Itinerary: History- & Museum-Hop through Southeast Nebraska
Discover the charm of Southeast Nebraska when you explore museums dedicated to area history, inviting gardens, a church-turned-concert hall, family-owned restaurants and one-of-a-kind accommodations that'll make you feel right at home.
472 N. 12th St.
Tecumseh, NE
United States
Stop at this café for generous portions of Ponderosa-style hash browns, biscuits with gravy, breakfast platters and more.
432 Clay St.
Tecumseh, NE
United States
View more than 70 motorcycles, including gems like a 1902 Peugeot and a 1912 Harley.
289 Clay St.
Tecumseh, NE
United States
Visit this new museum for area history and a comeback story: The museum's home, a collection of 19th-century buildings, was saved through local efforts and donated to the county historical society for use as a museum.
155 S. 3rd St.
Tecumseh, NE
United States
Order a Green River soda or chocolate Coke to go with your entree at this old-fashioned soda fountain on Tecumseh's historic town square, decorated with 500-plus photos of local service men and women.
206 3rd St.
Steinauer, NE
United States
In 1874, Joseph Steinauer moved the local post office from his home to a newly constructed store. The village of Steinauer grew up around it, including a community park, firehouse, bank and other structures—many of which you can see today on a DIY walking tour of the area. Start at the old post office, now the Steinauer Heritage House museum.
62193 710th Rd.
Pawnee City, NE
United States
Stop by Nebraska's first farm winery and microbrewery for wine, craft beer, cocktails and dinner specials on Friday and Saturday nights.
625 G St.
Pawnee City, NE
United States
Cheeseburgers, Cajun-style burgers, build-your-own-burgers . . . they're all on the menu at the Blazin' Bull—plus specials that come with free dessert.
1041 5th St.
Pawnee City, NE
United States
Meet Miss Yvonne, who's been receiving guests at My Blue Heaven bed-and-breakfast for more than 30 years. That's given her ample time to perfect her breakfast recipes (more on that later) and collect antiques for her 1920s-era home—though she offers modern amenities like WiFi and updated baths, too.
529 P St.
Pawnee City, NE
United States
Indulge in upside-down banana French toast or blueberry pancakes at My Blue Heaven Bed and Breakfast before touring Pawnee City Historical Society Museum. The collection of 22 preserved buildings features the home of Nebraska's first governor, a log cabin, schoolhouse, general store and barn. Open late April through mid-October.
420 Luzerne St.
Table Rock, NE
United States
At this bar-and-grill, order a juicy burger with hand-cut fries or try Judy's Special: a golden-fried grilled cheese sandwich with peanut butter.
398 E. Square
Humboldt, NE
United States
Dive deeper into local history at this museum, featuring artifacts including Humboldt Fire Department's turn-of-the-century equipment.
1st St. & Humboldt Lake Park, NW entrance
Humboldt, NE
United States
Wind along walking paths surrounded by shady trees, flowers in bloom, benches, a working water wheel and a koi pond strewn with water lilies at the Southeast Nebraska Cancer Memorial Garden. Your destination is the garden's focal point, a pergola holding six swings.
1622 Stone St.
Falls City, NE
United States
Nebraska's own John Philip Falter was a world-renowned artist and illustrator. View the colorful covers he created for the Saturday Evening Post on loan at this museum, housed in a striking historic bank building.
1618 Stone St.
Falls City, NE
United States
Just a skip from the Falter Museum, do dinner at A & G Steakhouse. You might share a pizza (including sweet dessert pizzas), order a sizzling steak or anything in between.
1800 Stone St.
Falls City, NE
United States
Relax for the evening at your hotel, the Grand Weaver. You'll enjoy original details—the hotel opened in 1924—mixed with modern amenities, including The Den, a cocktail lounge on the main floor.
1713 Stone St.
Falls City, NE
United States
Grab coffee and doughnuts—including the best long johns around—at this local-favorite bakery.
1401 Chase St.
Falls City, NE
United States
This pretty home, built in 1865, today houses a collection of area artifacts, including vintage agricultural equipment.
71380 639 Ave.
Dawson, NE
United States
When it's time for lunch, do like the locals do and hit the Six Mile. Word has it the chicken fried steak melts in your mouth.
126 Atlantic St.
Brownville, NE
United States
Check the schedule for this performance hall, a quaint Brownville church building that has been staging live musical entertainment for 30 years. Depending on when you visit, you might hear cabaret, Broadway, jazz, classical, bluegrass or rock during the hall's annual season, March through December.
702 Main St.
Brownville, NE
United States
Enter the century-old barn spanning the namesake creek to taste wine and discover more about exploring this historic property, featuring a vineyard and caves.
1617 Central Ave.
Auburn, NE
United States
For a special night out, venture to Arbor Manor, a beautiful Queen Anne Victorian-style home. The signature? Tender steaks served with house potatoes and warm cheese bread.
72898 648A Ave.
Brownville, NE
United States
Check into River Inn and "board" your room—this bed-and-breakfast is actually a riverboat floating on the Missouri River. After a good night's sleep, enjoy your morning coffee on the deck and ask about riverboat tours on the Spirit of Brownville, the resort's excursion boat.
