There’s A Lot To Do in Thayer County, Nebraska

Thayer County’s most famous destination is the World’s Largest Porch Swing located in Hebron. But that’s not all Thayer County is known for. We have incredible outdoor recreation and are a destination for bird watching, including spotting the endangered Whooping Crane. Sports complexes, a large indoor wellness center, golf, swimming, arts and more can all be found within the county.

July Joyride 

JOYRIDE

July Joyride has been completed for 2023! Thank you to everyone who participated - check back here for updates on next year's program!

We are excited to announce the launch of our new July Joyride program! If you've ever heard of any of the Nebraska Passport Programs, this is our own Thayer County version. We developed our map in conjunction with Fillmore County Development Coalition and are excited to offer a wide range of stops on the map!

July Joyride will run for the month of July with special offers at some of our stops. We have a lot going on in Thayer and Fillmore Counties during the month of July, so make sure to take a look at the list of events on the program as well!

Download Map Here

 

FOR A FULL LIST OF THAYER COUNTY EVENTS THIS YEAR, SEE LINK AT BOTTOM OF PAGE.

 

Sports

Hebron Country Club is home to a beautiful course that is open to the public. Green fees and cart rental are affordable and the clubhouse is available for rent. Disc golf can be found here as well, with the Rattlesnake Run Disc Golf Course located in Deshler.

The Hebron Archery park is another popular sports destination. Located near the Little Blue River on South 4th Street, the park has 14 fiberboard targets on skids that range from 10 yards to 70 yards.

Local swimming pools can be found in Deshler and Hebron (they are currently being upgraded). Year Round swimming is available at the Korff Fitness and Wellness Center in Hebron where residents can also exercise and join group fitness classes.

The local school systems also have robust athletic programs for our youth, some of which have won championships. The Bruning-Davenport football team, for example, was the state champions in 2020. Their volleyball team won the state championship in 2019 and in 2020 several members were selected for the Southern Nebraska All Conference team. Thayer Central’s wrestling team has also won top marks. Mental athletics offer opportunities are abundant as well with Thayer Central Titans recently winning top places at the Nebraska State Speech Contest and they have also won at the state Quiz Bowl.

Arts & Culture

The Majestic Theater is a community theater where Thayer County residents promote film, performing arts and fine arts within the county. Volunteers are always needed! Stop in during open hours and sign up to help! 

The Thayer County Historical Society and Thayer County Museum Complex is home to modern and historical treasures. Visit the Big Red Barn, Union Pacific caboose, an old school and business building, blacksmith shop, church, mill wheel, a train watching station and library. You can easily spend the day exploring and learning about the history of Thayer County. In the fall, the complex is home to a festival with live music, games, war demonstrations, vendors and more.

Thayer County Fair

Deshler is home to the Thayer County Fair every August. Vendors, entertainers, 4H Clubs and more gather at the fair to showcase the best of Thayer County. The Speedway is here as well, home to the famous Thayer County Trailer Races:

 

Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor recreation is abundant in Thayer County and includes hiking, fishing, canoeing, wildlife watching, biking, hunting and winter sports like snowmobiling. With state and local parks, the Hebron Sports & Rec Complex, local lakes and rivers, there is always something to do outdoors.

Railroad History

As an early railroad settlement area, Thayer County communities are a train enthusiasts dream. Alexandria marked the beginning of the ABC Railroad, whose name was derived alphabetically from the surrounding towns, Alexandria, Belvidere, and Carleton with the fourth spot being in Davenport. The Union Pacific marks special occasions by sending its antique steam engine through town. With its rich railroad history Deshler is host to Spring Creek Model Trains, one of the largest model train stores with the largest inventories in the Midwest and the Thayer County Museum includes a train watching complex.

Restaurants & Live Music

Looking for an American favorite like an authentic steakhouse experience check out the renowned Acreage Steakhouse in Hubbell. You’ll find live music and entertainment at Tillie’s Bar & Grill, a local favorite, in Byron. Seeking a real old-fashioned Western experience, stop by the Historic Pioneers Inn restaurant situated in an historic 1887 limestone building with an old-fashioned ceiling-high wooden bar.

Thayer County 2023 Events

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