EASTERN
Experience woodlands, rivers, lakes and cultural festivals in the friendly communities of Eastern Nebraska.
At I-80 Exit 353, the water tower painted as a hot air balloon says York County has character. Residents here delight in sharing heritage and small-town charm with visitors from around the world.
YORK A big red barn across I-80 from York’s famous hot air balloon water tower welcomes visitors to Wessels Living History Farm. This 145-acre working farm established by a gift from local farmer David Wessels showcases Nebraska’s agricultural history with a focus on the 1920s. The 14-foot Dempster “gold wheel” windmill near the barn is gold plated. Volunteers portray characters from a century ago. Tractor rides fill up fast. Want to know the difference between an outhouse and a privy? You can find out here. Open May 1-Oct. 31. Special events in December. 5520 S. Lincoln Ave. (402) 710-0682 The Clayton Museum of Ancient History is a treasure trove of biblical proportions 6,500 miles from the Holy Land. The museum includes exhibits about ancient Rome, the Near East,
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NEBRASKA TRAVELER
Mesopotamia, early Christianity and a reproduction of Jerusalem’s Western Wall. The collection includes a Roman siege machine, legionary helmet, signet rings, ancient coins and papyrus fragments. Re-enactors portray Roman Centurions during summer events. A realistic archaeological dig named Little Kingdom helps young visitors experience the thrill of unearthing antiquities. This unique museum came to York from philanthropist Foster Stanback in 2013. It is curated and housed at York College in the lower level of the college’s Mackey Center. 1125 E. Eighth St. (402) 363-5748 Lee’s Legendary Marbles has one of the world’s largest collections of spherical sulfides, onionskins, shooters, cat’s eyes, European swirls and other marbles. Owner Lee Batterton has amassed a collection of more than 1 million marbles over his lifetime.
Lee’s is the place to be if you want to lay your hands on a single marble worth $25,000. He even has radioactive marbles. Admission is free to this priceless Nebraska attraction. 3120 S. Lincoln Ave. (402) 362-3320 The Anna Bemis Palmer Museum preserves the memory of life in York County from 1860-1960. The collection of more than 5,000 artifacts includes rusty but trusty antique plows, a replica 1870s sod house, covered wagon, potato planter and digger, local oil paintings and the portraits of 155 Civil War veterans who settled in the area. The 1860 Abraham Lincoln campaign ribbon is available to view by appointment. 211 E. Seventh St. (402) 362-1844 Holthus Convention Center hosts community events throughout the year, including the Nebraska Bridal Show, Haunt at the Holthus and Crossroad Junk & Vintage Holiday Market. The 12,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom can handle banquets for up to 800 people. 3130 Holen Ave. (402) 363-2675
