicacy. Attendees can sample the specialty food while enjoying the festive atmosphere and rural Nebraska hospitality.
10. World's Smallest Courthouse
TINY HISTORICAL BUILDING
The World's Smallest Courthouse in Arthur County stands as a charming historical oddity at just 26 by 28 feet in size. This diminutive structure served as the official county courthouse from 1914 until 1962, housing all government functions for the rural community. Today, visitors can view this architectural curiosity and learn about early prairie governance and resourcefulness.
11. Chimney Rock
ICONIC WESTERN LANDMARK
Chimney Rock rises 480 feet above the surrounding North Platte River Valley as one of the most recognized landmarks on the Oregon Trail. The distinctive spire served as a navigational aid for thousands of westward-bound pioneers in the mid-19th century. Today, a modern visitor center provides exhibits and information about this national historic site and its significance in American migration history.
12. World's Largest Porch Swing
RECORD-BREAKING COMMUNITY SEAT
The World's Largest Porch Swing in Hebron's Roosevelt Park measures an impressive 32 feet in length and can seat up to 18 adults simultaneously. Built in 1985, this oversized swing represents the community's spirit of togetherness and small-town ingenuity. Visitors can experience the gentle swaying motion while enjoying the park's peaceful atmosphere, especially during local festivals and gatherings.
13. Pioneer Village
VAST HISTORICAL COLLECTION
Pioneer Village encompasses an extraordinary collection of over 50,000 historical artifacts arranged in 28 buildings on 20 acres. The museum complex showcases the evolution of America from pioneer days through the early 20th century with exhibits on transportation, agriculture, and daily life. Visitors can explore everything from antique automobiles and farm equipment to household items and aviation memorabilia in this comprehensive historical attraction.
14. Scotts Bluff National Monument
HISTORIC NATURAL FORMATION
Scotts Bluff National Monument towers 800 feet above the North Platte River as a prominent landmark for pioneers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Visitors can drive or hike to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding plains and historic wagon trail routes. The visitor center features exhibits on the geological and historical significance of this massive bluff that guided westward migration.
15. Ashfall Fossil Beds
PREHISTORIC WILDLIFE EXCAVATION
Ashfall Fossil Beds preserves remarkably complete skeletons of ancient animals buried by volcanic ash 12 million years ago. Visitors can watch ongoing excavations within the climate-controlled Rhino Barn where paleontologists uncover perfectly preserved prehistoric mammals. The state-of-the-art visitor center provides educational exhibits explaining the ancient savanna ecosystem and the volcanic catastrophe that created this extraordinary fossil site.