AGRITOURISM 5 FUN & FRESH EVENTS From spring-green fields to crisp autumn days and winter snows, Nebraska’s rural communities and farms usher in celebrations geared to all ages and interests. 1. SPRING: JUNKSTOCK, SYCAMORE FARMS, WATERLOO Hunt for vintage, junk and handmade treasures on a 100-year-old horse farm at Junkstock, featuring more than 150 vendors, food trucks and live music. 2. SUMMER: SUMMER FAIR AT WESSELS LIVING HISTORY FARM, YORK Celebrate with the Tractor, Auto & Engine Show, live music, homemade ice cream and kids’ games, culminating with the Parade of Power. 3. FALL: APPLEJACK FESTIVAL, NEBRASKA CITY Arbor Day Farm, Kimmel Orchard and Union Orchard offer a cornucopia of activities from hayrack and pony rides to you-pick apples. 4. WINTER: HIGH PLAINS CHRISTMAS, GERING Cowboy-style festivities reflect the region’s Oregon Trail legacy. Featuring wagon rides, a Pony Express reenactor delivering kids’ letters to Santa’s Village and more. 5. YEAR ’ROUND: WILDFLOUR GROCER, O’NEILL Stock up on Nebraska meats, dairy and produce, plus tasty products created by local entrepreneurs in the market’s commercial community kitchen. Pro Tip: During Nebraska’s pumpkin patch season, corn mazes, giant slides and haunted trails are all part of the fun. VisitNebraska.com 17 Double R Guest Ranch, Mullen DOUBLE R GUEST RANCH, MULLEN UTV tours // Hike, fish and hunt // See more stars (and cows) than you can count Cattle outnumber people amidst this wide-open prairie adorned by sparkling spring-fed lakes and dazzling sunsets. Tucked into towering pines, guest cabins are furnished with your comfort in mind, featuring air-conditioning, satellite TV, fully equipped kitchenettes, barbecue gas grills and yard games. Hike the tall grass prairie and evergreen groves searching for wildflowers, birds and photo opportunities. Fish for pike, perch, bass and bluegill for your evening meal. Take a guided ranch tour in a double-seat four-wheeler. Hunt for whitetail and mule deer or for geese and ducks in the lakes and marshy flatlands. Paddleboat on the lake near the main house, and tank down the nearby Middle Loup River. For a nominal fee, board your horse and explore the hills and trails (use of corrals and grazing included). History resides on the property at the original homestead, a 1908 sod house and one-room schoolhouse containing a treasure trove of books available for reading. Cap off your evenings with stargazing, in one of the best viewing places nationwide due to zero light pollution, and ogle at the inky star-filled sky. Double R Guest Ranch, Mullen CREDITS: JUNKSTOCK & SYCAMORE FARMS; RICK NEIBEL; LEGACY OF THE PLAINS MUSEUM; FATCAMERA/GETTY IMAGES
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2020 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 17
