Nebraska might not have an official donut trail like Ohio, but we have some excellent donut shops. I created this post to feature donut shops throughout Nebraska, in large cities and small towns. And, because I’m inspired by that Ohio donut trail, I created my own version of a Nebraska Donut Trail at the end of the post. Enjoy!

Why some Nebraska donut shops didn’t make the list

The criteria to be on this Nebraska list included A) the donut shops needed to be locally-owned shops and B) they needed to sell donuts, obviously. In some cases, the bakeries were more famous for other pastries (and I’ll point those out later), but still, donuts have to be available at the bakery in order to be included.

In cities that had more than one locally-owned donut shop, I used two methods to decide on which to include.

For Omaha, I went with my favorite since I have compared the options (and there are a lot of great options). I’m more of a traditional donut fan, so cake donuts without a lot of frills are my favorite, and thus, Olsen Bake Shop was picked over something like, say, Bob’s Donuts.

In Lincoln, I looked at various review sites plus this story about Lincoln donut shops. Since websites kept ranking a chain as the top donut shop, I selected the highest ranking locally-owned shop.

Side note: I nearly included all the Daylight Donuts that popped up in a few Nebraska towns. But, it’s a chain, and not even a Nebraska chain, so please don’t point out that the lone donut shop in your town was left off this list if it’s a Daylight Donuts. 

Where to find great donuts in Nebraska

Ready to explore the state one donut shop at a time? Here are some of the best places to find donuts in Nebraska! Whenever possible, I included fans’ feedback on the bakery.

So, if you are a fan and want to chime in about your favorite bakery, leave me a comment.

Bluffs Bakery

Where: 1520 Broadway, Scottsbluff

About: According to the Bluffs Bakery Facebook page, the Bluffs Bakery bakes its products from scratch and uses all fresh ingredients. “We make every item from scratch. We also try to buy as many local ingredients as we can. That includes Robinson Honey from the honey farm in Scottsbluff, NE.”

Bluffs Bakery is owned by Ron Ahlers, Sr., a master baker, and Chris Ahlers. The bakery’s Facebook page said Ron was one of the first 500 certified bakers in the United States. Two other bakeries on this list are connected with the Ahlers (Gering Bakery and Rolling Pin Bakery).

What readers say: Jessica H. said both Gering Bakery and Bluffs bakery both have cute cookies and an assortment of cakes and donuts but that Bluffs bakery has a larger assortment of cookies, bagels, and muffins, and so many donuts doughnuts. “Bluffs also had Italian sodas (not great) and other breakfast and lunch items.”

Delight Donuts

Where: 818 S. 13th St., Norfolk

About: To be honest, not much is out there about this bakery in Norfolk. From what I can see in photos, though, this donut shop sells giant donuts.

What readers say: According to Jill T. “I can’t be in Norfolk without stocking up on Delight donuts!!! Best donuts and most amazing owners! Definitely a Norfolk staple! Nothing beats seeing that pink box on the break room table.”

Gering Bakery

Where: 1446 10th St., Gering

About: Gering Bakery, along with Bluffs Bakery and Rolling Pin Bakery, is owned by Ron Ahlers, Sr., and Chris Ahlers.

What readers say: Amanda C. grew up in Gering and said “The Gering bakery has delicious donuts and cookies. They also make absolutely incredible cabbage burgers! 🤤 I miss that bakery!”

Katie M. puts it simply: “I love the Gering Bakery!”

Jessica H. said between Bluffs Bakery and Gering Bakery, she prefers Gering Bakery. “Gering Bakery and Bluffs bakery both have cute cookies and an assortment of cakes and doughnuts. Gering has a better and larger assortment of doughnuts and a little bit of bagels. Bluffs bakery has a larger assortment of cookies, bagels, and muffins, but not as large of an assortment of doughnuts. I like Gering’s cookies better.”

Jim And Connie’s Blair Bakery

Where: 132 S. 17th St., Blair

About: Located not too far from Omaha, Jim and Connie’s Blair Bakery has a lot of fans here. They sell more than donuts, including pfeffernusse at Christmas time.

What readers say: Jim R. has childhood memories at the Blair bakery and said they have the best glazed donuts. “I always recommend to friends and coworkers to stop by there and get a glazed donut when they are in the area.”

Susan L. and Annie R. is also fans of their glazed donuts. Annie mentioned something about being sure to get them when warm, because, yeah. “Jim and Connie’s Blair Bakery is the BEST. I drive from Omaha to get their glazed donuts.”

