The Nebraska Town You Didn’t Know You Needed to Visit

Thedailymiaminews– Have you ever witnessed someone intentionally bury a car underground? And it is located beneath a pyramid. You must not know about one of the most popular tourist attractions in a small Nebraska hamlet if you are confused. Seward, a hamlet of about 7,000 residents, also draws in thousands of visitors each year for a festival that has been held for more than 150 years. It has been awarded medals and prizes and has been covered live on television news in the past few decades. This event is so cherished in this town that every time it is celebrated, it is documented in the town’s history books.

Seward’s Past

In 1865, Lewis Moffitt, a pioneer, purchased a parcel of property. And what is the reason not to? The vistas of Nebraska, which include the Sand Hills in the West, the plateaued sandstone in the South, and the lush valleys and plains of bison and buffalo, are almost mesmerizing. These kind of landscapes are not commonly found outside of Middle America. He constructed a farmhouse for his family because it appeared to be the ideal place for them. He named the land Seward after the county’s name and after the Secretary of State, who was William Henry Seward at the time. It is a big inlet located between the Big Blue River and Plum Creek. It is more than an hour’s journey west of Omaha and less than thirty minutes from the city. This is the story of how Seward, Nebraska, was founded.

The Seward County Courthouse, which is located on Moffitt’s land, is the hub of the area. It is a three-story limestone building that stands in dramatic contrast to the surrounding brick and stone stores that are still there today. This area was formally designated as the Seward County Courthouse area Historic District, which is home to a variety of local businesses, including restaurants, salons, arts and crafts stores, and flower shops.

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The City of the Fourth of July

Since Seward was founded, the town has been known throughout Nebraska for going all out with an annual Fourth of July event. So much so, that Seward was declared “Nebraska’s Official 4th of July City” in 1973 by former Governor John Exon. The Seward 4th of July City Marker, which was dedicated to the town’s patriotic spirit, was later built by the Seward 4th of July Committee and the Nebraska State Historical Society. It was placed on the lawn of the Seward County Courthouse.

The Fourth of July is celebrated with friends, family, barbecues, and, of course, fireworks, much like it is by most people in the United States. In Seward, a clamor of activities happens all at once on the 4th in the town square, the original venue of the festival. To begin with, think of things like costumes, a pie-eating contest, a bubble gum contest, and live entertainment.

The 10k Freedom Run starts in the morning. Participants will wave flags and take part in a 2-mile Fun Run. Be prepared for a crowded street filled with beer, food, music, and a little bit of chaos. The Seward Fourth of July Grand Parade is the most magnificent event of the day, and it offers free parking and bus services all day long. At 4 p.m., it starts with a panel of judges, a theme, and a parade of emergency vehicles, wagons, and floats. In order to pay tribute to police officers, firefighters, and the National Guard, their theme for 2024 was “Always Ready-Always There!” A stunning fireworks show at Plum Creek Park marks the end of the celebration.

The Three Small Lakes

But there is lots more to offer. Considering the totality of Seward County itself, it is surrounded by various water sources and animal reserves, which are affectionately titled the “Three Little Lakes.”

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Smith Creek Wildlife Recreation Area is a constructed lake that is surrounded by green plains on all sides, with forests that are thinning out in the distance. It is also the smallest of the three and arguably the least used, possibly seeing less traffic than its sisters. If you find the isolation appealing as a place to rest or camp, you can relax in the designated camping areas near Smith Creek, where there are lots of fire pits. Additionally, the lake is a fantastic place for kayaking and canoeing. You do not need a permit to fish or hunt ducks in the area.

You can enter Meadowlark Lake for free if you are going boating or camping. However, you would need a permission in order to hunt or fish. The highlight and distinguishing characteristic of the neighborhood is its recreation area, which features a grassland that is ideal for picnicking and a walnut plantation. Be careful, as Meadowlark Park is protective of its native species, which include the Largemouth Bass, Walleye, and Saugeye.

In terms of lake acreage, Twin Lakes is greater than the two of them combined. The lake has a navy-blue face and a stony white inlet that would leave you speechless. It winds around a curve and spreads out like a river. You will need a state permit to enter, probably because only “primitive” camping is permitted, which means that there are no services available to help you get started. You are responsible for bringing the materials and equipment you will need throughout your stay, as you will be on your own. Twin Lake’s offer of a more realistic experience with nature is what makes it so appealing.

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The Largest Capsule in the World

Now, Seward’s most impressive and well-kept secret: a gigantic white pyramid located at the end of a residential street. The largest time capsule in the world is located in Seward.

Trish told an interviewer from Local 12, “He wanted his grandchildren to know what his life was like in 1975.” Harold Davisson, a local writer, historian, and businessman, made the decision to construct an underground vault out of concrete in front of his furniture store at that time. It is situated in a grassy area in the center of a residential neighborhood and has become one of Seward’s most popular tourist sites, collecting more than 5,000 souvenirs from his life. Davisson went so far as to bury a vintage motorcycle and a brand new 1975 Chevrolet Vega in the bunker. After two years of work, the Guinness World Records recognized it as the largest time capsule in the world.

His daughter, Seward resident Trish Johnson, and mother of two has now resumed his role in maintaining and adding to the capsule after her father’s passing in the year 1999. The only issue is that there is a part of the capsule that cannot be opened. The capsule is set to be opened on the day of its 50th anniversary.

Seward is the county seat for a reason; it was founded on loyalty and pride. If you are interested in the mysteries of culture and people, a place like Seward could be the unique experience you are looking for. Enjoy the small-town experience by staying in local rustic hotels, which include cozy inns and bed & breakfasts. Savor the native food and language, and most importantly, appreciate the one-of-a-kind scenery. There are surprises in even the smallest towns.

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