This Charming Nebraska City Blends Scenic Outdoor Adventures With Warm Small-Town Hospitality

In the middle of Nebraska's grass prairie regions, sometimes called the Sandhills, you'll find the tiny city of Broken Bow. With a population of just over 3,500 residents as of 2023, it's the largest community in Custer County. However, tourists will quickly realize its larger population hasn't taken away from Broken Bow's close-knit feel. 

Broken Bow has evolved from its 19th-century beginnings as a pioneer settlement into a thriving regional hub for both commerce and recreation. Those interested in tracing this transformation can explore the Custer County Museum, which preserves artifacts and exhibits that chronicle local life from the 1880s to today in remarkable detail. It's a must-see stop for anyone wanting to understand the city's heritage and legacy.

This gorgeous hill town is located about 190 miles away from the city of Omaha, where you'll find stylish neighborhoods and funky bars. Visitors can begin their journey at Omaha's international airport, Eppley Airfield. Once you land, you can set out on a roughly four-hour drive westward through the state's picturesque NE-92 highway. Those hoping to shorten their travel time can opt for the Kearney Regional Airport. This small commercial airport is just about 67 miles from Broken Bow and has convenient domestic flight connections. Despite its modest size, Broken Bow packs a surprising punch with its cozy lodging options, scenic parks, and fun outdoor adventures.

Broken Bow's green spaces and community parks invite visitors to slow down and enjoy the natural Nebraskan beauty. These include Melham Park, which is the city's largest outdoor hub spanning at least 65 acres. Here, visitors can find fields, trails, and family-friendly amenities. The park also has a five-acre pond that is stocked with enough fish so that both youth and senior anglers can have a good time. In addition to its waterways, Melham Park has walking paths that wind through picnic shelters and open fields, making the area perfect for early morning jogs or fast runs.

Another park found in the city is Tomahawk Park. Here, visitors are encouraged to stay active with its lighted softball and baseball fields, as well as tennis courts. Additionally, the park has shaded picnic areas that stay busy throughout the year. It's also a convenient stop for campers as it has RV hookups, restrooms, and showers.

Across town, the Broken Bow Aquatic Center provides a more eccentric kind of recreation. While it's not as big as some of North America's larger indoor water parks, like Fallsview Indoor Waterpark in Canada, the 8,000-square-foot facility features a zero-depth entry pool, diving boards, a water playground, and a slide that is suitable for swimmers of all ages. Affordable admission rates that range from $1 to $3, as well as family-friendly hours, make it a summer highlight for residents and visitors alike. Those planning to visit should remember to bring the correct type of sunscreen and a hat, since the aquatic center is located outdoors.

Aside from the rich green spaces and stunning sandy dunes, Broken Bow also has comfy accommodations that are worthy of a staycation. Travelers seeking full-service amenities often choose the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites. This place is known for its indoor pool, 24-hour convenience store, and inviting Beer and Wine Bar. 

Meanwhile, the Round Valley Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast provides an intimate but modern experience. The newly renovated farmhouse has amenities such as a washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, and an open concept kitchen where you and your friends can cook up classic Midwestern fare, enjoying the best, hearty meals that the region often called the "breadbasket of America" has to offer. Visitors will also be delighted to know that the city has plenty of interesting and excellent food spots to explore outside of the comfort of their hotel or lodge as well.

Great Broken Bow eateries include the Mexican restaurant Fiesta Brava, which has scrumptious tacos, refried beans, and guacamole salads, and City Cafe, which offers homestyle classics like fried chicken, biscuits, and so much more. Finally, a trip to Broken Bow is not complete without stopping by Kinkaider Brewing Co., the city's signature destination for craft beer. The four-acre brewery and taproom highlights Nebraska's farm-to-glass culture by letting patrons sample seasonal brews under a covered patio. There are also weekly brewery tours for those who desire to learn more about the brewing process.