Tucked into the rolling hills of eastern Nebraska is an area affectionately known as the Bohemian Alps. The region got its nickname from early settlers who came from the Czech lands and thought that these hills resembled the ones back home. Today, Nebraska is the state with the highest percentage of residents of Czech ancestry in the country: 5.5 percent. Several towns in the Bohemian Alps are in the top 10 communities with the highest percentage of people claiming Czech ancestry: Oak Creek (38.2 percent), Wilber (27.3 percent), and David City (28 percent). To say that the Bohemian Alps Nebraska area is still influenced by those previous generations would be a big understatement.

The unofficial area of the Bohemian Alps, shown below in green, is 25 miles north of Lincoln and 25 miles west of Omaha.
By Swid - Own work, Public Domain/Wikimedia
Fourteen little towns, villages, and unincorporated communities make up the region: Abie, Bruno, Brainard, Dwight, Garland, Linwood, Loma, Malmo, Morse Bluff, Oak Creek, Prague, Touhy, Valparaiso, and Weston.
The region just happens to be absolutely beautiful. It's the perfect place to spend a weekend exploring those rolling hills and all of the treasures they're hiding.
Czechland Lake Recreation Area, Chester, NE 68050, USA
Ammodramus, CC0/Wikimedia Commons
One such treasure is the Czechland Lake Recreation Area, just a mile north of Prague. The park is a popular place for families to escape for a day of fun in nature. You can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, boating, fishing, and picnicking - and when you're all tuckered out, you can climb into your RV or set up your tent and spend the night.

Take a beautiful fly-over view of Czechland Lake Recreation Area to discover hidden coves, wild forests, and wildlife galore. It is also a pretty fun kayaking lake:
The "wine" part of this wining and dining weekend comes in the form of a trip to Junto Winery.
Junto Wine, 1356 182nd, Seward, NE 68434, USA
Junto Wine/Facebook
Located just outside of Seward, this small but mighty operation produces some of Nebraska's tastiest wines. It sits on nine acres, and 90 percent of the wines produced at Junto come from grapes grown right there on site. Stop in for a tasting and a meat and cheese platter - and don't forget to check out the beautiful views.

Read all about this unforgettable experience on Junto Winery & Vineyard's website or Facebook page.
Another of the region's treasures is the Oak Creek Trail, a 12.8-mile crushed-rock trail that runs between Brainard and Valparaiso.
Oak Creek Trail, NE, USA
Nicole Metz-Andrews/Alltrails
Oak Creek Trail passes through rolling hills and through the near-ghost town of Loma. You can traverse its length on foot, horseback, or on bike. If you're not up for the entire length of the trail, you can stop and turn around at any point.
When you get hungry after that epic hike, you'll have a tough decision to make - where to eat. There's a surprisingly large selection of fantastic restaurants in the area.
Abie's Place, 101 Ash St, Abie, NE 68001, USA
Abie's Place/Facebook
Pictured above is Abie's Place, which is located in - as you may expect - Abie, Nebraska. It serves a selection of traditional Czech dishes and American food, and you'll often get to listen to a live polka band while you enjoy a hearty meal.

Keep up with the goings-on at Abie's Place on its Facebook page.
In Prague, the Kolac (or Kolache) Korner serves some of the area's most delicious Czech pastries.
Kolac Korner, 321 Center Ave, Prague, NE 68050
Linsey Rose/Google Reviews
Kolaches, the flaky round pastries with a glob of delicious fruit filling in the middle, are especially popular here. But you can also get savory lunches and dinners, and if you stop in on a Sunday, you'll get to enjoy a traditional Czech dinner.

Kolac Korner doesn't have much of an online presence, but you can call the restaurant at (402) 663-4869.

Not only can you enjoy a delicious Kolache at Kolac Korner, but you can also be serenaded with traditional Czechoslovakian music as well:

