By Brenna McFadden, Nebraska Tourism Commission
A
insworth is known throughout
the state for their Sandhills
hospitality, and with so many
reasons to visit it is easy to see
why. This small town offers a
variety of activities from enjoying time
outdoors to spending time shopping
downtown.
Spend a weekend at the Roadway Inn
and plan out some time in nature at the
Keller Park State Recreation Area. This
wide expanse of 196 acres is found just
northeast of Ainsworth and includes
Bone Creek, one of the few spots
anglers can pursue both rainbow trout
and warmwater species.
Activities to get the whole family
involved include camping, hiking,
wildlife viewing and picnicking. As
you are exploring the beauty of the
Sandhills, look for the rustic footbridge
across Bone Creek; it is sure to add
some charm to the view.
While in town you can spend time
in the historic downtown area perusing
some of the local restaurants, shops
and stores. One of the locals' favorite
stores, Ranch-Land Western, has been
in business for nearly 60 years serving
the community's visitors. This store
provides high-quality western wear
and goods ranging from clothes for
men, women and children to handmade
saddles and unique home furnishings.
To continue your search for home
décor, you can find eclectic options at
Silver Linings, which also serves as a
floral shop.
After you have explored Ainsworth,
you will most definitely have built
up an appetite, and what better way
to treat yourself than by eating local?
Local House 20 has a great menu with
something for everyone, including
steak and other Nebraska staples, and
don't forget to finish off your meal
with some of their legendary bread
pudding.
So, pack up the car and prepare for
a weekend full of fun in Ainsworth.
But don't plan on coming and going
too quickly – you might just find this
beautiful Sandhills area hard to leave. ■
Albert Allen of Ainsworth kayak fishes at Tower Lake at the Yellowthroat Wildlife Management Area in Brown County.
Travelogue
PHOTO
BY
JENNY
NGUYEN-WHEATLEY
While in the Area
Other places to stay, eat at and visit
in the Ainsworth area:
Yellowthroat Wildlife Management
Area
Sellors Barton Museum
D and B Café
Big John's Restaurant
Book Peddler Books and Gifts
Visit Ainsworth
Ainsworth
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10 NEBRASKAland • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018
