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Phelps County Tourism

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Design by Dan Christiansen
History of Phelps County

Phelps County is named for a Mississippi River steamboat captain, Captain William Phelps. Thousands crossed at the North end of the County on the Oregon Trail and wanted nothing to do with the Indians and buffalo of this great American Desert.

Lured by government homestead land and cheap railroad land, settlers were mainly Swedes. The first county seat was Williamsburg in 1873, then to Phelps Center in 1879 and after a tug of war, in 1883, everything moved to Holdrege, which is the County Seat.

The Plum Creek Massacre of August 7, 1874 is marked with graves in the Northwest corner of the county and took 12 lives. This was the initial incident of the Indian War of 1864.

One man dared the first homesteaders - saying he would give them $1 for every ear of corn they could raise west of Fort Kearney because it was so barren. They thought they would have to dig 110 feet to find water, but Nebraska sits on one of the largest underground reservoirs of water, so they only had to dig 30 feet.

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Nebraska Prairie Museum
Attractions

A wonderfully spacious museum, Nebraska Prairie Museum, have over 65,000 feet of Interior Exhibits, including the WWII German POW Interpretive Center.

Recreation opportunities abound in golf courses, YMCA, Parks, indoor theater, bowling alley, and lakes within a 35-minute drive.

Motels and Lodging

These facilities are ready to serve you:

Motels
  • Plains Motel, 619 W. Hwy 6, Holdrege, NE 68949 - telephone: 308-995-8646 or 1-866-249-2288 (Member of Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce)

  • Super 8 Motel, 420 Broadway St., Holdrege, NE 68949 - telephone: 308-995-2793 or 1-800-800-8000 (Member of Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce)

    Bed & Breakfasts
  • The Clifton Classic, Loomis, NE 68959 - telephone: 308-876-2187

  • Uncle Sam's Hilltop Lodge, 74451 R Rd, Funk, NE 68940 - telephone: 308-995-5568 or 308-991-1112 (Member of the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce)

  • Das Gasthaus, 621 East Ave Holdrege, NE telephone: 308-995-2440

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    Annual Events in our communities

    Summer is a busy time for Phelps County communities! (These are listed in chronological order.) Scheduling changes from year to year, so be sure to contact the Chamber Office (308-995-4444) to confirm specific dates.

    Midsommarfest (Holdrege) Mid-June - Games, Crowning of Swedish King and Queen, Silver Run, Swedish Meals, Parade and Festival at North Park.

    Fun Day - (Loomis) Third Sunday in June - Games and Barbecue in Park.

    Bertrand Days - (Bertrand) Last weekend in June - Horse Show, Plays, Fireworks, 3-on-3 Basketball, Gospel Sing, Rodeo (2 nights), Carnival and Parade.

    Celebrate America - (Holdrege) July 3d - Ball game & concessions, Fireworks at Dusk.

    Phelps County Fair - (Holdrege) Last weekend in July. Entertainment, Beef Show & Barbecue, Carnival, Bull Riding, Demolition Derby, Antique Tractor display, Livestock Auction.

    Industry Day - (Atlanta) First Sun in Aug. Picnic in the Park,
    Games.

    Heartland Cruisers Show 'n Shine - (Holdrege) September Car Show - Sat.after Labor Day.

    South Central Toy Show - (Holdrege) November - Sat. before Thanksgiving.

    Silhouette Gun Club's Gun Show - (Holdrege) Mid-December.

    Farmer's Market - (Holdrege) Around the Courthouse Square during summer months.

    Craft Shows - (countywide) Various times during the year.

    Christmas Activities - (Holdrege) Open Houses, Santa Claus, and special events occur during the holiday season.

    The Tassel - (Holdrege) Events year-round.

    About the Phelps County Visitors Committee

    The Visitors Committee is a branch of the Phelps County Board of Supervisors. Their purpose is to promote, encourage and attract visitors to come to Phelps County. As the "Tourism Arm" of the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce, both group collaborate to promote activities and events.

    They have limited grant dollars to help "market and advertise" events that will bring people to the county. If you have an event happening in Phelps County, and your need fits this criteria, contact the Chamber Office for an application. 308-995-4444.

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