Discover Red Willow: Culture, History and Trails

The Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area encompasses 4,320 acres of land around a 1,628-acre lake. The area includes 4,320 acres of land and a 1,628-acre lake. Together, they offer a tangible sense of the different scales that may play a role during a visit.

Museum and History

The Museum of the High Plains was founded on February 6, 1963, in the home of Mrs. John (Eleanor) T. Harris. Its purpose was to preserve the history of Red Willow County and southwestern Nebraska. Exhibits include, among other things, the World War II air base and a German prisoner-of-war camp. Visitors can therefore explore both regional history and traces of wartime history.

A scavenger hunt takes visitors through the museum’s buildings and exhibits. You can get the current activity at the reception desk. This adds a specific search activity to your museum visit, while the exhibits themselves focus on historical topics.

Architecture and Walking Trails

The McCook Heritage Square Walking Tour covers more than ten city blocks and showcases architectural styles from the late 19th century through the early to mid-20th century. Architecture enthusiasts can take in a range of styles from different periods on this walk. The tour combines a defined geographic scope with a clear theme: the development of architectural forms over several decades.

The 1.5-mile Kelley Creek Walking Trail offers a different focus. It follows the creek toward East H Street. While the Heritage Square Walking Tour highlights different architectural styles, the Kelley Creek Trail is defined by the creek and the stated direction. Both descriptions therefore provide different points of reference for planning a walk, without specifying how long it takes.

Buildings and Historical Dates

The Harvey P. Sutton House in McCook was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Red Willow County Courthouse was built in 1926–1927. The Danbury Depot Museum was built in 1888. Frank Lloyd Wright is the architect of the Harvey P. Sutton House; the Red Willow County Courthouse was built in 1926–1927, and the Danbury Depot Museum in 1888. Anyone interested in architectural history will find both a specific architectural attribution and two buildings with clearly stated dates.

Parks, Celebrations and Events

Barnett Park is home to a decommissioned M60A1 battle tank. The Army National Guard donated it for display. In addition, the park’s two sand pits are stocked with various fish species every year. Visitors aged 16 and older need a fishing license. In Norris Park, the historic band shell serves as a focal point for festivals and celebrations—a different public setting where events take center stage.

Kiplinger Arena is part of the Red Willow County Fairgrounds. It has hosted equestrian, rodeo and agricultural events, team penning, roping and barrel racing. RV, farm machinery and livestock shows have also been held there. Past uses have therefore ranged from competitions and demonstrations to exhibitions. These events have taken place in the past; check for specific dates before your trip.

Getting There and Visits by Appointment

McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport has two paved, lighted runways and a 1,350-foot grass runway. The airport is currently served by Denver Air. Check the current flight schedule before your trip, as airline service can change.

The Danbury Depot Museum offers the option of arranging private visits or tours by messaging the museum on Facebook. Contact the museum before your trip so the visit can be arranged. The history of the depot, built in 1888, and the option of a private visit are two distinct points to consider when planning.

When choosing a focus for your trip, you can take your cue from the topics that interest you most: the museum and architectural history, walking trails, or the parks and event venues described here. This lets you plan your stay around the visits you have in mind. Discover more destinations: Bartley, Mccook, Garfield County, Saunders County, Kimball County, Thomas County, Otoe County, Webster County.

For the broader travel overview: Nebraska.