Holt County: Prairie, Trails and History

Holt County is characterized by rolling hills, lush prairies, and the Elkhorn and Niobrara rivers; the Niobrara River also forms its northern boundary. Hiking is another activity available in the county. Nature, public art, local history, and events each offer a different focus for a trip. You can decide in advance whether to make scenery and outdoor activity, historical topics, or a specific event date the focus of your stay.

Hiking and Biking

The Bluebird Trail, a hiking trail about half a mile long, runs through Atkinson Mill Race Park. Its approximate length gives you a concrete basis for planning your day; check local conditions before your visit. The Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail offers a different experience: it runs northwest through Holt County along Nebraska Highways 275 and 20, making bike rides through northern Nebraska possible. You should also check current conditions on this trail before your trip. The two trails thus cater to different activities: hiking on the Bluebird Trail and bike rides on the Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail.

Art and History

In Atkinson, the art project informally known as “The Wings Project” is spread across several downtown buildings. Twelve pairs of wings are painted on or attached to these buildings. Since they are spread out, a current map is useful for finding your way; as the display may change, check the current map before your visit.

Built in 1887 and listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, the Sturdevant-McKee Museum offers the opportunity to learn about the people and history of north-central Nebraska. The General John O’Neill Statue on the Holt County Lawn offers a different, person-focused perspective: it honors John O’Neill’s role in the settlement of Holt County and in the founding of O’Neill and Atkinson. It was dedicated on June 4, 2022. The two historical sites have different focuses: the museum offers an introduction to the history of north-central Nebraska, while the statue honors John O’Neill’s role in settlement and the founding of the towns.

Festivals and When to Visit

The World's Largest Shamrock in O’Neill is a year-round tourist attraction. O’Neill hosts the “O’Neill Summerfest Celebration and Rodeo” in July and a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in March. The Holt County Fair runs for seven days and includes 4-H and FFA events as well as two rodeo days. The fair also includes a free barbecue, with donations accepted.

The best time to visit depends on what you have in mind: the Shamrock is a year-round tourist attraction, the O’Neill events take place in March and July, and the fair runs for seven days. If your stay depends on a festival or a particular fair event, check the current dates and program.

Explore more destinations: O'Neill, Chambers, Washington County, Otoe County, Colfax County, Cherry County, Kearney County, Scotts Bluff County

For the main travel overview: Nebraska.