Small Town Feature: Ashland, Nebraska
Centrally located between Omaha and Lincoln - Ashland, NEBRASKA is the perfect place to spend a day away.
If you watch their Travel and Tourism video and get feel-good, small-town vibes… you’re not alone. Ashland has grown in popularity in the past few years due to their dedication to revitalizing their downtown area and Main Street. It’s a small and simple place that offers visitors the chance to slow down, relax in nature, mingle with local residents, and enjoy a piece of Nebraska history.
Getting to Ashland is simple, it’s right off Interstate 80, about 30 minutes away from Lincoln or Omaha. With only a 1.5-square mile footprint and just over 3k residents, you may think it lacks things to do. But Ashland is vibrant and celebratory and its residents are ready to welcome visitors with open doors.
Here are some things to check out in Ashland. You can make the trip for a family day of fun, a special date night with a partner, or a Sunday afternoon with friends. Exploring a new neighborhood gives us the chance to appreciate all the great things Eastern Nebraska has to offer!
THE BEANERY
https://www.thebeanerycoffee.com/
Start the morning with a hot cup of Joe to fuel your Ashland day trip. Get your delicious classics like a cappuccino or mocha or try a mango smoothie. They also serve sweet and savory breakfast items if you want to grab something on the go!
POSTSCRIPT STATIONARY
Pop into Postscript for all your color-coded, organized, styled and designed paper dreams. From gifts and cards, pens and pencils, books, stationary, and trinkets galore - you’ll feel so joyful and bright.
CENTRAL BARK PARK AND DOG AGILITY COURSE
If your fur-friend joined you on this day trip, take them to 9th and Ash Street for a clean and open dog park. Make new dog friends, burn off some puppy energy, and test your dog’s athletic ability.
GLACIAL TILL TASTING ROOM
https://www.glacialtillvineyard.com/
Take a break from strolling the street and grab a cold cider and fresh appetizer at the Glacial Till Tasting Room. You can enjoy the brick interior of the downstairs space or venture upstairs for a rooftop patio, art gallery, and additional seating. A local Nebraska favorite, Glacial Till offers dozens of delicious ciders and wines from fruits grown right here!
PARKS AND MUSEUMS
Mahoney State Park, Platte River State Park, Memphis State Recreation Area, Schramm State Recreation Area, SAC Museum and the Wildlife Safari are all located within 10-minutes of downtown Ashland. These are some of the most beautiful natural spaces to visit in our state and offer a variety of events and programs throughout the year. You can spend the whole day or just a few hours exploring these areas, and it’s worth your while!
SALT CREEK SONG FESTIVAL
https://www.saltcreeksongfestival.com/
Started in 2021 as a way for Midwest-oriented artists, composers, and performers of song to share their talents and stories with Nebraskans, The SCSF is a week-long event with pop-up locations and areas for collaboration and community. Their mission states they “look to foster an environment that amplifies the voices of artists of a broad range of disciplines who find meaning and connection in the Midwest”. Check out their website for more details, event dates are May 15-25, 2024.