Phelps County: Prairie, Birdwatching and Culture

Millions of migratory birds travel along the Central Flyway over the wetlands and open prairies of Phelps County. Birdwatching, art, and local traditions offer different reasons to discover the region—from outdoor stays to cultural attractions in Holdrege.

Birdwatching and Open Landscapes

At North Park Lake, a one-mile walking path is available for birdwatching year-round. Sandhill cranes and hundreds of other bird species are observed at Lake Seldom every year. Together, these offer two concrete opportunities for nature watching: a path used year-round and recurring bird sightings at Lake Seldom.

The Funk Waterfowl Production Area covers nearly 2,000 acres. An information kiosk with maps is located at the central parking lot. The size of the area and the maps at the kiosk give you different reference points as you get to know this landscape.

Recreation and Activities in Holdrege

In Holdrege, you’ll find several ways to stay active. The Holdrege Country Club welcomes the public to its 18-hole, par-72 course. The municipal swimming pool at South Park features a heated, Olympic-size pool, separate diving and splash areas, and a water slide.

Veterans Memorial Park includes a walking path, playgrounds, a multi-use sports field, and the Jaycee Baseball Field. Holdrege’s named recreational offerings range from golf and swimming to walking and sports in the park. A new heated shelter at the Holdrege Amtrak station platform was completed in 2024.

Art, History, and Public Events

The Iron Horse Art Gallery is a permanent exhibition center in downtown Holdrege. Local and regional artists display their work there. The Nebraska Prairie Museum offers a different perspective on the past: this historic, interactive institution brings together artifacts, archival documents, and memorabilia that illustrate the everyday lives of earlier generations.

The bronze sculpture tour also brings public art into focus. This self-guided walk visits 19 bronze sculptures in Holdrege; individual locations may change. “Promise of the Prairie” was the first bronze sculpture in Holdrege and is located in North Park. The Holdrege City Auditorium is available for public performances, craft fairs, dances, concerts, and receptions.

For your own gatherings, the Holdrege Sun Theater rents out spaces for private movie screenings, birthday showings, meetings, training sessions, and community programs. If you’re planning to use a space, check the booking requirements in advance, as they may change.

Local Traditions and Flavors

The Midsummer Festival celebrates the region’s Swedish immigrant roots. Its offerings include the Street Market, a Swedish Days tradition in downtown Holdrege. More than 40 vendors offer handmade goods, food, and sweets there. If you plan to attend the festival, check the specific event dates as you plan your trip.

Lost Way Brewery brews its craft beer on-site; you can check the current selection in the taproom. Taproom Trivia takes place on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Bertrand also hosts a weekly farmers market in the park by the swimming pool. These offerings have different focuses: a festival market with goods and food, a taproom with a changing selection, and a regular farmers market.

Plan your search around the activities you actually want to include in your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Holdrege, Saunders County, Cherry County, Cass County, Douglas, Dawson County, Sarpy County, Nuckolls County

For the main travel overview: Nebraska.