Colfax County: Historic Trails and Culture

Colfax County brings together historic routes and buildings, museums, events, and activities on the water. You can choose different focuses for your trip, such as local history, an event, or time outdoors.

Historic Trails and River History

In 1847, the Mormon Trail passed through the southern part of what is now Schuyler. The Lincoln Highway also ran through the southern part of Colfax County. For the most part, it became part of U.S. Highway 30, which remains the main east-west connection. The county’s history thus brings together early travel history and a transportation route that remains important to this day.

The wide Platte River valley in Colfax County was inhabited by the Pawnee. Over the next 30 years, increasing numbers of traders, trappers, gold seekers, and Mormon settlers traveled through the area. Another chapter in the river’s history is Shinn’s Ferry: in 1859, Moses Shinn, a Methodist preacher, and his son began operating a ferry across the Platte River. The ferry crossing was about 4 miles southwest of present-day Schuyler and west of the current location of the Schuyler Bridge, which carries State Highway 15.

Buildings with Local History

Schuyler’s Oak Ballroom was built between 1935 and 1937 as a WPA employment project. Local oak and stone from the ruins of the Wells & Abbott, Nieman Milling Company were used in its construction. Inside is a hand-painted mural added in 1960, depicting a wagon train on the Mormon Trail. Its listing on the National Register recognizes both the building’s role in community entertainment and cultural development and its preservation as a structure from the WPA era.

The Clarkson Opera House was built for meetings, Czech-language entertainment, concerts, dances, movies, and family celebrations. Today, it continues to serve year-round as a center for family and community activities. These include special events during the annual Czech Festivals in late June.

Museums and Event Dates

The Schuyler/Colfax County Museum presents the history of Schuyler and Colfax County. Its collections include items from the Wells Abbott Nieman Mill, as well as notable collections of memorabilia from the American Civil War and World Wars I and II. In Clarkson, the Historical Museum has more than 5,000 artifacts related to local history. The House of Yesteryear Museum in Leigh is housed in a building constructed in 1875 that was Leigh’s first general store and post office. These places offer different perspectives, from local history and industrial traces to early trade history.

Rodeo and fair dates also shape the events calendar: Clarkson’s rodeo arena hosts a sanctioned rodeo every year. The annual Colfax County Fair takes place in Leigh in late July. Along with the Czech Festivals in Clarkson, these dates can help you plan when to travel.

Activities at Maple Creek Dam

Maple Creek Dam has a public hiking and biking trail around the reservoir. It is 2.36 miles long in total and includes a bridge over the lake. Two boat ramps add to the amenities; there is also a sandy beach for swimming near the boat docks. This gives you options for walks and bike rides, as well as time on the water. Trail details and swimming rules may change, so check current information before your visit.

Retreats, Programs, and Art

The St. Benedict Center is a nonprofit retreat and conference center. Benedictines offer hospitality and spirituality there to people seeking personal and spiritual growth. The Saint Benedict Center offers retreats for groups and individuals, scheduled programs, and spiritual direction. The entrance hall of the St. Benedict Center displays a large Madonna collection, with statues from America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Homemade meals are offered to groups and individuals during a retreat.

Plan a Hotel Trip to Colfax County

If you’re traveling to Colfax County for an event, check the dates before booking a hotel. If you have a different focus, the museums and historic buildings or activities at Maple Creek Dam can guide your trip planning.

Explore more destinations: Schuyler, Brown County, Dodge County, Sherman County, Blaine, Webster County, Dakota County, Buffalo County

For the main travel overview: Nebraska.