Why Everyone In Nebraska Should Visit This One Tiny Town
By Delana Lefevers|Published November 14, 2015
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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.
There are SO many great small towns in Nebraska – they are in every part of the state, and some of them are truly impressive in the scope of entertainment, lodging, and dining they offer in contrast to their tiny size. Today we’re taking a look at just one of these tiny towns. Brownville, in Nemaha county, had just 132 residents at the 2010 census. And at a little over 0.6 miles in area, Brownville is tiny in every sense.
After it was established in 1854, Brownville became an important port town on the Missouri River. At one time, it was the Nemaha county seat and the largest town in the Nebraska Territory.
After railroads became a big deal in the 1800s, steamboats began to decline in usefulness and Brownville could no longer hold its own. Town officials tried to get a railroad to run through the town, but their attempts were ill-fated and cost Brownville's taxpayers a huge sum in increased taxes. Residents began moving away, and the county seat was relocated as well.
But this little town couldn't be held down for long. Its beautiful historic homes and original buildings were preserved in near-perfect condition, and eventually some of them would be turned into museums and other attractions.
Today, the historic town is home to a whopping eight museums: the Brownville Depot and Railroad History Museum, Captain Bailey Museum, Captain Meriwether Lewis Dredge Museum, Carson House Museum, Dr. Spurgin's Dental Office Museum, Flatwater Folk Art Museum, Governor Furnas House Museum, and the Wheel Museum.
Historic attractions like the town's carriage house and train depot keep history alive in Brownville and provide visitors with entire days full of fun and learning.
Still other buildings have been turned into lodging for visitors. The Spirit of Brownville riverboat offers tours of the river and also happens to be a unique 18-room floating B & B.
...And the Whiskey Run Creek Winery. Housed in a century-old barn atop an equally antique brick brewery cave, the winery is an historic gem. And their wines happen to be simply delicious, too.
A number of art galleries and studios have made the town popular among creative types. The town's three beautiful bookshops make it a bibliophile's ideal destination, too.
In addition to all of these travel-worthy attractions, the twice-yearly town wide flea market brings visitors to the town in droves. For one weekend in the spring and another in the fall every year, the town is transformed into a long corridor of vendors selling their wares on both sides of the street. You can spend an entire weekend exploring all of the treasures!
Brownville also offers some impressive natural attractions. In addition to several trails and parks, the Gov. Furnas Arboretum is an absolutely stunning slice of nature.
Brownville’s high tourism season is April through October, but there are plenty of events that take place in the “off” season. For a town with fewer than 150 residents, Brownville offers some truly amazing opportunities for enjoying on a nice weekend getaway.
Have you ever spent time in pretty little Brownville? What was your favorite part of this tourist town? And what other tiny gems are hiding out there in Nebraska that you think everyone should know about? Tell us all about it in the comments.
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