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Columbus, Nebraska: Where the Fun Never Stops! Check Out the Best Things to Do and Places to Visit

The people are genuinely the point out here and everybody in the town seems to know it as well. They welcome you with open arms out there and make you feel at home almost straight away. The bar and grills and the bowling alley all run on exactly that right out there as well. Nobody here asks anything of you at all out there. Warm.

Planning a trip to Columbus, Nebraska and wondering what fun things there are to do and see? Columbus, a charming city in the heart of Nebraska, runs activities across the board for all ages and interests. Family-friendly adventures through historical attractions, outdoor activities through culinary delights, and sports through nightlife, Columbus covers the range.

One of the charms of Columbus is its small-town feel with big-city amenities. You can work the city’s history at the Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial. It honors the man who designed the landing craft that helped win World War II. Or you can walk through the downtown area and look at the History of Columbus mural, which shows the city’s past.

For family-friendly adventures, head to Pawnee Plunge Water Park, which runs thrilling water slides, a lazy river and a wave pool. Or visit the numerous recreation areas with room for playgrounds, picnics, fishing and primitive camping. And outdoor enthusiasts get several state parks in Columbus, Pawnee Park among them, one of the most popular and most-visited parks in the whole city.

Key Takeaways

• Columbus, Nebraska offers a variety of activities for all ages and interests, from family-friendly adventures to historical attractions, outdoor activities to culinary delights, and sports to nightlife.
• You can explore the city’s rich history by visiting the Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial or take a stroll through the downtown area and admire the History of Columbus mural.
• For family-friendly adventures, head to Pawnee Plunge Water Park or visit the numerous recreation areas. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy several state parks, including Pawnee Park.

The Charm of Columbus

Columbus, Nebraska. The city not named after a famous explorer, and still pretty darn charming. From its history to its quirky attractions, Columbus runs a little something for everybody.

First off, history. Columbus has a long and storied past, and you get a taste of it at the History of Columbus mural downtown. This massive mural tells the story of Columbus from its founding in 1856 to today. It plays like a history book, only more colorful and far less boring.

But enough about history, let us talk about what makes Columbus so charming today. For starters, there is the Platte County Agricultural Society Museum. This museum works on preserving the agricultural heritage of the area, and it is full of exhibits and artifacts. You learn everything you ever wanted to know about corn, and then some.

The outdoorsy type will want Pawnee Park. This fine park runs what a full day out needs, a swimming pool, a golf course and even a miniature train that tours the park. And there is a giant statue of a buffalo. Who does not love a giant statue of a buffalo?

Finally, we cannot talk about the charm of Columbus without the people. The folks in this town are some of the friendliest you will ever meet. They welcome you with open arms and make you feel right at home. So come on down to Columbus, Nebraska. We promise you leave with a smile and a new appreciation for small town charm.

Family-Friendly Adventures

After a fun-filled day out with the whole family? Columbus, Nebraska has you covered. Water parks through escape rooms, everybody is covered. Here are the strongest family-friendly adventures in town:

Pawnee Plunge Water Park

Cool off from the summer heat at Pawnee Plunge Water Park. With a lazy river, water slides and a wave pool, splashing around with the kids lands well. And there is a kiddie pool area for the little ones. Bring the sunscreen, the towels and a sense of adventure.

S.T.A.R. Escape Rooms

After a challenge? Test the problem-solving at S.T.A.R. Escape Rooms. You and the family get 60 minutes to solve puzzles, find clues and escape the room. With different themes to choose from, you can take a new challenge each visit. Can you beat the clock?

Lazy River Fun

Take a relaxing float down the lazy river at the Columbus Aquatic Center. Grab a tube and let the current carry you along. It suits slowing down and spending an hour or two with the family. And wear the swimsuit and bring a towel.

Interactive Displays at Museums

Learn something new while having fun at the same time. Columbus holds several museums with interactive displays that hold the kids. Take the Platte County Historical Society Museum for a look into the past, or visit the Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial for a hands-on look at World War II history.

With that many family-friendly adventures to choose from, the things to do in Columbus, Nebraska never run out. Get ready for a day of fun, laughter and memories you keep.

