1. Carhenge: Stonehenge, but with Cars
In Alliance, Nebraska, you’ll find Carhenge—a faithful replica of England’s Stonehenge, but constructed entirely from vintage cars painted gray and arranged in the same formation as the original stones. It’s a free, year-round roadside attraction that draws thousands for its kitschy, surreal charm.
2. The Town with a Population of One
Monowi, Nebraska, is the smallest incorporated municipality in the United States, with a population of just one: Elsie Eiler. She serves as the mayor, bartender, and librarian, running the Monowi Tavern and welcoming visitors from near and far.
3. Tanking: Floating Down Rivers in Livestock Troughs
Forget tubing—“tanking” is a uniquely Nebraskan pastime where groups float down the North Platte River in large livestock tanks (horse troughs) equipped with seats and even tables for board games. It’s a social, dry, and utterly quirky way to enjoy Nebraska’s waterways.
4. The World’s Smallest Courthouse
Arthur, Nebraska, is home to the world’s smallest courthouse, measuring just 16 by 28 feet. Built in 1914, it’s now a museum and a testament to Nebraska’s love of odd records and history.
5. The Wayne Chicken Show
Every July, Wayne, Nebraska, hosts the Wayne Chicken Show, a festival dedicated entirely to chickens. Events include the “National Cluck-Off,” chicken flying contests, and even chicken rentals for those who want to join in but don’t own a bird.
6. Taylor’s Cardboard Villagers
With a dwindling population, Taylor, Nebraska, decided to fill its streets with life-size grey cardboard cutouts of people dressed in turn-of-the-century attire. Created by a local artist, these “villagers” add a whimsical, slightly surreal charm to the town.
7. Annual Testicle Festival
In Ashland, the Round the Bend Steakhouse hosts the Annual Testicle Festival, where attendees sample “beef fries” (bull testicles), enjoy live music, and compete in the infamous Ball Eating Contest. It’s a humorous, offbeat celebration of Nebraska’s agricultural roots.
8. The World’s Largest Time Capsule
Seward, Nebraska, boasts the world’s largest time capsule—a 45-ton, 20-foot-tall concrete vault containing over 5,000 items from the 1970s, including a “brand-new” Chevy Vega. The capsule is set to be opened in 2025, but for now, visitors can marvel at the giant white pyramid marking its location.
These quirks and oddities reveal a side of Nebraska that goes far beyond the flat fields and corn stereotypes, offering residents and visitors a truly unique experience.
Sources:
- https://globaldebauchery.com/7-super-fun-things-to-do-in-nebraska/
- https://www.passportsandpreemies.com/10-completely-unique-things-to-do-in-nebraska/
- https://www.farandwide.com/s/nebraska-map-weird-attractions-ef95ed70c953415c
- https://visitnebraska.com/trip-idea/quirky-nebraska
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/nebraska