Norfolk

from 2022 Nebraska Traveler

Hastings

One of Norfolk’s claims to fame is the hometown of Johnny Carson – no joke! The Tonight Show host and comedian honed his stage skills here as a boy before going off to make it big in California. Johnny never forgot his hometown.

Norfolk honors its favorite native son with the Johnny Carson Mural in downtown Norfolk at Third Street and Norfolk Avenue. The Johnny Carson Boyhood Home is a private residence. Look for the sign at 306 S. 13th St., also known as Johnny Carson Boulevard.

The Great American Comedy Festival honors Johnny Carson each June and is on for 2022. The festival brings comedians from across the United States. GreatAmericanComedyFestival.com

Carson’s Emmy awards are showcased at Elkhorn Valley Museum along with a new Johnny Carson exhibit. Also displayed here is one of only four Square Turn tractors known to exist. 515 Queen City Blvd. (402) 371-3886

Norfolk was founded on the North Fork of the Elkhorn River. Locals pronounce their city’s name “Nor-Fork.” The original mill was on the river near the renovated downtown district, now named “River Point.”

North Fork River outfitted trips are available through North Fork Outfitting. (402) 316-0157. They also outfit kayakers and rent bicycles for visitors who want to explore the community.

Shops and restaurants line Norfolk Avenue. Black Cow Fat Pig Pub & Steak serves gourmet cuisine. 702 W. Norfolk Ave. (402) 316-4315 Lot 279 Premium Meat & Spirits features aged beef from the Albers family ranch, beer, wine and cocktails. 439 W. Norfolk Ave. (402) 316-3688. 411 Restaurant and Lounge in a historic downtown Norfolk building offers upscale cocktails and dining. 411 W. Norfolk Ave. (402) 8513034. District Table & Tap features 23 beers on tap and a gastropub menu. 226 W. Norfolk Ave. (402) 316-4788. Downtown Coffee Company features coffees, teas, baked goods, sandwiches and salads at 302 W. Norfolk Ave. (402) 844-3699. White Mulberry Bakery offers coffee, cakes and coffeecakes, cinnamon rolls and other goodies at 222 W. Norfolk Ave. (402) 860-4256

Ta-Ha-Zouka Park offers fishing, picnic and camping areas, sports fields and rental cabins near the Elkhorn River. 2201 S. 13th St. (402) 844-2180

The Cowboy Trail begins in Norfolk and heads northwest for 321 miles to Valentine and eventually Chadron.

Skyview Park and Skyview Lake are in the northwest part of town. Walking and fishing are popular. 1900 W. Maple Ave. (402) 844-2000

AquaVenture Water Park in Norfolk includes a wave pool, zero-entry pool, slides and dumping buckets. 715 S. First St. (402) 844-2270