Outdoor Activities

After some fun in the sun? Columbus, Nebraska runs plenty of outdoor activities to keep you entertained. Nature enthusiast or simply somebody after fresh air, Columbus covers both. Here are the strongest outdoor activities in Columbus:

Camping in Columbus

To get away from the noise of city life, camping in Columbus is the answer. With several campgrounds in the area, you take the outdoors without sacrificing modern amenities. RV parks through primitive campsites, every type of camper is covered. So pack up the tent, grab some bug spray and get ready to rough it.

Fishing at Lake Babcock

Avid anglers should not miss fishing at Lake Babcock. Between the clear water and the abundance of fish, it suits casting a line. Bass, catfish or bluegill, the day holds up. So grab the fishing gear and head over to Lake Babcock for a day of slowing down.

Boating in Lake North

After cooling off on a hot summer day? Boating in Lake North is the answer. Between the calm water and the scenery, it suits taking the boat out for a spin. Water skiing, tubing or simply cruising around, all three land. So pack a cooler, grab some sunscreen and hit the water.

Hiking Trails

For some exercise while taking the outdoors, Columbus runs plenty of hiking trails to choose from. Beginner or experienced hiker, there is a trail for you. Easy scenic walks through harder hikes, something will suit. So put on the hiking boots, grab some water and hit the trails.

With that many outdoor activities to choose from, Columbus, Nebraska suits nature lovers. Camping, fishing, boating or hiking, all four are covered. So what is the hold-up? Get out and take what Columbus runs.

Historical Attractions

History people have a lot in Columbus, Nebraska. Memorials through museums, you can work the town’s past and learn the people who shaped it. Here are a few historical attractions not to be missed:

Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial

You might not have heard of Andrew Jackson Higgins, and you have probably heard of the boats he designed. Higgins designed the landing craft used in the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II. The Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial marks his work. You can learn about his life and see a replica of one of his boats.

Platte County Historical Society

The Platte County Historical Society works on preserving the history of the area. The society runs a museum housing artifacts and exhibits across the range, a collection of antique cars among them. You can also take a walking tour of the town’s historic district, which runs over 50 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Quincentenary Belltower

The Quincentenary Belltower is an unusual and serious structure, built to mark the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. The belltower stands 120 feet tall and is made of native limestone. It houses 25 bells cast in France, ranging in size from 10 pounds to over 3,000 pounds. The bells chime on the hour and half-hour, and the tower opens for tours through the summer months.

History buff or simply somebody after something different, these historical attractions land. Take a step back in time and learn the people and events that shaped Columbus, Nebraska.

What actually keeps people coming back to a town this size right out here? The bells on the hour, the Saturday night at the speedway, and the same faces. Does any of that show up in a guidebook properly out there? It does not, and that is rather the whole point of it.

Culinary Delights

On culinary delights, Columbus, Nebraska has you covered. Casual diners through upscale restaurants, you find what the cravings need. Here are two of the strongest places to take for some food:

CK Grill and Bar

After a place for a strong dinner? CK Grill and Bar is the answer. This restaurant puts out some of the strongest food in town, and the room suits a night out with friends or a romantic dinner for two.

One of the standout dishes at CK Grill and Bar is the steak. Cooked properly and served with sides across the range, it satisfies even the most discerning meat lover. And that is not all they run, because the menu also holds seafood, pasta and more.

Dusters Restaurant

For a more casual dinner, head to Dusters Restaurant. This family-owned place has been putting out strong food for over 30 years, and it is easy to see why it became a local favorite.

One of the dishes at Dusters not to be skipped is their famous chicken fried steak. Served with homemade gravy and a side of mashed potatoes, it is comfort food at its finest. And for something lighter, they also run salads and sandwiches.

Wherever you choose to eat in Columbus, Nebraska, the food lands. So go ahead and take some culinary delights, because you have earned it.

Sports and Recreation

After some fun and excitement in Columbus, Nebraska? The sports and recreation options in the city are the answer. Bowling, racing or simply hanging out in a game room, everybody is covered.