Kelli K. is a big fan, too. “Love love love Jim and Connie’s in Blair!!!! Get the donuts, long johns, bear claws, okay there isn’t any of their pastries that are not delicious. I’ve had co workers in Omaha offices specifically request jim and Connie’s donuts they are so good!! Get there early on Friday, though – it is Blair tradition the high school kids bring donuts to share in homeroom on Friday.”

And, the bakery’s donut holes gets a recommendation from Katie W. “Jim and Connie’s glazed donut holes are one in a million. My coworkers from Omaha request for me to stop quite often and they are never disappointed!”

Kimball Bakery

Where: 124 S. Chestnut St., Kimball

About: Not much is out there about this small town bakery, other than they have the most unique of offerings (I’ve seen the picture): A glazed donut man.

What readers say: Jessica H. said her visit was rather disappointing at Kimball Bakery, but she did let me know they had a cute glazed man.

Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard

Where: 5995 G Road, Nebraska City

About: Kimmel Orchard has been around since 1925. Being an orchard, the draw is all-things-apples. So, obviously, you get the apple donut.

The apple donuts are made fresh every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (seasonally).

What readers say: Maureen Q. said “Best donuts ever!! It’s been too long since I’ve had them.”

Olsen Bake Shop

Where: 1708 S. 10th St., Omaha

About: It’s easy to miss this donut shop just south of the Old Market – it’s a true hidden gem. Olsen donuts are fresh and no frills, just great tasting. It’s near the zoo and botanical gardens if you want a place to walk off the donut calories.

What readers say: “I only eat Olsens bakery donuts. Best in town,” said Jephrey M.

Dan H. agreed, saying “They’re the best I’ve ever had, period. Try other donuts when I’m out of town and nothing ever compares.”

Randy’s Donut Shop

Where: 201 Capitol Beach Blvd., suite 5, Lincoln

About: Randy’s competes with a popular regional chain with Nebraska’s only location (ahem, Hurts Donuts). However, from the reviews I’ve read online, Randy’s has a following.

According to the Lincoln Journal Star “Another family-owned local establishment, Randy’s lauds freshness, hand-made quality and cost as indicators of its success. Staff member Amanda Ryan said that Randy’s price of 85 cents for a doughnut is the lowest in town. Options include the ever-popular original glazed raised doughnut as well as other raised options and multiple cake doughnut choices.”

Rolling Pin Bakery

Where: 2044 10th Ave., Sidney

About: The Rolling Pin Bakery is the third of the Ahlers’ great bakeries in Nebraska. Learn more about their approach to baking in the Bluffs Bakery “About” section.

Am I missing a hidden gem of a donut shop in Nebraska? Leave a comment and let me know!

Rosie’s Deli & Rolls

Where: 1519 M St., Ord

About: Rosie’s is more than only a donut shop – it’s a full deli. A lot of fan reviews online point out that not only is the food great, it’s all reasonably priced.

Sehnert’s Bakery and Bieroc Cafe

Where: 312 Norris Ave., McCook

About: Sehnert’s has been around since 1957 and run by the same family. While this is the place to go to try the famous bieroc of Nebraska, it’s included on this list because they also have tasty donuts.

It’s worth pointing out that this is the lone Nebraska bakery that can say they have a James Beard America’s Classic Award, which they earned in January 2019.

What readers say: Want donut recommendations? Stacy W. has a few. “Sehnert’s is an institution in my hometown. Anytime people come back to town this is a must stop. For donuts the sundae donut and apple fritters are a big draw. My personal favorite item are the peanut butter brownies.”

Monica J. pretty much convinced me that I need to try one of everything off their menu. Here’s what she said about Sehnert’s: “The buttercream frosting is the BEST! I remember my mom ordering cakes from there ever since I was little ❤️ I’ve found no buttercream that compares. With that being said, the chocolate Sundae is freaking the best ever. Also- the cream horns are to die for. Every Holiday season they also make Stollen bread- ridiculous. I can’t even explain the goodness that happens in your mouth after eating a piece of warm Stollen from the oven. I’ve never had anything like it. You can just taste all of the homemade goodness.

“Another item I’ve ordered since I was young is the Delaware Doughnut! It’s a cheese and sausage filled “doughnut”- no icing. 🤤🤤 And last- the bieroc (runza). I order dozens of these to take home. There’s just nothing like the homemade “bread” flavor. I personally LOVE the hamburger/cheese/sauerkraut. I can’t eat Runza’s runzas because I grew up on these and they’re that good.”

