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/809310
10 NEBRASKAland • APRIL 2017 ll aboard! This month, travelers looking for an outdoor adventure are making their way to Two Rivers State Recreation Area. Two Rivers is one of the most popular recreation areas in the state. Located in eastern Nebraska, only 20 miles west of Omaha's metropolitan area, the park is the perfect day-use spot for a picnic or an afternoon of grilling. But what really draws people in is its unique overnight lodging options. The park has 10 Union Pacific cabooses that have been refurbished into cabins. These train carts offer a one-of-a-kind experience for park-goers. They sleep six people, with two bunk beds in the rear and two mattresses in the cupola. The cabooses have been modernized; they are air- conditioned for hot summer use and each is equipped with a fully functional bathroom. For those who enjoy outdoor dining, each cabin has a deck with a picnic table and grill. In addition to its exclusive sleeping quarters, this beautiful 622-acre area also has RV and tent camping grounds with a variety of fishing opportunities, hiking trails and a swimming beach. For the artsy souls, the charming town of Elkhorn is only 10 miles away from Two Rivers, and it has many lovable arts and craft shops. Kimba's Touch Pottery is one of these shops. Their slogan says it all… "Come Clay With Me!" Kimba's has loads of tools, stamps, cut outs, leather craft tools, slab rollers, wheels and so much more. Visitors can enjoy the old market atmosphere in Olde Towne Elkhorn while putting their imagination to the test as they experiment with clay creations. Elkhorn's Main Street Studios & Gallery is another hidden gem within the town. They have two large gallery spaces filled with a heartwarming collection of paintings and sculptures. They also have in-house art studios that include a glass worker, a bronze sculptor, a silversmith and an acrylic painter. The possibilities are endless. At night, travelers can grab dinner at one of the nearby, small-town food joints. Farmer Brown's Steak House in Waterloo specializes in steaks, seafood and chicken, and just down the street from it is El Bees, a local Tex-Mex restaurant. There is a place to satisfy everyone's taste buds! And for those looking for a real good time, live music and cold drinks can be found at Buck's Bar and Grill, the only bar in Venice, Nebraska. This local dive bar boasts about having the best original touring bands folks will see anywhere. ■ By Hannah Hundley, Nebraska Tourism Commission ll a ad R recreati Live music at Buck's Main Street Gallery Kimba's Touch Pottery Elkhorn Two Rivers' caboose cabins Elkhorn