Discover Richardson County: Nature and History

For a trip to Richardson County, nature and culture go well together. The Missouri River, historic landmarks and a range of outdoor activities offer different ways to plan your visit. What you choose to focus on depends on whether you’d rather explore trails, see art and architecture, or learn about the region’s history.

Missouri River, Trails and Rock Art

Indian Cave State Park borders the Missouri River and offers views of the broad, winding river and a magnificent hardwood forest. The trail network includes 22 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as 16 miles of horseback riding trails. The distances are listed separately by activity: 22 miles for hiking and biking, and 16 miles for horseback riding. You can plan your visit around the kind of activity you have in mind.

Indian Cave is home to prehistoric Native American rock art, which can be viewed from an ADA-accessible boardwalk. The restored schoolhouse and general store in the former river town of St. Deroin offer another glimpse into the past: traditional crafts are demonstrated there during Living History Weekends in summer and fall. If these demonstrations are important to your trip, plan your visit for a corresponding weekend in one of those seasons.

Ranch History, Museums and Architecture

Historic Miles Ranch dates to around 1855. It was one of the first large ranches west of the Missouri River and is home to Nebraska’s oldest barn. The ranch also preserves more than 160 years of American history and culture. In Falls City, the historic business district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

Several museums focus on different subjects. The Richardson County Historical Museum displays artifacts related to the county’s history. The John Philip Falter Museum has 129 cover illustrations Falter created for The Saturday Evening Post. The Richardson County Military History Museum displays military memorabilia from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. These different collections offer a range of starting points if you’re interested in local history, illustration or military history.

Art and architectural history are also part of the cultural offerings. The Stalder Art Gallery displays a wide range of artworks throughout the year and offers museum-quality exhibitions, lectures and visitor programs. Individual exhibitions may change. The Gehling Opera House and Theater is a brick building with an ornamental facade featuring brick arches, stone cornices, turrets and an elaborate cornice. The Prichard Auditorium is a three-story stone auditorium in the Art Deco style. It was built in 1939–1940 as part of a WPA project.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

The Itha-Krumme Memorial Arboretum covers 2.2 acres and features around 70 native plant species from Nebraska and neighboring states. It includes a paved path and six benches. Stanton Lake Park offers lake fishing, picnic areas, disc golf, a dog park, a walking trail and a playground. There are several options for getting active or taking a break outdoors. Classic Club 8 has nine greens and 18 tee boxes.

Boats can be launched onto the Missouri River in Rulo, nine miles east of Falls City. For fishing opportunities on the Big Nemaha River, a 2009 Nebraska fishing guide lists Kinter’s Ford WMA and notes that carp, channel catfish and flathead catfish can be found there. For Margrave WMA, the same guide describes foot access to the river: visitors reach the Big Nemaha River after a half-mile walk, where the guide lists channel catfish and carp. Check these older fishing details again before making the trip.

Plan a Tasting

Whiskey Run Creek Winery & Distillery offers wine and spirits tastings in a restored 100-year-old barn in Richardson County. If you plan a visit, check the current tasting arrangements before you travel.

More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Falls City, Buffalo County, Phelps County, Cherry County, Dundy County, Adams County, Cheyenne County, Garfield County

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