Sunrise Bakery

Where: 419 Court St., Beatrice

About: This long-time bakery celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017 – and it’s stayed in the family (current owner Clayton Replogle is the great-great-grandson of the original owner).

According to the Beatrice Daily Sun “The donuts, the bread, the cakes, the puddings and creams: everything but the fruit filling is made from scratch in the kitchen.”

What readers say: Samantha M. brought Sunrise Bakery to my attention. She said “My family loves their rolls and when we moved away whenever we visit our grandparents we stop in to get their buttered rolls and donuts!”

Amanda V. agreed, and said “Still trying to find a place in Omaha that even comes close to comparing!”

Verdigre Bakery

Where: 405 S. Main St., Verdigre

About: Verdigre, Neb., is billed as the kolache capital of the world. Soooo, here’s a bakery where you’re probably better off ordering what they’re famous for (kolaches).

But, this is a donut list, so fear not, Verdigre Bakery has donuts.

What readers say: I didn’t get a lot of reader responses about donuts here because – big surprise – kolaches kept coming up.

Beth L. said “We love the kolaches at the Verdigre Bakery!!”

While kolaches are their specialty, Andrea N. said she prefers to order the rohliky there (and if you’re curious, Andrea said the kolaches made by the Methodist church in town during Kolache Days are the best). “Rohliky is the thing at Verdigre’s bakery. I get that every time I go back. … Donuts are good there too! But I nearly always just get rohliky.”

LeAnna B. is another one who has a preference to kolaches made elsewhere (her in-laws’ recipe). She was disappointed with the kolaches there. “I had much higher hopes than what we ate from the bakery.”

Wahoo Bakery

Where: 544 N. Linden St., Wahoo

About: Like any great Nebraska bakery, Wahoo Bakery sells cakes, cookiesand rolls in addition to donuts (and of course, kolaches).

Check ahead of time to see what their donut of the month is. They’ll sell the specialty flavor on Saturdays.

The Nebraska Donut Trail

Now that you’ve got a list of Nebraska donut shops, why not go visit them? Grab a map and loosen your belts, I created a donut trail for the state.

The Nebraska donut trail starts and finishes in Omaha. The round-trip nature of the trail allows for people to start at any point. The route I have mapped out is a little more than 1,200 miles.

Here are your stops:

1. Olsen Bake Shop, Omaha
2. Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard, Nebraska City
3. Sunrise Bakery, Beatrice
4. Randy’s Donut Shop, Lincoln
5. Wahoo Bakery, Wahoo
6. Bluffs Bakery, Scottsbluffs
7. Gering Bakery, Gering
8. Kimball Bakery, Kimball
9. Rolling Pin Bakery, Sidney
10. Sehnert’s Bakery and Bieroc Cafe, McCook
11. Rosie’s Deli & Rolls, Ord
12. Verdigre Bakery, Verdigre
13. Delight Donuts, Norfolk
14. Jim And Connie’s Blair Bakery, Blair

Many bakeries on this list are known for something other than donuts. It’s forgivable if you show up at one of them and buy something else to eat instead of a donut. I won’t tell anyone.

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How does one even begin to list all the unique annual festivals and events in Nebraska? Well, you can’t. Nebraska has a ton of festivals. So, I created this post to include the best festivals that I think are worth the drive or are so quirky, you have to go to it at least once.

This post is divided into sections to help you narrow down your list. First, I included the biggies, the festivals that are incredibly popular that I think should be on your radar. Then, I’ve got categories for quirky Nebraska festivals, ethnic festivals and other random themes I came up with.

Finally, at the end of the post, I wrote about which part of Nebraska all these festivals are, in case you’re not sure where some towns are located on a map.

If you think there’s a Nebraska festival that should be on this list, leave me a comment or send me an email!

5 Nebraska festivals you should go to at least once

AppleJack Festival – Every September, 60,000 to 80,000 people flock to Nebraska City for a weekend of, well, apples. Think apple cider donuts, candy apples, apple pie…you get the idea. The AppleJack Festival also a craft fair, parade, carnival. and more.

MAHA Music Festival – MAHA Music Festival is Omaha’s largest multi-day music festival. Some of the biggest names currently touring play on the MAHA stages each August.

NE SciFest – For most of April each year, locations around Nebraska hold special events as part of Nebraska Science Festival. Some of geared toward kids, like Lil’ Scientist Day, some are for adults (usually involving chemistry and booze), but overall, most events are for the entire family.