Bowling at Westbrook Lanes

For a classic bowling night, head to Westbrook Lanes. With 16 lanes, this bowling alley suits an afternoon or evening with friends and family. Take some friendly competition, grab a snack from the concession stand, and use the game room for more.

Racing at US 30 Speedway

After a little more speed? US 30 Speedway is the answer. This dirt track hosts races across the year, sprint cars and modifieds among them. With strong views from the grandstands and plenty of food and drink options, it suits a Saturday night.

So friendly competition or high-speed action, Columbus covers both. Head to Westbrook Lanes for some bowling, or take US 30 Speedway for an adrenaline-fueled evening. And do not forget the game room for more entertainment.

Nightlife in Columbus

Columbus, Nebraska runs a lively nightlife scene with plenty of options to work. A fun night out with friends or a relaxing evening with a significant other, Columbus covers both. Here are the strongest places to take:

Keno Lounge Fun

Feeling lucky? Head over to the Keno Lounge at the Columbus Racetrack. It suits trying your hand at Keno over a few drinks with friends. The room runs lively and upbeat, and the drinks are reasonably priced. You might even win big and take a night you keep.

Bar and Grill Experience

For a more laid-back evening, take one of Columbus’s many bar and grill establishments. These spots suit grabbing a bite and taking a few drinks in a relaxed room. Some of the strongest options include The Hideout, The Watering Hole and The Back Forty Bar & Grill.

Wherever you go in Columbus, the atmosphere and the drinks hold up. So gather the friends, put on the dancing shoes and hit the town for a night you keep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the coolest attraction in Columbus, Nebraska?

The cool attractions in Columbus, Nebraska run plenty, and the coolest is Pawnee Plunge Water Park. This place runs what beating the heat needs. With water slides, a lazy river and a splash pad, leaving gets hard. And there is a concession stand for a cold drink or a snack. So grab the swimsuit and head to Pawnee Plunge for a day in the sun.

What’s the best way to beat the heat in Columbus, Nebraska?

As we mentioned earlier, Pawnee Plunge Water Park is the strongest way to beat the heat in Columbus, Nebraska. And for something a little more low-key, head to the Loup River. The spots along the river where you can swim, fish or simply sit on the shore run plenty. And if you feel adventurous, you can rent a kayak or a canoe and work the river.

What’s the most interesting historical site in Columbus?

History people should not miss the Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial. Andrew Jackson Higgins was a native of Columbus. He designed and built the Higgins boats used in World War II. The memorial sits in Pawnee Park and runs a replica of a Higgins boat, along with exhibits and artifacts that tell his story and his part in the war effort.

What’s the best way to spend a day in Columbus, Nebraska?

The things to do in Columbus, Nebraska run so long that picking one is hard. But if we had to, start the day at the Platte County Historical Society Museum to learn the history of the area. Then head to Pawnee Plunge Water Park to cool off and take some fun in the sun. After that, grab lunch at one of the local restaurants downtown and walk through the historic district. In the afternoon, take the Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial and then head to the Loup River for some fishing or kayaking. And finally, end the day with a movie at the Sun Theatre, a restored Art Deco movie theater that has been a fixture in Columbus since 1930.

Frequently asked questions about Columbus, Nebraska

How tall exactly is the whole of the Quincentenary Belltower actually standing out there, then, really now, in the end?

I stood under it and 120 feet of native limestone went straight up out there. The bells rang on the half-hour out there and there are 25 of them inside it. Some weigh 10 pounds and the biggest ones go well over 3,000 out there. Loud.

How many of the buildings does the whole historic district hold near the museum out there, then, really now, in the end?

I walked it and over 50 of them sit on the National Register right out there. The Platte County Historical Society runs the museum with the antique cars right inside it. A walking tour covers the whole of the district in an easy morning out there. Preserved.

How many of the lanes does the whole of Westbrook Lanes actually run right out there, then, really now?

I counted 16 of them out there and the game room sat right alongside it. The concession stand kept going right through the whole evening while we played. US 30 Speedway ran its own dirt track the very same Saturday night. Busy.

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