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RK's Bar and Grill in Malmo is one of those charming hometown places where most of the town's population can be found having a meal at least once a week.
R K's Bar & Grill, 159 Center Ave, Malmo, NE 68040, USA
RK's Bar & Grill/Facebook
Start your visit with an ice-cold beer (or pivo, if you want to keep your Czech experience authentic), then enjoy delicious bar food like fried cauliflower, onion rings, and patty melts. Don't skip the loaded baked potato - it's one of the best selections on the menu! Read more about the restaurant and keep up with its specials on RK's Bar & Grill's Facebook page.
If you're in the mood for a big, hearty steak, make your way to Nowhere Special in Linwood.
Nowhere Special Steakhouse & Saloon, 310 2nd St, Linwood, NE 68036, USA
Nowhere Special Steakhouse & Saloon/Facebook
The steakhouse is known for its choice cuts of meat, generous servings, and friendly staff. While it's not particularly Czech in influence, it's a popular place for locals and visitors to refuel after a busy day of exploring and playing. Check out Nowhere Special on its Facebook page.
For a unique view of Nebraska and other agrarian states, head to the Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art in David City.
Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art, 575 E St, David City, NE 68632, USA
Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art/Facebook
With hundreds of pieces of agrarian-themed art in its permanent collection and the rotating special exhibits, this award-winning museum is a remarkable way to get to know Nebraska on a whole new level. Find out about Bone Creek Museum and its current exhibits on the museum's website.
Whether you're a church-goer or not, St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and its spectacular grottoes make for an awe-inspiring place to wander for a while.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 336 Pine St, Dwight, NE 68635, USA
Ammodramus, CC0/Wikimedia Commons
The grounds in Dwight, Nebraska contain several historic buildings and other places of historic value. The shrines, grottoes, and fountains outdoors are stunning works of art that everyone can enjoy. You can find out all about the church and its grounds on the Assumption Church website.
If you're looking for a place to stay while you're spending time in the Bohemian Alps, you won't have a hard time finding the perfect fit.
Gunsmoke Lodge, 2340 29 Road Brainard, NE 68626
Gunsmoke Lodge
Pictured above is the Gunsmoke Lodge in Brainard. This comfy cabin sleeps up to eight guests and has a kennel out back for your dogs; no pets are allowed in the cabin. Learn more about the cabin and book your own stay on Gunsmoke Lodge's website.
Or you could head to Valparaiso to stay in the scenic and peaceful Pine Crest Farms B&B.
Pine Crest Farms Bed and Breakfast, 2550 County Road A, Valparaiso, NE 68065, USA
Pine Crest Farms B&B/Facebook
There are six guest rooms to choose from, and a large in-ground pool to use if you visit in the summer. Guests rave about the hosts' friendliness and the beauty of the surroundings. You can find out all about the property and how to book a stay at Pine Crest Farms B&B on its Facebook page.

Take a quick fly-over look at the Pine Crest Farms B&B in this video from Chad Carlson:

It is such a wonderful surprise when we discover an area that celebrates its cultural heritage. It is from these pockets of different cultures that we remember our own lineage from generations past. Whether it is the sweet taste of a delicious Czech kolache or the lilting notes of an Irish song that our grandmother used to sing.

We encourage you to take a weekend to explore the Bohemian Alps. When you do, tell us all about your favorite place in the Bohemian Alps Nebraska area. If you have a spot you’d love for us to feature here, fill out our nomination form!

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More to Explore

Let's explore the Bohemian Alps

Chris Muras | March 02, 2023

What are some things to do in the Bohemian Alps?

There is so much to see in the Bohemian Alps region of Nebraska. From cultural areas that remind us of our past to the natural beauty of the land itself. Here are a few things to do in the Bohemian Alps from hiking to filling our tummies with nourishment:

  • Explore a man-made forest: You've heard about man-made lakes, but man-made forests? This beautiful area called the Sandhills of Nebraska was once a giant sand dune. But one man, Dr. Charles E. Bessey, believed it could become a vast and lush forest. He began by hand-planting 13,000 trees - funding ran out but over the past 100-plus years others have taken up the cause and it is now a healthy beautiful 20,000-acre forest.
  • Appreciate the history and beauty at Fort Robinson State Park: This wonderful state park is a former Army post that was active from the 1800s until after WWII. Not only does it cherish its history with restored buildings, museums, and plenty of stories, but the land itself is a majestic section of Pine Ridge land that is definitely worth exploring.
  • Go snow tubbing at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park: This state park is a wonderful area to hike, camp, and enjoy year-round. But when the snow flies, it is one of the premier places to catch some winter air in your teeth as you race down several designated toboggan runs with giggles and glee.
  • Stop for a traditional Czech dinner at Cy's Cafe: This lovely small-town cafe in Dwight, Nebraska is generally a typical cafe with burgers, fries, and chicken strips. But on Wednesdays, you can stop in for a Czech Special - homemade sauerkraut, dumplings, pork, and mashed potatoes with gravy. The cafe itself is a wonderful tribute to the owner's Czechoslovakian heritage.

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