NEBRASKAland Days – NEBRASKAland Days is part music festival, part rodeo. Held each June in North Platte, the weekend is packed with the usual fair events like a parade, as well as big name music acts and the Buffalo Bill Rodeo.

Railroad Days – Railroad Days celebrates the Omaha metro’s connection to the railroad (Ground Zero started across the river in Council Bluffs, Iowa). Several cultural venues and museums plan activities to celebrate, including music, mini train rides and the chance to tour each location and get up close to trains. I update the events each year on the blog.

Quirky Nebraska festivals and annual events

Avoca Duck Races – On the last Saturday in January, the town of Avoca holds the annual Avoca Duck Races as a fundraiser for the volunteer fire department. Being January in Nebraska, the race is on ice. That’s right, real ducks race across ice.

Wayne Chicken Show – The Wayne Chicken Show is held on the second weekend of July in Wayne, Neb. The theme is always chickens, and from that, all things are planned (with a lot of humor). There’s an unusual egg judging contest, the world’s largest chicken dance, and the Wayne Chicken Show National Cluck-Off…to name just a few things planned. It’s an entire weekend of festivities.

Kool-Aid Days – Since Kool-Aid was invented in Nebraska, it makes sense that we’d celebrate it each year. Kool-Aid Days is held the second full weekend of August each year in Hastings, Neb., and it features an assortment of fun events and games like a Kool-Aid drinking contest, rides, and the world’s largest Kool-Aid stand.

Nebraska Prairie Chicken Festival – Male prairie chickens are known to do a pretty interesting dance to attract a mate. So, obviously, there needs to be a weekend dedicated to it. The festival takes place every April in Burwell, and as you can imagine, involves quite a bit of bird-watching.

Testicle Festival – Held every Father’s Day weekend at the Ashland restaurant, Around The Bend, the Testicle Festival is a big event. Featuring live music and a beer garden like any decent festival, with the real draw being a chance to try fried bull testicles. For the daring, you can take part in the ball eating contest.

Experience the world at Nebraska ethnic festivals

†††Wilbur has a festival called Czech Days in August. It’s self-proclaimed the Czech Capital of the U.S.A. Another “capital” is the Danish Capital of Nebraska, Dennebrog, where they celebrate the town’s heritage one weekend in June during Grundlovsfest.

For a taste of Germany, Henderson is home to the German Smorgasbord every March. GermanFest is held in Syracuse in July. Okotoberfest is big in Omaha, and you can find celebrations at Crescent Moon and the German-American Society. Find other Oktoberfest celebrations in Norfolk.

For more than 90 years, Bridgeport has held an annual Greek Festival every August. In Omaha, St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church puts on a Greek festival for three days every August.

There are a lot of Irish in Nebraska, so you can bet there are big Irish celebrations. What can you expect from the Irish Capital of Nebraska, O’Neill? O’Neill has a huge St. Patrick’s Day festival with the claim to fame of having the world’s largest shamrock and their own 13,410-pound O’Neill Blarney Stone. Nearby Greeley, also celebrates St. Patrick’s Day…six months in advance. The town has the Half-Way to St. Patrick’s Day Festival every September and it’s so popular, the population nearly quadruples for the day.

There’s just one festival to keep in mind if you want to experience Mexico: South Omaha’s Cinco de Mayo festival. This huge event the first weekend in May is popular and includes a very popular parade and carnival.

Nebraska has its fair share of Swedish descendants. Enjoy the Swedish Midsommar Festival in Strombsburg, Swedish Days in Holdrege or the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival in Omaha. June is the time for these Swedish festivals.

Two towns have festivals celebrating the Czech and Slovak dessert, kolache or kolach. There’s the Kolache Shoot-Out in Elba every February and the Kolach Days each June in Verdigre.

There’s a unique festival celebrating Sister Cities, rather than a single country. Each year on two Sundays in August, families can visit Omaha’s Sister Cities from Ireland, Mexico, Lithuania, Japan, China and Germany. The WorldFest is held at Omaha Children’s Museum.

Top festivals in Omaha

Holiday Lights Festival – Christmas lasts six weeks in Omaha. The Holiday Lights Festival kicks off on Thanksgiving night with a tree lighting ceremony in downtown Omaha and a free concert at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Then events and activities are held around downtown Omaha, including outdoor ice skating, a free family festival on the first weekend of December and fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Note: Due to construction in downtown Omaha, the tree lighting will be held in the Old Market in 2019.

