NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/581251
nyone visiting Norfolk will most likely hear about how the city was named. In 1881, settlers proclaimed their village to be called "Norfork" for its location on the north fork of the Elkhorn River. Postal authorities, assuming the word had been misspelled, changed it to "Norfolk." Many locals still call their city by its intended name. My first "home" in Nebraska, Norfolk holds a special place in my heart. Though small by most standards, with a population of nearly 25,000, Norfolk is still considered the "big city" to surrounding communities in northeastern Nebraska, a sentiment not unfounded. A friendly, thriving community, you'll find gems in this small town. Johnny Carson's childhood home still sits on 306 S. 13th Street, while city pride endures for being the birthplace of Thurl Ravenscoft, the voice behind "Tony the Tiger." Norfolk residents are enthusiastic supporters of the arts: The Johnny Carson Theatre holds community events, plays and concerts year-round and so does Divots Conference Center, located on the west side of town. The Norfolk Arts Center offers weekly classes for children and adults and hosts its fun Soup 'R Art show every winter – 2016's date is Jan. 31. For a special dining experience, check out Sakura Sushi & Steakhouse or Black Cow Fat Pig. For a more casual lunch or dinner, my favorites are Michael's Cantina, Smokin' Stan's BBQ, Tienda Leon and the SandBar & Gri ll. Though I have not tried it, the Vietnamese Noodle House opened earlier this year. For a quick bite in the morning, Delight Donuts makes amazing ham and cheese croissants, but you must arrive early because everything goes quickly. Looking for a cozy place to hang out on New Year's Eve? I've always had a fun time at the Office Bar, which features an up-and-coming musical artist/band almost weekly. Norfolk is not short on outdoor events and activities either. Fishing and picnicking is popular at Skyview Lake Park, which is also the site of free summer concerts and the most amazing Fourth of July fireworks show I've seen in my life, the Big Bam Boom. TaHaZouka Park, a smaller, quieter area, is stocked with catfish yearly and is also the place where the Cowboy Trail begins in Norfolk. For fishing, Willow Creek State Recreation Area in Pierce is a convenient drive north. Wood Duck (Stanton), Oak Valley (Battle Creek) and Yellow Banks (Meadow Grove) wildlife management areas are popular destinations for hunters. For more information on Norfolk, check out Visitnorfolkne.com. By Jenny Nguyen Norfolk n c to f h The Vietnamese Noodle House is a recent addition to Norfolk's dining options. The Cowboy Trail runs through Norfolk Soup 'R Art Craft Show Norfolk Fishing at Skyview Lake Park