The South East Region

Photo Credit: Nebraska Tourism

With the Platte River to the north, the Missouri River to the east, and Interstate 80 running through the center, it is easy to see why the South East region of Nebraska has historically been important to westward migration. It is in this region that Lewis and Clark first stepped foot in modern day Nebraska. The Oregon and Mormon Trails passed through here, and indeed, wagon ruts are still visible in parts of this region. Some of Nebraska’s oldest towns are here, along with a rich Native American history. In fact, ancient petroglyphs dating back thousands of years can be seen at the Indian Cave State Park, south of Nemaha.

Pawnee City

Many of the buildings in Pawnee City’s downtown are on the National Register of Historic Places. Quaint antique shops abound, as do fine restaurants and more recent additions to Nebraska – wineries. While Beatrice is home to the Homestead National Monument of America. The award winning Homestead Heritage Center sits on over 100 acres of tallgrass prairie and has 2.5 miles of walking trails. A log cabin dating from 1867 is open to visitation, as is the Freeman School building – a reminder of the degree to which education was valued by the people who settled the frontier. Also in Beatrice is the Gage County Historical Society and Museum, in an old Burlington Railroad Depot Museum.

Humbolt’s Commercial Historic District

Humbolt’s Commercial Historic District buildings, on the National Register, surround the City Square Park.  The City Square was recently revitalized with historic lighting, a painted mural that illustrates the history and heritage of Humboldt and with handicap accessible sidewalks.