Travel

Things To Do in Nebraska: Norfolk

Shannon Peterson
| January 6, 2024 | 1 Minute Read
Aerial View of Downtown Norfolk, Nebraska in Autumn iStock

DO & SEE

Off Road Ranch

Ready to spice things up a bit? The Off Road Ranch has just what you need with day passes for exploring the 30-acre property on a snowmobile. Once you see how great the courses are, you’ll want to return in warmer weather to experience them on four-wheelers and motorcycles.

Madison County Museum

In nearby Madison, take a deeper dive into regional history, including an exhibit on Richie Ashburn, a local legend and one of seven athletes born in Nebraska who’ve been inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.

Boat House

Ignite your competitive nature by tapping into your inner lumberjack in this recreation space’s axe-throwing lanes. There are also golf simulators and free shuffleboard, and you may catch a trivia night. Grab some pizza and hang out for a while.

Johnny Carson Tour

The former king of late-night talk shows is celebrated in the town where he grew up. Take a look for yourself on this themed walkabout. Start at the Elkhorn Valley Museum, where there’s an exhibit dedicated to Carson. You can see his Emmys and hear a famous monologue.

Then, brave the cold to take in the Johnny Carson Mural (below), which depicts the timeline of Carson’s career. The funnyman’s childhood home is also on the tour. The current owner is happy to talk about the house’s history, and how he restored it to the 1930s era when Carson lived there.

Street view of the Johnny Carson mural with various plants, lights and a sitting area in the foreground ©VisitNorfolkArea

EAT & STAY              

Norfolk Lodge & Suites

This AAA Three Diamond lodging spot is more than a place to sleep. Enjoy the indoor pool and hot tub, as well as fireside gathering places. And once spring weather has sprung, check out the 18-hole miniature golf course. On site is the SandBar Grill, which serves classic American cuisine that hits the spot. It’s also home to Norfolk’s only brewery, so you can take the opportunity to quench your thirst.

Downtown Coffee Company

Kickstart your day with coffee, espresso or another delicious hot beverage. The shop is designed to make you feel like you’ve been transported to another place. Lose yourself in thought or a delicious pastry or breakfast sandwich.

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