Omaha Summer Arts Festival – It’s not summer without this arts festival. Held during a weekend in June in downtown Omaha, the Omaha Summer Arts Festival includes juried art displays, live music, a children’s fair, and plenty of food options.

Omaha Restaurant Week – Every September, Omaha’s best restaurants participate in Omaha Restaurant Week. Restaurants offer a pre fixe menu making it very affordable to try some of the best in the Omaha food scene. As a bonus, a portion of Omaha Restaurant Week proceeds will go to Food Bank for the Heartland.

O Comic Con – Celebrate pop culture and comics with fellow fans at O Comic Con. Enjoy meet and greets, demonstrations, children’s activities, and more during this two-day event. Originally, the annual event in June was held in Omaha but now it’s just across the river in Council Bluffs (but it still counts as an Omaha festival, right?).

Omaha Film Festival – Since 2005, Omaha has had its own film festival. It’s grown so much, Omaha Film Festival been named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s 2019 “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.” The festival is held every March.

Taste of Omaha – A festival celebrating the food scene in Omaha, Taste of Omaha is a June outdoor event with vendors, live music, and demonstrations. It’s not unusual for it to take on a carnival atmosphere, as there are typically some rides, as well.

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Communities across Nebraska celebrate the Fourth of July with parades, concerts and, of course, fireworks. Some cities begin patriotic festivities up to a week before July 4. From Lincoln to Norfolk and Hooper, here are the best 2019 Fourth of July events in Nebraska! You’ll find all of the big Omaha fireworks displays and Fourth of July events on this list, too.

If you have an event you’d like to see added to this list, please email me – ohmyomaha@gmail.com.

I’m going to divide this up into two sections: One for Omaha Fourth of July events (and Omaha fireworks) and the rest of Nebraska. There’s just a lot going on in Omaha!

Omaha Fourth of July Events

City of Omaha Celebrates America Free Concert & Fireworks Show

When: June 28, 6 p.m. (fireworks at 10 p.m.)

Where: Memorial Park in Omaha

What: A live concert by co-headliners Little Steven (Steven Van Zandt) and Chris Isaak followed by the fireworks finale.

Cost: FREE

Autism Friendly Independence Day Celebration

When: June 29, 6 to 10 p.m.

Where: Autism Center of Nebraska in Omaha

What: Autism Society of Nebraska hosts the family-friendly event includes indoor and outdoor activities, and ends with a fireworks display. To accommodate noise sensitivities, ASN will provide earplugs or bring your own headphones.

Cost: FREE

College Home Run Derby & OWH Independence Day Fireworks

When: June 29, 7 p.m.

Where: TD Ameritrade Park, 1200 Mike Fahey St. in Omaha

What: The top men’s NCAA baseball players participate in a home run derby followed by fireworks.

Cost: Tickets start at $10

Lake Manawa Fireworks

When: June 29, 10 p.m.

Where: Lake Manawa State Park, 1100 S. Shore Drive in Council Bluffs, Iowa

What: Free fireworks show in a state park setting.

Cost: FREE for Iowa residents; $5 entry fee for non-Iowa residents

Monday Night At The Movies “Independence Day”

When: July 1; park opens at 5 p.m. and move starts at dusk

Where: Turner Park at Midtown Crossing in Omaha

What: Enjoy a free movie in the park. Bring blankets and chairs.

Cost: FREE

Ralston Independence Day Celebration

When: July 3 and 4

Where: Ralston, Neb.

What: An annual event that includes a family street dance, fire department water fights, Picnic In The Park, and a parade.

Cost: FREE

Firecracker Flight

When: July 4, 8 to 11 a.m.

Where: Baxter Arena, Omaha, Neb.

What: This Fourth of July-themed running event is for families and includes a 5k and 10k option.

Cost: $32 if registered before June 16. 2019; kids’ fun run is FREE.

Boys Town Fireworks

When: July 4, at around 10 p.m.

Where: Fireworks shot from the football field at Boys Town in Omaha.

What: A long-time tradition, the fireworks display at Boys Town is large.

Cost: FREE

Omaha Storm Chasers Game & Fireworks

When: July 4 and 5, game starts at 7:05 p.m. with fireworks following

Where: Werner Park, Papillion, Neb.

What: Enjoy fireworks following the Storm Chasers’ games against the Nashville Sounds.

Cost: $8 for berm seating on up to $25

Red, White & Zoo!

When: July 4-7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, 3701 S. 10th St.

