Bowring Ranch State Historical Park Is One Of Nebraska's Best Kept Secrets
By Delana Lefevers|Published August 31, 2018
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
Experiencing Nebraska’s rich history is as easy as heading to any of our hundreds of museums. One place in northwestern Nebraska has a wealth of historical relics and information, but most people have no idea it exists.
Bowring Ranch State Historical Park is located in the Sandhills just north of Merriman, almost on the South Dakota border.
The park's mission is to preserve the history of ranching in Nebraska and to celebrate the remarkable lives of Arthur and Eve Bowring. The couple were both politicians as well as ranchers; in 1954, Eve became Nebraska's first female senator. Arthur was a state legislator and county commissioner.
The ranch house and outbuildings have all been preserved as beautiful examples of late 19th and early 20th century ranching. A replica sod house, pictured below, displays what life was like in Nebraska for early settlers.
The visitor center celebrates ranchers in general and the Bowrings specifically. Walk through the building for a timeline of the couple's public service and private lives. The visitor center also contains some interesting information on the history and geology of the Sandhills.
The ranch hosts events throughout the year to bring folks together on this beautiful plot of land. The largest of the year is Sod House Sunday, which takes place on the last Sunday in June each year. Visitors will enjoy a variety of pioneer-themed activities, from crafts to cooking to gardening and more.
You can spend much of your time outdoors on the ranch, if you prefer. It's located in one of the most scenic parts of the state, so a stroll around the grounds is sure to be a delightful part of your visit.
This is the perfect place to explore Nebraska's rich ranching history. The little-known destination is hardly ever crowded, so you can bring the whole family for a day full of history, nature, learning, and fun.
If you’d like to visit Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park, you can find it on Hwy 61, just 1.5 miles north and 2 miles east of Merriman. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the park is open daily 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. In the off season, the ranch is open Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Get more information about the park and all it has to offer right here.
If you’re looking for a peaceful, secluded place to camp while traveling through the Sandhills, check out this campground that’s not too far from the Bowring Ranch.
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