York

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, 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

Local actors at Yorkshire Playhouse stage five shows a year. 2022 productions include Little Women, Charlotte’s Web, and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Laugh and cry along with the players. yorkshireplayhouse. com. 517 N. Lincoln Ave. (402) 362-7060

The York Country Club is a semi-private 18-hole golf course with public tournaments. The York Open is a two-day stroke play tournament. The dining room is open Tuesday-Sunday and is known for its tender prime rib and Sunday brunch. 1016 W. Elm St. (402) 362-3720.

Family Aquatic Center has an eightlane lap swimming pool, water slides, artificial climbing walls, deck geysers, a zero-depth area with fun spray features and a concession stand. Open daily in June-August. 2222 E. 14th St. (402) 362-2613

Kirkpatrick North Wildlife Manage-

ment Basin offers habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl including American avocets, Canada geese, mallard and pintail ducks, trumpeter swans, mergansers and long-billed dowitchers.

Stromsburg Swedish Festival

Polk County News

toSay yesYORK FOR YOUR 2021 DESTINATION

Wessels Living History Farm

Clayton Museum Discover York County’s museums, downtown, events and more at the Crossroads of the Midwest!

Marble Museum

This ad sponsored by York County Visitors Bureau

February April May June July August September October December

York Home & Garden Show • Holthus Convention Center Crossroads Junk & Vintage Market • Holthus Convention Center Mid-Plains Fiber Fair • York County Fairgrounds Ag Event Center Waco Days Firecracker Frenzy at York County Fairgrounds Henderson Community Days • Bradshaw Days York County Fair at York County Fairgrounds Yorkfest • McCool Mustang Round-up Annual Czechfest at Holthus Convention Center Christmas on the Farm at Wessels Living History Farm

Due to COVID-19, our regularly scheduled events are subject to change depending on health mandates. Call for the most current information. 402-362-4575 • yorkvisitors.org • 601 N Lincoln Ave • York, NE 68467

Clayton Museum of Ancient History

Roman Centurions stage battle at the Clayton Museum of Ancient History in York.

educational resource family destination venue Explore FARM LIFE

at Wessels Living History Farm

Concentrations of snow geese here in late winter can number in the thousands. Wildlife enthusiasts can sneak a look from 1 mile west of York on Road 10. (402) 471-0641.

York’s Chances “R” Restaurant has fed travelers since before I-80 was built. What began as “The Cozy Lunch” in 1932 has grown into a restaurant with capacity for 550 hungry diners. The labyrinth of dining rooms somehow feel like home. This is one of the most popular motorcoach stops in Nebraska, and there is plenty of parking. Their fried chicken is renowned. Chances “R” is open every day of the year except for Christmas. 124 W. Fifth St. (402) 362-7755

McLean Beef, sells freshly butchered cuts at the meat counter, as well as deli items and breakfasts on Tuesdays and Thursdays and lunches on Wednesdays. Or grab something from the beef vending machine. 3208 S. Lincoln Ave. (402) 362-0055.

From the early 1900s to 2022, looking back at over 100 years of farm life, history comes to life through the barn, outbuildings, farmhouse, rural church and school house. Visit the animals and learn through hands-on activities. Shop the Wessels Mercantile – a GROW Nebraska store!

OPEN REGULARLY MAY-SEPT.

April 16 Easter Egg Drop April 29-30 Arbor Day Celebration May 5 Opening Day/Cinco de Mayo Special June 5 Barrel Fest July 1-31 Celebrating Veterans

(free admission) Aug. 7 15th Annual Car & Tractor Show Oct. 2 Ag Hall of Fame Oct. 8 Boo on the Farm Oct. 29 Adult Boo on the Farm Nov. Closed to decorate for christmas Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, and 23 House tours from 12-4pm and drive through lights from 6-9pm

402-710-0682 • LivingHistoryFarm.org 1 mile south of I-80 exit 353 • York, NE

MUSEUM

Experience life the MENNONITE WAY

Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park and History Museum

Step back in time as you explore the general store, country school house and railroad depot. Heritage Day • Sept. 10, 2022

May-Sept. • Tue-Sat, 1-4 pm or open upon request 402-723-4252

HENDERSONHERITAGE.ORG

1 mile south of Henderson, I-80 Exit 342