What: Go on a self-guided tour in search of red, white and blue animals. The first 500 people to walk through the gates on Wednesday, July 4 will receive a free patriotic gift 

Cost: Included with regular zoo admission

Nebraska Fourth of July Celebrations

47th Annual Platte Center Fourth of July celebration

When: June 28-28 and July 4

Where: Platte Center, Neb.

What: Several events are planned including a mud volleyball tournament and Red, White & Blessed Fun Run on June 29,  and a parade at 10:30 a.m. on July 4.

Cost: FREE (fun run and volleyball tournament have admission fees)

Red, White, & Brass featuring the Plymouth Brass

When: June 30, 4 p.m.

Where: First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D St., Lincoln, Neb.

What: It’s a concert featuring patriotic music performed by a brass band.

Cost: $20, adults; $15, seniors; and $10, students

Independence Day Celebration

When: June 30 through July 6

Where: Nebraska City

What: A small-town celebration of freedom with a weeklong carnival and an hour-long fireworks extravaganza. Some events planned include yoga, a fun run and an ice cream social.

Cost: FREE (carnival wristbands and some tournaments and events are additional fees)

Seward Fourth of July

When: July 1-4

Where: Seward, Neb.

What: Seward, recognized as “America’s Small Town Fourth of July City,” hosts an old‑fashioned family celebration each year that lasts several days.

Cost: Most events are FREE

Related post: The Seward celebration is on the list for the 10 Unforgettable Things To Do This Summer In Nebraska.

Uncle Sam Jam

When: July 3, 4 to 10 p.m.; live music starts at 6 p.m. and fireworks will go off at 10 p.m.

Where: Oak Lake Park, First and Charleston streets, Lincoln, Neb.

What: A family-friendly community celebration with games, canoeing and live music by Soul Dawg. Fireworks end the night. Food vendors will be there.

Cost: FREE

Annual Hooper Fourth of July Fun Run

When: July 4, 8 a.m.

Where: Begins and finishes at Hooper Park in Hooper, Neb.

What: There are two races – a 10k and a 2-mile run/walk. The course is flat and will be run through the residential area of Hooper.

Cost: Entry fee is $20 with a T-shirt if received by June 23, 2019. As of June 24, entry to the race will be $25 and participants will not be guaranteed a race shirt. Day of entries will be accepted at $30 and will not be guaranteed a shirt.

Madison Fourth Of July Parade

When: July 4, 10 a.m.

Where: Main Street in Madison, Neb.

What: Madison’s annual parade to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Cost: FREE

Stanton Fourth Of July Parade

When: July 4, 10 a.m.

Where: Stanton, Neb.

What: Stanton’s annual parade to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Cost: FREE

Norfolk Fourth Of July Parade

When: July 4, 10 a.m.

Where: Norfolk Avenue in downtown Norfolk, Neb.

What: Norfolk’s annual parade to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Cost: FREE

1899 Independence Day Celebration

When: July 4

Where: Stuhr Museum of the Pioneer Prairie in Grand Island, Neb.

What: This summer tradition includes a parade through our 1890s Railroad Town, a concert by the Silver Cornet Band, historic patriotic program, pie eating contests, games on the green and more.

Cost: Adults, $10; children, $8; Stuhr members, FREE

Murdock Fourth of July Celebration

When: July 4

Where: Murdock, Neb.

What:  The town of Murdock has an all-day Fourth of July celebration.

Cost: FREE

July Fourth Flea Party

When: July 4

Where: Fairbury City Park, 421 City Park Road, Fairbury, Neb.

What: In addition to the flea market, the Fairbury Community Band performs at 10:30 a.m. and there is a fireworks display at dusk.

Cost: FREE

City of Hickman Fireworks Display

When: July 4, 10 p.m.

Where: Main Park in Hickman, Neb.

What: A long-running tradition, this fireworks display can be viewed from Main Park. Bring chairs.

Cost: FREE

Living History Fourth Of July Celebration

When: July 6 and 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Fort Atkinson in Fort Calhoun

What: See volunteers portray what life was like on a military fort in the 1820s. The theme for the weekend is the Fourth of July and activities will be based on the holiday celebration.

Cost: Included with valid Nebraska State Park permit

Related post: Living History At Fort Atkinson In Nebraska

Big Bang Boom

When: July 6, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Skyview Lake, Norfolk, Neb.

What: The inflatable midway and food vendors start at 1 p.m. Live music begins at 5 p.m. and fireworks start at 10 p.m.

Cost: There is a fee for the wristbands for the midway.

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